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From63US$ /night
Check-in
10Feb2026Select date
Check-out
11Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3053
-
Close to the city center
Very good
7.6
7.6
/10
3.3
3.5
/5

Essence Hotel Carlton - A Contemporary 3-Star Melbourne Hotel in Little Italy District

Located in Carlton's vibrant Little Italy district, this contemporary Melbourne hotel sits just 2296.6 ft from the State Library of Victoria. The 3-star Essence Hotel Carlton features 235 air-conditioned rooms equipped with LCD TVs, laptop-compatible safes, and private en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. A Thai restaurant and Hotel Foyer café with floor-to-ceiling windows serve guests, while a 24-hour fitness center, communal kitchen, and games area provide recreational options. The property includes a smoking-friendly outdoor courtyard decorated with bold red and black furniture. Daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk service, and facilities for disabled guests ensure smooth operations. Positioned just two tram stops from Melbourne's CBD, the hotel stands within a 10-minute walk of the Free Tram Zone connecting to Federation Square and Queen Victoria Market.

Pros

Located 5 minutes' walk from University of Melbourne and Lygon Street's trattorias

Eight restaurants within 300-1640.4 ft, including Wokks, Super Ling, and Kaprica

Walking distance to Carlton Gardens and Old Melbourne Gaol

Sci-fi inspired red leather headboards add distinctive design elements

Cons

13.5 miles from Melbourne International Airport

Located outside the CBD's Free Tram Zone

“Essence Hotel Carlton strikes me as a practical choice in a prime spot; I'd say it's ideal for travellers who value location near the University of Melbourne and Lygon Street's dining scene above all else. The inclusion of a communal kitchen and games room is a welcome surprise, setting it apart from other hotels in its class. Though some aspects appear basic, the affordability and accessibility to key attractions make it a worthwhile consideration for budget-conscious visitors.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive 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

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 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
Explore Melbourne
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol
7 minutes' walk
Historic jail with intriguing exhibits about Australia's notorious criminals. Guided tours available.
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum
12 minutes' walk
Comprehensive natural and cultural history museum showcasing Australia's diverse heritage. Great for families.
Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens
12 minutes' walk
Stunning gardens housing the Royal Exhibition Building. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria
25 minutes' walk
Renowned art gallery displaying diverse collections from Australian to international art. Free admission.
Bike Riding along the Yarra River
10 minutes' ride
Enjoy scenic bike paths along the Yarra River. Bikes available for rent nearby; perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Zen Wellness Spa
10 minutes' walk
Relax with rejuvenating spa treatments in a tranquil setting. Appointments recommended for best availability.
Toto's Pizza House
Toto's Pizza House
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery famous for authentic Italian pizzas and friendly service. Great for families and groups.
Lambs Restaurant
Lambs Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Cozy spot serving modern Australian cuisine. Known for its fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.
Cafe Crema On Swanston
Cafe Crema On Swanston
3 minutes' walk
Charming café known for its quality coffee and breakfast options. Perfect for a quick bite or leisurely brunch.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne
25 minutes' walk
Cultural venue hosting performances from theater to concerts. Check schedules for family-friendly shows.
Fitzroy Street Bars
10 minutes' drive
Vibrant nightlife area with bars and live music. Great spot for evening entertainment and local brews.
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
FAQs
About Essence Hotel Carlton
How far is Essence Hotel Carlton from Melbourne Airport?
Essence Hotel Carlton is located 22 km from Melbourne Airport, approximately a 35-minute drive.
What check-in and check-out times are set at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Which notable attractions are near Essence Hotel Carlton?
Nearby attractions include the Queen Victoria Market (1 km), Royal Exhibition Building (1 km), and Melbourne Museum (1 km).
Is parking available at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Private parking is available on-site for 29 AUD per day, and reservation is needed.
What are the dining options at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Dining options nearby include Wokks, Humble Rays, Torissong, and Kazuki's, all located within 0.5 km.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box, and a private en suite bathroom with a hairdryer.
What facilities does Essence Hotel Carlton provide for guests?
The hotel offers a fitness centre, indoor courtyard, communal kitchen, games room, and luggage storage.
Does Essence Hotel Carlton offer any accessibility features?
Essence Hotel Carlton provides facilities for disabled guests and wheelchair access.
What types of guests are catered to by Essence Hotel Carlton?
The hotel caters to business travelers and leisure travelers, providing amenities for both demographics.
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Essence Hotel Carlton.
What languages do the staff at Essence Hotel Carlton speak?
The staff at Essence Hotel Carlton speak English.
What kind of fitness amenities does Essence Hotel Carlton provide?
Guests can access a fitness centre and a games room at Essence Hotel Carlton.
How close is Essence Hotel Carlton to the city center?
Essence Hotel Carlton is only 2 tram stops from the city center.

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