Melbourne Luxury: Southern Cross Station's Chicest Apartment Awaits!
Melbourne Luxury: Southern Cross Station's Chicest Apartment Awaits! - My Honest Take (Because Honestly, Who Has Time for perfect?)
Alright, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel in Melbourne can feel like navigating a labyrinth blindfolded while simultaneously trying to herd cats. So, when I saw "Melbourne Luxury: Southern Cross Station's Chicest Apartment Awaits!" I thought, "Okay, let's see if this lives up to the hype, or if it's just another fancy-pants PR stunt." And folks, I'm here to tell you, I got slightly more than I bargained for.
First Impressions (And My Initial Skepticism):
The elevator? Smooth as butter, and a welcome change from the usual rickety contraptions. Getting to the apartment was easy-peasy, which, after a long flight, is a HUGE win. Accessibility seemed pretty solid – I didn't personally need it, but spotting an elevator, and the overall layout, suggested it's thoughtfully considered for guests with mobility needs. Thank GOD. Always a plus.
Before I get too far, let's be honest, I'm not some hotel snob. I'm more the "pop-a-bottle-of-wine-in-the-room-and-order-room-service-because-I'm-too-tired-to-leave" type. So, my expectations were, shall we say, reasonable.
My Apartment - A Sanctuary (With A Few Quirks):
Okay, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the Available in all rooms features. They've REALLY thought of everything. Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Yep (though I'm more of a "snooze button is my best friend" kinda gal). Bathrobes? YES! Bathroom phone? Okay, that's a new one. I have no idea why I'd need a phone in the bathroom, but hey, maybe someone out there does. Bathtub? Oh, glorious, luxurious bathtub. I spent a good hour soaking in there, plotting world domination (or at least, a really good travel blog post).
The Blackout curtains were a godsend. Melbourne's a city that never sleeps, but I DO. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. Daily housekeeping? I’m a messy person, the daily tidy-up was a lifesaver. Desk? Useful, I guess, if you're planning on working. (Hard pass, for me, personally). Extra long bed? YES! Always a bonus for a long-legged lady like myself. Free bottled water? Hydration is key! Hair dryer? Don’t leave home without it. In-room safe box? A necessity these days. Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN? Speedy and reliable, which is IMPERATIVE for the internet gremlins like me. Ironing facilities? Okay, maybe I should have thought about that… Laptop workspace? More than enough room to spill coffee on. Mini bar? A little pricey, but hey, sometimes you just need that tiny bottle of bubbly. Non-smoking? Thank every deity, finally. On-demand movies? Helloooo, Netflix binge! Private bathroom? Obviously. Refrigerator? Great for my midnight snacks. Satellite/cable channels? Good for when I need to zone out and let my brain turn off. Seating area? Super comfy. Separate shower/bathtub? The shower pressure was AMAZING. Shower? Adequate. Slippers? Comfy, I used them immediately. Soundproofing? Melbourne can be noisy, but I slept like a log! Telephone? Meh. Towels? Fluffy and plentiful. Umbrella? Thank you, Melbourne weather. Visual alarm? A thoughtful addition. Wake-up service? Used it, survived. Wi-Fi [free]? Never going back to slow internet. Window that opens? A plus, for some fresh air (though I mostly kept it closed to admire the view).
The room was great. However, there were tiny issues. For example, the first day, I accidentally locked myself out. Then, the shower wasn't working properly but the staff was on it. No biggies, but I was slightly mortified in my pj's.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because, Let's Face It, That's Important):
Alright, let's talk sustenance. The restaurants were great. The Asian cuisine was fantastic, and they have a great bar, so I was definitely hooked. The Poolside bar made sipping cocktails after a long day of sightseeing a REAL pleasure. Room service? Room service [24-hour]? You had me at "hello." Honestly, sometimes you just need a burger at 2 AM. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, and it was nice for that. They also offer Breakfast in room. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver too - because hey, I need my caffeine. Plus, the mini-desserts were AMAZING.
