

Hotel Description
I remember pulling up to 8 Downie Street in Melbourne’s CBD after a long drive from the airport – honestly, finding free parking right there felt like winning the lottery, especially in a spot where meters and garages can bleed you dry. This minimalist 2-bed, 2-bath apartment isn’t your flashy hotel tower; it’s tucked into a quieter corner of the west end, just off Spencer Street, where the vibe shifts from the bustling heart of the city to something a tad more laid-back. You know, Downie Street itself is one of those underrated laneways – not as touristy as Little Bourke with its dumpling spots, but close enough that you can wander over to Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce on a Saturday morning without breaking a sweat. I arrived around dusk, and the check-in was a breeze – no front desk drama, just a key code texted ahead, which is perfect if you’re jet-lagged and not in the mood for chit-chat. Stepping inside, the place hit me with that clean, almost zen-like simplicity: white walls, sleek wooden floors that feel cool underfoot, and just enough furniture to not feel cluttered – think IKEA meets Scandi design, but with a Melbourne twist, like the subtle nod to local art on the walls.
What really sold me was how it functions for real life, you know? The two bedrooms are decent-sized – one with a queen that hugs you just right after a day pounding the pavements, and the other with twins that could work for kids or mates crashing. The bathrooms are spotless, with those rainfall showers that make you linger a bit too long (though, fair warning, the hot water takes a second to kick in during peak winter mornings). There’s a full kitchen – nothing fancy, but stocked with basics like a Nespresso machine that brews a mean flat white, and I whipped up brekkie using goodies from the nearby Coles on Collins Street. It’s rated 8.1 for a reason; it’s not perfect – the minimalist setup means echoes if you’re chatting late, and you might hear the occasional tram rumble from King Street below, especially around rush hour when the CBD pulses with office workers heading to Southern Cross Station. But that’s Melbourne for you – alive and kicking, and this spot puts you right in it without the overwhelm. I mean, well, if you’re into exploring, it’s a short stroll to the Yarra River paths or even Marvel Stadium for a footy game, and come summer, the area buzzes with pop-up bars in Docklands, though it quiets down nicely by midnight.
All in all, if you’re after a 4-star stay that feels more like borrowing a mate’s pad than a sterile hotel room – with that rare free parking perk saving you a fortune – this apartment’s a solid pick. It’s great for couples or small families wanting space to spread out, maybe cook a meal after hitting the laneway cafes on Hardware Lane (just a 10-minute walk east). Sure, it lacks the bells and whistles like a pool or concierge, but that’s sort of the charm – authentic, no-frills Melbourne living at its best. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the city’s less frantic and you can snag those crisp autumn mornings with a coffee in hand, watching the world wake up from your balcony.
Rooms
- Two-Bedroom Apartment with Balcony with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 5 adults


Reviews
Hong from Australia (8/10)
Truly an exceptional stay! The apartment was pristine, with impeccable cleanliness and attention to detail that made it so inviting. Everything was designed for ultimate comfort, from the cozy beds to the stylish furnishings. The space felt warm and welcoming, and the hosts were incredibly attentive and accommodating. The perfect location and breathtaking view were just the icing on the cake. I can’t wait to stay here again
Michelle from Australia (9/10)
Easiness to locate keys, messages were replied to quickly and efficiently, able to leave bags after check out was a bonus. The place was spotless. Location was great for where we were going with trams right near the apartment. We will be back!!
Kate from Australia (9/10)
Fantastic location, walking distance to train station, Sea Life aquarium and the Chadstone shuttle bus depot to go to Lego Land. The pool was excellent, great depth for younger kids and a great way to fill some time without having to go out about about.
Very accommodating host who allowed us to drop our bags off a little early so we could explore after a morning flight over to Melbourne. Great communication from host also.
It is a minimalist apartment but we didn't need much for our weekend stay. Basic kitchen utensils and cooking equipment available.Eleesha from Australia (7/10)
Convenient to southern cross train station and trams. Location was perfect for our stay. Host was quick to answer questions and very friendly.
Sally-anne from Australia (7/10)
It was close to everything . Cheap and it had access to a pool
Simon from United Kingdom (9/10)
Very clean, spacious apartment in good location
Alison from Australia (9/10)
Very clean and comfortable.
Everything you need as a base to sight see.
Great value for money.Nikita from Australia (9/10)
Basic, but that suited us!
Danyelle from Australia (4/10)
The location is fantastic access to everything!
The pool was great simple but great tempDmitri from Australia (5/10)
The hosts are very responsive and helpful.
Good central location, though be mindful of occasional dodgy characters in the lanes and nearby streets.
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SURROUNDINGS
What’s nearby:
- Eureka Tower: 950 m
- Rialto Towers: 350 m
- Docklands Park: 1.1 km
- Immigration Museum: 400 m
- Southbank Promenade: 1 km
- Living Legacy Forest: 900 m
- Kurth Kiln Regional Park: 800 m
- Manchester Unity Building: 1.3 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 200 m
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 1.2 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Baguette: 20 m
- RestaurantCBD Kebabs: 20 m
- Restaurant Chef Tan Chinese Restaurant – CBD: 20 m
Top attractions:
- Melbourne Zoo: 4.7 km
- Cooks’ Cottage: 2.3 km
- Melbourne Museum: 3.2 km
- Old Melbourne Gaol: 2.3 km
- Old Treasury Building: 2 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 2.6 km
- Victoria University City Tower: 1.3 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 3.1 km
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: 2.5 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Ornamental Lake: 2.9 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Elwood Beach: 8 km
- St Kilda Beach: 6 km
- Sandridge Beach: 3.9 km
- Middle Park Beach: 4.3 km
Public transport:
- Metro Flagstaff: 1.3 km
- Train Southern Cross Station: 650 m
- Train Flagstaff Train Station: 1.2 km
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 1.8 km
- Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 15 km
- Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 16 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 20 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 22 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 11 km
Facilities
Kitchen:
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Kitchenette
Bathroom:
- Sauna
- Private bathroom
- Shared bathroom
Outdoors:
- Private pool
- Balcony
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
Outdoor & View:
- View
Room Amenities:
- Heating
Languages spoken:
- English
- Vietnamese
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
Great for your stay:
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Free WiFi
- View
- Air conditioning
- Kitchen
- Free parking
- Flat-screen TV
- Indoor swimming pool
Indoor swimming pool Free!:
- Open all year
- All ages welcome
- Pool with view
- Heated pool
- Pool/beach towels
Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed).:
- Parking garage


Rules
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00 to 21:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Check-out:
- From 08:00 to 11:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Guest reviews
Staff:
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