Superior City Stay – Above the Sheraton

I remember pulling up to Superior City Stay on Little Collins Street – you know, that bustling little laneway right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, sandwiched between Bourke and Collins proper. It’s literally perched above the Sheraton, which honestly makes it feel like a hidden gem if you’re not paying attention; I almost missed the entrance the first time, dodging the usual swarm of trams and office workers spilling out from the nearby cafes on Degraves Street. Check-in was straightforward, though – no fuss, just a quick buzz up to the lobby (which is shared with the Sheraton, I think), and the staff were friendly enough, chatting about the weekend markets at Queen Vic like they actually lived there. My room? Well, it was one of those spacious suites with a kitchenette – perfect for whipping up a quick brekkie from the fresh produce I’d grabbed at the market – and the bed was comfy, with those crisp white sheets that smell faintly of lavender detergent. But fair warning, the decor’s a bit dated, like early 2000s modern with some scuffs on the walls; it’s not flashy, but it gets the job done for a 4-star spot.

What really sold me was the location – you’re steps from everything without feeling trapped in the tourist chaos. I mean, wander out in the morning and you’re hit with that Melbourne aroma of freshly ground coffee from the hole-in-the-wall spots on Flinders Lane, or you can hop a tram down to Federation Square for the galleries. Evenings were lively; there’s this low hum of city noise – trams clanging, distant laughter from rooftop bars – but it quiets down after 10 PM, especially mid-week when the CBD empties out. (Though if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs for weekends when the laneways get rowdy with pub crawlers.) I loved the balcony view over the rooftops – caught a stunning sunset one night, all pink and orange reflecting off the Yarra in the distance. Amenities-wise, there’s a decent gym downstairs (shared again, I believe), and the Wi-Fi held up for streaming, but parking? Forget it unless you book a spot in one of those pricey CBD garages nearby – I just used the train from Flinders Street Station, which is a five-minute stroll. Oh, and the bathroom had those nice rain showerheads, but the water pressure was hit or miss, sort of like the rating suggests at 7.2 – solid but not spectacular.

All in all, if you’re after a no-nonsense base for exploring Melbourne without breaking the bank, this place fits the bill. It’s great for solo travelers or couples who want to dive into the local scene – think grabbing dumplings in Chinatown (just a block over) or catching a show at the Athenaeum Theatre around the corner. Honestly, I wouldn’t splurge here for a luxury vibe, but for the value and that authentic city immersion during peak seasons like summer or the Grand Prix rush, it’s a smart pick. Just don’t expect perfection; it’s more about the stories you’ll collect wandering those cobblestone alleys than five-star polish.

Early hotels booking in Melbourne secures theatre premieres, hidden supper clubs, and sunrise balloon flights over the Dandenongs.