Essence Hotel Carlton

Hotels
609 Swanston Street , Melbourne , AU

Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Heating
BBQ facilities
Lift / Elevator
Laundry
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Cons:
Room size too small
Amenities could improve

Categories

Cleanliness
8.13
Rooms are mentioned as clean.
Service
8.6
Very helpful staff.
Location
8.64
Great location, convenient for the areas we were visiting.
Room Quality
7.09
Twin rooms are too small.
Amenities
7.12
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Value for Money
7.58
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
7.13
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Overall Experience
8.1
Enjoyed the stay, it was convenient.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 17:44

Property Description

Prime Location near Universities and Attractions

Located just a short stroll from the University of Melbourne and Lygon Street, Essence Hotel Carlton offers a convenient stay for academic visits and exploration of the vibrant city. With key landmarks like RMIT University, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Museum within walking distance, guests can immerse themselves in the culture and history of Melbourne.

Abundance of Amenities

Guests at Essence Hotel Carlton can unwind in the indoor courtyard, stay active in the gym, and socialize in the communal kitchen and pool/games area. The hotel ensures a comfortable stay with air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, and work desk.

Convenient Services

The 24-hour front desk and guest laundry facilities cater to the needs of every guest, providing assistance and convenience throughout their stay. Experience the essence of Melbourne at Essence Hotel Carlton.

Important information:

Please note that the maximum height restriction for the parking lot is 6.9 feet.

Luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Please note that there is a 2% charge when you pay with a credit card, in addition to the total amount payable (excluding prepaid rates).

Please note that there is a 3% charge when you pay with an American Express credit card in addition to the total amount payable (excluding prepaid rates).

Please note that early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability on the day, additional fees may apply.
Please contact the hotel for more information, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: MEL

Location

Guest Reviews

Cleanliness: 8.13
Service: 8.6
Location: 8.64
Room Quality: 7.09
Amenities: 7.12
Value for Money: 7.58
Food and Beverage: 7.13
Overall Experience: 8.1
L
Linda • couple • au
8
2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
J
Janelle • solo_traveller • au
10
Pros:

Location was excellent, friendly staff, very clean

Cons:

Nothing to report

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
L
Ladbrooke • solo_traveller • au
8
Exactly as expected
Pros:

Modern and comfy rooms and service was very nice

Cons:

I picked the location specifically for access to the Uni but if I was on a city break, it wouldn’t be the right location. Lots of students hanging out around the public areas.

2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
A
Aleisha • solo_traveller • au
7
Pros:

In a great location, not too far to walk or catch public transport- some great restaurants around. Comfortable and clean, with good amenities.

Cons:

If you have to check in late, you have to phone and don't have access to the building until this process is completed. I was travelling by myself and didn't feel safe providing my details outside on a busy Friday night.

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
A
Anne • solo_traveller • au
9
2026-09-02 • via Nuitee
J
Junko • couple • jp
8
気楽で使いやすい宿だった。また泊まるかもしれない。
Pros:

値段。頑張ればフリートラムゾーンにも歩いて行ける。眺望の良い部屋にもしてもらえた。

Cons:

洗面台の排水が悪かった。ハンガーが使いにくかった。でも値段が安いから許せる。

2026-08-30 • via Nuitee
T
Tammy • solo_traveller • au
8
2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
T
Tammy • solo_traveller • au
10
Pros:

Its quite, comfortable Always clean Staff are alwats gelpful
Walking distance to CBD

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
A
Arbie James • couple • au
7
Good
Pros:

Near shops

Cons:

It's clean but some parts like the toilet bowl still have some stains.. The bed, my wife got bitten by a little bug. And the tv is not working.

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole • solo_traveller • au
8
2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
Z
Zoe • couple • au
10
Great hotel
Pros:

I stayed at n a small and perfect room. Everything was spotless and the bed was comfy.

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
A
Abbie • couple • au
6
Check in time was 2pm however due to lack of staff we were not able to check in till close till 3 and this effect my per
Pros:

Great location a short walk from Melbourne central station

Cons:

Lack of staff led to room not being available on time

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
M
Markaylea • solo_traveller • au
5
Pros:

Clean and tidy

Cons:

Could hear people above and below us. No privacy. Pipes made a lot of noise at night, could hear people in other rooms using the toilet

2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
M
Martine • couple • au
9
We’d choose to stay again
Pros:

Location, cleanliness

Cons:

Needed more pillows

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
T
Tama • couple • au
10
2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
J
John • solo_traveller • au
3
This should be pitched as budget/student style accomodation, not a hotel.
Pros:

The location is really all this venue has going for it.

Cons:

Despite the high price, the room comprised two single beds, was incredibly small and poorly finished. with no mini bar. Being part of a student accomodation facility was unexpected and unwelcome.

2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • solo_traveller • au
1
Uncomfortable.
Pros:

The location only.

Cons:

Room 330 was inadequate as the furniture was broken causing me to fall. Also there was no powerpoint by teh bed for me to charge my phone and set my alarm. The room was changed to 328 for teh second night but the ironing board feel in front of me upon arrival as its mounting was compromised. I require a 50% discount please.

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
M
Mukesh • solo_traveller • in
3
2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
M
Malama • solo_traveller • au
10
2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
R
Renuka • solo_traveller • sg
9
Pros:

I was in Melbourne to drop off my daughter at SCAPE. My stay was safe, comfortable.
Thanks

Cons:

Mattress too soft

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee