The Heidelberg

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon The Heidelberg kind of by accident last spring—well, not really an accident, I was in Melbourne chasing some family history stuff and needed a spot that wasn’t smack in the chaotic CBD. It’s tucked away on Cape Street in Heidelberg, this leafy suburb about 20 minutes northeast of the city if traffic’s behaving (which it rarely does on the Eastern Freeway during rush hour, honestly). Pulling up, the place has this unassuming vibe, like a modern boutique hotel that’s trying not to show off too much—four stories of clean lines and big windows, with a little garden out front that smells faintly of eucalyptus after a rain. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best coffee spots on Burgundy Street nearby, and they even hooked me up with a room upgrade because it was a quiet Tuesday. Parking’s a bit of a squeeze in their underground lot—nothing major, but if you’ve got a bigger car, you might end up circling for a spot—but once you’re in, it feels like you’ve escaped the hustle.

What really won me over was how the rooms balance that cozy, lived-in feel with some thoughtful touches—I mean, my king suite had these plush linens that were soft as anything, and a balcony overlooking the treetops toward the Yarra River trails (perfect for a morning jog if you’re into that; I caught the kookaburras laughing at dawn, which was sort of magical). The decor’s got this subtle nod to the old Heidelberg artists—think earthy tones and a few prints on the walls—without going overboard. Breakfast in their little cafe downstairs was solid: fresh pastries and avo toast that actually tasted like it came from a local bakery, not some mass-produced stuff. And get this, they’re right near Warringal Park, so if you’re visiting someone at Austin Hospital (it’s literally a five-minute walk), or just want to wander the paths along the river, it’s super handy. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night—maybe a distant train rumble from the Hurstbridge line, but nothing that kept me up. Oh, and the Wi-Fi’s reliable, which mattered for my remote work calls, though the minibar prices are a tad steep, you know what I mean? Still, for a 4-star spot with an 8.5 rating, it punches above its weight—especially in shoulder season when Melbourne’s weather is all over the place.

All in all, if you’re looking for a base to explore Melbourne’s northeast without the tourist crush—maybe hit up the Ivanhoe shops or even day-trip to the Dandenongs—The Heidelberg’s a smart pick. It’s not flashy, but it’s authentic, with that suburban charm where you can grab a flat white at a corner cafe and feel like a local for a bit. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for the value; just pack light if parking’s on your mind.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $165. Two-Bedroom Apartment with Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Easy to find, very clean and well-located. – Thomas from Australia – 3 May 2025 (10/10)

  Its location and the cleanliness
  
  What could be improved: Local parking restrictions

• Excellent communication, accommodation in a perfect location. – Marianne from Australia – 13 April 2025 (9/10)

  All facilities provided
  
  What could be improved: The wine glasses were too high up for me to reach but there were other glasses so it’s a very minor and the only issue 🙂

• Great stay intend to use it again – Sonja from Australia – 14 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location and apartment itself and host
  
  What could be improved: No ceiling lights in the bedroom?

• Was lovely thank you – Simone from Australia – 1 December 2024 (10/10)

  Great location,
  Lovely apartment

• Superb – Sonja from Australia – 15 November 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, comfortable and loved the little welcoming chocolate, a nice touch. And great location for our needs. Hosts were exceptionally efficient and kind.

• Very good – Lilli from Australia – 1 July 2025 (8/10)

  Clean & comfortable. Was in a quiet street. Very quiet at night.
  Walking distance to shops & restaurants.
  Being dog friendly was also a bonus for us.
  Close to Austin Hospital, which I attended.
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom smelt musty. There was no papertowel or tissues.

• With the exception of the parking difficulties, our stay was comfortable. Aftermath was despicable. – Susan from Australia – 7 March 2025 (4/10)

  Presentation was great aligning well with the photos. Location was exceptional, and beds, linen and pillows comfortable. Coffee, tea and a chocolate block was provided along with some other basic necessities.
  
  What could be improved: Information stated free parking. In fine print "free public parking is possible at a location nearby". Arrival details stated 2 hour parking on street on left and unlimited on right. The parking description was deceptive, and most inconvenient when no parks available on street on Saturday night for our vehicle. On complaining to hosts following departure, they pointed out there was an off road public carpark. This should have been made crystal clear before our arrival. We had to leave 2 days early due to a medical emergency at home, requiring us to unexpectedly use the spare bedroom in order for my spouse to sleep while I kept working including attempting to contact mobiles provided without success, & sent a text to advise early departure. I sent a msg via booking.com to advise we had used 2nd bedroom. On a prior trip when my Mum died, another property was very empathetic at our unexpected need to use 2nd bedroom. Hosts sent a series of vitriolic messages over the ensuing week despite knowing I was by my seriously ill son's bedside day and night. They even accusing me of manufacturing my distress after they stalked by instagram profile and noted I posted a photo during our long drive home. If they cared to do a deep stalk of my profile, they might have discovered that I posted 3 instagram photos on our long drive home from Tas to Adelaide after Mum's death. Creative photography for me is cathartic. Finally, although my husband locked up, placed key into safe, then scrambled the final digit, as we always do without issue, hosts claim we left door open and safe open. In a subsequent communication they said we had changed the code and left the key box unable to be opened. This was at total odds with their initial assertion that safe was open. They then sent a bill for $40 USD so that a cheap Bunnings key safe which malfunctioned 2 days after our departure, could be replaced at our expense. A few little extras – no bin in bathroom & no tissues.

• Godt ophold i en skøn lejlighed – Jens from Denmark – 29 January 2025 (9/10)

  Vi havde et dejligt ophold i den skønne lejlighed i Heidelberg, hvor vi boede lige over en uge. Vi nød at køkkenet havde meget service og udstyr, så vi kunne lave lidt mad. Det var nemt at finde parkering på vejen, ligeledes var der kort afstand til et lille center med forskellige butikker.
  
  What could be improved: Altanen lå på niveau med vejen, så vi anvendte den ikke. Det var meget begrænset med opbevaringsplads, da alle skabe var låst.

• Very good – Graeme from Australia – 20 May 2025 (8/10)

• Exceptional – Daniel from Australia – 21 December 2024 (10/10)

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Facilities