PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport

Hotel Description

You know, I’ve flown into Melbourne Airport more times than I can count—usually after those brutal long-hauls from Europe or Asia—and let me tell you, stumbling off the plane and straight into the PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport feels like a godsend. It’s literally perched on Arrivals Drive in Tullamarine, right across from the terminals (you can see the Qantas gates from some windows), so no messing around with shuttles or taxis in the middle of the night. I remember my last trip there; it was pouring rain—classic Melbourne weather, right?—and I just dragged my suitcase through the covered walkway, checked in within minutes, and collapsed into bed. The lobby’s got this sleek, modern vibe with those big glass windows overlooking the tarmac, but honestly, it’s the little things like the fresh eucalyptus scent they pump in (or maybe it’s just the Aussie air) that make you feel like you’ve actually arrived somewhere welcoming, not just another sterile airport hotel. And parking? If you’re driving from the city—say, coming up the Tullamarine Freeway—it’s a breeze; they’ve got spots right there, though it can get pricey if you’re staying longer than a layover.

What really sets this place apart, though—well, besides the 4.5-star polish—is how they’ve nailed the whole transit hotel thing without skimping on comfort. The rooms are spacious, with those super-comfy king beds that you sink into (I mean, after 14 hours in economy, it’s heaven), and the soundproofing is top-notch—you’ll hear a faint rumble from the planes taking off, but it’s more like white noise than anything disruptive, especially if you snag a room facing away from the runway. I grabbed breakfast at Airo once, their all-day spot, and the smashed avo on toast was spot-on, with coffee that’s actually decent—not that weak airport brew you dread. There’s a gym and pool too, which I used to shake off jet lag; it’s nothing flashy, but clean and quiet, even during peak morning hours when business folks are rushing to early flights. Oh, and a minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but hey, it’s free and fast enough for emails. If you’re there in summer (December to February), it gets busier with holiday crowds from interstate, so book ahead—I’ve seen it fill up quick.

All in all, if you’re catching a connection or have an ungodly early departure—think those 6 a.m. flights to Sydney—the PARKROYAL is a no-brainer. It’s not the cheapest option (rooms can run you $200-plus a night), but for the sheer convenience of being steps from security, it’s worth it every time. I’ve recommended it to mates heading to conferences in the CBD—it’s just a 20-minute Uber down the freeway—and they always thank me later. Sort of makes you appreciate Tullamarine’s edge-of-the-city feel, you know? Next time I’m in Melbourne, that’s where I’ll crash first.

Facilities