My husband and I stayed at the Somerset Gordon Place for 2 nights. The positive aspects were that even though we only had booked a studio apartment, the kitchen facilities were better than expected and we also had a clothes washer and dryer in the apt, which we hadn't been expecting. There was a Coles grocery store about a ten minute walk away which was convenient.

Unfortunately, there were some negative aspects, which interfered with our enjoyment of this facility. We had emailed a couple questions to the hotel prior to our arrival which went unanswered. My main concern was that the internet booking, although done through the hotel's website, was dealt with by someone in Singapore ( I believe ). I'm not sure if there was a language barrier or not, but I had asked for information for a June booking and received info back about July rates. Therefore, when I made my booking on line, I added a comment indicating that I wanted the hotel to ensure that the booking I was making was for June. My email confirmation did show the June booking. However, when we arrived to the hotel, the room was booked for July instead. This could, obviously, have been a disaster. The next problem was that we had less than five minutes of hot water for our shower, both in the morning and the evening. We did complain but were offered no discount, although the staff indicated that there had been numerous complaints and they were having the problem looked after. We also did not receive any shampoo for our second day and although I called to request this, it was never delivered. As well, the soap dish in the shower was broken.
The staff were all friendly and professional which was appreciated. However, if we ever have the opportunity to return to Melbourne, we will not be staying at this facility again as our.expectations were not met.

We go to Melbourne for the Australian Open every January and always stay at a 2 bedroom apartment. We chose this complex because of the pool, which turned out to be a smart thing because we had 3 days of 40 plus degrees. However, this was the only positive about this place. I should have realised something was wrong when I did an internet search and found there was a 2 bedroom apartment available. When I rang I was told there was no 2 bedrooms available. When I challenged this I was then told "Oh, we have one but it is like a penthouse and very expensive." I should have trusted my instincts as I thought this was a strange way to sell an apartment. However, I decided to take it because I thought if we are getting the best apartment in the place it must be nice. When we arrived, we couldn't get into the room, which was OK as we were a couple of hours early from check in time (2.00 p.m). I was told that they would contact us on my mobile when the room was free. We then dragged 2 very tired children around Melbourne until about 4.30 p.m. and finally I rang because I thought surely the room would be ready by then. I was told that it had been ready several hours ago but no explanation as to why the phone call that had been promised hadn't been made.

When we finally got to the room, we found that the (plasma) screen TV was not working. When we pointed this out, we were originally told that it had been working perfectly the day before, so we must have been doing something wrong. After a couple of people came to look at it, they finally conceded there was something wrong with it and replaced it with a very small TV. We then discovered that, despite being described as a "serviced apartment" we were given one cake of guest soap and two towels to share between the 4 of us. When we rang reception and asked if we could have some more, it sounded like we were asking for a lot. We could never work out the service roster and were never told what it was. Sometimes we came back to find the room had been serviced, but mostly it was not.

Then the shower didn't work, as there was no pressure. It took 2 days and a plumber to fix that one. Also a lot of the gym equipment was faulty. The room was air-conditioned, but we did not use the air conditioning very much because it was so old and noisy that it kept us awake.

The room itself which demanded $500 during the final's series of the Australian Open was the most un-penthouse like apartment I had seen. It was certainly big. However, because the building is a warehouse conversion, while the ceilings were tall, the windows were at the extremities of the ceiling. Therefore, hardly any light got into the apartment. It was actually in the basement of the building and quite a long walk from the reception area and you needed to negotiate stairs rather than use a lift. Also, despite the exorbitant price, there was only one bathroom. The furnishings were dark and the carpet had large stains all over it. The whole place looked liked it needed a good scrub.

When we left we filled out the comments handout that you are given on check out and provided 2 pages of negative comments. We were told that the most they could offer as a discount at the reception was $50.00 in view of the fact that the shower hadn't worked for half of our stay and the television that we were supposed to have wasn't available. They said they would pass our comments on and if any further discount was warranted we would be contacted. Needless to say, we never were.

I have stayed at other Somerset properties in Australia without complaint and feel that I shouldn't judge the whole group by this experience. But on the other hand, if the group is not troubled about following up what were obvious deficiencies in maintenance and service, I doubt I will ever be going back to a Somerset again.

I was staying for the Grand Prix and wanted my stay to be one to remember. I had read the reviews about the smaller room and was quite concerned about what i would be receiving. Then i turned up and and stayed 4 amazing nights in a room that was larger then my own home. Each and every time i went pass the reception desk the staff were friendly and helpful, i could not have asked for more. I quizzed the staff about the reviews that i had seen on this site and found they do have studios apartments but that was the cheapest room they had, as with most things the more you pay the larger the room. Suggestion: PAY THE EXTRA! I could not have asked for more! The room looked over the pool with a fireplace all the comfort of home. Well done! Shall be Back.

My partner and I had a very nice stay at the Somerset Gordon Place. We stayed in the smallest room which was adapted to our needs as we spent most of our time discovering the city and surroundings. The room was quite tiny but lovely and clean. The hotel situation is good, a few minutes walk from China Town where you can find plenty places to eat.

Despite situated in the city centre we found the hotel really quiet. The staff were helpful and smiling. Definitely a place to stay if you want to spend a few days in Melbourne!