Name: Essence Hotel Carlton
Address: 609 Swanston Street, Carlton South, Melbourne, Melbourne (and vicinity), Victoria, Australia, Melbourne, Melbourne City, Australia
Rating: 7.7

Guest reviews

7.7

Good

Based on 1,874 verified reviews

Who stays here?

Business

21%

Couple

38%

Family

15%

Group

13%

Solo

10%

What guests think

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

At Essence Hotel Carlton, travellers consistently praise the convenient Carlton location near trams, Lygon Street and the CBD, along with friendly, helpful staff and generally clean, simple rooms that suit short stays and represent fair value.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

10

Anthony

3 weeks ago

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay. Very clean and worthwhile

10

Vanessa

3 Apr 2026

·

Stayed 5 nights

Wonderful stay - will definitely stay here again.

8

Phillipa

17 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely staff, clean room and fabulous location

4

Qurat-ul-Ain

27 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 4 nights

Average at best And overpriced.

2

byron

26 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

I made two phone calls to ensure my son, who was arriving 2 hours before us, was able to park his car underneath. I was assured both times that he could and that it would go straight to my credit card. It did not. He had to pay for both vehicles and because we had not checked in, he parked his car but was then stuck in the elevator for 20 minutes as he had no 'room key' to exit. The staff allowed him to enter (once he paid) but did not warn him that he would be trapped in there as no key was issued yet. He used the emergency phone in the lift to eventually get out (20 minute ordeal) and I had been assured it would be fine by two staff on separate phone calls. NOT HAPPY AT ALL! On top off that, the doors to the bathrooms are frosted glass AND do not close properly or lock. When you share a room with your late teenage kids, you'd like them to have some privacy. This is my last stay there and we go regularly to Melbourne to visit our son who lives down there.

609 Swanston Street, Carlton South, Melbourne, Melbourne (and vicinity), Victoria, Australia

Location

Located in Carlton, a neighborhood in Melbourne, Essence Hotel Carlton is in a shopping district and near a metro station. Lygon Street and Royal Exhibition Building are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Rod Laver Arena or Melbourne Cricket Ground.

More location info

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Everything you need to know for a smooth check-in.

Check-in

Check-out

From 14:00 to 20:00

Before 10:00

FAQs

Parking is available on-site at Essence Hotel Carlton. It is limited and may require a reservation. The parking is uncovered.

Check-in is available from 14:00 until 20:00, and check-out is required by 10:00. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request.

Essence Hotel Carlton offers limited wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entrances and accessible facilities in public areas. However, specific room accessibility features may vary.

Essence Hotel Carlton is situated in Carlton, Melbourne, near notable landmarks such as Lygon Street and the Royal Exhibition Building. It is also close to shopping areas like Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central, with easy access to public transport.

Children are welcome at Essence Hotel Carlton. There is no minimum age requirement for children to stay for free.

Essence Hotel Carlton does not allow pets, but service animals are exempt from this policy.

Essence Hotel Carlton

Amenities

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Guest reviews