Southbank

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank

★★★★★

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank is one of the most practical mid-range choices in Melbourne, offering a modern room, breakfast included and an excellent location for a sensible price. It opened in 2019 at 35-47 City Road in Southbank, the cultural and dining district on the south bank of the Yarra, and has 345 rooms. The hotel follows the Holiday Inn Express formula: compact, well-designed rooms with comfortable beds and good showers, no full-service restaurant, but a free continental breakfast for up to two adults per room, served in the Great Room each morning, plus a bar and lounge, a cafe and a 24-hour fitness centre. It is a straightforward, reliable hotel that keeps costs down without feeling basic. The location is its best feature. The Southbank Promenade along the river is about two minutes' walk away, as is the Melbourne Skydeck in Eureka Tower, and Arts Centre Melbourne and the NGV are only a few minutes further. Flinders Street Station and the CBD are about a seven-minute walk across the river, and the Crown entertainment complex is around 12 minutes on foot. That puts the city's main sights, theatres, restaurants and riverside bars within easy reach without the price tag of a riverfront tower. Parking is limited, first-come, first-served and charged per night, with height restrictions, so drivers should plan ahead. Families should note that breakfast-inclusive rates cover two adults, with a fee for extra guests. This is a hotel for travellers who will spend most of their time out exploring and want a clean, comfortable, central room and breakfast covered.

Book directly or through a trusted site and compare rates, as prices rise sharply during major events such as the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup carnival and big concerts. Higher floors offer better views and less street noise from City Road, which is busy. Rooms are compact, so families of four may prefer two rooms or an apartment-style property.

Southbank makes a great base for first-time visitors. Walk along the river to Federation Square, take a tram along St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens, or catch a show at the Arts Centre. The Skydeck and SEA LIFE are both close, and Southbank's riverside restaurants are a short stroll away.

Compared with the luxury towers along the river, such as The Langham, this hotel trades views and pampering for value and convenience. For travellers who prefer to spend their budget on food, wine and experiences rather than the room, it is an easy recommendation.