The Richmond House by Ready Set Stay

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon The Richmond House by Ready Set Stay during a quick trip to Melbourne last spring, and honestly, it felt like one of those hidden gems you only hear about from locals who’ve been dodging the tourist traps. Tucked away in Richmond – that vibrant suburb just a stone’s throw from the city center, right off Bridge Road – it’s got this charming, almost residential vibe that makes you forget you’re in a hotel at all. I mean, pulling up to the address in postcode 3121, with the Yarra River practically whispering nearby, I was half-expecting a full-on Victorian terrace house, and that’s pretty much what it is. The exterior has that classic Melbourne brickwork, a bit weathered but in a cozy way, and check-in was a breeze – no fuss with a front desk; it’s all self-service via an app, which worked like a charm even after my flight from Sydney got delayed. Oh, and parking? Street spots are plentiful if you arrive before the evening rush, but watch out for those tram lines on Swan Street – they can make things a tad noisy during peak hours, though it quiets down nicely by nightfall.

What really won me over, though, was how the place blends that homey feel with just enough polish to earn its 4-star status – we’re talking rating of 9.4 for a reason. The rooms are snug, sort of like a stylish Airbnb but with hotel-level cleanliness; mine had these plush, cloud-like beds with linens that smelled faintly of lavender (a nice touch after a day wandering the graffiti-lined lanes of nearby Fitzroy). There’s a communal kitchen area that’s surprisingly well-stocked – I whipped up a quick brekkie using the Nespresso machine, and it saved me from overpriced cafes on Victoria Street, where the Vietnamese pho spots are legendary, by the way. Actually, location-wise, it’s brilliant for foodies or sports fans; you’re a short walk from the MCG for footy matches, and if you hop on the 70 tram, you’re in the CBD in under 10 minutes. I did notice the Wi-Fi could be spotty in the upstairs rooms during busy evenings – probably from all the streaming in the neighborhood – but it wasn’t a deal-breaker. And the little courtyard out back? Perfect for sipping a flat white in the morning sun, with birds chirping over the hum of distant traffic; it reminded me why Melbourne’s inner east is such a draw in the milder months, before summer crowds hit.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentically Melbourne without the chaos of staying right in Federation Square, this is it. Well, maybe skip it if you’re traveling with a big group – the setup’s more intimate, ideal for couples or solo explorers – but for anyone wanting to dive into Richmond’s cafe culture or catch a game at the ‘G, it’s a winner. I left feeling like I’d actually lived there for a bit, and that’s saying something in a city full of flashy options.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $303. Three-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Great communication from host, beautiful property with nothing left out. Great location, will stay again for sure. – Kylie from Australia – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location, beautiful property, well appointed and everything worked! Loved it.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike

• Great family time – Catherine from Australia – 11 November 2024 (10/10)

  Everything

• Lovely stay overall and just a few small changes needed. – Joanne from Australia – 4 November 2024 (8/10)

  Very clean and modern
  
  What could be improved: Would be great if the property provided paper towels and tissues. Not enough tea & coffee sachets provided.
  Received too many messages about the bins which was annoying. No red bin provided with the property and after asking the owner and other residents still couldn’t find a red bin designated to the unit we were staying at.

• Exceptional – Matt from Australia – 5 April 2024 (10/10)

  Great stay, and great location!

• Very happy with our stay at the Richmond House. – Andrew from Australia – 21 March 2024 (10/10)

  Great property, in very good condition. Well located, all good.

• Loved it. Mostly will book again. Location go to public transport, walking distance to restaurants and shops. – Charmaine from Australia – 14 March 2024 (10/10)

  Very homely and handy to my cousins house.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very good – Virginia from Australia – 2 July 2025 (8/10)

  The location was great. The property was comfortable and has a full kitchen which is well equipped. We had requested a high chair but it wasn’t in the townhouse when we arrived. I contacted them and they were very responsive and got a new one delivered asap.

• Superb – Elizabeth from Australia – 21 April 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, close to everything. Very handy to have a car spot in this area. Property manager was responsive.

• Great location and comfortable stay! – Anonymous from Australia – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect accommodation for what we were looking for. Great location and house was exceptionally clean and comfortable. Felt right at home!

• Exceptional – Sophie from Australia – 19 July 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities