SoYa on Davis Apartment Hotel

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to SoYa on Davis Apartment Hotel on a drizzly Melbourne afternoon – you know, one of those days where the sky can’t make up its mind – and thinking, wow, this spot in South Yarra feels like it’s tucked away just right. It’s on Davis Avenue, this quiet little street off Toorak Road, where the vibe shifts from the bustle of Chapel Street’s cafes and boutiques to something more residential and chill. I mean, if you’re coming from the city center, hop on the number 8 tram and you’re there in about 15 minutes, no hassle. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best nearby coffee spots – like that hidden gem on Domain Road with killer flat whites – and handed over the keycard without any of that corporate stiffness. Honestly, stepping into the lobby, it’s not flashy or anything, but there’s this clean, modern scent, sort of like fresh linen mixed with eucalyptus, which just screams Melbourne comfort. My apartment – well, it’s more like a serviced suite – had these huge windows overlooking the treetops, and the kitchenette was stocked with actual decent cookware, not those flimsy hotel pans that bend after one use. I whipped up a quick brekkie there one morning, and it felt like home, you know?

What really sold me on SoYa, though, was how it balances that apartment-hotel thing without skimping on the details that matter when you’re traveling. The rooms are spacious, with these plush king beds that don’t sag in the middle – I slept like a log after a long day wandering the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are just a 10-minute stroll down the Yarra River path. There’s a gym downstairs that’s small but functional, with free weights and a treadmill that actually works (unlike some places I’ve stayed where everything’s perpetually “under maintenance”). Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Blazing fast, which was a lifesaver for catching up on work emails while sipping tea on the balcony. But here’s a heads-up: if you’re a light sleeper, request a room away from the avenue side – there’s a bit of early morning traffic hum from delivery vans heading to the Prahran Market, especially on weekends when it’s buzzing with fresh produce stalls. It’s not a deal-breaker, but yeah, something to note. The pool area is this serene rooftop setup, heated just enough for those cooler evenings, and I caught a sunset there that turned the skyline all pink and gold – pure magic after a day exploring the street art in nearby Windsor.

All in all, if you’re hitting Melbourne and want a base that’s not right in the CBD chaos but close enough to dive in – think easy access to the train at South Yarra station for trips to the beach or the MCG – SoYa’s a solid pick. It’s got that 4-star polish without feeling pretentious, and with an 8.6 rating, it’s clear others agree. I stayed during the shoulder season in spring, when the jacarandas are blooming everywhere, and it was peaceful, but I’d imagine summer gets livelier with more folks around. Parking’s limited to street spots (metered, so plan ahead), but honestly, who needs a car when everything’s walkable? If you’re after a place that feels lived-in yet thoughtful, this one’s worth it – left me wishing I had a few more days to just lounge and soak it all in.

Rooms

• Studio Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• Deluxe Queen Studio – Pet Friendly with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom Apartment – Pet Friendly with 2 × 1 double bed for 4 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Dot from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Location and access to train station and parks

• Niamh from Ireland (9/10)

  Bed was so comfortable, rooms super spacious and staff very helpful & friendly with great communication

• Catherine from Australia (8/10)

  Poisition

• Rachael from Australia (9/10)

  Liked everything about it. Good location, clean, nicely presented.

• Gabriel from Australia (9/10)

  Great place to stay and great value for money. I stayed in the Studio Apartment and it was very clean, very spacious and had everything I needed. Staff were very helpful and I had a great stay there.

• Slm1173 from Australia (9/10)

  This apartment block was in a great location for where we needed to be. It was really lovely to look at and had an equipped kitchenette although we didn't use it. There is reasonable street parking but watch the times the next day as there are variable clearance times for the streetsweeper on each side of the road. A fabulous coffee shop just across the road. A gorgeous looking little thai restaurant that was busy until after 11pm. Just around the corner on the main road, a fabulous chinese masseuse and nail salon. Very easy walking distance to the train station. Comfortable bed and surrounds. Great water pressure.

• Irina from Australia (9/10)

  I am delighted! A quiet, cozy place, similar to an elven shelter. Old trees delicately shade the windows, and neighbors rustle like sleepy mice, guarding our common peace.
  
  Seriously, a very clean, well-kept place where you would want to live, not just stay for a couple of days.

• Emmanuel from Australia (9/10)

  Great location less then 5 mins to south Yarra station
  Staff was friendly and easy to get in
  Great facilities with cutlery, plates, cups, saucepans, washing machine, private ensuite, stove, fridge, microwave and toaster

• Kellieann from Australia (8/10)

  Great location and everything we needed. Very comfy beds.

• Julia from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Good size apartment, lovely location – close to trams and rail, lovely shops and cafes just around the corner.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities