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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property
Travelers balance productivity and leisure at this Melbourne hotel's coworking space, garden terrace, and game room for evening entertainment

Choose dates to view prices

Near Melbourne City Baths and RMIT University, Essence Hotel Carlton creates a vibrant atmosphere with practical amenities. Guests connect via in-room WiFi, focus in dedicated coworking areas, relax in the garden terrace, or enjoy the arcade and outdoor entertainment spaces.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
The current price is NZ$165
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Queen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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About the area

Located in Carlton, a neighbourhood 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 travellers looking to shop may want to visit Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. Looking to enjoy an event or a match? See what's going on at Rod Laver Arena or Melbourne Cricket Ground. Visit our Melbourne travel guide
Map
609 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053

What's nearby

  • Lygon Street which includes signage, dining out and street scenes
    Lygon Street
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • RMIT大学
    RMIT University
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • メルボルン レンガ造りの建物 風景
    University of Melbourne
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • A must do if in Melbourne. There is something for everyone.
    Queen Victoria Market
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Melbourne Central
    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
  • Queensberry Hotel
    1 min walk
  • Hareruya Pantry
    2 min walk
  • Fattie Prince
    1 min walk
  • Regale
    2 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

Hotel near Lygon Street
Located close to Melbourne City Baths and RMIT University, Essence Hotel Carlton provides a terrace, a garden and an arcade/games room. In addition to laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Self-parking (surcharge), a vending machine and coworking spaces
  • A water dispenser, a lift and luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff, a TV in reception and outdoor furniture
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Essence Hotel Carlton include perks, such as laptop-compatible safes and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and desk chairs.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, heating and housekeeping

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includes taxes & fees
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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

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • 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: 8:00 PM
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
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM 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

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A damage deposit of AUD 101 will be collected before check-in.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card 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

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Parking height restrictions apply

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

Is Essence Hotel Carlton pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

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

As of 9 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on 16 Mar 2026 start from NZ$165, 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.

How much is parking at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Self-parking is available for AUD 29.00 per night. Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Essence Hotel Carlton located?

Located in Carlton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. University of Melbourne and RMIT University are also within 10 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 10 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 16 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

8.0

Very good

8.6

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.6

Staff & service

7.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 289 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 451 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 164 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 66 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean , great staff , tiny rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A value for money hotel close to shops, dining and transport. Rooms are small, but well appointed and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing stay clean rooms good service and such easy access to the CBD of Melbourne A+
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ross

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was nice and clean and the staff were very nice and helpful. Good security parking
Stayed 1 night 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Donna

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

Hayley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great facilities, helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Cassi

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

courtney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was clean, very affordable, and by far the comfiest beds ive ever sleep on when travelling!!! such a great location aswell!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good location and excellent services
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great space and location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Dee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed and showers, clean and had everything I needed for a short stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel 7 staff were very good
Stayed 1 night in Sep 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

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly Alessandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice and comfort room for a reasonable price.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
I would stay there again. A small room but well equipped and very clean. Some construction noise but generally quiet. Good value for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little hotel within walking distance of Lygon Street, Melbourne Central and Vic Markets. Had a morning appointment and the hotel let me leave my car in their carpark until my appointment was finished at no extra charge. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Moreno

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Hotel close to the University of Melbourne. Rooms were clean and comfortable. I would definitely stay here again if in Melbourne!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Byron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean simple rooms for the solo traveller. Plus conveniently located a short walk from the Lygon St restaurants. Close to a couple of great local pubs The Lincoln and Queensbury Hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
In a nice area in Carlton, quiet and very walkable down Swanston to the main CBD area. Close to Queen Victoria market as well, tram right outside. Staff were friendly and helpful, car park was secure, underground.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room had everything you would require for short stay,mine was 1 night, small rooms but comfortable great location
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good location, very affordable but small rooms. Minimal parking and amenities. Nice and clean with friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023