Name: Arrow on Swanston
Address: 488 Swanston Street, Carlton South, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Melbourne, Melbourne City, AU
Price range: $46–$228 per night
Rating: 6.8

What guests think

Across reviews of Arrow on Swanston, travellers repeatedly praise the central location and tram access, but report frequent mismatches between photos and reality, with small, dated apartments, uncomfortable sofa beds, and maintenance problems affecting doors, fixtures, and in-room amenities.

Cleanliness feedback is often negative, citing mould, odours, cockroaches and, in some cases, bed bugs. Service is mixed, with some friendly staff noted alongside slow or confusing check-in, poor communication, and inconsistent housekeeping. Facilities feel tired; guests mention broken or very slow lifts, an unappealing pool/gym area, and workable but paid on-site parking. Overall, expect a budget, no-frills stay in a convenient spot, with trade-offs in upkeep and reliability.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities feel dated, with repeated reports of broken or very slow lifts and an unappealing pool and gym area. On-site parking is available but can be confusing, and a coin laundry is provided.

Related guest reviews

2

Leah

Apr 21, 2025

·

Room photos and description were not at all representative of the actual rooms. There was no space to move around the beds, and the sofa bed was an old fold out futon that had seen many better years. There were scrapes along the walls and patched up plaster. For a room that was described as ‘spacious and comfortably sleeps 5’ - there were only 3 chairs at a tiny dining table. There was no provision of face washers or a hand towel. The pool was in a different building, smelled awful and looked dirty. The room wasn’t cheap enough to be this grotty. Won’t be returning.

6

Jessica

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent location just outside the city. Room was very small and cramped, bathroom very outdated. Also needed to walk around multiple floors to exit the car park as there’s no stairs/lift. Was fine enough for the one night.

8

DARRIN

Jan 11, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Pro: Very close to CBD, with nearby shops and tram stop at front door. Very reasonably priced. Cons: Elevator/s (2) are terrible in the morning and afternoon you can wait up to 10 min before one shows up with enough room to get in (During our stay only one worked). The adjoining apartment had a very large dog which lept up on the railings and barked whenever you went onto the balcony.

4

Aeven

Oct 13, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room conditions were okay, but the kitchenette stovetop was non-functional and hot water in the baths had stopped working properly after our second night there. Housekeeping also came and took our towels and didn’t replace them, causing us to have to come down to the reception to ask for it manually; something that wouldn’t be much of a problem except for the fact that we weren’t provided instructions on how to operate the (what I assume is an) intercom and thus had to look to using the elevators. Only one elevator was functional, and on our second day it completely stopped working when we got back from our activities, causing us to walk up 7-8 flights of stairs to reach our room. Overall, placement in the city, while convenient, doesn’t justify the conditions of the building very much. Additionally considering our room was in a separate building from the reception, and were told by other residents that the pool “had a layer of scum building up on it”, would look to other alternatives for future travel.

6

Hayley

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The photos of the rooms are not even similar to what we got. The listing promises a couch or sofa in every apartment, we didn’t get one so we had no where to really sit together and only 3 dining chairs for a booking for 5 people. The pool was freezing and the smell on the pool/gym level was unpleasant. Only one lift was working which lead to long waits for a busy building.

4

Amanda

Oct 27, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Fabulous location. The property is dated and photos dont represnt its cureent state. The pool in partcular was underwhelming. Holes either side of the airconditing unit where it had been installed. Amenities in the room were fabulous full kitchen much appreciated. Despite no smoking signs everywhere the hotel reeked of cigarette smoke. Had the window open our entire stay to help address that which meant extra noise as there is construction in the area. Could be a problem if you are a light sleeper.

4

tomoyo

Jan 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

非常に古くてびっくりした。宣材写真とは全く別物。キッチンがあり設備が整っているので安くで長期に宿泊したい人には良いと思う。場所はヴィクトリア市場に近く、目の前にトラムの駅があり、出るとすぐに2軒のコンビニがあるので便利。少し歩くとイタリアンレストランが2軒並んでいてすいている方に入ったが美味しかった。街の中心部からはちょっと遠いが徒歩圏内。事務やプールもあると書いてあったが使用できず（年始だから？）。有料のコインランドリーがホテル内にあるのは非常に助かった。ホテル1階のカフェで朝食を食べたが、結構美味しくておすすめです。チェックアウト後に無料で荷物を預かってくれるサービスもよかった。

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6

Vince

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Look, you get what you pay for. Is it clean and updated? No. Is it well priced, in a great location (tram stop out front, little Ezy marts, bottle shop all close by), yes. Communication was great. Easy to get to the onsite parking for $25 a night. Rooms really do need a deep clean and broken furniture replaced.

