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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property

Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

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

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$139
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Standard Queen

Standard Queen

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Essence Twin Room

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

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

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

Standard Twin Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

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

Deluxe Double Room

7.6 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Essence Deluxe Queen Room

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

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free Wi-Fi

Standard Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Co Living Single Room

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

Co Living Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

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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 games room. 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

  • Lygon Street - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • RMIT University - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • University of Melbourne - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Queen Victoria Market - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Melbourne Central - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Universal Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Queensberry Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Hareruya Pantry - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Fattie Prince - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪D’Penyetz & D’Cendol - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

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 (limited 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.

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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 self 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

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • 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: 8:00 PM
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
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

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

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A damage deposit of AUD 101 will be collected before check-in.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

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 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 credit 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 27 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on 30 Apr 2026 start from AU$139, 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. A self car park is also available, for a fee. 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

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 292 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 449 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 163 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 66 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1000 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

8/10 Good

Lewis

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

4/10 Poor

Victor Allan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room had a single bed only. I have never booked a room anywhere in the world that had a single bed only. The manager helped by charging extra for a camp stretcher. This hotel is pleasant convenient and has nice staff but this episode disappointed me.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

4/10 Poor

Qurat-ul-Ain

Average at best And overpriced.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

byron

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
I made two phone calls to ensure my son, who was arriving 2 hours before us, was able to park his car underneath. I was assured both times that he could and that it would go straight to my credit card. It did not. He had to pay for both vehicles and because we had not checked in, he parked his car but was then stuck in the elevator for 20 minutes as he had no 'room key' to exit. The staff allowed him to enter (once he paid) but did not warn him that he would be trapped in there as no key was issued yet. He used the emergency phone in the lift to eventually get out (20 minute ordeal) and I had been assured it would be fine by two staff on separate phone calls. NOT HAPPY AT ALL! On top off that, the doors to the bathrooms are frosted glass AND do not close properly or lock. When you share a room with your late teenage kids, you'd like them to have some privacy. This is my last stay there and we go regularly to Melbourne to visit our son who lives down there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

harry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean and fresh, helpful staff very comfortable bed
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Earl

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A value for money hotel close to shops, dining and transport. Rooms are small, but well appointed and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Asha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room and shower are a bit tiny. Good pressure, volume and temp in the shower. Stone throw away from metro stop. Accessible to everything in CBD
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was easy and secure. Easy walk into Lygon St.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Dorinda

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not sure the air con was working or the bathroom fan
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Rod

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Essence was close to my destination and easily accessible. I didn't find a suitable place for an evening meal nearby. (The place where I went was extremely noisy.) Maybe I needed to look harder. I would certainly revisit Essence.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pei-shan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing stay clean rooms good service and such easy access to the CBD of Melbourne A+
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Elsa

Travelled with family
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ross

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was nice and clean and the staff were very nice and helpful. Good security parking
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Anthony

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I always enjoy staying at the Essence. It's a great location, has parking, and the rooms are a good size and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay. Top floor room was lovely and quiet, and had enough room for multiple suitcases. Really convenient for the areas we were visiting.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful staff. Room was fine, bed comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025