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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property
Hotel with a 24-hour fitness centre, a quick walk to Melbourne Central

Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

Billiards
Dining
Lift
Terrace/patio
In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$139
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct

Explore the area

View map
609 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
  • Place, Queen Victoria Market
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Melbourne
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Melbourne Central
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Queen

Standard Queen

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Wardrobe
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Queen Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Essence Queen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Essence Twin Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Standard Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Deluxe Queen Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Queen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Wardrobe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Wardrobe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Co Living Single Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Co Living Single Room

  • Sleeps 1

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About the area

Melbourne

At Essence Hotel Carlton you'll be within a short 5-minute stroll of Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi and LCD TVs. .This hotel has free WiFi in public areas, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Carlton hotel include University of Melbourne and RMIT University.

What's nearby

  • Queen Victoria Market - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • University of Melbourne - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Melbourne Central - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Rod Laver Arena - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground - 4 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • Essendon Station - 9 min drive
  • Melbourne Central Station - 10 min walk
  • Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hareruya Pantry - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Ini Studio - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Universal Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Queensberry Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Regale - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

Hotel with a 24-hour fitness centre, a quick walk to Melbourne Central
As a guest of Essence Hotel Carlton, you'll find a 24-hour fitness centre, a terrace, and a vending machine. Public spaces have free WiFi. An arcade/games room, multilingual staff, and a garden are also featured at Essence Hotel Carlton. Limited parking is available for a fee and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Melbourne hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 47 guestrooms or units
  • 5 levels
  • Built in 2013
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Games room or arcade
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
Essence Hotel Carlton offers 47 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and a hairdryer. LCD televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries.

This Melbourne hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Lygon Front Suite
Carlton Lygon Lodge
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 1,006 reviews
The price is AU$129
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Carlton Lygon Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Parking on site (AUD 29 per night)
  • Limited on-site parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Multilingual staff

Business services

  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Lift (90 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom

More

  • 1 building
  • 5 floors
  • Built in 2013
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after midnight please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 5 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Self-parking fee: AUD 29.00 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB International, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • One child aged 5 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Melbourne Tune
Melbourne Tune Hotel
Tune Hotel Melbourne Carlton
Tune Melbourne Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street
Essence Hotel Carlton Hotel
Essence Hotel Carlton Carlton
Essence Hotel Carlton Hotel Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Essence Hotel Carlton offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Essence Hotel Carlton?

As of 22 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on 27 Oct 2025 start from AU$138.57, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Yep, Essence Hotel Carlton has a self car park for AUD 29.00 per night. Onsite parking is limited.

Are there any beaches close to Essence Hotel Carlton?

The closest beach to Essence Hotel Carlton is St Kilda Beach (7.3 km).

Does Essence Hotel Carlton serve breakfast?

You bet, breakfast is offered daily.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, Essence Hotel Carlton does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 285 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 452 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 169 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 67 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1001 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

JOHN

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Twin Rooms (while suiting our needs) are too small
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David, Haines Kangaroo Island

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Was a very busy time the sleep was much needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
the room is clean, the shower felt fab, the staff was kind. what more does one need for a one night stay?
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Croydon South

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lauren

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Cassi

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was great, staff were friendly. Clean, but small rooms. The carpark was easy. Unfortunately there are a lot of personal belongings and old mattresses in the car park, making parking challenging.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Comfy bed. Lovely outdoor area & indoor nooks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a great area that is easy to get to. Nice that it has parking although it is a small underground garage. Room was clean, comfy beds.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yuji

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brooke

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Most unhygienic hotel I’ve ever stayed at.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed a few times here now. The location is great for walking to many events around the city. Having a hotel with parking is a plus as well and cheaper than finding a spot in a parking garage. The room was nice and a good size. Noise from the hall this time was a problem. At 4:30 am for nearly 30 mins people were opening and closing their doors over and over leading to loud clicks and bangs as they opened and closed them. I don't know what was happening and why people needed to constantly be in and out of their rooms over and over banging doors.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Keith A

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A real mixed bag in a good location

The hotel has a perfect location, convenient to public transit and walking distance to so much that one would want to do or see. The reception staff was super nice and accommodating, and the beds were supportive without being hard. The room , however, was not cleaned on three of the six days we were there, and we had to repeatedly request clean towels as a result. It is the smallest hotel room I have ever stayed in, and the lack of a desk or a chair was a fatal detail that made our stay less than comfortable. There is virtually no usable counter or table space. It was difficult to maneuver around the limited space and there is nowhere to put suitcases or even to unpack clothing. The bathroom is also small, though it is well designed and was comfortable, though not enough to make up for the room problems.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the 2nd time I have stayed here and while the rooms are on the small side, they are always clean and tidy. The hotel is walking distance to Lygon St and the Royal Exhibition Building which is great and there is a tram stop out the front which goes straight to the CBD area
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
I would stay there again. A small room but well equipped and very clean. Some construction noise but generally quiet. Good value for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Janette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Davide

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little hotel within walking distance of Lygon Street, Melbourne Central and Vic Markets. Had a morning appointment and the hotel let me leave my car in their carpark until my appointment was finished at no extra charge. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Alana

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to public transport and easy access to the property. Room was clean, with a very accessible shower, however, no fan system for the shower heat (hence notice about keeping door fully shut so as to not activate alarm system). Bed was very comfortable but a little close due to the size of the desk in room. Otherwise, a wonderful stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel's name is unique, as its "essence" was totally more from what l had to leave to be able to stay there at extremely short notice🙏🙏
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great facilities, helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Modern but small room. Very clean and well serviced. Fairly decent location relative to Queen Victoria Mkt . Laundry machines are $10. Filtered water available on main floor.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
In a nice area in Carlton, quiet and very walkable down Swanston to the main CBD area. Close to Queen Victoria market as well, tram right outside. Staff were friendly and helpful, car park was secure, underground.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024