6

Rebecca

May 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property was central, with a tram stop right outside the property. The rooms were a bit dated, but comfortable enough and a decent size. The gym and pool were in a different part of the building, not very secure the front door was currently broken to that part. The cafe located in the lobby was fantastic with very friendly service

8

Olivia

Aug 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room itself was good, can't complain there. I found the rest of the hotel bizzare. The pool and gym building was very seedy and felt like an undergroung subway, also a strange musty mouldy smell. I tried countless times to contact the reception in anticipation of my stay (over the phone, via email, via their website, via wotif) to no avail. This was incredibly frustrating as I wanted to confirm my check-in time with them (to ensure it was okay). And yet, loved the location of the hotel. I think overall I have mixed feelings, but it was a nett positive once I was there.

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Cleanliness

Many reviews report mould, strong odours, stained bedding, cockroaches and, in some cases, bed bugs; corridors can also be dirty. A few found rooms clean, but overall standards and deep cleaning need improvement.

Related guest reviews

2

Beverly

May 15, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

To start with the positives, the staff were fantastic. When we requested basics that weren’t in the room when we arrived, such as coffee, hairdryer and glasses they were promptly delivered to the room. When I registered a complaint about the German cockroach infestation in our room the maintenance man David arrived promptly, pulled out all the kitchen appliances, sprayed and left baits. David went above and beyond and his treatment revealed the cockroaches were a serious concern. Unfortunately, besides the cockroaches which were less apparent after treatment, they were still in the room in droves and were needed to request insect spray. The room wasn’t as advertised. The room in the Expedia photos looked new. Our room was old and in need of attention both in renovation and replacement of furniture. The chairs for the dining table needed replacing as the vinyl had perished. The covers put on to hide this did not help as they were still lumpy and uncomfortable. The lounge was extremely uncomfortable and the springs were perished. It was so bad that we were unable to sit on it for more than a few minutes. As the lounge doubled as a bed this was unacceptable. One of the beds was OK but the other was also in need of replacement. There were no hand towels and the tea towel once moist smelt like Parmesan cheese. I reiterate, I could not fault the staff, especially David, however, this is the dirtiest and most dilapidated place I have ever stayed at.

4

Amy

Jan 1, 2026

·

Stayed 8 nights

The rooms were definitely not what was advertised on the site. The mattresses were stained, mould all through the bathrooms and the sofa bed was like a rock. The bedspreads were thin and gross. Would never stay there again or recommend anyone stay there till they do some major renovations.

6

Kellie

Dec 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The whole place needs a good deep clean...

4

Marcus

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Super close to the city, at a reasonable price. However it was quite dirty (under the bed there was remains from previous guests), cleaning service only came on request even though we were there for over a week. The beds were very dated and not very comfortable and we had bed bugs biting us. Would be much nicer if basic cleaning and maintenance would be done.

2

Roger

Jul 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Absolutely disgusting. Mould and damage everywhere, disgusting smell to the rooms, no lights working, tv broken, beds stained and rock hard. We refused to stay even after been shown two other rooms. Disgusting

2

Michael

Nov 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was unhygienic - floor was sticky with grime and dirty. Looked and felt like it had not be cleaned in at least a week. Spoke to reception who just said that it was cleaned every day so it wasn't an issue. The hallways getting to the rooms were consistently unclean - litter, garbage bags etc. Took over 3 weeks and lots of emails for them to return the bond. Literally the only positive was location.

2

Natalie

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We booked for 3 adults and two 18month old children, there was alot of mould in the shower , a mouse in our room and were bitten by somethinh in the bed they chaned our room and in that one discovered cockroach in the bathroom in the middle of the night we will never recomend this place to any family we had the worst experience not a relaxing holiday full of stress moving all our things as well steer clear not as shown in brochure.

2

Kelly-Ann

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bed Bugs!!!!

4

Jack

Nov 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was nothing like the pictures. Blind was dirty has a white stain on it. Bathroom had a terrible smell. Staff wasn’t very helpful when we complained Will not stay here again or recommend it to anyone

2

Toaray

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was advertised as a PREMIUM apartment. The photos looked fine, average reviews were fine. What we got was NOT what was advertised. --- This property is a SCAM! --- Upon entry, there is a foul smell like musty old carpets. The carpets are ripped in multiple places. The chairs have ripped fabric. The curtains have rips and holes. The bed bases are ripped and torn. We didn't do a bed bug check but in retrospect should have (tip, if there's an iron, run it along the edge of the bed. Bed bugs will be cooked and show up). The bathroom mirror was filthy, zero effort in cleaning. There was a used toothbrush on the floor. The toilet did not flush after the first use. This is a health department violation. The deck was covered with a tarp. I have no idea why or what for. The closet was home to the most skanky nasty portable cot I have ever seen. It was probably harvested from street-side rubbish. The mattress was ripped, stained, aged, and I wouldn't let my pets sleep on it as they'd get fleas or bed bugs or a venereal disease. The reception room is not manned, and a visual inspection shows it's used as a rubbish storage room. Phoning management is the worst experience. They simply lie, spin excuses such as "we're upgrading", and refuse to offer refunds or room changes based on "the manager is not here for a few days". All while staring at you through their curtains from the ground floor unit adjacent to the rear car park.

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Rooms

Rooms are frequently smaller and more dated than photos suggest, with odd layouts and uncomfortable or broken sofa beds; bed sizes or setups often differ from bookings. Noise from streets or other guests is also mentioned.

Related guest reviews

2

Sarah

Mar 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room that was advertised online was nothing like the room we stayed in. The bed was on wheels and moved each time it was sat on, which made the head bored almost fall down. There was barely any view. The window is positioned way to high to see out of. The bathroom layout is ridiculous as the shower door is placed inconveniently.

4

Suzanne Terese

Mar 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We love to visit Melbourne. Whilst the location was convenient, we were led to believe this was a two bedroom apartment and would therefore accommodate four people - as booked and paid for. Due to illness, only three of us travelled and that was a squeeze.

6

Jessica

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room much smaller than pictured. Beds are on wheels and slide around all night, very basic facilities, little cockroaches in the room and very smelly balcony due to dumped rubbish on the ground level.

6

Giovanna

Apr 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I stayed here as it 2as the same venue as a dance festival ı attended so was convenient. Very cheap accommodation but could do with a refresh. Although quite comfortable, it appears that makeshift bedrooms have been made out of lounge space and walk-in robes. Very weird “apartment”setup. Roller blind in bedroom only covered half the window. Lights from the street illuminated the room at night.

4

katie

Nov 2, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Room was nothing like the images or descriptions. The supposed deluxe one bed was a very basic studio. The bathroom had no shower curtain, towel rail or toilet roll holder. I was extremely dissapointed with the blatantly false advertising. Its a shame as its actually not a bad place. They just need to be more honest or give peolple what they are paying for and expect from their advertising.

4

Jessica

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Central to shops and trams Room unfortunately was nit what we expected

2

Warwick

Sep 6, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The room was small and not as shown in the booking picture. There were repairs to the walls the blanket was thin and had holes the TV was a very cheep brand with a very bad picture, the room was noisy. We were there for four days and they only serviced the room on the last day. Wotif let us down with the depiction of the room and there is no way I will ever book through wotif again

4

Darren

Nov 6, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The room I had was very small and that was incredibly hard the sofa bed was also slightly broken on one end. Also the door handle on the inside of the front door was loose and came off in your hand when you open the door I’m not forgetting in the toaster you have to hold down the button , I don’t think I will be staying there again. I will look for something that cost me a bit more money but It will be a quality hotel

6

Joanna

Jan 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Disappointed with the condition of our room, even though we’ve chosen a penthouse option. The couch was not comfortable to sit in, the bathroom wasn’t very clean, a lamp didn’t work (light bulb issue - the staff didn’t have replacement, they wanted us to wait for an electrician), the elevators were extremely slow to arrive. We only got one key card among three people so we couldn’t separate at all (even to go to the gym). The price and the location was great, everything else - disappointing unfortunately

6

Phillip

Jan 27, 2026

·

Stayed 8 nights

Rooms do not look like with advertised hotel photos.

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Service

Service feedback is mixed: several guests found staff friendly and helpful, while others faced slow or chaotic check-in, poor communication, management gaps on weekends, and inconsistent housekeeping or deposit returns.

Related guest reviews

8

Robert

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

The room was quite comfortable. We stayed for a week. It was very convenient for visiting the attractions in Melbourne. The reception staff and housekeeping staff were wonderful. It was explained to us that towels would be changed every three days. With the exception of the weekend, housekeeping provided fresh towels every day. I should point out a small issue. I had booked a deluxe one bedroom apartment but was provided a studio apartment. When I queried this with reception, they checked with their superiors but explained that this was what they provided for a one bedroom apartment. So be aware that the photos of the rooms are not what you will get.

6

Linda

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The blokes behind the counter was to busy talking to each other instead of communicating with the customer

2

Risa

Apr 1, 2025

·

Stayed 8 nights

No house keeping for 5 days, just once for 8-night stay. Staff looked not welcoming, dark and polite and even were not helpful. They don’t know how to handle the issue. They never apologized us for not giving housekeeping services. Worst hotel experience ever! Would NOT recommend this hotel.

8

Wayne

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Close to CBD. Tram stop right outside. Close to mall. Plenty of food options nearby. Hotel was clean. Staff were friendly and helpful.

2

Jody

Mar 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

An absolute disgrace. Canceled my booking as we were checking in. No other rooms, no help to find other accommodation. No explanation just citied maintenance issues. Do not stay here

2

Belinda

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We checked in Friday night and were sent to a very small room - not the King Deluxe room I had booked. When we came back from dinner I explained and asked to have the room I booked. I was told I would need to wait until the morning to move. The small room we were in was overlooking the car park and the noise meant we only got about 2 hours sleep. The next morning we packed up and went down for our new room - again told we would need to wait until after 10am. So they had put someone else in my room and were waiting for them to check out. They continued saying I didn't like the room I was in and wanted to be upgraded. I politely advised I just wanted the room I paid for. We finally made it into the booked room and it was lovely. On Sunday - we were due to check out at 10am. We had the do not disturbed sign on the door prior to this. Regardless of this housekeeping knocked and let themself in at 9.20am - I was naked in the bathroom - straight across from the door that had just been opened! Not happy! Why they would let themselves in when the do not disturbed sign was there and we still had another 40 minutes of our booking is beyond me.

2

Michael

Nov 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was unhygienic - floor was sticky with grime and dirty. Looked and felt like it had not be cleaned in at least a week. Spoke to reception who just said that it was cleaned every day so it wasn't an issue. The hallways getting to the rooms were consistently unclean - litter, garbage bags etc. Took over 3 weeks and lots of emails for them to return the bond. Literally the only positive was location.

2

vicky

Nov 27, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

After flying in to Melbourne, we turned up to hotel only to be told a pipe burst and we no longer had a room. No prior call. No prior email. No prior text. Just we had to find alternate accommodation. No assistance. Although the burst pipe is not their fault, no assistance in finding other accommodation at all.

8

Olivia

Aug 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room itself was good, can't complain there. I found the rest of the hotel bizzare. The pool and gym building was very seedy and felt like an undergroung subway, also a strange musty mouldy smell. I tried countless times to contact the reception in anticipation of my stay (over the phone, via email, via their website, via wotif) to no avail. This was incredibly frustrating as I wanted to confirm my check-in time with them (to ensure it was okay). And yet, loved the location of the hotel. I think overall I have mixed feelings, but it was a nett positive once I was there.

2

Shaun

Nov 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Took well over an hour to check in as people were complaining about cockroaches and mold and wanted to move room and then they gave me the wrong room, not what I booked, so when I come back down to reception someone else was complaining for about half an hour about staff removing their baggage and items from their room without approval or any notice because the room was getting maintenance done. The manager handled it very poorly instead of agreeing and apologising. Their argument went on and on and on. While another three travellers queued up behind me. Waiting These rooms also look nothing like what is advertised

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Location

Widely praised location with a tram stop at the door; easy access to the CBD, RMIT, Queen Victoria Market and Lygon Street.

Related guest reviews

10

Chad

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hotel located a really central area. Walking distance to Melbourne Central + tram is close by. Close to Lygon street and lots restaurants and shops close by. Room is comfortable for the price, easy check in/out. Would recommend.

8

Deborah

Oct 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean and tidy apartment. Friendly and easy check in. Had to wait a while for lift as only one working. Paid tram at the door or walk two blocks to the free tram zone. One block walk to supermarket. Recommend if on a budget.

6

Analee

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location

8

Wayne

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Close to CBD. Tram stop right outside. Close to mall. Plenty of food options nearby. Hotel was clean. Staff were friendly and helpful.

8

Kok Seng

Jul 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location

8

Andrew

Dec 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Basic amenities, but reasonably quiet, good and efficient check-in. Great location.

8

Bruce

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location just above town. Easy access to tram outside hotel lobby. Well equipped kitchenette though a peeler and a can opener would have made it perfect. Comfy bed. Nice to be able to open windows up wide. Bathroom fan was noisy and there was a bit of noise from the street below. Suited our budget.

8

Haydn

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

It was comfortable, clean and close to where we needed to be

8

Chloe

May 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

its location make it a perfect stay for travellers. tram station is in front of the hotel

8

Saw Sin

Aug 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Near China town

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Dining

A few guests liked the on-site cafe and there are many eateries nearby, but detailed dining feedback is limited.

Related guest reviews

6

Carol

Apr 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Would have liked a room as per picture used, but ah not to be. Bed was comfy-one good thing. The property was in a convenient location, we were able to walk to Melbourne Flower Show, Baths, and shopping centre. Cafe on site was very good coffee excellent, staff kind and happy.

8

Yvonne

May 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff gave us great tips for local food spots. Really appreciated that.

8

Kylie

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

When we arrived I was told I had to pay $100 as a deposit for the room, this was not explained very well as this was on top of our accommodation but I was to get it back if our room was not damaged in anyway. When we arrived in our room which was through another are to the reception we noticed that the room had a smell so we opened the windows. The two rooms with the beds in them had too much furniture in them as one bedroom had a double and the other had a king bed which with all the furniture in them there was not much room to move. We had to use the sofa as a bed and we was only given one sheet and a blanket and one pillow. Tv didn't work properly but did come right after I went down to reception as there was not a phone to use to ring through to reception about the tv and more bedding. There was no face washer and no tea towels no hair dryer (which you had to request). The fridge froze our food so we had to turn that down. Carpet was stained and the bathroom was a tad off and it needs a fresh coat of paint . The intercom didn't work to talk to people on the street who were visiting us and there was also no booklet/folder to say where the fire exits were or information on the complex etc. The pictures they actually show of the rooms are of their other hotel they own not this one as we have stayed at that hotel a few times but it was under another name. The only good part was the service at the little coffee shop on the premises it was fantastic.

8

meegan

Jan 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Near RMIT university (so not a lot of cafes etc) open outside of uni hours. 5 min walk to Queen Vic markets. Room was very clean, modernist. Very tight tho, not sure if 2 people could move around easily. Room was a bit stuffy, air con a little noisy. Tv channels weren’t set up properly but it was just an overnight stay so u was fine with it.

6

Rebecca

May 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property was central, with a tram stop right outside the property. The rooms were a bit dated, but comfortable enough and a decent size. The gym and pool were in a different part of the building, not very secure the front door was currently broken to that part. The cafe located in the lobby was fantastic with very friendly service

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$115
February	$104
March	$122
April	$83
May	$71
June	$67
July	$72
August	$71
September	$67
October	$102
November	$124
December	$105

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $59	2 $91	3 $93
4 $58	5 $63	6 $61	7 $60	8 $58	9 $189	10 $228
11 $64	12 $60	13 $58	14 $56	15 $59	16 $94	17 $115
18 $60	19 $63	20 $61	21 $46	22 $59	23 $85	24 $142
25 $62	26 $71	27 $68	28 $63	29 $58	30 $93	31 $212

Arrow on Swanston

Prices for Arrow on Swanston

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Penthouse Apartment

Studio Apartment

Triple Single Beds Apartment

Deluxe Family Apartment

Deluxe One Bedroom Apartment

4 Bedrooms Apartment

Deluxe Two Bedrooms Apartment

Deluxe King Apartment

Two Single Bedroom Apartment

Two Bedroom Apartment

One Bedroom Apartment

Premium Penthouse Apartment

Guest reviews of Arrow on Swanston

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Arrow on Swanston

Considering this hotel for your Melbourne trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20 $91	21 $63	22 $62	23 $63	24 $162	25 $176	26 $178
27 $65	28 $65	29 $64	30 $62