We rented a 1 bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen in March 2013. I used the www.wotif.com.au site and booked their mystery hotel (it was the Clarion Suites) at a discounted rate. The hotel is well situated near Flinders St Station and across from the restaurants and shops of Southgate. We did not have a view of the Yarra River because of our special rate, but we did enjoy a perfect reflection of the river in the windows of the surrounding office buildings! The kitchen was well equipped, the room was neat and v. clean and the staff were very friendly and very helpful. The only negative was the connection to the internet in the room, which was very slow and on the last day unusable...however to their credit they did not charge us for the time we could not use it. They also have parking in the building for $25 a day.

Have stayed here before, but it was even better this time. We got upgraded to a river view room with a balcony, and enjoyed the sunset and fire show at Crown. Excellent location, friendly staff and a great night's sleep.

Our family, once again, had a wonderful stay at Clarion Suites Gateway. From the warm, friendly staff welcoming us to the amazing room - every part of our stay was special. The Deluxe Riverview Suite is incredible. With the amazing view of the city and across the river it is hard to believe we only paid $279 for the 4 of us. There is so much room for the kids to spead out and it's so lovely to be able to shut off the door to the bedroom when they have gone to sleep and enjoy the spectacular night view with a bottle of wine. Our trip was made especially special when room service delivered my son a surprise tray of cake for his birthday - it was a lovely touch. Every visit I am always surprised about the value for money at this lovely hotel.

We have stayed at the Clarion a few times now and we love it. Its easy to get too and it has its own car park whicjh is reasonable and rooms are modern and comfortable.
We always eat at the Restaurant for dinner and its great for families and we think its awesome we have never had a bad meal.
It is a short walk to South Bank,Aquarium Bourke Street Mall and a short tram ride to Rod Laver for Concerts.
Some times the rates are more afforable than some nights but as always it depends on what is going on in Melbourne at the time.
We stay because of its location comfort and Restaurant.