Sky High Luxury, Panoramic Views

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to Sky High Luxury on Southbank Boulevard – you know, that bustling stretch right along the Yarra River where the promenade lights up at night like a string of fairy lights. It was one of those drizzly Melbourne afternoons in spring, and honestly, the check-in was a breeze; the staff had that laid-back Aussie vibe, sorting my room key in under five minutes without any of that stiff formality you get at some places. I mean, it’s not the fanciest lobby – think sleek marble floors that echo a bit when it’s busy, and a faint whiff of fresh coffee from the cafe downstairs – but it sets the tone right away. The hotel’s tucked in among those high-rises in Southbank, so if you’re driving in from the airport via the CityLink tolls (pro tip: avoid peak hours unless you like traffic jams), there’s valet parking for about 50 bucks a day, which isn’t cheap but beats circling for spots on the street. And yeah, the location means you’re steps from the river walk – I wandered over to the Polly Woodside ship museum one morning, dodging joggers and that crisp river breeze that carries a hint of eucalyptus from the nearby parks.

What really hooked me, though, were those panoramic views the name promises – my room on the 15th floor overlooked the CBD skyline, with the Eureka Tower glowing blue at dusk and the occasional tram chime floating up from below. It’s not perfect; the windows are massive but could use thicker curtains for those early sunrises in summer, when the light blasts in around 5 a.m. and you’re scrambling for blackout mode. The rooms themselves are comfy in that understated way – soft king beds with pillows that actually fluff up nicely (none of that flat-as-a-pancake nonsense), and a bathroom stocked with those herbal-scented amenities that smell like a spa day. I appreciated the little kitchenette too; whipped up a quick brekkie with groceries from the South Melbourne Market, just a short stroll across the river via the pedestrian bridge – beats hotel prices for eggs and avo on toast. Noise-wise, it’s mostly quiet after 10 p.m., but if you’re a light sleeper, request a room facing away from the boulevard; the weekend crowds heading to Crown Casino can get rowdy with laughter and distant music. Oh, and the rooftop pool? It’s a gem during quieter weekdays – heated, with loungers that let you soak in the views while sipping a flat white, though it gets packed in January when everyone’s escaping the heatwave.

All in all, if you’re hitting Melbourne for the arts scene or just to explore – maybe catching a show at the Arts Centre or grabbing dim sum in Chinatown, which is an easy 15-minute walk over the Princes Bridge – this place makes a solid base. It’s got that 4-star balance of luxury without pretension, scoring an 8.4 in my book for good reason; sure, the Wi-Fi can lag during conferences (they host a lot here), but the staff sorted it quick with a router reset. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season in autumn when the crowds thin out and you can really savor those views over a quiet sunset. Well, sort of – just pack earplugs if you’re not into the urban hum.

Rooms

• Three-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 4 × 1 large double bed for 7 adults

Reviews

• Rebecca from Australia (10/10)

  The views were incredible!! What an amazing apartment!!

• Tony from Australia (10/10)

  Great location, great views

• Thaar from Australia (9/10)

  The view is amazing! Apartment was spacious and luxury.
  Overall had a great stay.

• Chris from Australia (9/10)

  Amazing views , Great location , Comfy beds, Very modern apartment equipped with quality furnishings and appliances. Host was very helpful in ensuring a smooth check-in and pleasant stay. Highly recommended.

• Elliott from Australia (10/10)

  The owner made contact with us multiple times prior to
  arrival to ensure everything was organised and avoid any issues. The property was clean and tidy upon arrival, the location of the property meant that we were within walking distance of where we were visiting while in Melbourne.

• Kelly from Australia (7/10)

  The view and location

• Alexander from Australia (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities