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From63US$ /night
Check-in
06Mar2026Select date
Check-out
07Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Rooms

The Essence Hotel Carlton provides cosy, modern accommodation with stylish rooms. Each room offers comfortable furnishings and essential amenities to ensure a restful stay. Guests can unwind in a friendly atmosphere after exploring the city.

Location

Located on the fringe of Melbourne CBD, the hotel offers excellent access to key attractions. Just a short walk leads guests to the Melbourne Museum, Royal Exhibition Building, and the renowned Lygon Street Italian precinct. The Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central Shopping Centre are also nearby, providing ample shopping opportunities.

Amenities

The hotel includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. A 24-hour reception offers assistance at any time, while guest laundry services add convenience for long-term visitors. Recreational facilities include a gym, BBQ area, and a recreation area for guests to enjoy.

Dining

While the hotel does not have on-site dining, it is surrounded by a variety of eateries for guests to explore. The nearby Lygon Street Italian precinct is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Guests can taste local and international cuisine just moments from the hotel.

Wellness

The hotel encourages relaxation with a well-equipped gym available for guests. While wellness amenities like spas or pools are not listed, the recreational areas provide space for leisurely activities. The surrounding parkland invites outdoor exploration and leisure time.

Highlights

Location: fringe of Melbourne CBD with easy access to attractions .

Rooms: cosy, modern accommodation for a comfortable stay .

Amenities: 24-hour reception and guest laundry services .

Dining: diverse eateries nearby, including Lygon Street precinct .

“This hotel stands out for its prime location, a sweet spot that puts guests within easy reach of both the University of Melbourne and the lively Lygon Street. While compact, the rooms incorporate contemporary design, and the inclusion of a games room and communal kitchen offers unexpected bonuses for a 3-star property catering to both business and leisure travelers.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

Essence Hotel Carlton offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special 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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Facilities

Essence Hotel Carlton offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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 Experiences Around Essence Hotel Carlton
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol
7 minutes' walk
Historic jail with interactive exhibits. It's known for guided tours and iconic ghost tours at night.
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum
12 minutes' walk
Australia's largest museum featuring exhibits on natural and cultural history. Includes a stunning garden.
National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria
25 minutes' walk
Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, home to an extensive collection of international art.
Federation Square
Federation Square
20 minutes' walk
Cultural precinct with vibrant public events, galleries, restaurants, and access to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Biking Along the Yarra River
10 minutes' bike ride
Scenic bike trails suited for all levels, with bike rentals nearby. Great for exploring Melbourne's riverside.
Relaxation at Lincoln Square
3 minutes' walk
Peaceful park ideal for relaxation or picnics, featuring green spaces and shaded areas.
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo
25 minutes' drive
Home to over 320 animal species. Engaging tours and animal encounters available, perfect for families.
Toto's Pizza House
Toto's Pizza House
5 minutes' walk
Casual Italian eatery known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas. Vegetarian options available; reservations recommended.
Cafe Crema On Swanston
Cafe Crema On Swanston
3 minutes' walk
Charming cafe offering a variety of brunch dishes and excellent coffee. A popular spot for locals and travelers alike.
Lambs Restaurant
Lambs Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Warm ambiance with delicious modern Australian dishes, focusing on local ingredients. Ideal for couples and families.
Chinatown
Chinatown
15 minutes' walk
Vibrant area with restaurants, shops, and cultural events. Offers a unique taste of Asian culture in Melbourne.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne
25 minutes' walk
Iconic venue hosting performances and exhibitions. Check for live music events and family-friendly shows throughout the year.
Getting around
City Centre
Melbourne15 min  ·  4000 ft
Airports
Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)22 min  ·  9.0 mi
Tullamarine Airport (MEL)33 min  ·  13.3 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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Essence Hotel Carlton from previous guests about their experience.
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
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Good value
Tram line
Cons
Outdated TV
Loud shower
Limited storage
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 for privacy in the bathroom?
15 January 2024
Yes, the bathroom is equipped with a door for privacy.
Can guests check in at any time, even after midnight?
20 February 2024
Yes, the front desk operates 24 hours a day, allowing check-ins at any time.
Are the windows in the rooms operable for fresh air?
10 March 2024
Yes, the windows can be opened to let in fresh air.
Is there a self-laundry service available for guests?
25 March 2024
Yes, there is a guest self-laundry service at the hotel.
How close is the hotel to Lygon Street restaurants and tram stops?
05 April 2024
The hotel is conveniently located just a minute's walk from tram stops and a 5-minute stroll to the restaurants on Lygon Street.
What is the parking situation like? Is it undercover?
15 May 2024
There is an on-site undercover car park available at a rate of $29 per night.
Can parking be reserved in advance for a rental car?
30 May 2024
Yes, parking can be reserved in advance for a rental vehicle for $29 per night.
Is breakfast offered at the hotel?
20 June 2024
Breakfast is not provided on-site, but there are many cafes and restaurants within a short walk offering various options.
Is there a height restriction for vehicles in the parking area?
10 July 2024
Yes, there is a height limit of 2.1 meters for vehicles in the parking area.
What time can guests normally check in?
15 August 2024
Check-in starts at 14:00, and early check-in may be available for an additional fee.
How far is the hotel from Ikon Park?
05 September 2024
Ikon Park is approximately 3 kilometers away, which is about a 38-minute walk or a 23-minute tram ride.

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