

Hotel Description
I remember stumbling upon VAQUAY Warehouse 33 during a quick getaway to Melbourne last spring – you know, that time of year when the laneways are buzzing with street art tours and the air smells like fresh coffee from those hidden roasteries. Tucked away on Drewery Lane, right off Lonsdale Street, it’s one of those spots that feels like a secret even though it’s smack in the heart of the CBD. I mean, I pulled up in an Uber after dodging the trams on Elizabeth Street, and there it was: this converted warehouse with its gritty brick facade and industrial vibes that scream old Melbourne – think exposed beams and that faint echo of the city’s warehouse history. Check-in was a breeze, actually; the staff were these laid-back locals who handed over the keycard with tips on where to grab the best dumplings nearby (spoiler: it’s Chinatown, just a five-minute walk down Little Bourke). No fuss, no long lines – well, except maybe during peak footy season when the crowds spill over from the MCG.
What really hooked me, though, was how the place nails that balance between cool and comfortable. The rooms – ours was this loft-style suite with high ceilings and a kitchenette that actually had decent cookware (none of that flimsy stuff you find in some spots) – felt like a proper urban hideout. You get that warehouse texture everywhere: rough concrete floors softened by plush rugs, and big windows letting in the afternoon light that bounces off the graffiti murals outside. Honestly, it’s quiet for a laneway hotel; sure, you might hear the occasional laughter from the bars on Hardware Lane drifting up at night, but it’s more atmospheric than annoying – sort of like white noise from the city that never sleeps. And parking? Forget it if you’re driving; we ditched the car at one of those pricey lots on Exhibition Street and walked everywhere. But that’s the beauty – you’re steps from Queen Victoria Market for those early morning flat whites and fresh produce, or you can hop on a tram to Fed Square for the galleries. Oh, and the Wi-Fi is lightning fast, which saved me during a rainy afternoon when I needed to catch up on work (or, let’s be real, binge some shows).
Look, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Melbourne’s soul without the sterile chain-hotel feel, this is your spot. It’s not perfect – the bathrooms are on the compact side, and if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs for those weekend nights when the laneway parties kick off – but with a 9.5 rating, it’s clear most folks love it for what it is: authentic, convenient for exploring, and way more character than your average four-star. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in autumn when the leaves turn and the vibe is just electric. You know what? Book it for a long weekend; you’ll thank me after your first wander down to Degraves Street for brunch.
Rooms
- Two-Bedroom Apartment with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults


Reviews
Jue from Singapore (10/10)
Great location, clean and spacious.
Angie from New Zealand (9/10)
Excellent central location right next to a couple of large malls and very close to Chinatown and a Woolworths supermarket. Tram stops close by. A very nice bakery and coffee place right in the lane. The apartment was very stylish and very well stocked with bathroom, kitchen and laundry products. Although no service of the rooms, extra bathroom towels were provided. The kitchen was fully stocked with appliances large and small, cooking tools and serveware to cook meals. Heat pump/air conditioner and ceiling fan in the living area, wall heater in main bedroom and fan heater/cooler in second bedroom. Great to have an indoor parking space provided.
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SURROUNDINGS
What’s nearby:
- Wesley Place: 400 m
- Carlton Gardens: 600 m
- Community Garden: 550 m
- Old Melbourne Gaol: 500 m
- Southbank Promenade: 1.2 km
- Living Legacy Forest: 850 m
- Kurth Kiln Regional Park: 1 km
- Manchester Unity Building: 550 m
- Victoria University City Tower: 500 m
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 1 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar Little Rogue: 40 m
- Restaurant D House Cafe: 10 m
- Restaurant David’s Master Pot: 30 m
Top attractions:
- Eureka Tower: 1.4 km
- Melbourne Zoo: 3.7 km
- Rialto Towers: 1.4 km
- Cooks’ Cottage: 1.9 km
- Melbourne Museum: 1.4 km
- Immigration Museum: 1.4 km
- Old Treasury Building: 1.3 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 2.5 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 1.7 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 2.9 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Ornamental Lake: 2.7 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Elwood Beach: 9 km
- St Kilda Beach: 7 km
- Sandridge Beach: 5 km
- Middle Park Beach: 5 km
Public transport:
- Metro Flagstaff: 800 m
- Train Flagstaff Train Station: 800 m
- Train Parliament Train Station: 950 m
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 250 m
- Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 15 km
- Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 15 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 19 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 22 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 10 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Kitchen:
- Dining table
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Tumble dryer
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Bathroom:
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Outdoors:
- Patio
Food & Drink:
- Tea/Coffee maker
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
Room Amenities:
- Clothes rack
- Fan
- Ironing facilities
Languages spoken:
- English
Media & Technology:
- TV
Great for your stay:
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Kitchen
- Free parking
- Washing machine


Rules
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Check-out:
- Until 10:00
Age restriction:
- The minimum age for check-in is 18
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:
Comfort:
Location:
Facilities:
Cleanliness:
Value for money:
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