The Town Apartments

The Town Apartments Overview

I remember pulling up to The Town Apartments on Tattersalls Lane right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD – you know, that narrow little laneway tucked between Little Bourke and Lonsdale streets, where the graffiti-covered walls and coffee aromas from hidden cafes hit you before you even step out of the cab. It’s one of those spots that feels authentically Melbourne, not the glossy touristy bits, but the gritty, vibrant underbelly near Chinatown. Honestly, arriving late on a Friday night after a flight from Sydney, I was knackered, and the check-in was a breeze – no fuss, just a friendly staff member who handed over the keycard with a quick tip about dodging the weekend crowds spilling out from the nearby bars on Russell Street. The building itself is this modern tower that blends right into the urban chaos, but once you’re inside, it’s surprisingly quiet, especially if you snag a room higher up away from the laneway bustle. I mean, Melbourne’s CBD can get noisy with trams clanging down Bourke Street and delivery trucks rumbling early mornings, but here, the double-glazed windows muffled most of it – well, except for that faint hum of the city that sort of lulls you to sleep if you’re into that vibe.

What really sold me on The Town Apartments was how it nailed that apartment-style living without feeling like a sterile hotel – think fully equipped kitchens with actual decent cookware (not those flimsy pans you find in some places), and spacious living areas where I could spread out after a day wandering to Queen Victoria Market, which is just a 10-minute stroll north. My one-bedroom unit had this cozy balcony overlooking the laneways, perfect for sipping a flat white from the in-room Nespresso machine while watching office workers dash by below. It’s rated 8.4 for a reason; the beds are comfy, with those plush toppers that make you forget you’re in a 4-star spot, and the bathrooms come with rainfall showers that actually have good pressure – a rarity in older Melbourne buildings. Oh, and parking? Forget it if you’re driving; the CBD’s a nightmare for that, but they have a deal with a nearby secure lot on Lonsdale, which saved me a headache. During peak season like summer festivals or AFL finals, it books up fast, so plan ahead – I got lucky with a mid-week stay in autumn when the laneways are less crowded and you can actually hear the street musicians without the tourist throng. One minor gripe? The Wi-Fi can lag a bit in the evenings when everyone’s streaming, but hey, it’s free and fast enough for emails and maps.

All in all, if you’re after a base that’s smack in Melbourne’s beating heart – close enough to hop on a tram to Federation Square or grab dumplings in Chinatown without breaking a sweat – The Town Apartments is a solid pick. It’s not flashy or over-the-top luxurious, but it feels lived-in and practical, like staying at a mate’s place who’s got their act together. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for that balance of convenience and that real city immersion you don’t get in the outer suburbs. Just pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper during event weekends, and you’ll be set.

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