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Essence Hotel Carlton

Property class: 3.5
3.5-star hotel near Melbourne City Baths

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Terrace/patio
Elevator
Exterior
Billiards

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
609 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
  • Place, RMIT University
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Queen Victoria Market
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Melbourne Central
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Queen

Standard Queen

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

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

Standard Twin Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

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

Deluxe Double Room

7.6 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Queen

  • 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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About the area

Melbourne

Carlton stay.At this Carlton hotel, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. University of Melbourne and RMIT University are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Lygon Street - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • RMIT University - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • University of Melbourne - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Queen Victoria Market - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • 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
  • ‪D’Penyetz & D’Cendol - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5-star hotel near Melbourne City Baths
As a guest of Essence Hotel Carlton, you'll find a 24-hour fitness center, a terrace, and a vending machine. Public spaces have free WiFi. An arcade/game room, multilingual staff, and a garden are also featured at Essence Hotel Carlton. Limited parking is available for a fee and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Melbourne hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 47 guestrooms or units
  • 5 levels
  • Built in 2013
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Game room or arcade
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Water dispenser
Essence Hotel Carlton offers 47 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and hair dryers. LCD televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.

This Melbourne hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

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includes taxes & fees
May 10 - May 11
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Self parking on site (AUD 29 per night)
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • TV in common areas

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
  • Elevator (35 inch wide door)
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • 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 washroom

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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 percent 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 5 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

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

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB International, debit cards, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • One child 5 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

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

How close is Essence Hotel Carlton to the airport?

Essence Hotel Carlton is 9.3 mi (21-min drive) away from the Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Apr 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on May 10, 2026 start from CA $111, excluding 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.

Does Essence Hotel Carlton have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Essence Hotel Carlton.

How close is Essence Hotel Carlton to the beach?

This hotel is 6.3 mi (24-min drive) from St Kilda Beach and 6.7 mi (25-min drive) from Elwood Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Essence Hotel Carlton offer free breakfast?

Essence Hotel Carlton does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Essence Hotel Carlton?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Crown Casino (5-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for AUD 29.00 per night.

Does Essence Hotel Carlton have a pool?

Essence Hotel Carlton does not have a pool.

Does Essence Hotel Carlton have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Essence Hotel Carlton to downtown Melbourne?

Essence Hotel Carlton is 0.8 mi away from Melbourne.

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 292 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 449 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 163 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 66 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1000 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

byron

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
I made two phone calls to ensure my son, who was arriving 2 hours before us, was able to park his car underneath. I was assured both times that he could and that it would go straight to my credit card. It did not. He had to pay for both vehicles and because we had not checked in, he parked his car but was then stuck in the elevator for 20 minutes as he had no 'room key' to exit. The staff allowed him to enter (once he paid) but did not warn him that he would be trapped in there as no key was issued yet. He used the emergency phone in the lift to eventually get out (20 minute ordeal) and I had been assured it would be fine by two staff on separate phone calls. NOT HAPPY AT ALL! On top off that, the doors to the bathrooms are frosted glass AND do not close properly or lock. When you share a room with your late teenage kids, you'd like them to have some privacy. This is my last stay there and we go regularly to Melbourne to visit our son who lives down there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

harry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean and fresh, helpful staff very comfortable bed
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Earl

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Travelled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Asha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room and shower are a bit tiny. Good pressure, volume and temp in the shower. Stone throw away from metro stop. Accessible to everything in CBD
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was easy and secure. Easy walk into Lygon St.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Dorinda

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not sure the air con was working or the bathroom fan
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Rod

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Essence was close to my destination and easily accessible. I didn't find a suitable place for an evening meal nearby. (The place where I went was extremely noisy.) Maybe I needed to look harder. I would certainly revisit Essence.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pei-shan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Nov 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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Elsa

Travelled with family
Stayed 3 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

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Anthony

Stayed 1 night in Sep 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

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

8/10 Good

Paul

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the stay it was convenient for the reason I was there
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

JOHN

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Twin Rooms (while suiting our needs) are too small
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David, Haines Kangaroo Island

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Was a very busy time the sleep was much needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 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