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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property
Hotel with a 24-hour fitness centre, 8-minute walk to Melbourne Central

Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

Billiards
Lift
In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
Dining
Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry room
The current price is NZ$159
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
609 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
  • Place, RMIT University
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Queen Victoria Market
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Melbourne Central
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Queen

Standard Queen

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Queen Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Essence Queen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Essence Twin Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Standard Twin Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Double Room

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Deluxe Queen Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Queen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Co Living Single Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Co Living Single Room

  • Sleeps 1

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About the area

Melbourne

At Essence Hotel Carlton you'll be within a short 5-minute stroll of Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi and LCD TVs. .This hotel has free WiFi in public areas, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Carlton hotel include University of Melbourne and RMIT University.

What's nearby

  • Lygon Street - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • RMIT University - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • University of Melbourne - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Queen Victoria Market - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Melbourne Central - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Essendon Station - 9 min drive
  • Melbourne Central Station - 10 min walk
  • Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Universal Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Ini Studio - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hareruya Pantry - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Queensberry Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Regale - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

Hotel with a 24-hour fitness centre, 8-minute walk to Melbourne Central
As a guest of Essence Hotel Carlton, you'll find a 24-hour fitness centre, a terrace, and a vending machine. Public spaces have free WiFi. An arcade/games room, multilingual staff, and a garden are also featured at Essence Hotel Carlton. Limited parking is available for a fee and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Melbourne hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 47 guestrooms or units
  • 5 levels
  • Built in 2013
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Games room or arcade
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
Essence Hotel Carlton offers 47 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and a hairdryer. LCD televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries.

This Melbourne hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Lygon Front Suite
Carlton Lygon Lodge
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 1,001 reviews
The price is NZ$116
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Carlton Lygon Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Parking on site (AUD 29 per night)
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping on request
  • Multilingual staff

Business services

  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Lift (90 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom

More

  • 1 building
  • 5 floors
  • Built in 2013
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after midnight please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 5 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Self-parking fee: AUD 29.00 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB International, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • One child aged 5 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Melbourne Tune
Melbourne Tune Hotel
Tune Hotel Melbourne Carlton
Tune Melbourne Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street
Essence Hotel Carlton Hotel
Essence Hotel Carlton Carlton
Essence Hotel Carlton Hotel Carlton
ibis Melbourne Swanston Street Hotel

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Essence Hotel Carlton offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Essence Hotel Carlton?

As of 24 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on 4 Jan 2026 start from NZ$158.96, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Yep, Essence Hotel Carlton has a self car park for AUD 29.00 per night. A self car park is also available, for a fee. Onsite parking is limited.

Are there any beaches close to Essence Hotel Carlton?

The closest beach to Essence Hotel Carlton is St Kilda Beach (7.3 km).

Does Essence Hotel Carlton serve breakfast?

You bet, breakfast is offered daily.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, Essence Hotel Carlton does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 289 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 449 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 168 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 66 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1000 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was easy and secure. Easy walk into Lygon St.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Dorinda

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not sure the air con was working or the bathroom fan
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Essence was close to my destination and easily accessible. I didn't find a suitable place for an evening meal nearby. (The place where I went was extremely noisy.) Maybe I needed to look harder. I would certainly revisit Essence.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I always enjoy staying at the Essence. It's a great location, has parking, and the rooms are a good size and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay. Top floor room was lovely and quiet, and had enough room for multiple suitcases. Really convenient for the areas we were visiting.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful staff. Room was fine, bed comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the stay it was convenient for the reason I was there
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

JOHN

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Twin Rooms (while suiting our needs) are too small
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David, Haines Kangaroo Island

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Was a very busy time the sleep was much needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
the room is clean, the shower felt fab, the staff was kind. what more does one need for a one night stay?
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Croydon South

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lauren

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Cassi

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was great, staff were friendly. Clean, but small rooms. The carpark was easy. Unfortunately there are a lot of personal belongings and old mattresses in the car park, making parking challenging.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Comfy bed. Lovely outdoor area & indoor nooks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a great area that is easy to get to. Nice that it has parking although it is a small underground garage. Room was clean, comfy beds.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yuji

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brooke

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Most unhygienic hotel I’ve ever stayed at.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed a few times here now. The location is great for walking to many events around the city. Having a hotel with parking is a plus as well and cheaper than finding a spot in a parking garage. The room was nice and a good size. Noise from the hall this time was a problem. At 4:30 am for nearly 30 mins people were opening and closing their doors over and over leading to loud clicks and bangs as they opened and closed them. I don't know what was happening and why people needed to constantly be in and out of their rooms over and over banging doors.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Keith A

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A real mixed bag in a good location

The hotel has a perfect location, convenient to public transit and walking distance to so much that one would want to do or see. The reception staff was super nice and accommodating, and the beds were supportive without being hard. The room , however, was not cleaned on three of the six days we were there, and we had to repeatedly request clean towels as a result. It is the smallest hotel room I have ever stayed in, and the lack of a desk or a chair was a fatal detail that made our stay less than comfortable. There is virtually no usable counter or table space. It was difficult to maneuver around the limited space and there is nowhere to put suitcases or even to unpack clothing. The bathroom is also small, though it is well designed and was comfortable, though not enough to make up for the room problems.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the 2nd time I have stayed here and while the rooms are on the small side, they are always clean and tidy. The hotel is walking distance to Lygon St and the Royal Exhibition Building which is great and there is a tram stop out the front which goes straight to the CBD area
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025