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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Terrace/patio
Billiards
Standard Queen | Bathroom | Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Exterior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Laundry
The current price is $89
$81 nightly
$89 total
Total with taxes and fees
Jun 24 - Jun 25

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)
    ‪19 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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Essence Twin Room

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

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

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

Deluxe Double Room

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

View all photos for Essence Deluxe Queen Room

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

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

Standard Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

Similar properties

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  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
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4.2 out of 5, Very Good, 1,000 reviews
$61 nightly
The price is $67
Jun 28 - Jun 29
Total with taxes and fees
Carlton Lygon Lodge

About the neighborhood

Melbourne

With a stay at Essence Hotel Carlton in Melbourne (Carlton), you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. .This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from University of Melbourne and 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from RMIT University.

What's nearby

  • 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
  • State Library of Victoria - 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

  • ‪Hareruya Pantry - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Universal Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Queensberry Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Fattie Prince - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Flovie Florist Cafe - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 47 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a 24-hour fitness center or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, an arcade/game room, and a communal living room.
Featured amenities include multilingual staff, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

1 child, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

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

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Parking height restrictions apply

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. 293 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 449 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 162 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 67 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1001 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Phillipa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely staff, clean room and fabulous location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean , great staff , tiny rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

harry

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

8/10 Good

Rebecca

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
Verified

8/10 Good

cameron

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Small but clean room. Pretty good location for anything happening in the city.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

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

8/10 Good

Isabel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Reception staff were friendly and no trouble to stow my luggage as I arrived early and room wasn’t ready. Twin bedroom, clean and tidy, great shower. However, the air conditioning wasn’t working and reception had left for the night so room was quite cold, otherwise for the one night stay was very convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Qurat-ul-Ain

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

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
Verified

4/10 Poor

Victor Allan

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Paul

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

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

10/10 Excellent

Trini

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pei-shan

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

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I was very happy with the Accommodation and location. Excellent place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna

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

6/10 Okay

Dorinda

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

10/10 Excellent

Amber

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
Verified

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