Sky High Serenity Luxe Apartment on Level 66

You know, when I first stepped out of the elevator on level 66 of that towering building right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD – it’s smack in the middle of Southbank, actually, just a stone’s throw from the Yarra River and that bustling promenade with all the street performers – I honestly thought I’d been transported to some kind of urban cloud. The Sky High Serenity Luxe Apartment isn’t your typical hotel; it’s more like a swanky home-away-from-home perched way up there, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re floating above the city. I mean, checking in was a breeze – no stuffy front desk drama, just a quick code entry and boom, you’re in. But fair warning, if you’re hauling luggage from Flinders Street Station (which is only about a 10-minute walk, by the way), those elevators can get crowded during rush hour, especially around 5 pm when everyone’s heading home from the office towers nearby. The views, though? Oh man, they’re something else – watching the sun dip behind the Docklands skyline while sipping a coffee from the in-unit machine, with the faint hum of trams echoing up from below, it’s pure magic. And at night, the city lights sparkle like a million fireflies; I spent half my first evening just staring out, forgetting I had dinner plans at that little laneway spot on Degraves Street.

What really sets this place apart, honestly, is how it nails that luxe apartment vibe without feeling over-the-top pretentious. The space is massive – think open-plan living with a full kitchen stocked with basics (I whipped up a quick brekkie using eggs from the Queen Victoria Market, which is an easy tram ride away on the 96 line), plush king bed that smells faintly of fresh lavender linens, and a bathroom with rain shower that could rival any spa. It’s rated 8.6 for good reason; everything’s spotless, and the Wi-Fi is lightning-fast, which was a lifesaver for catching up on work emails while overlooking the Botanic Gardens in the distance. But, well, it’s not perfect – the building’s air con can be a bit noisy if you’re a light sleeper, and parking? Forget it unless you book a spot in advance; I ended up using the Wilson lot on Collins Street, which isn’t cheap but beats circling for ages. Still, little touches like the complimentary Nespresso pods and that balcony (smoke-free, thankfully, no lingering cigarette smells) make it feel thoughtful. I visited in spring, when Melbourne’s weather is all over the place – rainy one minute, sunny the next – and having that indoor-outdoor flow was a godsend for dodging the unpredictable showers.

All in all, if you’re after a four-star stay that feels authentically Melbourne – high up, vibrant, with easy access to spots like the NGV gallery or a quick ferry to Williamstown – this is it. It’s not for budget travelers pinching pennies, but for couples or solo adventurers wanting serenity amid the chaos, it’s worth every cent. I left feeling recharged, you know? Like I’d stolen a piece of the city’s skyline for myself. Just pack light and time your arrivals for quieter hours, and you’ll be set.

Locals suggest to book apartments in Melbourne around Carlton for Italian cafés, indie cinemas, and leafy park picnics.