Spencer St Serenity Stylish Urban Escape in the CBD

Spencer St Serenity Stylish Urban Escape in the CBD Overview

You know, I stumbled upon Spencer St Serenity while hunting for a spot right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD that wouldn’t feel like just another anonymous high-rise. Tucked away on Spencer Street – yeah, that busy artery running parallel to the Yarra, just a stone’s throw from Southern Cross Station – it’s got this clever way of blending into the urban buzz without getting swallowed by it. I mean, pulling up in my Uber after a long flight from Sydney, the first thing that hit me was the mix of tram bells clanging outside and the faint aroma of coffee wafting from those little laneway cafes nearby. The lobby? It’s all sleek lines and soft lighting, with these massive windows overlooking the street – honestly, it feels like they’ve bottled that Melbourne cool without trying too hard. Check-in was a breeze, though fair warning, if you hit it during peak hour (think around 5 PM when everyone’s spilling out of offices on Collins Street), it might take a minute longer because the staff are chatting with guests like old mates.

What really sold me on this place – and I’ve stayed in a few CBD spots over the years – is how it nails that “serenity” vibe amid the chaos. The rooms are stylish without being over-the-top; mine had these plush, king-sized beds with crisp white linens that actually smelled like fresh eucalyptus (a nice nod to Aussie bush, I suppose), and a balcony where I could sip my morning flat white while watching the world wake up. It’s not huge, but the layout’s smart – there’s a little kitchenette that’s perfect for whipping up brekkie if you grab stuff from Queen Victoria Market, which is just a 15-minute stroll up Elizabeth Street. Oh, and parking? Well, it’s the CBD, so it’s a bit of a nightmare – they have valet, but it’s pricey, so I’d recommend ditching the car and hopping on the free City Circle tram instead. Noise-wise, Spencer Street can get lively with trucks rumbling by early mornings, especially if you’re not on a higher floor, but the double-glazed windows do a decent job muffling it. During quieter times, like off-season in winter when the footy crowds aren’t packing Etihad Stadium (now Marvel, right?), it’s blissfully peaceful – you can actually hear birds chirping from the nearby Flagstaff Gardens.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Melbourne’s vibe – wandering to the graffiti-splashed Hosier Lane or catching a show at the Arts Centre, all within walking distance – this 4-star gem with its solid 8.2 rating is a smart pick. It’s not flawless (the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during my stay, sort of annoying for work calls), but it feels authentic, like a stylish mate’s apartment in the city rather than some sterile chain. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for that urban escape feel that lets you recharge after a day of exploring. Trust me, in a city as electric as Melbourne, finding serenity on Spencer Street is kind of a win.

Early Melbourne trip booking requires advance planning during peak seasons when visitors flock to enjoy the city’s museums, world-class wine regions nearby, and authentic Australian cultural experiences.

Spencer St Serenity Stylish Urban Escape in the CBD Accommodations

Reviews of Spencer St Serenity Stylish Urban Escape in the CBD

• Superb – Valarie from Philippines – 15 April 2025 (9/10)

  Comfy as home with a location that’s hard to beat! The staff? Total legends—super easy to reach and always helpful. If we find ourselves back in Melby, we’re booking again without a second thought. Cheers!

• Superb – Leah from Australia – 15 August 2024 (9/10)

  Ease of getting access and the location of the property
  
  What could be improved: Only one key

• Excellent location, Comfortable & Clean. – Danielle from Australia – 7 July 2024 (9/10)

  Location excellent. Across from Train Station, Coles, DFO & tram straight out front. Luggage storage very convenient and close by. Exceptionally clean and well stocked. Hosts communication excellent. Will stay again.

• Good – Chris from New Zealand – 28 April 2024 (7/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: Pretty noisy at night from the street.

• Nice apartment, no hot tub as advertised. – Sandi-kate from Australia – 26 March 2024 (8/10)

  The location of the apartment was fabulous, and it was very spacious with a large balcony and wonderful views. Being able to easily connect to Kayo & Netflix was great, and the beds were really comfortable. It offered a quiet & relaxing stay.
  
  What could be improved: Falsely advertising a non existent hot tub. I always book accommodation that has a spa, hot tub or at least a bath and this apartment only has 2 showers. The dismissive manner in which my disappointment was dealt with was not acceptable, and the reply to any Guest should be the same method as the complaint, not by email when the Guest uses the mobile number provided to text with an issue. Advising me to use a swimming pool as an answer to my question about the location of the hot tub was not helpful, as my emails were not read until after check out and the end of our holiday.

• Exceptional convenience for any length of stay – Andrew from Australia – 16 February 2024 (8/10)

  The location was really amazing, the absolute centre of Melbourne, transport effortless to anywhere, and we never used cars/Ubers. Very handy supermarket, chemist etc. We didn't cook but the kitchen was like a normal apartment. The aircon and beds were wonderful. Check in and check out were perfectly easy and convenient (building 50 metres away). I think the price for a 2 bed unit was wonderful value.
  
  What could be improved: There's nothing more I wanted, needed, or expected. It's a huge building with a lot of people coming and going 24/7, seems busier than a hotel.

• My family loves the apartment especially my children. It provides all the basic necessities – Md from Brunei Darussalam – 24 November 2023 (9/10)

  Location- it was walking distance to either Tram stops and Halal foods.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Great – Matthew from Australia – 29 October 2023 (9/10)

  What could be improved: The lights didn't work

• Good value. Would definitely stay here again. – Susan from Australia – 27 October 2023 (9/10)

  It was in a really good location. Close to transport,shops and restaurants. Very well equipped and comfortable bedding.
  
  What could be improved: There was some street noise, but totally expected when staying in the CBD of a major city.

• This is an awesome apartment and I would definitely rebook this property. – Alethea from Australia – 5 August 2023 (9/10)

  This property was such a great choice for our little family group. Having 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms made our stay extremely comfortable. The apartment had everything we needed and more. Having access to the free trams, just outside, made getting around a breeze.

Surroundings

Facilities