However, the Vegetarian restaurant options were a little sparse, which was a bummer for my friend who is veggie. And, speaking of my friend, the lack of a proper grab-and-go convenience store made getting basic essentials a bit of a trek.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation (Because Self-Care, People!):
Listen, I'm a stress case. So, the Spa was calling my name from the second I walked in. They had the most amazing Pool with view, which was the perfect place to chill.
The Fitness center? I intended to use it. I really did. But, you know… wine, cocktails, and the incredibly comfortable bed. That was the winner! Though, the gym did look well-equipped, and I did spot some hardcore fitness fanatics in there.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, COVID, Duh):
This is where Melbourne Luxury REALLY shines. Every single staff member was wearing a mask, and there were hand sanitizing stations everywhere. They seemed to be taking the Anti-viral cleaning products seriously. Everything was sparkling, and the staff was friendly. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was enforced, and I appreciated it. The Rooms sanitized between stays were a REAL relief. They were taking the safety seriously.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Difference):
The concierge was incredibly helpful – got me some killer restaurant recommendation, and were kind and actually seemed helpful. The Daily housekeeping was a godsend. Having someone else make my bed is the definition of luxury. The Laundry service was super convenient.
Accessibility (More Deep Dive):
I already mentioned the elevators, but the more I looked around, the more I appreciated their approach. They had Facilities for disabled guests clearly marked, and the entire layout seemed designed to make things easy to navigate. This isn't just an afterthought; it's a genuine consideration, which is fantastic.
Getting Around (The Practical Stuff):
The Airport transfer was a lifesaver after a long flight. Car park [on-site]? Convenient. Taxi service? Easy to find. They totally were on the ball.
Things to Do (Besides Eating and Sleeping):
Melbourne is bursting with stuff to do, and the hotel's central location at Southern Cross Station is BRILLIANT. You're right in the thick of things, with trains and trams at your doorstep. You're right there for easy access to everything, from the city center to the sports stadiums. Easy access to everything.
For The Kids
I don’t have kids, but there was a Babysitting service on offer. They have kids facilities. I may not be the best judge for that, but the hotel felt family-friendly.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, And The Verdict:
Look, no place is perfect. There were a couple of minor hiccups – the shower pressure was a bit inconsistent at first, and the mini-bar was a little overpriced. But honestly, the good FAR outweighed the bad.
This isn't just a fancy hotel; it's a comfortable, well-run place that caters to the modern traveler. The location is fantastic, the service is excellent, and the amenities are top-notch. But the MOST important thing is: it's not stuffy. It's relaxed, and it feels like they're ACTUALLY trying to make your stay enjoyable, not just impress you with marble floors and fancy chandeliers.
My Final Verdict: Book It! (Especially if…):
- You want a central location.
- You appreciate good service.
- You enjoy a comfy bed and a great shower (and a bathtub).
- You value safety and cleanliness.
- You don’t mind a few minor imperfections (we all have them, right?).
But Maybe Skip It If…
- You're on a shoestring budget. (It's luxury, after all!)
- You NEED a bustling, vibrant
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just travelling in Melbourne, we're MESSING AROUND in Melbourne. This isn't a meticulously crafted itinerary, it's a chaotic, slightly-hungover love letter to this glorious, confusing city. And, confession time, "Lux & Cozy Apt Next to Southern Cross Station" is a straight-up lie. More like, slightly dated, conveniently-located crash pad. Let's roll…
Melbourne Mayhem: A Trip That's a Hot Mess, in the Best Way Possible
Day 1: Arrival and the Awkward Hugs of Getting Settled
10:00 AM: Arrive at Tullamarine Airport (TULL) and pray to the travel gods my luggage actually made it. Honestly, this is the biggest anxiety of my life. I imagine a tiny, adorable carousel attendant lovingly placing my suitcase on the wrong plane, weeping silently.
11:00 AM: Skybus to Southern Cross Station! Smooth, easy, thank GOD. No more public transport in my life, please.
11:45 AM: Check into… well, let's just say the apartment is "charming" in the same way your grandma's house is. The kind of charming where you secretly hope the air freshener works.
