Punthill Essendon

You could rate this accommodation as fancy mid range, with excellent access to local shops, supermarket, restaurants, cafes, DFO, Highpoint SC and Westfield Airport West SC. There is also a reassuring Medical Centre a few doors down. Being midway between Tullamarine Airport and Melbourne CBD, these apartments are very good value. Reception closes at 8pm, but the locked box process beside the entrance door is not difficult. There is a spacious lift that goes from the underground private carpark to the 3rd floor. I had no problem with my walker and luggage. My room was on the front corner of the building, overlooking Bulla Rd roundabout on west side and Coles Essendon carpark to the north side. Had a great view of the trams and Keilor Rd. I chose the one bedroom apartment, and had ample space for moving around. Bathroom was particularly spacious, enough room to swing a cat. I even had a balcony extending from the bedroom, facing westerly. Because of the handy position of my accommodation, I found Uber transport to be quite reasonable for my budget. I found Essendon to be a friendly and safe place to stay, whilst travelling solo, as opposed to residing in or near the CBD. Don't let Google maps fool you, places are really not that far apart in the suburbs. The trams will take you to Airport West in the north (a few blocks walk to Westfield shops) and all the way to Flinders St. Station in the south (passing Vic Markets and through CBD along Elizabeth St). I only stayed for 2 nights, but managed to get my fair share of the shopping bargains and good scrumptious food that Melbourne is well known for. The lady at reception was delightful and answered all my questions in a helpful way.

Do not stay at this hotel. Its filthy, stinks and traffic noise from front roundabout is excessive. Room smelt like the restaurant downstairs and stench stayed on my clothes upon return home. Only upside was bed was comfy.

We travelled with friends and requested our rooms be nearby each other however on arrival we were on Level 2 and they on 3. Both studio rooms were well appointed and clean, with crisp linen. Ours was a king (2x king singles) while their room had a queen. The bathroom was very clean, water pressure was great and toiletries supplied. We overlooked Mt Alexander Rd and thought it would be quite noisy but we slept well. Large TV, Nespresso Coffee Pod machine, tea/coffee, and the usual bar fridge and kettle. Microwave and toaster also. We had taken our own breakfast and found the crockery and utensils very handy. There is a sliding door out onto the small balcony overlooking the road. An elevator takes you to your level and only to your level, reception or the basement car park. Parking is tight but we found it ok in medium SUV. Parking cost an extra $18 per night. Coles is handy next door, as was the 7Eleven where we purchased Myki cards so we could catch the tram into the city. The tram stop is very close by. There is a restaurant at street level, plus several other eateries along the street. The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel across the road was a popular place to eat. Only negatives we had was that tea/coffees were not replenished so by our last night we had to request more. We were told we could help ourselves to extra located in the Gym. I would recommend also, joining their membership as this will save you a considerable amount.