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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

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

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry room

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

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)
  • 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

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

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

Deluxe Double Room

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 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

  • 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)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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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includes taxes & fees
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About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

Hotel with a 24-hour fitness center, 8-minute walk to Melbourne Central
A 24-hour fitness center, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area are available at this hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include self parking, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk. Housekeeping is available on request.
Essence Hotel Carlton offers 47 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and hair dryers. LCD televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.

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

Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Essence Hotel Carlton. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Melbourne Central. You'll find features like free WiFi in public areas, plus a 24-hour gym and laundry facilities.
  • Free WiFi
  • Self parking available for a fee
  • Amenities include laundry facilities, a multilingual staff, and an elevator
  • Onsite recreation includes a 24-hour gym
  • Just a 4-minute walk from Melbourne City Baths and 5 minutes by foot from Lygon Street
As a guest of Essence Hotel Carlton, you'll find a 24-hour fitness center, a terrace, and a vending machine. Public spaces have free WiFi. An arcade/game 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.

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

  • 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 percent 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

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 percent

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

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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-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
Guests arriving after midnight must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. The credit card used when booking the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo ID. Other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • One child 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

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 289 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 449 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 168 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 66 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1000 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Paul

Business traveller
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

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