lyf Collingwood Melbourne

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to lyf Collingwood Melbourne on a drizzly afternoon last spring – you know, that time of year when Melbourne’s weather can’t make up its mind – and honestly, the vibe hit me right away. Tucked on Oxford Street in Collingwood, it’s smack in the middle of that gritty-cool neighborhood where street art pops up on every corner and the air smells like fresh-roasted coffee from those hole-in-the-wall spots on Smith Street, just a short stroll away. I mean, if you’re into that inner-city buzz without the tourist overload of the CBD, this is your spot – think converted warehouses turned into breweries and vintage shops, with the occasional tram rumbling by on nearby Brunswick Street. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these laid-back locals who chatted about the best nearby pho joints (there’s this amazing one on Victoria Street in Abbotsford, like five minutes’ walk), and they sorted my room key in no time. No fuss, no endless paperwork – well, except for that one time the Wi-Fi code took a second to load, but hey, that’s Melbourne tech for you.

What really sets lyf apart, though – and I say this as someone who’s crashed in a fair share of city hotels – is how it feels more like a shared creative space than your standard four-star setup. The rooms are compact but clever, with these modular setups that let you rearrange furniture if you’re feeling fidgety (I pushed the bed against the window for a view of the laneways below – sort of industrial, with fairy lights strung up at night). There’s a communal kitchen on each floor that’s actually stocked with decent appliances, not just a sad microwave; I whipped up breakfast one morning using herbs from the little rooftop garden they have up top. Oh, and speaking of that – the rooftop terrace is a gem, especially at sunset when you can hear faint music drifting from the bars on Peel Street. It’s not perfect, mind you; parking’s a nightmare if you’re driving (street spots vanish during peak hours, so Uber it or grab a spot in the nearby paid lots on Johnston Street), and the walls are a tad thin, so you might catch snippets of your neighbor’s playlist if it’s a busy weekend. But honestly, that just adds to the lively atmosphere – Collingwood’s not for those seeking dead silence, you know?

All in all, if you’re traveling solo or with a small group and want to dive into Melbourne’s artsy underbelly – maybe hit up the Collingwood Arts Precinct or grab craft beers at Moon Dog Brewery down the road – lyf is a solid pick. It’s got that 8.8 rating for a reason; affordable without skimping on the fun, and way more character than those sterile chains in the city center. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially during the quieter shoulder seasons like early autumn when the crowds thin out and you can snag a room without booking months ahead. Just pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper – or embrace the neighborhood hum, I suppose.

Rooms

• One of a Kind with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One of a Kind Plus with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Two of a Kind with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Julia from United States (9/10)

  Located on a quiet street in the chicest part of Melb, I really loved how Lyf offered an apartment-feel but with hotel amenities. Big fan of Lyf's product! Their vibe maybe sounds a tad cringe, but not at all on the ground. The staying experience is so excellent, esp. for its value. The bed in this property was true luxe (the bedding omg real goose-down duvet and such a good mattress), and I really appreciated the room layout with thoughtfully placed plugs or light-switches. When I return to Melb, totally staying here! The value is supremo.

• Lucy from Netherlands (9/10)

  Lyf was really amazing! It was super clean, the people very friendly, the kitchen super big (and again, super clean), the small room we had was small but still very comfortable (very efficient use of space, in a way that even the small rooms feel spacious); they had a free herbs station; nice outdoor area; there even was free gym included (you can use one of the two gym cards of Lyf (if available) that allows you to go to this gym nearby for free); free coffee (fantastic cappuccino’s) every morning; laundry washing machines ($4 for a wash); and located in the heart of the best area of Melbourne: Fitzroy, this beautiful lively and artsy neighbourhood (which, may i add, is much much nicer (cuter, more pretty and friendlier) than the CBD!). Last but not least, sharing a small room with a double bed with my friend, Lyf was affordable (the same price as a private double bedroom at a hostel). This makes Lyf an amazing place where people of all ages can stay at, which gives it this very nice, friendly, comfortable vibe. All in all, Lyf was 10/10.

• Brittany from Australia (9/10)

  welcoming, very friendly and such a cool vibe.

• Angela from Australia (8/10)

  Friendly atmosphere, working areas and comfy bed. Down the road from some great restaurants and coffee shop next door

• Emmaline from Australia (8/10)

  It was very convenient to my daughters place; I don't remember asking for a quiet room, but it was quiet. Would have liked a kettle in the kitchenette, but maybe there was one and I couldn't find it. Close to cafes.

• Cherie from Australia (9/10)

  Every thing it was super cool definitely stay here again

• Plum from Australia (9/10)

  Great

• Matthew from New Zealand (9/10)

  Nice and clean !

• Liana from Australia (9/10)

  Sustainability, communal services

• Jiaqian from Australia (8/10)

  Staff was always friendly and warm welcoming. I stayed at another hotel of the same parent corp not long ago (service was terrible…), this one has much better service. Also, the mattress is super comfy!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities