Skip to Main Content.
List your propertySupportTrips
Unlock instant savings with Member Prices
Sign in
Feedback

Essence Hotel Carlton

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

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

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
The current price is NZ$159
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 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
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Laptop workspace
  • 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

Highlights

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

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

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

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Co Living Single Room

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

Co Living Single Room

  • Sleeps 1

You may also like

Ad
Indoor pool, open 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, pool loungers

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank

Southbank
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 745 reviews
The price is NZ$194
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the area

Map
609 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053

What's nearby

  • Queen Victoria Market - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • University of Melbourne - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Melbourne Central - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Rod Laver Arena - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground - 4 min drive - 2.7 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
  • ‪Hareruya Pantry - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Ini Studio - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Regale - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Humble Rays - ‬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), coworking spaces and a water dispenser
  • A lift, multilingual staff and luggage storage
  • A vending machine, a 24-hour front desk and a TV in reception
  • 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

Similar properties

Lygon Front Suite

Carlton Lygon Lodge

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
8.4 out of 10, Very good, 1,001 reviews
The price is NZ$160
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
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 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

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

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, 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

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 7 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on 8 Dec 2025 start from NZ$159.32, 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: midnight. 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.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

8.0

Very good

8.4

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.6

Staff & service

7.6

Eco-friendliness

7.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 287 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 450 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 168 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 67 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

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

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

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

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

Bryce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice easy stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Rachel

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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

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

MIchael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location. Pleasant staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Fiona

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Sally

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was clean. Smallest room I’ve ever stayed in but was only there for a bed so not an issue
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

8/10 Good

Emma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location. Clean room. Good accessible bathroom. My only criticism is that I asked for an accessible room and I didn't find out that I wasn't getting one until I had checked in. This was frustrating because I had chosen this hotel because it came up in a search of accessible hotels.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Well presented unit. Parking could be a problem and does cost extra. Good value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

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

8/10 Good

Chester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The rooms are small, but they're clean. No chair or desk. Mine faced on Swanston St right above a tram stop but was pretty quiet. The hotel is near a bunch of restaurants and cafes, University of Melbourne and Carlton. All in all it's a good choice for a stay in that area.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

Richard

Disliked: Cleanliness
The room could definitely be cleaned better, particularly the floor which was quite dirty in places.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Michelle

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My room wasn’t cleaned well each day and there was thick dust under the bed. On a positive note they moved me when my room Suddently smelt like cigarette smoke that was coming through the air conditioner. Friendly staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Saman Sarker

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would have given it a 5 star. It was clean and all and overall it was a good experience. But it had lack of stuffs and service. They only have room cleaning once in the day and thats basically it. There is also no in-room calls and facilities like that. However, the rooms were very clean. And I didn't had much difficulties tbh. Recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

2/10 Terrible

Abhishek

Disliked: Cleanliness
Very bad house keeping
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

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