After reading reviews on this site and others of Travelodge Southbank, my husband and I would have to agree with the consensus of opinion - what a gem for a very reasonable price in the heart of the city. We stayed there four nights and it was such a great base to either walk to the city across the nearby pedestrian bridge, catch either a train (Flinders St), tram (Southbank) or bus (either end of Southbank) or even the free shuttle bus which stops at Southbank. The airport shuttle took us from the airport to the hotel, just needing to change over to a mini-bus at Southern Cross Station (included in the ticket). Needing to catch a train at Southern Cross Station in Spencer Street when we left, it was easy enough to wheel our luggage across the bridge to the tram in Flinders St to go the short distance and took just a few minutes. Surprisingly, we found the double room larger than expected, very comfortable and the microwave and fridge most useful. Despite the view of a large wall from our window, this did not worry us unduly as we were only there to sleep. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful and even let us use the toaster in the breakfast room in the mornings, if required, as a toaster was not supplied in the room. It was also extremely quiet on the 5th floor. We will definitely stay there in the future.

The Travelodge Southbank is a great value for the money. It is a no-frills hotel that is located right in the middle of the Southbank development along the Yarra River. There are no real views from the hotel, there is no restaurant (although there is a breakfast room) or bar, but it is in a well-suited location if you are traveling to Melbourne.

No more than 100 meters away is the large Southbank shopping centre. There are some great food options in the shopping centre, many with commanding views of the Yarra River. There are also inexpensive food options in the food court on the lower level of the centre.

The hotel itself is a busy place. You will see large tour groups checking in and out, so the lobby area can me moving at a frenetic pace.

I arrived at the hotel on a Sunday morning around 9:30, and my room was ready! I know this doesn't always happen, but it was a nice surprise.

My room was on the small side, and the bathroom was very spartan, but it was clean and comfortable. My bed was a little soft, but it didn't bother my sleep at night. My room was very quiet. There was no view, as one of the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere now stands immediately to the west of the hotel (worth a stop to the Sky Deck, if you have a chance). There was a small refrigerator and microwave, so you can go to the store down the street and get your own groceries if you wish to save money on food.

The only negative thing I can say about the hotel is that the carpets in the hallways (and in my room) are getting "tired" and need to be replaced. There was a terrible odor in the carpet outside my room on the fifth floor, but it didn't bother me while I was in my room. It looks like they have been changing the carpets on other floors so hopefully this is a problem that will be resolved soon.

However, this was a great value for the money (less than half the price of the hotel across the street) and it a convenient place to stay while touring Melbourne.

I stayed 2 nights in this hotel in March 2009 as part of a package tour of New Zealand and Australia, so cannot comment on the room cost but can make observations on the facilities etc and compare it to all the other 'same-standard' 3* or so hotels I stayed in.

The hotel is a narrow high-rise located on a quiet street, very close to the river, in the heart of the charming city of Melbourne. The local area is dominated by corporate business, so the noise is minimal and it only gets busy on the pavements for brief periods out of working hours; you are VERY close to the large pedestrianised area adjacent to the south shore of the river which runs through the city centre. The main shopping area of the city is barely 5 minutes stroll away and you are also only a couple of minutes from the southerly AND northerly legs of the city circular free bus route (as they are either side of the hotel) and the main tram line, so everything is easily accessible.

The facilities and locale of this hotel mean it is really more like a motel, but that should not detract from the overall quality of what is there - it should not be viewed as somewhere to stay-in for cosy evenings but as a handy and well-equipped base for making the most of visiting Melbourne.

Overall, the hotel was fine with no significant negative points, with all the expected room facilities and cleanliness but there was no in-room safe (complicated process at reception to get a safety-deposit box, but it is free at least). Unusually, the room was equipped with a microwave oven, sink/drainer and all the necessary kitchenware for basic home-cooking/eating - quite handy ! There is a medium-sized supermarket about 3 minutes away and it seemed to be open all hours.

The bathroom wasn't, with just a shower cubicle and basin area but there was a very effective aircon unit. I was surprised to hear all the noises associated with drainage etc from the rooms of other residents filtering into my room - it was often quite noticeable but not too much of a disturbance. Due to the surrounding high-rise buildings don't expect too much of a view from your room....

There are only 2 lifts which are quite small, so things can get quite busy at peak-periods. There was a fairly large dining room which is there solely for breakfast. The breakfast buffet was fine, with a reasonable choice of foodstuffs but eggs 'cooked-to-order' (something I like a lot) were a struggle to obtain. The reception staff were helpful and there is a very well stocked information area with leaflets for local attractions and tours.

This is a smart, clean and tidy hotel for a stay in Melbourne which offers a superb location for visiting the city and good in-room facilities for those who want to self-cater.

Firstly, the Travelodge is in a lovely location one block back from the Yarra River and smack in the middle of Southbank. It is convenient to Southbank businesses and all the nightlife along the river.

The rooms are good. The beds are reasonable, although a little firm for my liking, and the linen is average. The rooms themselves are not large but well equipped. Broadband access is AU$20 for 24 hours which I thought was pretty good.

The hotel doesn't do evening meals but given it's location, why would you dine in? It's just a hop, skip and a jump from great restaurants on the Yarra. They do offer a good breakfast (by hotel standards).

The reception staff are a little bland and unenthusiastic but they are really just there to settle the bill.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Travelodge. It's location is superb and it is a good three and a half star venue. There are always taxis right outside the door. It offers real value for money and I will stay here again.