MAC St Kilda Acland St by Melbourne Apartment Collection

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the MAC St Kilda on Acland Street – you know, that bustling strip in St Kilda where the air always smells like fresh pastries from those iconic cake shops like Monarch or Europa, mixed with a salty hint from the bay just a block away. It’s at number 5, right in the thick of it, so if you’re driving in from the city center, well, brace yourself for the parking situation; spots are like gold dust around here, especially on weekends when the markets spill over from the Esplanade. I actually had to circle a couple of times before snagging one on a side street – Fitzroy Street, I think – but honestly, once you’re there, you forget all that hassle. The check-in was a breeze; no fancy lobby or anything, just a friendly staff member who handed over the keys with a quick rundown of the Wi-Fi code and where to grab the best coffee nearby (spoiler: it’s the little hole-in-the-wall on Carlisle Street). The building itself has that modern apartment vibe – sort of sleek and understated, with big windows that let in the afternoon light, making the place feel lived-in rather than sterile. I mean, it’s not your typical hotel; it’s more like borrowing a mate’s flat in one of Melbourne’s coolest suburbs.

What really sold me on this spot was how it nails that balance between being central and actually feeling like a retreat. My room – well, apartment, really – overlooked Acland Street, so you’d hear the faint hum of trams rattling by (the 96 line stops practically at your doorstep, super handy for zipping to the CBD or even down to Brunswick for some street art spotting). But inside, it was surprisingly quiet; those double-glazed windows do their job, I guess. The kitchenette came stocked with basics – a proper coffee plunger, even – which was a lifesaver for lazy mornings when I didn’t want to brave the crowds outside. And the bed? Oh man, it was one of those plush setups that makes you sink in just right, with crisp white linens that smelled faintly of eucalyptus (or maybe that was my imagination after a day at the beach). There was a minor hiccup with the air con being a bit finicky at first – it took a call to reception to sort it – but nothing that ruined the stay. St Kilda’s vibe seeps in, too; you’re steps from Luna Park’s creaky rollercoaster screams if you’re into that nostalgic thrill, or you can wander to the Palais Theatre for a gig. It’s busiest in summer, obviously, with the beach packed and penguins waddling at the pier come dusk, but even in the off-season, it’s got this laid-back energy that feels authentically Melbourne – you know, that mix of bohemian and beachy without trying too hard.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star spot that’s more than just a bed for the night, this place delivers without the fluff. The 8.4 rating feels spot on; it’s not perfect – the bathroom was compact, and you might hear some late-night revelers from the pubs on Acland – but for the price and location, it’s a winner. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially if I’m traveling with a partner or small group; those apartments give you space to spread out and actually cook a meal from the St Kilda markets. Honestly, in a city like Melbourne where neighborhoods define the trip, staying here puts you right in the heart of St Kilda’s quirky soul – think sunset strolls along the foreshore, grabbing gelato at 10 PM, and waking up to seagulls calling. If that’s your jam, book it; you won’t regret ditching the generic downtown hotels for this gem.

Rooms

• King Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Standard Studio with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Queen Studio with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Emma from United States (9/10)

  Amazing bed! Great location! Room was very clean and spacious.

• Elizabeth from Australia (8/10)

  Was clean. Great comfy bed! Perfectly located to lots of great pubs and restaurants. Plenty of room.

• Nicole from Australia (8/10)

  Location! We arrived and left by tram and the apartment was super close to the tram. Dinner and drinks at Topolono’s and then a gig at The Palais. All within an easy walk.

• Terry from Australia (8/10)

  Handy to public transport. Quiet and airy. Outside area.

• Philip from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great location, nice, clean apartment. Tea & coffee making facilities a bonus esp with a late/very early morning arrival.

• Susie from Australia (7/10)

  Comfy bed, air conditioned

• Simone from Australia (8/10)

  Location and price

• Dwayne from Australia (8/10)

  Great location

• Sarah from Australia (9/10)

  Loved the courtyard. Loved the new clean feeling. Loved that the air-conditioning left on for our arrival. Beautiful soaps and even had good quality pump bottles of conditioner and shampoo in the shower to use.
  Kitchen amenities were adequate and made having that glass of champagne and cheese platter easy.

• Claire from Australia (9/10)

  Absolutely lovely room – bed was spacious and very comfortable, a lot of space in the apartment, bathroom was modern with luxury touches of the most relaxing body wash and lotions.
  Room was exceptionally clean and well presented. Hosts were exceptional and very clear with instructions leading up to check in.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities