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Essence Hotel Carlton

Property class: 3.5

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Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, and a city view through sheer curtains.
A modern building with a green and white tram in front.
A billiards table in a modern indoor setting with large windows and a reception area.
A spacious indoor area with a long wooden table and benches, surrounded by glass walls and a high ceiling.
A modern elevator with black tiled walls and a metallic finish.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Laundry
The current price is $87
$79 nightly
$87 total
Total with taxes and fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20

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

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a red headboard, a bedside table with a lamp, and a mirror above the bed.

Standard Queen

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(22 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

A hotel room with two beds, a red accent wall, a mirror, and a wooden floor.

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

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, and a city view through sheer curtains.

Deluxe Double Room

7.8 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Single Room

A modern hotel room with a wooden floor, a desk with a red chair, a bed with red headboard, a bedside table with a plant, and a mirror above the desk.

Economy Single Room

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

Similar properties

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a balcony with a view of trees and a parking lot.
Carlton Lygon Lodge
Carlton
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 1,000 reviews
$76 nightly
The price is $83
Oct 25 - Oct 26
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

  • 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

  • ‪Plus Coffee - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Panda Hot Pot 蜀大侠火锅 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Humble Rays - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Flovie Florist Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Universal Restaurant - ‬5 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
  • Secured self parking on site (AUD 35 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 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • 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 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

  • Diners Club
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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

  • Secured self parking fee: AUD 35 per night

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. 294 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 447 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 162 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 67 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

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay - will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay. Very clean and worthwhile
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy parking. Friendly staff. Easy early check in. Close to all areas.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient location. Very small rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, trams right outside, very close to amenities and city centre
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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 review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Amenities
It was basic place to stay, keycard not able to grant access after hours relying on people to open door. Unmanned front desk after 9pm making it difficult to get card fixed. Location was good staff friendly
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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 review

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for both short and long stays. Location is perfect, in between the busy city centre and the cultural hub of Carlton, with many ice cream spots and cafes nearby. Free tram zone is a 5-minute walk away, and Aldi is right around the corner. The room is spacious and clean, and room cleaning service is offered every day. The kitchen and big common area makes it perfect for longer stays when you may feel like cooking. The large fridge also allows you to store multiple days of groceries and snacks conveniently. There is a pool table free for use. Gym is also free and includes most of the basic equipments needed. Receptionists are incredibly helpful and friendly. Overall, I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely come back.
Stayed 28 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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 review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice easy stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location, clean and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

4/10 Poor

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

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023