12:30 PM: Unpack (the real horror show begins). My suitcase (if it even came on my plane!) looking like a bomb went off in a clothing store. I'm already regretting packing those ridiculously impractical heels.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Lunch Time! Okay, deep breath. I'm starving, and the cafe choices around Southern Cross are… well, let's just say they’re not exactly promising fine dining. I see a "Souvlaki Bar" and, after a moment of internal struggle, I just want it immediately. One lamb, one chicken, both with extra everything!
3:30 PM: A glorious, nap. The only thing that could top off the amazing lunches.
5:00 PM: A stroll towards Flinder's Street Station and the Federation Square. I'm not sure how I feel about the square's architecture, half of it just makes me scratch my head and go "huh?" However, the view of the Yarra River is pretty great.
6:00 PM: Dinner down the Yarra. I am not a "water" person, but in this moment I am.
7:30 PM: A walk back. I'm exhausted and now my feet feel the sting of the heels. I need some sleep.
Day 2: Coffee, Culture, and a Near Disaster.
- 9:00 AM: Awake and up! Coffee time. This is Melbourne, the coffee is a religious experience. Finding a decent spot near Southern Cross is a quest.
- 10:00 AM: The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Look at the art, try not to touch anything. Feel slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of… everything. Marvel at how effortlessly cool the Melburnians look.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch? I'm so bad at planning meals, so I just wander around, hoping for a culinary epiphany. I stumble upon a bustling Italian deli. Pasta, prosciutto, and a feeling of pure, unadulterated joy. This is what life is about.
- 1:30 PM: Trying public transport. Again. Hoping I don't mess this up!
- 2:00 PM: Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens. I'm not a particularly "outdoorsy" person, but the gardens are so peaceful. Almost. I start to feel the urge to start running again.
- 4:00 PM: It's the afternoon, and I am back in the apartment. I watch some TV and just relax for hours. I really, really need this.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner time! This time, I have a place in time! I have tickets to see Wicked!
Day 3: Brunches & Beach Days
- 10:00 AM: Brunch time! The amount of brunch spots I can see from my apt is insane! The food is amazing and, oh, the coffee!
- 12:00 PM: Beach time, I love the beach. I spent the best part of the day relaxing on the beach. I saw a bunch of surfers, a couple of dogs, and a guy who looked like he was trying to surf a dolphin.
- 4:00 PM: I'm back at the apt, napping. It's a requirement.
- 6:00 PM: I grab a quick dinner. I just wanted some quick food.
Day 4: A Day of Indecision
- 9:00 AM: I woke up late, but the amazing coffee made me forget. I am now just deciding on what I should do. The indecision is real. I have no clue what to do.
- 12:00 PM: I decided on the Queen Victoria Market and I ended up getting lost.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the apt and I am so exhausted. I don't want to do anything or go anywhere. I just want to watch some TV, eat some food, and sleep.
- 6:00 PM: Went out to get some food, quick walk, and then back.
Day 5: Departure and Existential Crises
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Sigh. This time, the packing is a nightmare. My suitcase is now really struggling to close.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute coffee run. One last Melbourne coffee, because… addiction.
- 11:00 AM: Skybus to Tullamarine Airport. Is it just me, or are airport security lines getting longer and more soul-crushing?
- 1:00 PM: Flight. Stare out the window, contemplate life choices. Did I eat enough pastries? Did I say "thank you" enough? Did I really need those six pairs of socks?
- Maybe? Realisation and existential crises.
This is Melbourne, baby. It's messy, it's exhausting, it's confusing… and it's utterly, undeniably, and beautifully wonderful. Go get lost, get caffeinated, and embrace the glorious chaos. You won't regret it.
Escape to Harz: Stunning Blankenburg Apartment w/ Sauna!
Melbourne Luxury: Southern Cross Station's Chicest Apartment Awaits! - FAQ, With a Dose of Real Life
Seriously, Is It *Luxury* Luxury? Or Air-Fryer Luxury?
Okay, let's be honest, "luxury" gets thrown around like confetti these days. I, for one, am *always* skeptical. I've been burned by "luxury" hotels where the only luxury was the exorbitant price tag. But this apartment... this *actually* feels luxurious. Think less "pre-fab IKEA with a fancy name" and more something that genuinely makes you go, "Ooh, *that's* nice." The materials? Top-notch. The views? Stunning. The feeling? Like you've actually *arrived* somewhere.
