Penthouse 3 bedroom 6 guests 2 bathrooms

I remember pulling up to 229 Bridge Road in Richmond that one afternoon last summer – you know, right in the heart of that vibrant strip where the trams rattle by every few minutes and the air smells like fresh coffee from the little cafes dotted along the sidewalk. Honestly, finding parking was a bit of a hassle, as it always is in this part of Melbourne; I ended up circling twice before snagging a spot a block away on a side street off Church Street. But once I got inside this penthouse – well, it’s not your typical hotel setup, more like a spacious apartment rental that feels like crashing at a friend’s fancy pad. The check-in was super straightforward; the host met me at the door with keys and a quick rundown, no fussing around with a lobby desk or anything. Stepping into the living area, I was hit with these massive windows overlooking the Yarra River bend – on a clear day, you can spot the city skyline poking up, and at night, it’s all twinkly lights reflecting off the water. The place is rated 9.6 for a reason; it’s got that lived-in comfort without feeling worn out, you know?

What really sold me was how it accommodates a group without anyone feeling crammed in – three bedrooms, each with plush queen beds (one’s a king, actually, which was a nice surprise for spreading out), and two bathrooms that meant no morning queues, even with six of us there for a weekend getaway. The kitchen’s fully kitted out – think stainless steel appliances and a Nespresso machine that saved us from overpriced brekkies – and we whipped up some meals using stuff from the IGA just down the road. Richmond’s such a gem for that; wander over to Victoria Street for killer pho at one of those no-frills Vietnamese spots (Pho Hung’s my go-to, cheap and authentic), or hit Swan Street for craft beers if you’re into the pub scene. It’s sort of tucked away from the main CBD chaos, but you’re only a 10-minute tram ride from the MCG if there’s a footy match on – we caught one during AFL season, and the energy spilling out afterward made the walk back buzz with excitement. Oh, and a minor heads-up: being a penthouse means stairs if the lift’s slow, and you might hear some street noise from Bridge Road traffic, especially on busy Saturday nights when everyone’s out. But earplugs sorted that, and it never really bothered us.

All in all, if you’re traveling with family or mates and want something that feels more like home than a sterile hotel room, this spot’s a winner – four stars well-earned, I’d say. It’s perfect for exploring Melbourne without blowing the budget on separate rooms; we saved a ton compared to staying in the city center. I mean, with that rating and the views alone, it’s the kind of place that makes you linger over coffee in the morning, watching the world wake up below. Next time I’m in town for the Australian Open or just a quick escape, this is where I’d head back – no question.