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From63US$ /night
Check-in
19Jan2026Select date
Check-out
20Jan2026Select 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
7.7
7.6
/10
3.4
3.6
/5

Rooms: Comfort and Amenities

Essence Hotel Carlton has air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs with satellite/cable channels, WiFi, safes, and tea/coffee makers. Each room includes a private en suite bathroom with a hairdryer. Rooms offer a choice of one queen-sized bed or two single-sized beds. Non-smoking rooms are available. Added conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and laptop-friendly workspaces.

Dining

The hotel features a cafe with floor-to-ceiling windows and a retro tile service counter. Guests have access to a communal kitchen. There are restaurants on Gertrude Street. Essence Hotel Carlton is located in Carlton, near Lygon Street, an area known for Italian restaurants and pizzerias.

Leisure and Facilities

Guests can access an indoor courtyard, a gym, and a pool/games area. The hotel provides a smoking-friendly outdoor courtyard with red and black contemporary furniture. Other facilities include a laundromat, luggage storage, and facilities for disabled guests. A microwave and refrigerator are available in a common area.

Location and Access

Essence Hotel Carlton is located in Carlton, a short walk from the University of Melbourne and 700 meters from the State Library of Victoria. It is 22 km from Melbourne International Airport. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Melbourne's Free Tram Zone, which includes Federation Square and Queen Victoria Market. It's two tram stops from the city center. Nearby attractions include the Princess Theatre, Block Arcade Melbourne, and St Paul's Cathedral. The hotel is within walking distance of Queen Victoria Market and the Royal Exhibition Building.

Services Offered

The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and round-the-clock security. Guests can make use of the 24-hour fitness center. The hotel also offers 24-hour reception and self-service laundrette.

“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

The hotel 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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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

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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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)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
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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