Single Room Single Bed only
- 1 Single bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Hotel · Melbourne · Victoria
Essence Hotel Carlton
A 3-star stay on Swanston Street, within walking distance of Melbourne's restaurants, bars, and tram stops.
- Central Swanston Street location
- On-site parking available
- Friendly staff and smooth check-in
7.6
Very good
1243 reviews
Booking.com 7.6 · 1243 reviews
About
Essence Hotel Carlton
Essence Hotel Carlton sits on Swanston Street, putting you close to Melbourne's CBD, Lygon Street's eateries, and the nearest tram stop. The 3-star property is rated 7.6 from 1,243 reviews, with rooms scoring 8 and service 8.
The hotel offers straightforward amenities: free Wi-Fi, air conditioning in every room, a lift, luggage storage, and a 24-hour front desk. On-site parking is available, and the property also has a restaurant and a sun terrace, plus BBQ facilities.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Central location on Swanston Street — Guests repeatedly highlight the proximity to restaurants, bars, and the tram stop, making it easy to explore the CBD and Carlton.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Staff are consistently described as amicable and super friendly, with smooth check-in and good local tips.
- Good breakfast options — Breakfast is noted for variety, including sausages, bacon, and decent coffee, adding value to the stay.
- On-site parking and late check-out — Having parking on site is a practical plus in central Melbourne, and guests appreciated the late check-out.
–
Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Limited check-in window — Check-in is only between 14:00 and 20:00, which may inconvenience arrivals outside these hours.
- No pets allowed — The property does not accommodate pets, so travelers with animals need to look elsewhere.
- Mixed reviews on room storage — At least one guest noted minimal storage in the room, which could be a consideration for longer stays.
- Lower cleanliness rating — While overall rating is 7.6, the general category is 7.8 and some reviews note the property is well-maintained but not perfect.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Deluxe Queen Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Standard Twin Room
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Standard Queen Room
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Wi-Fi
- No smoking on site
- Lift
- Key card access
- Key access
- Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Food & Drink
- Vending machines
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Electric kettle
- BBQ facilities
Services
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Luggage storage
- Laundry
- Fax/Photocopying
Room & Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
- Free toiletries
- Flat-screen TV
Recreation
- Sun terrace
- Leisure/ TV room
- Game room
- Fitness centre
Accessibility
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Family
- Cots
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.6/10 from 1,243 reviews
Booking.com · 7.6 · 1243 reviews
7.6Verified guest“The location was handy, with Swanston Street just a short walk away, and the downstairs lounge was cosy.”
7.6Verified guest“Very central spot, close to Lygon Street.”
7.6Verified guest“Everything was great, including the facilities. Central location, ideal for exploring Melbourne. Near restaurants and bars. Easy check-in, parking on site. Late check-out. My go-to hotel in Melbourne.”
7.6Verified guest“Spotlessly clean and roomy. Breakfast was solid, with tasty coffee and tinned fruit.”
7.6Verified guest“Breakfast had plenty of choice, and the sausages and bacon were good. Location was excellent, close to Swanston Street, bars, and restaurants.”
7.6Verified guest“Rooms had computers, tea, and a shower.”
04 — Location
Getting around Melbourne
The property sits in Melbourne.
Getting around: The nearest tram stop is a short walk away, giving quick access to the CBD and other parts of Melbourne. Free city circle transport is also nearby.
Food and drink: Lygon Street's cafes and restaurants are close by, and guests also mention good options around Swanston Street and near the hotel.
Sights: Melbourne Museum is about a 10-15 minute walk, and Federation Square is within reach. The Eureka Skydeck is around a 25-minute walk from the hotel.
609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3053, Australia
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-20:00
- Check-out
- By 10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 47 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 20:00, and check-out is by 10:00.
Is parking available on site?
Yes, the hotel offers parking on site.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
Does the hotel provide breakfast?
Guests praise the breakfast, which includes options like sausages, bacon, and coffee. It appears to be included in the stay.
Is there air conditioning in the rooms?
Yes, all room types are listed with air conditioning and heating.
The bottom line
Essence Hotel Carlton is a solid, practical choice for travelers wanting a central base in Melbourne, with friendly staff and breakfast included. Its Swanston Street location puts you near trams and dining, though the check-in hours and lack of pet policy may be limiting for some.
7.6A dependable mid-range stay in the heart of Carlton.
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