[iain]

Hey,

Not being tooo boring or getting old before me time, but flying to melbourne in january and thinkin of staying in a hotel in melbourne for wen i first get to oz, just to get used to things

any recommendations on good hotels?? or shall i just do the hostel thing

cheers

iain

[poppageorge]

Having gone that route would suggest you book a couple of days at the Green room hostel on Elizabeth street. A multi storied building given over to being a business like run hostel. A full bar on first floor open to the wee hours. Rooms are good sized and kept as clean as possible by maintenance people. Security is by electronic passes for getting into rooms and other locations. Laundry on site as well as a good sized kitchen and lounge. Is one of the better run hostels.I was in a 4 person room on the tenth floor.$118 (aus) a week.Bunk beds with own metal locker for storage for each bunk bed.I s most convenient location wise.Right in downtown.

[poppageorge]

Since you coming out from England consider a week layover in NZ more if you have time. Also Hawaiie on way home. Both coun tries have excellent hostels. Roughly $20us a night.Well worth it.My daughter did Tahitti and Hawaiie plus NZ in her 4 week vacation from Canada.

[foolishgames]

The Kingsgate is a good buy. We visit Melbourne at least once a year and although my Dad usually shells out for one of the more expensive places, one year I stayed at the Kingsgate when I was by myself and I was happy. Awesome location, great value for money and while the rooms are pretty basic, they're clean and of a good quality.

http://www.kingsgatehotel.com.au/

They also have the option of an "economy room" if you're looking for something even cheaper.

Don't catch a taxi from the airport -- it will set you back about $40. Try to catch the shuttle that drops you at Spencer St Station (about 1 block from Kingsgate Hotel) which I think from memory is $21 return.

[iain]

cheers for your replies, they have helped me out alot.

The green room sounds good, cheap as chips is better i suppose. i will check it out - gotta start geting used to watching me money!!

landing in melbourne at 1.10am, so may just kip in the airport(hope you can do that!) until morning then catch that shuttle bus thing. Heard from other people that the hostels run 24 buses themselves but a bit unclear about the sitation

any help would be great

cheers

iain

[uktrail]

I'm thinking of a trip to Australia, and I would be arriving in Melbourne at 0110h also. What on earth does one do then, jet-lagged and probably short of sleep? I would want a single room that I can stay in until at least midday. Does that mean I would need to pay for 2 nights? And would I have to either pay a high price in the local top-class hotel or a high taxi fare to a cheaper hotel (IF it allows people in at that hour)? I looked up the Kingsgate and its prices are certainly cheap if there are 2 of you, but presumably double if you are alone. Can anyone see a solution to this dilemma?

[Tim Uden]

If you want a single room at a hotel near the airport why not try the Melbourne Airport Formule 1 Hotel.

A room there is A$59. The prices are per room so it would be cheaper per person if there were two of you. Still it is a lot cheaper than the Melbourne Airport Hilton.

If you have made your reservation online and have your door code you should be able to check in at any hour.

I'm not sure about the check out time but my guess is that you would have to pay for two nights if you want to sleep till noon. It is probably a better idea to get up earlier then go into the city and check into a hostel.

[Tim Uden]

The Sky Bus between Melbourne Airport and the city centre runs 24 hours so it is feasible to take the bus into town and stay in a hostel instead of finding accommodation at the airport. Although at that hour you would need to stay somewhere close to Spencer Street Station (like the All Nations, the Friendly Backpacker or Melbourne Connection).

[ 17. December 2004, 05:43: Message edited by: Tim Uden ]

[uktrail]

Thanks Tim, that is an acceptable price even for one person.

[poppageorge]

Many hostels have single rooms. Green room is as close to hotel style as you can get. Explore hostels on the inter net. I went through that route and recommend Green room hostel strongly.Just get for a night then decide after.Sharing dorms is really no big deal.Always check with airport personnel regarding transportation to city on your arrival. Taxi fares can really cause a pocket grief.Even book room online and they will arrange to pick you up in many cases.

[poppageorge]

Costs in Oz much cheaper than UK .So dont be to anxious to part with money without checking other places.