Choosing a hotel for your Melbourne staycation can be overwhelming. From charming boutique gems to spectacular sky-high towers, there’s a ridiculously extensive range of hotels to choose from. With that in mind, it’s good to narrow down your options, and decide what’s most important to you. If location is priority number one, we’ve got a contender. Situated right in the heart of the city’s buzzing Southbank, you’ll find Mercure Melbourne Southbank: a towering 275-room hotel a stone’s throw from the action.
Why stay at Mercure Melbourne Southbank?
The main drawcard here is the location – overlooking the Yarra River, perfectly positioned between Southbank and the CBD. But as well as being incredibly well situated for all of your staycation needs, it’s also a super comfy place to rest your head – with relatively spacious, super well sound-proofed rooms for a solid night’s sleep just steps from some of Melbourne’s top attractions.
What are the rooms like at Mercure Melbourne Southbank?
The 275 rooms at the hotel range from ‘standard’ to ‘deluxe’ depending on your budget, with the ‘deluxe king rooms’ your most high-end option. While the vibe here isn’t luxury, each room has everything you need: a kitchenette, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities and bathroom amenities. Large, picture box windows look out over the river, and locally-inspired art and photography adds pops of colour.
Staying with a big group? Interconnected rooms can be easily reserved when you book, and there are plenty of accessible rooms available too. Got a tiny person in tow? Baby cots are provided free of charge, and fold out beds can be booked for a little extra.
Is there a restaurant at Mercure Melbourne Southbank?
With many of Melbourne’s best restaurants within an easy tram ride, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. If you’re keen to stay in house, Distrikt Restaurant and Bar on the ground floor serves creative takes on modern Australian dishes. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Distrikt is your go-to if you’re in need of a quick feed. Rather eat in your room? No problem – room service is available 24/7.
What is the service like at Mercure Melbourne Southbank?
The reception desk at Mercure Melbourne Southbank is open 24 hours a day – great if you’re making use of the very easy access to late-night bars and clubs in the area. Staff are relatively formal, but super helpful and ready to help with any requests at any time of day: from room service to luggage storage to booking activities in the area.
Is there a gym or pool at Mercure Melbourne Southbank?
There’s no pool or gym on site, but there are plenty of options nearby if you feel like you need some exercise. With Southbank Promenade just metres from the hotel, and the whole of the city on your doorstep, it’s easy to get your steps in out in the open. But if you’re keen for a full-body workout, a quick tram ride will take you to the historic Melbourne City Baths, where you’ll find the largest swimming pool in the city center, along with a gym and fitness studio.
What’s the area like around Mercure Melbourne Southbank?
Minutes from the city’s CBD, on the banks of the Yarra River, Southbank is one of the city's most buzzing neighborhoods, offering a vibrant blend of cultural institutions and excellent dining options. Melbourne’s main arts precinct is super easily accessible, with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) a nine minute walk from the hotel, Arts Centre Melbourne a seven minute walk away, and Hamer Hall five minutes away on foot. Federation Square, Melbourne’s cultural hub, is just a 10 minute walk, and the beautiful Queen Victoria Gardens are just adjacent to the hotel if you need to touch some grass.
When it comes to eating out, the world is at your fingertips – with many of the city’s best restaurants and bars within a super easy tram ride. Want to stay within walking distance? Our top picks in Southbank include Ponyfish Island, Marmont at Crown, Yarra Botanica, Arbory Afloat and Kolkata Cricket Club.
Why you should you book a stay at Mercure Melbourne Southbank
If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable stay in the heart of the city – one that can accommodate large groups with ranging room requirements and accessibility needs – add this one to your hit list.
Address: 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
Price per night: From $111 per night
Closest transport link: Flinders Street Station (Melbourne’s major train hub) is just a five minute walk from the hotel, and Southern Cross Station (for access to regional Victoria and SkyBus to Melbourne Airport) is a five minute tram ride or 15 minute walk. There’s also a tram stop just two minutes from the hotel, for easy (free) travel across the city.
Book now: Click here.
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