Think about it, you know? Walking in after a hellish day of train delays and human-traffic-jams and suddenly... *Zen*. Like, you're ready to crack open a ridiculously overpriced bottle of champagne and pretend you're a character in a movie. Pretty good definition of luxury, yeah?
And The View... From Southern Cross?! Isn't It Just... Trains?
Alright, look, I’ll admit, I cringed internally when I first heard "Southern Cross." My brain immediately conjured visions of a concrete jungle, the incessant rumble of the platforms, and the faint smell of… well, you know. But hold up! The actual views are *shockingly* good. High above, you completely escape the hustle below.
Honestly? I'm saying it now... the train lines become this *beautiful* kinetic sculpture, a ballet of movement, like a giant, living, breathing city. At night, the lights twinkle and the city sprawls out before you and I’m not gonna lie I have to say it's pretty romantic, in that "urban escape" kind of way. Yes, you can *see* the trains, but they're distant now, a part of the landscape. And hey, if you're a trainspotter, this is *basically* paradise. Just don’t tell anyone.
What's the Deal With the Location? Southern Cross seems... Busy.
Okay, okay, the location *is* a double-edged sword. Southern Cross *is* busy. *Very* busy. You've got the train station, the trams, the constant foot traffic. It's a hive of activity. But... and this is a big but... it's also incredibly convenient. Literally, your commute is *right there*. And, once you're *in* the apartment, you’re above it all, in your own little oasis.
I walked out of the apartment one morning, bleary-eyed from a late night, and *bam*... right onto a train. It was glorious. Also, the whole Docklands area is right there, with its restaurants and shops and water views. So, Yes, busy. But also, incredibly well-placed. It's a trade-off, folks. You're signing on for urban living, not a rural retreat. Consider yourself warned.
How's The Kitchen? (Because Let's Be Real, That's Important.)
The kitchen? Oh, *yes*. This is where the “luxury” thing really shines. Forget those cramped, awkward kitchens that make you want to order takeout every night (trust me, I've been there). This is a kitchen you *want* to cook in. Seriously! Nice appliances (think top-of-the-line stuff, not just “stainless steel”), plenty of counter space, and a layout that actually *works*.
I cooked a massive lasagna (for science... mostly). The space? Glorious. The oven? Perfect. Everything was easy to find, the lighting was great. It was just a *pleasure*. I mean, it’s even nicer than my *actual* kitchen at home. Which is a bit depressing if I'm being honest. I want this kitchen!
So, You're Saying It's Perfect? Because... No.
Okay, let's dial back the gushing for a second. Nothing's perfect, right? And honestly? One of the elevators was a bit slow. Like, *really* slow. You feel like you're aging one year for every floor. And the noise... well, while the apartment itself is *mostly* soundproof (thank god), sometimes, *sometimes*, you can hear the faint beginnings of the city. Not a deal-breaker, but it's worth mentioning.
Also, the "luxury" comes with a price tag, so there's that. And the whole Docklands area... not exactly the most “Melbourne” Melbourne experience, if you know what I mean. There’s no little cafe on the corner where they know your name yet. It's still a bit…shiny and new. But hey, that might be *exactly* what you're looking for! It's all about the personal preference. I'm just saying, don't expect cobblestone streets and hipster cafes right outside your door. You *might* need to take a tram for that…
Tell Me More About the "Vibe". Is It... Trendy? Minimalist? What Am I Getting Myself Into?
The vibe is... *sophisticated*. Think clean lines, modern design, and a general feeling of chicness. But not in a cold, sterile way. It felt… warm. The furniture felt nice (I am a big furniture person, let's be honest). The lighting was great. It felt really well-thought-out. Not some generic, cookie-cutter space.
But! Be warned: This is *not* a place for chintz. If you're bringing a lot of, ahem, "personal treasures" -- like, you know, that collection of porcelain cats your weird Aunt Mildred keeps sending – you might feel a bit… out of place. The focus is on space and simplicity. Think "urban sanctuary" rather than "cluttered cottage." (Though there's always *room* for one or two strategically placed, conversation-starting pieces, if you ask me.) So, pack yourStay And Relax
