'Sucker for a view': Ideal place to stay in Melbourne CBD
One of the hardest things I find about booking a trip is working out the best spot to stay when visiting a new city.
You can research where the tourist attractions are and where public transport goes, but still can't really know what the area will be like.
Several times I've tried my hardest to book the 'right' spot, but have made the wrong choice - like when I ended up staying beside what seemed to be Munich's red light district on my honeymoon. (At least the inside of the hotel was nice?)
So even as a Melburnian who has worked in the CBD for years, I recently discovered a place in the city in an optimal location with all the facilities you could need, whether you're coming for a work trip or a family holiday.
The view from level seven at Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Nine
I'm also a sucker for a view - and I'd argue its riverfront rooms offer some of the best outlooks from any of Melbourne's 4-star hotels. I could see right down the river to the historic Flinders Street Station from my room.
Crowne Plaza Melbourne is located on the banks of the Yarra River at the southern tip of the CBD.
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It's not right in the heart of the city, so it's free from the noise of the busy streets' nightlife, and it's just a five-minute walk from Crown Casino, Melbourne Convention, and Exhibition Centre and DFO South Wharf.
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The King Room at Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Crowne Plaza Melbourne
The heart of the CBD, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne SEA Life Aquarium are all just a short walk or tram ride away, and Southern Cross train station, which provides access to all Victoria's metro and regional trains as well as the Sky Bus to Melbourne Airport, is just 600 metres away.
The hotel itself is modern and comfortable and is equipped with a 24-hour gym and outdoor swimming pool.
We had dinner at Ottie's at Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Nine
During school holidays, common rooms are set up with activities for children, while the hotel has plenty of working and meeting spaces for those in town on business.
Melbourne is known for its fantastic restaurants and there are restaurants and bars along the riverfront just outside the hotel.
But if you don't feel like venturing out, the hotel has its own restaurant Ottie's, which serves a blend of European and Australian cuisine, as well as a cafe and a small bar with a pool table.
Room prices start from just $189 a night for a standard room, or from $229 for a room with the spectacular view.
The writer stayed as a guest of Crowne Plaza Melbourne.
