Mantra Southbank

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Mantra Southbank on City Road – you know, that stretch right by the Yarra River where the promenade buzzes with joggers and coffee carts in the morning. It’s tucked in this lively pocket of Southbank, just a quick stroll from the Arts Centre or even Crown Casino if you’re into that scene. Honestly, after dodging the tram tracks on Flinders Street to get there, I was relieved to find parking wasn’t a total nightmare; they have an underground spot for guests, though it fills up fast during peak times like the Australian Open season when Melbourne’s swarming with tennis fans. Check-in was smooth enough – the staff were friendly, no fuss, but I did have to wait a bit because, well, it was around 2 PM and everyone seemed to be arriving at once. My room on the higher floor had this killer view of the city skyline reflecting off the river at dusk; it sort of made up for the slightly dated carpet that felt a tad worn underfoot.

What really won me over, though, was how the place feels like a home base rather than just a hotel – I mean, it’s got these apartment-style suites with full kitchens, which came in handy when I grabbed some fresh produce from the nearby South Melbourne Market and whipped up a quick brekkie instead of shelling out for room service. The pool area is a nice touch, heated and indoors, perfect for those unpredictable Melbourne days when it’s sunny one minute and drizzling the next. I spent an afternoon there after wandering along the Southbank Promenade, dodging the street performers and that faint salty breeze off the water. Noise-wise, it’s not too bad; you might hear some traffic hum from City Road, especially in the evenings when the bars along the river get going, but nothing that kept me up – earplugs helped on the weekend I was there. Oh, and the gym’s decent, with free weights and a few machines, though it gets crowded around 7 AM with the business crowd heading to the CBD. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi was spotty in my room at times, which was annoying when I was trying to book tickets for a show at the Hamer Hall – but hey, it sorted itself out after a reset.

All in all, if you’re looking for a spot that’s smack in the heart of Melbourne’s cultural vibe without being right in the chaotic thick of Collins Street, Mantra Southbank’s a solid choice. It’s not ultra-luxury – think comfortable and practical, with that 4.5-star polish – but it gave me the freedom to explore on foot, like popping over to Federation Square for street food or catching the sunset from the Eureka Skydeck just a bridge away. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the jacarandas are blooming and the area’s less hectic. Just book early if you’re there for events; otherwise, you might end up paying a premium. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Premium One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 2 large double beds for 6 adults, 4 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment with Spa Bath with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with Two Bathrooms with 2 × 1 sofa bed and 2 large double beds for 6 adults, 4 children
• Premium Two-Bedroom Corner Apartment with 2 × 2 large double beds for 6 adults, 4 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Premium One-Bedroom Apartment – Weekly Housekeeping with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Premium Two-Bedroom Corner Apartment – Weekly Housekeeping with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults
• Two-Bedroom Two-Bathroom Apartment – Weekly Houskeeping with 2 × 2 extra-large double beds for 6 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with Spa – Weekly housekeeping with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment – Weekly Housekeeping with double bed, 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Two-Bedroom Apartment – Weekly Housekeeping with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 5 children

Reviews

• Sallybr from New Zealand (8/10)

  Great location for Southbank restaurants, only 500m to the nearest big supermarket, walking distance to CBD shopping and to the City Entrance for the Australian Open Tennis. We had a great view and the apartment was large and roomy

• Kelly from New Zealand (9/10)

  Great view. Excellent location, comfy. Road noise quite busy/loud at times. But we enjoyed it, closed up much quieter at night. Excellent facilities. Staff were awesome. Pool great. Will hopefully stay again.

• Shonah from Australia (8/10)

  Great location!

• Anthony from Australia (8/10)

  Comfortable bed, good decor and roomy, layout and great location. Breakfast was great.

• Pam from Australia (8/10)

  Great location, room was comfortable, breakfast was lovely

• Melanie from Australia (8/10)

  Location was great – easy walk into the city, train station and to restaurants and gallery.
  
  Loved being able to open the doors for air.
  Onsite parking was very convenient.
  
  Staff were very courteous, friendly, and helpful.

• Pieter from Australia (7/10)

  Location was perfect as close to the family we were there to visit.

• Lisa from Australia (7/10)

  Location

• Carolyn from Australia (7/10)

  Spacious living area

• Loretta from Australia (8/10)

  The facilities were fantastic and central to everything within 30 minutes walk or short tram ride

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities