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From63US$ /night
Check-in
24Mar2026Select date
Check-out
25Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3053
-
Steps from Old Melbourne Gaol
Very good
7.6
7.7
/10
3.3
3.5
/5

Essence Hotel Carlton - A 3-star contemporary hotel near Lygon Street with free WiFi and city access

Essence Hotel Carlton, rated 7.6/10 on Booking.com, provides modern accommodations in Carlton, a neighborhood known for its 'Little Italy' scene along Lygon Street. The air-conditioned rooms feature flat-screen TVs, laptop-compatible safes, and private en suite bathrooms with hairdryers. Facilities include free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, a gym, and a communal kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. The hotel café serves breakfast in a retro-inspired setting with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests are within a 10-minute walk of Melbourne's Free Tram Zone, connecting to attractions like Federation Square and Queen Victoria Market. Popular landmarks nearby include the Royal Exhibition Building (1 km) and Block Arcade Melbourne. Essence Hotel Carlton is two tram stops from the city center and 22 km from Melbourne International Airport.

Pros

Located in Carlton, steps from Lygon Street's trattorias and pizzerias.

Free WiFi and laptop-friendly workspaces in all rooms.

24-hour fitness center and self-service laundry available.

Proximity to Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Museum (1 km).

Cons

No swimming pool or spa on the property.

Limited on-site dining options beyond the café.

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Select your room type

Essence Hotel Carlton offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Single Room Single Bed only
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Queen Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Essence Hotel Carlton offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Laundry

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Essence Hotel Carlton Location

609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3053
Map view
609 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3053
Nearby
Museum
Old Melbourne Gaol
1900 ft
Lygon Street
Lygon Street
1900 ft
Restaurants
Cafe Crema On Swanston
600 ft
488 Swanston St
Toto's Pizza House
1200 ft
101 Lygon St Carlton
The First Bigmama
800 ft
466 Swanston St
IL Dolce Freddo
1300 ft
116 Lygon Street
Lambs Restaurant
1100 ft
98-100 Lygon St Carlton
ILoveIstanbul
1000 ft
95 Lygon St
Saigon Pho Carlton
1200 ft
106 Lygon Street
Shukufuku Japanese Bento
1400 ft
126 Lygon St
Artee Cafe
1400 ft
62 Lygon St
Don Tojo
1800 ft
164 Cardigan St
Explore Melbourne
Explore the Heart of Melbourne
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Old Melbourne Gaol
7 minutes' walk
Historic former prison with guided tours, famous for its notorious inmates and ghost tours.
National Gallery of Victoria
25 minutes' walk
Australia's oldest public art museum featuring diverse collections and free entry to most exhibits.
Royal Exhibition Building
13 minutes' walk
UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and hosting major exhibitions and events.
Melbourne Museum
12 minutes' walk
Cultural institution with natural history displays, a children's gallery, and beautiful gardens.
Yarra River Cycling
10 minutes' bike ride
Scenic bike trails alongside the Yarra River, perfect for leisurely rides or a challenge. Rentals available nearby.
Flagstaff Gardens
13 minutes' walk
Relaxing urban park ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls. Great for families and those looking to unwind.
Melbourne Zoo
25 minutes' walk
Home to over 320 animal species. Engage in Wild Encounters for a thrilling behind-the-scenes experience.
Cafe Crema On Swanston
3 minutes' walk
Charming cafe offering delicious coffee, breakfast, and light meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Toto's Pizza House
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for authentic Italian pizzas and pasta, featuring a family-friendly vibe.
Lambs Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Elegant dining with a modern Australian menu. Reservations recommended for the best experience.
Arts Centre Melbourne
25 minutes' walk
Cultural hub featuring live performances, art exhibitions, and touring shows in a vibrant setting.
Federation Square
20 minutes' walk
Public space known for events, art displays, and eateries, a great place for family fun or nightlife.
Getting around
City Centre
Melbourne15 min  ·  4000 ft
Airports
Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)22 min  ·  9.0 mi
Tullamarine Airport (MEL)33 min  ·  13.3 mi
Train
Flagstaff Train Station14 min  ·  3700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at AUD 29 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Italian, Danish, Chinese, Hindi, Bahasa Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Tagalog / Filipino
Number of floors:
5
Number of rooms:
47
Former name
Ibis Melbourne Swanston Street

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Essence Hotel Carlton from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 353 verified reviews
7.4/10
Very good
75%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.7/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
8.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.1/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Good location
Friendly staff
Great shower pressure
Clean rooms
24/7 staff availability
Cons
Stained doona
Sunken mattress
Guest reviews
based on 1152 reviews
7.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Essence Hotel Carlton
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What parking options are available at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Private parking is available on-site for 29 AUD per day, and a reservation is needed.
How far is Essence Hotel Carlton from the closest airport?
The hotel is 22 km from Melbourne Airport.
What facilities are available for exercise at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Guests have access to a fitness centre and a games room.
Are there any nearby dining options from Essence Hotel Carlton?
Nearby restaurants include Wokks, Humble Rays, and Torissong, all within 0.5 km.
What are the room amenities available at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a private en suite bathroom.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Essence Hotel Carlton?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all guestrooms.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from Essence Hotel Carlton?
Nearby attractions include Queen Victoria Market (1 km) and Royal Exhibition Building (1 km).
What services does Essence Hotel Carlton provide for guests?
The hotel offers daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and a 24-hour front desk.
How far is Essence Hotel Carlton from the city center?
The hotel is only 2 tram stops from Melbourne's city center.
What family-friendly amenities are offered by Essence Hotel Carlton?
The hotel provides cots and access to a communal kitchen.

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