voco Melbourne Central

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the voco Melbourne Central kind of by accident last time I was in town – I mean, I was aiming for something central but not too flashy, and this place on Lonsdale Street just popped up. It’s right there at 374 Lonsdale, smack in the middle of the CBD, where the trams rattle by every few minutes and the air smells like fresh coffee from those hole-in-the-wall spots on Little Bourke nearby. Honestly, arriving after a long flight, the check-in was a breeze – the staff were all smiles, no fuss with paperwork, and they even hooked me up with a room upgrade because it was a quiet Tuesday in autumn. The lobby’s got this modern vibe, with plush couches and that faint scent of eucalyptus from their diffusers (or maybe it’s just Melbourne’s vibe seeping in), but it’s not overwhelming – more like a chic apartment building than a stuffy hotel.

What really won me over, though, was how it feels like a smart base for exploring. My room on the higher floors overlooked the hustle of Lonsdale – you can hear the distant buzz from Hardware Lane’s restaurants at night, but it’s not intrusive; actually, the double-glazed windows keep things pretty peaceful, especially if you’re jet-lagged and crashing early. The bed was ridiculously comfy, with those crisp white sheets that make you sink in, and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that feels like a spa treatment after wandering around Queen Victoria Market all morning (pro tip: go early for the best doughnuts, it’s just a five-minute walk). Breakfast downstairs is solid – think smashed avo on toast with decent coffee, nothing groundbreaking but way better than the chain stuff – and there’s a little gym if you’re into that, though I mostly used it to shake off the winter chill. Oh, and parking? It’s valet, which is handy in this packed area, but brace yourself for the fee if you’re driving; otherwise, just hop on the free tram zone that loops right outside. One minor gripe: the Wi-Fi can lag during peak hours, like when everyone’s streaming after work, but it’s free and reliable enough for emails.

All in all, with its 4-star setup and that 8.9 rating floating around (which feels spot-on from my stay), the voco’s perfect if you’re the type who wants to dive into Melbourne without the hassle. It’s not the ritziest spot – no infinity pool or anything – but it’s authentic, you know? Close enough to pop over to Bourke Street for shopping or duck into a laneway bar, yet tucked away so you can recharge. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the city’s blooming and the streets are alive, but maybe avoid peak summer if crowds aren’t your thing. If you’re visiting for the food scene or just to soak up the vibe, this place gets it right without trying too hard.

Rooms

• Standard Room with 1 large double bed, or and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard King Room – High Floor with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium King Room with City View with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium Room with 2 single beds, or and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium King Room with Tub – High Floor with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium King Room with Tub with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard Twin Room – High Floor with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium Room with Two Single Beds with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium King Room – High Floor with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium Twin Room – High Floor with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium King Room with City View – High Floor with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard King Room – Disability Access with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Pui from Hong Kong (9/10)

  Very conveniently located at CBD, can reach major tourist spots at CBD in walkable distance.
  Facilities are new and clean, with modern cosy design.
  Staffs at reception are extremely friendly.
  Still and sparkling water are provided at reception free of charge. Residents can use the glass bottles provided to get unlimited water freely.
  Has many good cafes and restaurants nearby.

• Carolyn from Australia (9/10)

  Staff were excellent, especially Elisia on reception, lovely ambience in the hotel, food was excellent.

• Michael from Australia (9/10)

  Location is great – close to everything in the CBD

• Vicky from New Zealand (9/10)

  It provided everything we required

• Jordan from Australia (9/10)

  The location, the quality of the rooms, the services was amazing. But most importantly the bed and pillow was the most comfortable I have slept on. Best 4 nights of sleep.

• Sarinya from Australia (8/10)

  The lift system was great, we felt secure staying there. The view was amazing, we could see the fireworks from the Yarra. The big mirror was a plus, and there were good toiletries in the room. The bed was comfy, however the room was small. Overall, it was ok for a short stay.

• Sims from Australia (9/10)

  Its location

• Vranks from Australia (8/10)

  The style of the rooms

• Fernando from Australia (8/10)

  The interior, cleanliness and the food

• Kathryn from Australia (8/10)

  The staff were lovely and friendly

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities