Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Melbourne -37.82181900, 144.96582200 , 35-47 City Road (Show on Map)
8.3
Very Good


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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG, enjoys an exceptional reputation primarily due to its prime location, placing guests mere minutes from Southbank's vibrant riverfront and key attractions like the Eureka Tower, NGV, Flinders Street Station and the CBD. The centrality and easy parking access contribute significantly to guests' convenience, supporting hassle-free trips to popular destinations such as the Arts Centre, Crown Casino, the Botanical Gardens and Rod Laver Arena. Its peaceful ambiance, clean, modern rooms and spectacular city views enhance the serene retreat guests enjoy after a day of exploration, further complemented by nearby cafes, dining venues and shops.

Breakfast offerings at the hotel receive mixed reviews. On the positive side, the breakfast buffet, included in the room rate, is valued by guests for its variety, quality ingredients and the inclusion of gluten-free options. However, consistency issues such as cold hot selections, crowded dining areas and limited vegetarian choices occasionally mar the experience. Dinner options, though available, tend to be limited and often underwhelming with specific criticisms directed at microwave-heated dishes and lackluster pizza.

The hotel's rooms generally receive positive feedback for their cleanliness, modern design and comfort. Many guests appreciate the contemporary furnishings, effective layout and amenities like well-equipped bathrooms and blackout blinds. While some point out the rooms' compact size, their efficient design seems to mitigate this concern. Cleanliness is commendable overall, despite isolated instances of inadequate dusting or specific maintenance issues.

Guests frequently praise the staff for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The reception and breakfast area staff, in particular, receive accolades for their welcoming and efficient service, contributing to a positive experience from check-in to departure. Although occasional instances of staff being overwhelmed are mentioned, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards superb customer service.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered, but its performance varies. While some guests find the internet service excellent and fast, others report difficulties such as slow speeds, complicated connection procedures or unreliable service. Issues with Chromecast functionality and TV-related problems also occasionally surface.

The hotel gym provides a clean and adequately equipped space, though some guests note limited equipment and minimal facilities. The space is suitable for basic workouts, but expectations for extensive amenities may not be met.

Parking at the hotel is generally seen as convenient and reasonably priced with many guests appreciating the easy and accessible facilities. While some suggest improvements like clearer pre-booking options and additional parking spots, the general consensus aligns with positive feedback, emphasizing the hassle-free parking experience.

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank portrays a family-friendly atmosphere with comfortable, clean rooms and thoughtful amenities catering to family needs. While minor inconveniences like the occasional lack of highchairs are noted, these are typically manageable. The staff’s helpful and friendly demeanor further enhances the pleasant family experience.

The beds in the rooms earn mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to restful sleep. However, preferences for bed firmness and quality of bedding vary, occasionally affecting guests' comfort.

Overall, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank with its outstanding location, clean and modern facilities and supportive staff, provides great value for money, making it a reliable choice for both solo travelers and families.
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Categories
4-Star Hotel
This hotel offers modern and efficient accommodations in Southbank. It provides easy access to the Arts Precinct and Southbank Promenade.

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Business Hotel

Hotel with Parking

Accessible Hotel

Hotel with Gym

Room Types
Standard Queen Room - Free Breakfast Offering high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and in room safe. A flat screen Tv and USB points are also available.

Standard Twin Room - Free Breakfast Offering high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and in room safe. A flat screen TV and USB points are also available. This room has 2 king single-sized beds.

Standard Room with Free Breakfast This room offers high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and an in-room safe. A flat screen TV and USB points are also available.

Standard King Room - Free Breakfast Offering high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and in room safe. A flat screen Tv and USB points are also available.

Standard Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Free Breakfast Offering high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and in room safe. A flat screen Tv and USB points are also available.

Standard Queen Room - Accessible with Free Breakfast Offering high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and in room safe. A flat screen Tv and USB points are also available.

Standard King Room - High Floor/Free Breakfast Offering high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and in room safe. A flat screen Tv and USB points are also available.

Standard King Room - High Floor/Free Breakfast Offering high speed WiFi, power showers, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and in room safe. A flat screen Tv and USB points are also available.

Standard Queen Room - Accessible/High Floor with Free Breakfast Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with streaming services, soundproof walls, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit offers 1 bed.

Standard Queen Room - High Floor/Free Breakfast Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with streaming services, soundproof walls, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as a quiet street view. The unit has 1 bed.

Standard Twin Room - High Floor/Free Breakfast Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with streaming services, soundproof walls, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as a quiet street view. The unit has 2 beds.

Standard King Room with Botanic Garden View - Free Breakfast Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with streaming services, soundproof walls, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.

Standard Queen Room with Free Breakfast - High Floor Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with streaming services, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as a quiet street view. The unit has 2 beds.

Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG, boasts a prime location that consistently impresses guests. Positioned near Southbank, it is a mere three-minute walk to the vibrant riverfront filled with bars, restaurants and attractions like the Eureka Tower and NGV. It's also close to major landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, the Arts Centre, Crown Casino, Botanical Gardens and the MCG, making it ideal for exploring the city.

Guests appreciate the hotel's centrality, noting that it's within walking distance to the city's main attractions, including the CBD, arts precinct and public transport facilities. The convenience of the location coupled with easy parking access has been highlighted as a significant advantage, making trips to key destinations like Rod Laver Arena and Federation Square hassle-free.

The hotel provides a quiet and comfortable retreat with clean, modern rooms and spectacular city views, especially from higher floors. Guests find the hotel not only perfectly situated but also conducive to a peaceful stay after a day of city exploration. Proximity to amenities is another benefit with numerous cafes, dining venues and shops within easy reach. The inclusion of breakfast and reasonable parking rates adds to the overall value and positive experience.

In sum, the location of Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is its standout feature, offering guests exceptional convenience, excellent connectivity and access to the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Melbourne.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG, received mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the variety of options available, including pastries, cereals, yogurt and hot selections like bacon and eggs. Breakfast being included in the room rate was a pleasant surprise for many and added excellent value to their stay. The convenience of the buffet and the quality of ingredients were often praised with mentions of plentiful and delicious food, including gluten-free options.

However, there were also some consistent drawbacks. Several guests found the breakfast to be basic and repetitive with limited vegetarian and healthy options. The hot food, such as scrambled eggs, was sometimes criticized for being cold or poorly cooked. Crowded dining areas and long wait times for food replenishment were common complaints, particularly on weekends. Additionally, some guests felt that the overall breakfast experience did not always meet their expectations or the usual Holiday Inn standards.

Overall, while the breakfast offerings were generally satisfactory and often exceeded expectations in terms of variety and inclusion, there is room for improvement in consistency and quality of service.

Dinner
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank offers a 24/7 bar with access to tea and coffee, which is a convenient feature for guests. However, the hotel seems to struggle with its food offerings, particularly for lunch and dinner. While there are dinner meals available, the selection is limited and often heated in the microwave. Some guests found the main dishes to be monotonous and uninspired. Pizza received particularly negative feedback with descriptions ranging from terrible to the worst ever tasted.

The bar and restaurant areas received mixed reviews. Some guests appreciated the vibe, though they noted the limited food options. Others were disappointed by the soggy sweet potato chips and the unusual inclusion of zucchini at breakfast. The bar menu had potential but often fell short due to unavailability of specific dishes.

Breakfast options were somewhat better, though suggestions for regular orange juice and more environmentally-friendly utensils were made. Despite the positive aspects, such as the nice restaurant and cafe in the reception area, the absence of a dedicated in-house restaurant for lunch and dinner was a common complaint. Guests expressed a desire for more robust room service, regular barista-made coffee and better management of the coffee machine. Overall, while there are some conveniences, the dining options at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank leave much to be desired.

Rooms
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG, receives mixed reviews for its rooms, but the consensus leans towards positive feedback. Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, modern and comfortable. Many highlight the contemporary furnishings, effective layout and excellent amenities such as well-equipped bathrooms and blackout blinds. The beds are often described as comfy, contributing to a good night's sleep.

However, the size of the rooms is a point of contention with numerous guests noting that they are smaller than expected. Despite their compact nature, the rooms are designed efficiently to maximize utility. There are also occasional remarks about specific issues such as uncomfortable pillows, problems with the thermostat and minor maintenance issues like a leaking kettle or malfunctioning air conditioning.

Views from the rooms vary with some offering delightful cityscapes and good-sized windows, while others are described as lacking. Cleanliness is mostly praised, although a few guests have reported instances where housekeeping was not up to standard or the room was dusty.

Overall, the hotel's rooms offer a comfortable and modern stay with great value for money, especially given its prime location and functional design. While snug in size, the rooms are well-equipped to meet the needs of travelers, ensuring a pleasant experience for most guests.

Beds
The guest reviews of the beds at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank show a mixed range of opinions, yet predominantly highlight the beds as comfortable and conducive to a restful night's sleep. Many guests praised the beds, frequently describing them as comfortable, very comfortable or super comfortable. Some appreciated the choice of pillow options, including both soft and firm types.

However, a notable number of guests found the beds to be either too firm or uncomfortably hard with some specifically mentioning smaller bed sizes and a preference for king or queen beds. There were instances where the beds were deemed too soft or the bedding was found to be unpleasant or lacking in top sheets. Additionally, a few reviews highlighted issues with pillow quality, citing smelly or thin pillows and occasionally dirty pillowcases.

While the overall sentiment is positive, indicating the beds contribute to a good stay, it’s clear that individual preferences for bed firmness and bedding quality varied, affecting some guests' experiences significantly.

Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness across multiple aspects of the hotel. Guests frequently describe the rooms as clean, comfortable and modern with many commenting on the spotless condition of the facilities and the rooms being well-kept. Guests appreciate the clean and tidy bathrooms, as well as the overall tidy environment throughout the hotel.

The housekeeping service is mentioned positively with some noting daily cleaning services available. Common areas like the lobby, restaurant and parking also received commendations for their cleanliness. Additionally, the facilities are described as clean and in good order with modern, functional and comfortable amenities.

There were a few mentions of areas needing improvement, such as foyers needing vacuuming, some rooms not being adequately dusted and some guests encountering cleaning staff issues. Despite these minor concerns, the overall feedback points towards a consistently clean and pleasant hotel environment, making it a reliable choice for travelers who prioritize cleanliness and comfort.

Staff
The staff at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG, are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Many reviews highlight that the staff at the reception and breakfast areas are particularly welcoming and efficient, creating a positive experience from check-in to departure. Guests commonly describe the service as excellent with staff going out of their way to assist and maintain a courteous demeanor even under pressure.

The front desk is noted for their cheerfulness and a 'can-do' attitude, ensuring guests feel attended to and valued. While a few reviews mention instances of staff being overwhelmed or less responsive, the majority of feedback emphasizes the warm, accommodating and attentive nature of the team. Overall, the hotel's staff consistently receive commendations for their superb customer service, effectively managing high volumes of guests and maintaining a pleasant and friendly environment.

Wi-Fi
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank offers complimentary Wi-Fi for its guests, but feedback on its performance varies significantly. Many guests appreciated the excellent, fast and very good internet service, especially in their rooms. However, some experienced difficulties such as slow speeds, complicated connection procedures and issues with reliability. Several guests reported being unable to connect at all or having poor service in their rooms. There were also mentions of Chromecast not working and general TV issues related to the internet. While some found the Wi-Fi quick and efficient after sorting it out with reception, others felt that the free service was not up to par. Overall, the Wi-Fi service range seemed to span from satisfactory to problematic, depending on individual experiences.

Gym
The gym at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank offers a clean and well-maintained space with daily cleaning and well-stocked towels. The fitness center is adequate for business trips, featuring essential equipment and disinfectant wipes for the machines. However, some guests noted that the gym has limited equipment and minimal facilities. While described by some as "well equipped" and a "nice small gym," others felt the photos online did not accurately represent the facilities and mentioned issues like dirty yoga mats. Overall, it provides the basics for a workout, but don't expect extensive amenities.

Parking
The reviews for parking at the Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank reveal commendable convenience and ease overall. Guests appreciated the easy and accessible parking options, whether it was included in their package or available onsite for an additional fee. Many highlighted that parking was reasonably priced or even cheap with some mentioning a $10 parking coupon or free overnight parking provided onsite. Various comments praised the secure and spacious parking facilities, attributing to a hassle-free experience.

While the majority found parking convenient and stress-free, a few guests did note some challenges. There were mentions of an inefficient or confusing parking setup, alongside limited parking spaces for tall vehicles and a lack of valet services. Some reviews pointed out that the parking could get expensive with the rate of $35 per night being a significant point of contention. Additional parking spots and clearer pre-booking options were suggested as potential improvements.

Despite these minor issues, the general sentiment leaned positive with many guests finding great value in the parking facilities provided at the hotel. It seems that for most, the ease and security of parking significantly contributed to an overall pleasant stay.

Family
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank offers an inviting atmosphere ideal for families. Guests frequently highlighted its family-friendly focus and praised its accommodating nature for both parents and children. Reviews generally pointed out that the rooms were comfortable, clean and spacious enough for families with facilities providing an easy stay for family units. The hotel also showed a thoughtful approach to family needs by offering extra bedding for children and ensuring comfortable stays.

Though a few mentioned minor inconveniences like a lack of highchairs some mornings or slight discomfort with the bedding, these issues were generally considered manageable. The large windows in the rooms were particularly appreciated by families, despite minimal concerns about privacy.

Staff at the hotel were described as friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall positive experience for families. The hotel's family-centric environment appeared to contribute to a pleasant stay with kids seeming to enjoy themselves, which in turn made for happier family vacations.

Some felt the accommodations might be better suited for families rather than groups of colleagues or friends due to the room layout and amenities provided. Overall, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is recognized for its dedication to providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families, making it a practical choice for those traveling with children.

4 Star
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG, stands out for its impressive quality of service and accommodations. Recognized as the best-rated hotel by many visitors, this four-star hotel provides excellent value for money with its affordable rates. Guests appreciate the modern, well-maintained rooms that align with four-star cleanliness and overall standards. The superb facilities contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable stay, making it a great choice for travelers seeking good value.

The hotel is often praised for its wonderful rooms and incredible breakfasts, which have been likened to those of other high-quality establishments. The friendliness and activeness of the staff further enhance the guest experience, adding to the overall positive ambiance. The premises are frequently highlighted for being clean and well-kept, reinforcing the hotel's reputation for quality.

Ultimately, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank delivers a true four-star experience, meeting and often exceeding guest expectations. For those looking for an excellent stay at a reasonable price point, this hotel is a top recommendation.

Business
The Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is highly favorable for business travelers. The location stands out as ideal for those coming to the city for work with a central position that facilitates easy access to business districts. Guests found the hotel exceptionally functional, catering well to the needs of a business trip with everything required for a productive stay.

Business amenities are notably comprehensive, including a business center and additional business meeting areas, which were described as decent. Rooms are tailored for functionality, ensuring a comfortable and efficient environment for getting work done. Whether it's a stay for one night or more, the hotel meets the expectations of business travelers by providing all essential facilities. Despite some minor issues, the hotel consistently delivers a perfect space for business stays, confirmed by numerous satisfied guests.

Accessible
The Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel, appears to deliver a generally positive experience for guests with disabilities. The hotel features a wheelchair-accessible environment, ensuring easy check-in and check-out processes. Guests appreciated the accessible rooms which provided extra space and necessary modifications such as accessible bathrooms and showers. The accessible carpark and convenient facilities added to the ease of access for those with mobility challenges.

While the accessibility of the hotel overall received good feedback, there were mentions of some areas that could benefit from improved accessibility, particularly within the bathrooms. Despite this, the hotel's central location and walkable distance to many attractions made it a favorable choice for guests wanting to explore Melbourne with ease. Overall, the accessible features and centralized location of the Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank made it a reliable and convenient option for travelers with disabilities.


No, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG.

No, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG.

Yes, Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG has a gym.

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