Crown Towers Melbourne

Crown Towers is the top-end hotel in the Crown complex on the Southbank side of the Yarra River, and it is one of the best-reviewed luxury hotels in Melbourne. It is a five-star property with a clear resort feel: you can stay in the one building and have a spa, a pool, restaurants and entertainment on the doorstep, without ever needing to cross the river. The spa is full service, with a sauna, hot tub, steam room and couples' treatment rooms, and there is a pool for guests, which makes Crown Towers a rare city hotel where a rainy afternoon is a pleasure rather than a problem. Families are well catered for, with babysitting, a children's club and a playground listed, along with connecting rooms, cribs and rollaway beds. Club Level rooms include a complimentary continental breakfast, a useful upgrade for those who plan to use the lounge. The hotel sits about 0.6 miles from the Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Federation Square, so the cultural precinct, the Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria are within a pleasant riverside walk, while the Crown complex itself offers restaurants, bars and entertainment for evenings when you do not want to go far.

Location is the first reason to book. Southbank gives you the river promenade, the arts precinct and an easy walk across the footbridges to Flinders Street Station and the laneways. Trams on St Kilda Road and Flinders Street are close, and the hotel works well for visitors attending events at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre or the arts venues. Because the Crown complex is large and busy, expect a lively atmosphere in the public areas, particularly on weekends, and ask for a higher floor if you prefer quiet.

The hotel's strengths are its facilities and its service. The spa and pool are among the most complete in the central city, and guests who plan to relax between sightseeing will use them. For families, the combination of a children's club, playground and connecting rooms makes it one of the most practical luxury options.

For couples, the couples' treatment rooms and the river views are the draw. Room types and views vary, so check what is included in your rate, including breakfast and club access, when you book, and ask about the current opening arrangements for the spa and pool.

Be realistic about the price and the character. Crown Towers sits at the top of the market, with rates that rise during major events such as the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup carnival. It is a large, polished resort-style hotel rather than a quiet boutique, so travellers who want a small, design-led stay may prefer the laneway hotels across the river. For those who want comfort, facilities and everything in one place, it is among the best choices in Melbourne.