Royal Executive Living Grand Bayview Corporate Residency

Hotel Description

You know, I pulled up to the Royal Executive Living Grand Bayview Corporate Residency on St Kilda Road one drizzly Melbourne afternoon, and honestly, it felt like stumbling into a spot that’s equal parts business hideaway and chill coastal escape. The address is 555 St Kilda Road, right there in the 3004 postcode, smack in the middle of that vibrant stretch where the city starts blending into the bay – you can actually smell the salty air from Port Phillip as soon as you step out of your car. I mean, it’s not some flashy high-rise; it’s more like a sleek, modern building with a nod to executive living, the kind where you get apartment-style suites that make you feel like you’re crashing at a friend’s upscale pad rather than a sterile hotel room. Check-in was a breeze – the staff were these laid-back Aussies who chatted about the best spots for coffee on nearby Acland Street, and they even hooked me up with a late check-out without batting an eye. Parking’s a bit of a squeeze in the underground lot, especially during peak hours when everyone’s commuting in from the CBD, but once you’re in, it’s secure and beats circling the block like I did my first time in St Kilda.

What really sold me on this place – it’s got that 4-star vibe with an 8.1 rating that feels earned, you know? The rooms are spacious, with these massive windows overlooking the bay or Albert Park Lake if you’re lucky (pro tip: request a higher floor to dodge the faint hum of traffic from St Kilda Road below – it’s not bad, but well, Melbourne’s roads can get noisy during rush hour). I stayed in one of their corporate residency suites, and it was like having a mini apartment: full kitchenette with a proper stove (none of that microwave-only nonsense), plush bedding that smelled faintly of fresh linen, and a balcony where I sipped my morning flat white watching joggers loop the lake. It’s super practical for longer stays – think business travelers popping over from the city center via the number 96 tram, which stops basically at your doorstep. Oh, and the gym’s decent, with that rubbery floor scent and views that make treadmill time fly, though the pool’s on the smaller side and gets crowded in summer when everyone’s escaping the heat. There’s a real sense of the local scene here too; you’re just a short walk from Fitzroy Street’s quirky cafes and bars – I grabbed fish and chips at this hole-in-the-wall spot one evening, and it was the perfect unwind after a day exploring. Minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can lag a bit in the evenings, but nothing a quick reset didn’t fix.

All in all, if you’re heading to Melbourne and want something that’s not your typical tourist trap – sort of a home base for mixing work with a bit of bayside leisure – this place is a solid pick. It’s got that authentic St Kilda energy, where you can hit the beach for a sunset stroll or hop a tram to the Royal Botanic Gardens in under 20 minutes. I’ve stayed in fancier spots, but honestly, the value here shines through, especially off-season when it’s quieter and you can snag a deal. You’d care if you’re the type who appreciates those little touches that make travel feel less like a chore – like waking up to the sound of seagulls instead of just another alarm.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with Terrace and Sea View with 4 × 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 5 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Sue from Australia (10/10)

  I booked this apartment as my daughter had an emergency admission to The Alfred Hospital. Everything about this apartment was exceptional, the location, the views, the facilities, the host was very helpful and supportive and I would highly recommend this apartment. Thank you for your exceptional property and service.

• Darien from Australia (8/10)

  Beautiful Building

• Boom from Australia (10/10)

  Breakfast was great and the location was perfect

• Josephus from Australia (8/10)

• Bradfield from Australia (10/10)

• Diccianni from Argentina (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities