Punthill South Yarra Grand

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Punthill South Yarra Grand on Yarra Street – it’s this quiet little pocket right off the main drag in South Yarra, you know, just a stone’s throw from the hustle of Toorak Road. Honestly, after a long flight into Melbourne, the check-in was a breeze; the staff were all smiles and handed over the key card without that awkward wait you sometimes get in busier spots. I mean, it’s not one of those massive chain hotels where you feel like a number – more like an apartment building with a welcoming vibe. My room – well, suite, really – was on the higher floors, and stepping inside, there was this fresh, clean scent, like they’d just aired it out with a hint of eucalyptus or something Aussie. The place is set up like a proper serviced apartment, with a full kitchenette that actually had decent cookware (none of that flimsy stuff), a comfy king bed that didn’t sag in the middle, and a balcony overlooking the treetops toward the Yarra River. Oh, and the bathroom? Spacious, with those rain showerheads that make you linger a bit too long in the morning.

What really sold me on this spot was how it fits right into South Yarra’s scene without trying too hard. You’re literally steps from Chapel Street – I wandered down there my first evening and grabbed a flat white at one of those hole-in-the-wall cafes, the kind locals swear by, not the tourist traps. If you’re into shopping, it’s paradise; think boutique stores and markets that pop up on weekends. And getting around? The South Yarra train station is maybe a five-minute walk, so hopping into the CBD for a day at the markets or Federation Square is effortless – no need for Ubers unless it’s pouring, which it does here in winter, fair warning. Back at the hotel, there’s a small gym downstairs that’s surprisingly well-equipped for a quick workout, and a pool area that’s heated, which was a godsend during that chilly Melbourne spring. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night – you might hear the occasional tram rumbling by on Toorak, but it’s not intrusive, especially if you close the balcony doors. One minor gripe, though: parking can be a hassle if you’re driving; the on-site spots fill up fast, so street parking it is, and watch out for those timed zones. But hey, that’s city living for you.

All in all, if you’re looking for a place that feels like a home base rather than just a crash pad, Punthill South Yarra Grand nails it – especially for longer stays or if you’re traveling with family. It’s got that 4.5-star polish without the stuffiness, and with an 8.7 rating floating around, it’s clear others feel the same. I left thinking, yeah, I’d come back in a heartbeat, maybe next time in summer when the nearby Prahran Market is buzzing with fresh produce. You know what? It just makes exploring Melbourne that much easier, blending comfort with that effortless South Yarra cool.

Rooms

• Studio Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Two Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 5 adults, 1 child
• One Bedroom Apartment – Open Plan with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Three Bedroom Apartment – Adjoining with 2 × 4 single beds, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 7 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Susan from United Kingdom (8/10)

  quality of the room, great location and great service on reception

• Rachel from Australia (8/10)

  Great location. Friendly reception staff. Good amenities. Super comfy beds. We had a great room. Would definitely stay again! Great views. Handy location right beside the train station, loads of food and drink options. Car parking safe and very easy to get to. Great chain.

• Lynn from Australia (9/10)

  Great location.

• Jay from New Zealand (8/10)

  Very Comfy rooms, and great location being next to the train station. Awesome views from our room balcony.
  Wish we could have stayed longer.

• Sze from Australia (8/10)

  Friendly staff and the apartment is clean

• Chitra from Australia (9/10)

  Nice apartments – clean and well maintained. Very convenient location.

• Christopher from Australia (9/10)

  location and kitchen

• Natnem from Australia (8/10)

  Great location, close to transport, shops and restaurants.

• Florence from New Zealand (9/10)

  Overall very good. Room comfortable. Only one thing disappointing, the outside area through our ranch slider was littered with cigarette butts.

• Jo from Australia (9/10)

  Large spacious rooms, great to have extra bathroom, clean, great access to surrounding streets

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities