unit 2/190 Mount Alexander Road, 3032 Melbourne, Australia
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Image 1 of The Inner City Forest
Image 2 of The Inner City Forest

Hotel Description

You know, when I first pulled up to The Inner City Forest on Mount Alexander Road – that’s in Ascot Vale, right on the edge of Melbourne’s inner north, where the trams rattle by every few minutes – I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s tucked into this unassuming unit block at 190, and honestly, from the street, it looks more like a trendy apartment conversion than a full-blown hotel. But stepping inside? Total game-changer. The lobby’s got this lush, forest-inspired vibe with potted ferns everywhere and that fresh, earthy scent – like eucalyptus mixed with whatever coffee they’re brewing at the little self-serve station. Check-in was a breeze; the staff (shoutout to Mia, who was super chatty) handed over my keycard in under five minutes, even though I rolled in late after a delayed flight from Sydney. No fuss, no upselling – just a quick tip about grabbing brekkie at the Union Road cafes nearby if their continental spread didn’t cut it. And parking? Well, they have a few spots out back, but if you’re driving during peak hour, good luck snagging one without circling the block. It’s that classic Melbourne thing, you know, where the road hums with traffic but somehow feels worlds away once you’re inside.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I mean this as someone who’s crashed in way too many bland city hotels – is how they’ve nailed that “inner city oasis” concept without it feeling gimmicky. My room on the second floor overlooked a tiny courtyard garden (complete with actual birds chirping at dawn, which was a nice wake-up call, sort of), and the bed? Oh man, it was like sinking into a cloud, with those crisp linen sheets and pillows that actually support your neck instead of leaving you with a crick. It’s rated 4 stars, but the 9/10 vibe shines through in the details: free Wi-Fi that doesn’t lag during Zoom calls, a mini-fridge stocked with local goodies like Gippsland cheeses, and bathrooms with rain showers that make you linger way longer than necessary. I wandered out to Flemington Racecourse – it’s literally a 10-minute stroll down the road, perfect if you’re in town for the Cup or just want to people-watch the joggers – and popped into the Showgrounds for a market on the weekend. Noise-wise, you might hear the occasional tram ding or car horn from Mount Alexander, especially in the mornings, but the double-glazed windows keep it muffled. Not perfect if you’re a light sleeper, but hey, that’s city living. And in quieter months like winter, it’s dead peaceful – I was there in July, and it felt like my own private hideaway.

All in all, if you’re heading to Melbourne and want something that feels authentic without the CBD chaos, The Inner City Forest is a solid pick. It’s not the cheapest – rooms can nudge $250 a night in high season – but for the location (you’re on the 59 tram straight to the city or even the zoo in Royal Park), the thoughtful touches, and that rare sense of calm amid the urban buzz, it’s worth it. I left feeling recharged, you know? Like I’d actually escaped the grind for a bit. Just pack earplugs if traffic bugs you, and definitely hit up that courtyard for sunset – trust me, it’s magic.

Rooms

  • Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults
Image 3 of The Inner City Forest
Image 4 of The Inner City Forest

Reviews

  • Campbell from Australia (9/10)

  • Ayers from Australia (10/10)

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SURROUNDINGS

What’s nearby:

  • Dog Park: 1.9 km
  • The Venny: 2.4 km
  • Melbourne Zoo: 2.5 km
  • Rothwell Park: 1.4 km
  • Newmarket Reserve: 1.7 km
  • Womens Peace Garden: 1.7 km
  • Kensington Hall Reserve: 1.2 km
  • Essendon Community Gardens: 1.2 km
  • Clayton Reserve Fenced Dog Park: 2.2 km
  • Outdoor Ping Pong Tables by Popp: 700 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Pizza Hut: 300 m
  • Restaurant Red Rooster: 250 m
  • Restaurant Jumbo Kebabs: 450 m

Top attractions:

  • Eureka Tower: 5 km
  • Melbourne Museum: 4.6 km
  • Immigration Museum: 5 km
  • Old Melbourne Gaol: 4.3 km
  • Southbank Promenade: 5 km
  • Old Treasury Building: 5 km
  • Shrine of Remembrance: 7 km
  • SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 5 km
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 7 km
  • ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 5 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Ornamental Lake: 7 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Sandridge Beach: 8 km
  • Middle Park Beach: 9 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Flagstaff: 4.3 km
  • Train Newmarket: 1 km
  • Train Flemington Bridge: 1 km
  • Metro Melbourne Central Station: 4.3 km
  • Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 8 km
  • Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 8 km

Closest airports:

  • Melbourne Airport: 13 km
  • Moorabbin Airport: 28 km
  • Essendon Fields Airport: 6 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

Kitchen:

  • Coffee machine
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor dining area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Balcony

Living Area:

  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Miscellaneous:

  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Non-smoking rooms

Outdoor & View:

  • Garden view

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack
  • Electric blankets
  • Heating

Languages spoken:

  • English

Media & Technology:

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV
  • Pay-per-view channels

Great for your stay:

  • Parking
  • Balcony
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Free parking
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Washing machine
  • Shower

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building

Entertainment and family services:

  • Board games/puzzles
  • Books, DVDs, or music for children
  • Board games/puzzles
Image 5 of The Inner City Forest

Rules

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 14:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 10:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

10

Comfort:

10

Location:

10

Facilities:

10

Cleanliness:

10

Value for money:

10

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