

Simply Kensington by Ready Set Stay Overview
I remember pulling up to Simply Kensington by Ready Set Stay on a drizzly Melbourne afternoon – you know, one of those days where the sky’s all moody gray, but the air smells fresh like eucalyptus after rain. It’s tucked away in Kensington, postcode 3031, right off Macaulay Road, which honestly feels like a hidden gem if you’re not from around here. I mean, it’s just a quick tram ride from the CBD – hop on the 57 at the corner and you’re in the heart of the city in under 15 minutes – but without all the chaos of staying downtown. Parking was a bit of a squeeze; street spots are free but fill up fast, especially on weekends when locals flock to the nearby Flemington Racecourse for events. (Pro tip: avoid Melbourne Cup week if you hate crowds – the whole area buzzes like a beehive then.) Check-in was a breeze, though; the staff were these friendly folks who chatted about the best coffee spots nearby, like that little hole-in-the-wall on Bellair Street where the flat whites are strong enough to wake the dead.
What really won me over was how the place blends that sleek, modern vibe with Kensington’s old-school charm – think exposed brick walls that nod to the suburb’s Victorian roots, mixed with plush king beds that feel like sinking into a cloud after a long day wandering. My room had this massive window overlooking a quiet laneway, and at night, you’d hear the faint rumble of a passing train from the Upfield line, but it was more soothing than annoying, sort of like white noise. (Well, unless you’re a super light sleeper – then maybe ask for a back room.) The kitchenette was a lifesaver; I whipped up brekkie with goodies from the Kensington Food Hall just a five-minute walk away – fresh sourdough and avo that tasted like it was picked that morning. And honestly, the Wi-Fi was lightning fast, which mattered when I was editing photos from a day at Royal Park, that massive green space nearby with its kangaroo mobs and walking trails. It’s not overly fancy – no spa or pool – but there’s a communal lounge with comfy couches and board games, perfect for rainy evenings when you don’t feel like braving the wind.
All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentic to Melbourne’s inner suburbs without skimping on comfort, this 4-star gem with its 9.6 rating is hard to beat. It’s ideal for solo travelers or couples who want to explore on foot – you’re steps from the Moonee Ponds Creek trail for a morning jog, and the vibe is laid-back, not touristy. Sure, the bathroom could use a bit more counter space for all your toiletries, but that’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the jacarandas bloom and the whole neighborhood turns purple – it’s those little details that make you feel like you’ve discovered your own slice of Melbourne.
Simply Kensington by Ready Set Stay Accommodations
Accommodation | Details |
---|---|
Two-Bedroom House | 2 × 1 sofa bed and 2 × 1 double bed for 4 adults |


Reviews of Simply Kensington by Ready Set Stay
Jason from Australia (10/10)
The location and how quiet it was
Helen from Australia (9/10)
Incredibly convenient, quiet and well appointed
Michael from United Kingdom (10/10)
The property was really central and close to train stations for accessing Melbourne .
Great feel to the property with musical instruments and great range of books.Cornelia from Germany (9/10)
Gute Lage, hilfsbereite und freundliche Verwaltung
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Dog Park: 1.2 km
- The Venny: 350 m
- Newmarket Reserve: 1.3 km
- Womens Peace Garden: 650 m
- Kensington Hall Reserve: 900 m
- Clayton Reserve Fenced Dog Park: 1.5 km
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: 2.7 km
- Outdoor Ping Pong Tables by Popp: 2.1 km
- North Melbourne Recreation Reserve: 1.5 km
- Boulevard Pavilion-Melbourne Showgrounds: 2.3 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Melba Social: 250 m
- Restaurant Hardimans Hotel: 150 m
- Restaurant Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar: 250 m
Top attractions:
- Eureka Tower: 5 km
- Melbourne Zoo: 3.3 km
- Melbourne Museum: 4.5 km
- Immigration Museum: 4.7 km
- Old Melbourne Gaol: 4 km
- Southbank Promenade: 5 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 6 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 4.6 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 7 km
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 5 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Ornamental Lake: 6 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Sandridge Beach: 7 km
- Middle Park Beach: 8 km
Public transport:
- Metro Flagstaff: 3.7 km
- Train Kensington: 400 m
- Train South Kensington: 700 m
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 4 km
- Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 9 km
- Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 9 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 15 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 26 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 7 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Kitchen:
- Dining table
- Toaster
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Tumble dryer
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
Bathroom:
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Outdoor furniture
- Barbecue
- BBQ facilities
- Balcony
Living Area:
- Dining area
- Sofa
- Seating Area
- Desk
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
Outdoor & View:
- Garden view
- View
Room Amenities:
- Sofa bed
- Fan
- Iron
Languages spoken:
- English
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke alarms
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Reception services:
- Private check-in/check-out
Most popular facilities:
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- BBQ facilities
- Air conditioning
Building characteristics:
- Private apartment in building
Entertainment and family services:
- Board games/puzzles
- Books, DVDs, or music for children
- Board games/puzzles


House Rules at Simply Kensington by Ready Set Stay
Pets:
- Free! Pets are allowed. No extra charges.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Check-out:
- Until 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Guest reviews
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