I booked a one bed apartment with hotels.com, requesting a high floor overlooking the Yarra River 9 months in advance of our trip for a 4 night stay.
We checked in but arriving at the 12th floor apartment (with great views) found it was only a studio.
Went back to the front desk and was told Hotels.com had only asked for a studio. We were offered a river facing room for an extra $80 AUD and although disgruntled about decided to accept so although the views were'nt as good the room was twice the size of the studio with full kitchen and laundry facilities.
Next day I asked reception to email Hotels.com to find out what went wrong as my booking clearly said 1 bed apartment. Receptionist came back, apologised, explained it was their mistake and waived the 80 bucks. They did offer us a room on a higher floor at the back but we decided to stay with the 5th floor room with the River views.


Anyway onto the positives. Location is fantastic, corner of William/Flinders, opposite Southbank and great restaurants and Crown Entertainment Centre. We went to see Jersey boys at Princess theatre, enjoyed a trip down to St Kilda, beach was disappointing but cakes on Acland Street were very good. We used the free hop on hop off bus and tram service, visited Victoria Market and simply had a wonderful time in Melbourne a truly fantastic city to which we plan to return one day.

Bed at the Clarion Gateway was so comfortable and lounge area very spacious and relaxing. Flinders Street Station is just down the road so there is inevitably a lot of commuter train noise so I guess the higher floor the better for lighter sleepers.

Would we stay here next time - Yes but I'd check in advance I had been given the right room type before arrival!!