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From63US$ /night
Check-in
07Mar2026Select date
Check-out
08Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3053
-
Close to the Old Melbourne Gaol
Very good
7.6
7.7
/10
3.3
3.5
/5

Location

The Essence Hotel Carlton is situated on the fringe of Melbourne CBD, within walking distance to notable attractions. Guests can easily access the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building nearby. Additionally, Lygon Street's famous Italian precinct is just a short stroll away for diverse dining options.

Accommodation

The hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms tailored for rest after city exploration. Rooms include amenities designed for ease, featuring comfortable bedding and stress-free layouts. Each room provides a welcoming space for guests, enhancing their stay in Melbourne.

Amenities

On-site amenities include a well-equipped gym and recreational area available for guest use. Additionally, the hotel features BBQ facilities for casual dining experiences outdoors. With daily housekeeping and 24-hour reception, convenience is prioritized throughout the guests' stay.

Accessibility

The hotel provides easy access to public transportation, facilitating travel throughout Melbourne. Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central Shopping Centre lie within a short walk, offering guests shopping and dining experiences. Airport and city connections are readily available, ensuring hassle-free arrivals and departures.

Family-Friendly

The Essence Hotel Carlton accommodates families with spacious room options designed for comfort and convenience. Nearby attractions cater to children, making family outings enjoyable and accessible. Children's amenities are available, enhancing the family experience during the stay.

Highlights

Location: Close to Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building .

Rooms: Stylish and modern rooms offer comfort and convenience .

Amenities: Well-equipped gym and BBQ facilities .

Accessibility: Easy access to public transportation and shopping centers .

Must-do experiences

  • Savor a hot jam donut from the iconic Queen Victoria Market.
  • Explore the vibrant street art in Hosier Lane; it's a living gallery!
  • Visit the Melbourne Museum for a deep dive into local culture.
  • Relax at the Royal Botanic Gardens; don't miss the lake views.
  • Indulge in a laneway coffee at Degraves Street; it's a local favorite.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Single Room Single Bed only
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Queen Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Handicap parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Laundry

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Essence Hotel Carlton Location

609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3053
Map view
609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3053
Nearby
Museum
Old Melbourne Gaol
1900 ft
Lygon Street
Lygon Street
1900 ft
Restaurants
Cafe Crema On Swanston
600 ft
488 Swanston St
Toto's Pizza House
1200 ft
101 Lygon St Carlton
The First Bigmama
800 ft
466 Swanston St
IL Dolce Freddo
1300 ft
116 Lygon Street
Lambs Restaurant
1100 ft
98-100 Lygon St Carlton
ILoveIstanbul
1000 ft
95 Lygon St
Saigon Pho Carlton
1200 ft
106 Lygon Street
Shukufuku Japanese Bento
1400 ft
126 Lygon St
Artee Cafe
1400 ft
62 Lygon St
Don Tojo
1800 ft
164 Cardigan St
Explore Melbourne
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol
7 minutes' walk
Historical site where notorious criminals were imprisoned; offers engaging tours and exhibits showcasing Melbourne's criminal history.
National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria
25 minutes' walk
Renowned art museum housing an impressive collection of international and Australian art; free admission on most days.
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum
12 minutes' walk
Cultural institution featuring exhibits on natural history, culture, and indigenous heritage; perfect for families and history buffs.
Federation Square
Federation Square
20 minutes' walk
Civic space known for events and gatherings, hosting galleries and restaurants; a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment.
Biking along Yarra River
25 minutes' walk
Scenic biking trails offer breathtaking views; bike rentals available nearby. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and leisurely riders.
Relaxation at Lincoln Square
3 minutes' walk
Beautiful park perfect for a peaceful escape; ideal for picnics or a quiet moment away from the city's hustle.
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo
25 minutes' walk
Home to over 300 species; experience wildlife up close. Great for families and offers special events throughout the year.
Cafe Crema On Swanston
Cafe Crema On Swanston
3 minutes' walk
Charming café famous for its artisanal coffee and breakfast options; cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal.
Toto's Pizza House
Toto's Pizza House
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery serving authentic Italian pizza; vibrant vibe with a local flair. Reservations recommended during peak hours.
IL Dolce Freddo
IL Dolce Freddo
5 minutes' walk
Lavish gelateria known for gourmet ice creams; great for a sweet treat. Vegan options available for dietary needs.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne
25 minutes' walk
Cultural precinct hosting performances from ballet to live music; check the schedule for family-friendly events.
Melbourne's Comedy Festival
20 minutes' walk
Annual festival showcasing stand-up, improv, and more; ideal for a night of laughter. Many shows suitable for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Melbourne15 min  ·  4000 ft
Airports
Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)22 min  ·  9.0 mi
Tullamarine Airport (MEL)32 min  ·  13.2 mi
Train
Flagstaff Train Station14 min  ·  3700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at AUD 29 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Italian, Danish, Chinese, Hindi, Bahasa Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Tagalog / Filipino
Number of floors:
5
Number of rooms:
47
Former name
Ibis Melbourne Swanston Street

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review score
Based on 359 verified reviews
7.4/10
Very good
74%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.7/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Comfort
8.1/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Location
8.9/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.1/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Good shower
Close location
Free tram zone
Cons
Firm mattress
Guest reviews
based on 1152 reviews
7.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Essence Hotel Carlton
Is there a door to the bathroom in the rooms?
12 January 2025
Yes, all rooms are equipped with a bathroom door for privacy.
Can guests check in after midnight given the 24-hour front desk service?
5 February 2024
Yes, check-in is available at any time as the front desk operates around the clock.
Are the windows in the rooms designed to open?
15 March 2024
Yes, the windows can be opened for fresh air.
Is it convenient to access tram services and nearby restaurants?
22 February 2024
Absolutely! The hotel is just a minute's walk from tram stops, and popular Lygon Street restaurants are within a 5-minute stroll.
Is there an on-site car parking option?
10 April 2024
Yes, there is an on-site car park available at a rate of $29 per night.
What is the bond amount for using a debit card?
19 April 2024
A $1 hold on the credit card or a refundable cash bond of $200 is required, depending on the payment method.
Is there an elevator that provides access from the parking area to the rooms?
25 May 2024
Yes, a lift connects the car park to the accommodation floors.
Is breakfast available at the hotel?
30 August 2024
Unfortunately, there are no breakfast facilities, but you can find various dining options within a 5-minute walk.
Is there a height restriction for vehicles in the parking area?
23 September 2024
Yes, the parking area has a height limit of 2.1 meters.
How far is the hotel from Ikon Park?
8 January 2025
It takes approximately 38 minutes to walk to Ikon Park, or 23 minutes by tram.
What time does check-in usually start?
17 March 2025
Check-in is available starting at 14:00.
Do the rooms offer any facilities for guests to do their laundry?
29 April 2024
Guest self-laundry services are available at the hotel.

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