Oaks Melbourne on William Suites

Hotel Description

I’ve gotta say, pulling up to Oaks Melbourne on William Suites after a long flight into Tullamarine – you know, that airport that’s always a bit of a hike from the city – felt like a relief. It’s right there on William Street, smack in the middle of the CBD, and honestly, if you’re navigating Melbourne’s grid without a car, it’s a godsend because the trams clang by every few minutes on Queen Street just around the corner. I remember checking in around midday, and the lobby had this modern, unfussy vibe – think sleek tiles underfoot and that faint, fresh scent of whatever cleaning spray they use, mixed with the coffee aroma wafting in from the cafe next door. The staff were friendly enough, though I did have to wait a tad because of some group ahead of me (pro tip: avoid peak check-in times like late afternoon when the business crowd rolls in). My suite was on a higher floor, and stepping in, it was spacious – like, properly roomy for a city hotel, with a little kitchenette that saved me from eating out every meal. I whipped up some toast with avo from the Queen Vic Market, which is literally a five-minute stroll north on Peel Street – that place is buzzing on weekends with fresh produce and those amazing boreks, but watch out for the crowds if you’re there early.

What really sold me on this spot, though, was how it balances that apartment-hotel feel without skimping on the comforts. The bed was plush, sheets crisp and cool – perfect after wandering the laneways off Little Bourke Street, where you can grab dim sum that rivals anything in Chinatown (and it’s just a short walk east). There’s a gym downstairs that’s decent, if a bit compact, and the rooftop pool area – well, it’s not huge, but catching the sunset over Flagstaff Gardens across the road is something else, especially in summer when the city heat kicks in. Noise-wise, William Street can get a bit lively with traffic during rush hour, sort of a low hum that filters up, but the double-glazed windows do a solid job muffling it – I slept fine, even with the occasional siren (Melbourne’s got that urban edge, you know?). Parking’s available in the basement, but it’s pricey like everywhere in the CBD, so if you’re driving, maybe park at the market and walk over. And the Wi-Fi? Spot on for streaming or working – I caught up on emails while overlooking the city skyline, which twinkles nicely at night.

All in all, if you’re after a no-fuss base to explore Melbourne – think hitting up the NGV on St Kilda Road or just chilling in the gardens – this place hits the mark without breaking the bank. It’s not flawless; the decor’s a touch generic, like it could use more local art or something to jazz it up, but for a 4-star setup with an 8.2 rating, it’s reliable. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in winter when the city’s quieter and you can snag a deal. You get that home-away-from-home vibe, plus easy access to the best bits of town – honestly, what more do you need?

Rooms

• Studio Apartment with Balcony with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Apartment with Park View & Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Studio Apartment with Park View & Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Apartment with Park View & Balcony – No Housekeeping with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Apartment with View & Balcony with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Upgrade Special – Studio with Park View & Balcony – No Housekeeping with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Apartment with Balcony – No Housekeeping with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Studio Apartment with Park View & Balcony – No Housekeeping with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Apartment with View & Balcony – No Housekeeping with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Simon from New Zealand (8/10)

  The staff were, without exception, friendly, polite, and helpful. We appreciated their help.

• Shelagh from United Kingdom (7/10)

  Locations was good, Liked the complimentary shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body cream.

• Suzanne from Australia (9/10)

  Buffet breakfast available next door was excellent, room was quiet, great location easy walking to anywhere…and great view from my park view room – bed was very comfy too.

• Mark from Australia (8/10)

  Good size suite. Bed was comfy.
  Bathroom in good condition.
  Nice cooking facility’s and heaps of storage.
  Foxtel tv on demand (great for sports lovers) close to the Vic markets. Easy access to Trams. 25mins to the airport.
  Good views.

• Joey from Australia (8/10)

  Location was good as train & tram was so close

• Shaniah from Australia (9/10)

  Big beautiful room , balcony and view was amazing ! The photos are so accurate . The location was in a prime spot and so cheap . We were so impressed and we will be back

• Tash from Australia (9/10)

  Good just not enough coffee supplied and no mini bar

• Jo from Australia (8/10)

  The location was good, the bed was super comfy and staff were friendly

• Bowman from Australia (9/10)

  Princ was great and very helpful

• Margaret from Australia (8/10)

  I like the location and the layout of the room. I like the view of the city. It's very comfortable and usually very quiet, but see below.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities