

Hotel Description
I remember pulling up to 14/61 MacKenzie Street after a long flight into Melbourne – you know, that disorienting jet-lag haze where everything feels a bit off-kilter. It’s smack in the middle of the CBD, just a stone’s throw from Lonsdale Street, where the trams rattle by every few minutes and the air smells like fresh coffee from those hole-in-the-wall cafes that locals swear by. Honestly, I was skeptical at first because the building looks like your typical urban apartment block – nothing flashy from the outside, with that gritty Melbourne vibe of graffiti-tagged laneways nearby. But stepping inside this place, called the Spacious 4 brm Gem, it hit me: this isn’t some cookie-cutter hotel; it’s more like borrowing a mate’s oversized flat right in the heart of the action. Check-in was a breeze – no fuss at the front desk, just a quick code entry (though fair warning, if you’re arriving late, the street can get noisy from the after-work crowds spilling out of pubs on Little Bourke).
What really won me over was the space – I mean, four bedrooms in a city center spot? That’s gold for families or groups like mine, traveling with a couple of friends who needed room to spread out without stepping on each other’s toes. The living area is massive, with these big windows letting in that soft southern light, and the kitchen’s fully kitted out – think stainless steel appliances and enough counter space to whip up a brekkie without feeling cramped. I loved the little touches, like the plush rugs underfoot that muffled the city hum below, and the balcony where you can sip a flat white while watching the world go by (pro tip: grab one from the Queen Victoria Market, just a five-minute walk away – their fresh produce stalls are buzzing in the mornings, especially on weekends). It’s rated a solid 7.7, which feels about right; the decor’s modern but not over-the-top, sort of minimalist with a few quirky art pieces on the walls that nod to Melbourne’s street art scene. Well, there were a couple of niggles – the Wi-Fi dipped out once during peak evening hours, and parking’s a hassle if you’re driving (better to use the nearby Wilson lots on Lonsdale, but they add up quick). Still, the beds were comfy as, with that crisp linen smell, and the bathrooms had decent pressure in the showers – no weak trickles here, thank goodness.
All in all, if you’re after a four-star stay that feels authentically Melbourne without the sterile hotel chain vibe, this gem’s worth it. It’s perfect for longer trips, say during the Aussie summer when the city’s alive with festivals (though book early – things get packed around the Australian Open in January). You get that insider access to spots like the State Library or Hardware Lane eateries without trekking far, and at the end of the day, collapsing into that spacious setup after exploring? Priceless. I’d go back in a heartbeat – just maybe pack earplugs for those lively nights.
Rooms
- Estimated price from: $376. Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed, 1 single bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 8


Reviews
Great location but needs a bit of an upgrade / tlc – Debbie from New Zealand – 26 May 2025 (7/10)
Location was great, lots of space.
What could be improved: On arrival – keys not ready for collection, downstairs toilet hadn’t been cleaned/flushed – brown welcome not welcomed. All bedrooms were upstairs and had very heavy glass sliding doors which were almost impossible to open for our older family members (73 & 84 yr olds). The dining chairs were wobbly and the rattan had split/worn out in places on quite a few. Was disappointed for the cost we paid.Highly recommend, wonderful location, warm and spacious!! – Emma from Australia – 29 June 2025 (10/10)
Perfect central location, easy to walk to everything with lots of kids, very very safe feeling, warm and had everything we needed!
Location was great. Photos are better than reality with not all bedrooms photographed. Fine as a base, just not worth th – Fleur from Australia – 21 March 2025 (6/10)
Great location. Comfy beds.
What could be improved: Like the property was fine but not worth the nightly cost. Furniture and courtyard in need of serious need of upgrade and to get rid of the rubbish.
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SURROUNDINGS
What’s nearby:
- Wesley Place: 300 m
- Carlton Gardens: 450 m
- Community Garden: 950 m
- Melbourne Museum: 900 m
- Old Melbourne Gaol: 100 m
- Living Legacy Forest: 1.4 km
- Old Treasury Building: 1.2 km
- Manchester Unity Building: 1 km
- Victoria University City Tower: 950 m
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 1.2 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Nene Chicken: 200 m
- Restaurant Hi Chong Qing: 200 m
- Restaurant The Terrace-Mantra on the Park: 250 m
Top attractions:
- Eureka Tower: 1.9 km
- Melbourne Zoo: 3.6 km
- Rialto Towers: 1.9 km
- Cooks’ Cottage: 1.7 km
- Immigration Museum: 1.9 km
- Southbank Promenade: 1.8 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 2.8 km
- Australian Sports Museum: 2.5 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 2.2 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 3.2 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Ornamental Lake: 3.1 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Elwood Beach: 9 km
- St Kilda Beach: 7 km
- Sandridge Beach: 6 km
- Middle Park Beach: 6 km
Public transport:
- Metro Parliament: 900 m
- Train Flagstaff Train Station: 1.1 km
- Train Parliament Train Station: 800 m
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 450 m
- Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 14 km
- Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 15 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 19 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 22 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 10 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Additional toilet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Barbecue
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness:
- Fitness
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Sauna
Living Area:
- Dining area
- Sofa
- Seating Area
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Tea/Coffee maker
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Lift
- Non-smoking rooms
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa bed
- Private entrance
- Carpeted
- Fan
- Ironing facilities
- Iron
Languages spoken:
- English
Safety & security:
- Smoke alarms
Media & Technology:
- TV
Great for your stay:
- Private bathroom
- Parking
- Kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- Bath
- Free parking
- Washing machine
- Non-smoking rooms
Indoor swimming pool Free!:
- Open all year
- All ages welcome
- Shallow end
Other for your stay:
- Children’s high chair
- Dining table
- Coffee machine
- Cleaning products
- Toaster
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Tumble dryer
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Refrigerator


Rules
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00 to 22:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Check-out:
- Until 10:00
Age restriction:
- The minimum age for check-in is 18
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Guest reviews
Staff:
Comfort:
Location:
Facilities:
Cleanliness:
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