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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property
Hotel with a 24-hour fitness center, 8-minute walk to Melbourne Central

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Terrace/patio
Billiards
Exterior
Elevator

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a 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)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Queen

Standard Queen | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Queen Room

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

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 drapes

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

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

Standard Twin Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

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

Deluxe Double Room

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Deluxe Queen Room

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

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Queen

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

Economy Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Co Living Single Room

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

Co Living Single Room

  • Sleeps 1

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About the neighborhood

Melbourne

Located in Carlton, Essence Hotel Carlton is within a 5-minute walk of popular attractions such as Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. Each of the 47 rooms at this 3.5-star hotel includes an electric kettle, an LCD TV, and free tea bags/instant coffee.

What's nearby

  • Lygon Street - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • RMIT University - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • University of Melbourne - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Queen Victoria Market - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Melbourne Central - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

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
  • ‪Regale - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

Hotel with a 24-hour fitness center, 8-minute walk to Melbourne Central
At Essence Hotel Carlton, guests have access to a 24-hour gym, free WiFi in public areas, and microwave in a common area. Self parking is offered for AUD 29.00 per night. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, and offer advice about sights and eateries nearby. Additional amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, an arcade/game room, and a terrace.
Guests can enjoy LCD TVs and stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include electric kettles, laptop-compatible safes, and ironing boards. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center.

Similar properties

Lygon Front Suite | In-room safe, individually furnished, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Carlton Lygon Lodge
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 1,000 reviews
$83 nightly
The price is $91
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Total with taxes and fees
Carlton Lygon Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Self parking on site (AUD 29 per night)
  • Limited onsite 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
  • Elevator (35 inch wide door)
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • 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 washroom

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 percent 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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • One child 5 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

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-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-8:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Parking has height restrictions.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Essence Hotel Carlton offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see near Essence Hotel Carlton?

This hotel is situated in Carlton within a 10-minute walk of Melbourne Central and Queen Victoria Market. You'll also find Collins Street and Princess Theatre less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Yes, parking is offered for AUD 29.00 per night. Though parking is limited, accessible parking is also available.

Does Essence Hotel Carlton include a casino on the premises?

No, Essence Hotel Carlton doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about Essence Hotel Carlton?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a 24-hour fitness facility and a terrace plus some guestrooms include city views.

Are there hot tubs at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Essence Hotel Carlton have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Essence Hotel Carlton doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Essence Hotel Carlton allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Essence Hotel Carlton though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to Essence Hotel Carlton?

The closest major airport to Essence Hotel Carlton is Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon), which is 9.3 mi away (21 minutes by car). Another top airport is Melbourne Airport (MEL), which is located 13.7 mi away (25-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Essence Hotel Carlton.

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 288 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 451 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 165 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

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

8/10 Good

Paul

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the stay it was convenient for the reason I was there
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

JOHN

Traveled 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 traveler, Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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