Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

This hotel is highly regarded for its excellent location, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking convenience and accessibility. Situated directly opposite Southern Cross Station, it offers unparalleled access to public transport and key city attractions, making it ideal for sightseers, business travelers, and solo travelers exploring the city. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall value for money and the generally friendly staff. While many appreciate the hotel's cleanliness and the comfort of its accommodations, some reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding room condition and noise levels. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests might consider requesting a room with an external window and bringing earplugs, as some internal rooms or those facing busy areas can experience noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of practical facilities designed for convenience. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout their stay, ensuring connectivity. The self check-in kiosks are often praised for their efficiency, though some guests encountered minor issues. For those traveling with vehicles, parking is available on-site, although it can be expensive and availability is sometimes limited. In-room amenities typically include a mini-fridge, kettle, and tea and coffee facilities, with some larger rooms also featuring a microwave. While the televisions are present, some guests reported issues with functionality or placement. The hotel also offers laundry facilities for guest use and a unique smoker's lounge, which is appreciated by some. Access to rooms is via elevators, though some guests noted they can be slow or require navigating stairs on certain floors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many rooms are described as clean and well-maintained, with some guests highlighting them as spotless. However, a notable number of reviews mention issues such as visible dust, grime, or mould in the bathroom areas, and some report a lingering smell. The beds receive mixed reviews; while many find them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, others describe them as too firm, hard, or note issues with springs. Room size also varies, with some guests enjoying spacious accommodations, particularly family rooms, while others found their rooms to be small or even claustrophobic, especially those without external windows. Noise levels are a significant concern for some, with reports of sounds from external air conditioning units, street traffic, thin walls, and noisy plumbing or exhaust fans impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers dining options that receive mixed but generally positive feedback, particularly concerning breakfast. Many guests find the breakfast to be of good value, with options ranging from continental to a cooked selection. While some praise the food quality and variety, noting it as delicious and plentiful, others mention issues such as food being overcooked, cold, or experiencing long wait times during peak hours. The on-site restaurant also serves dinner, with guests describing the meals as exceptional and beautiful, offering good value and a pleasant atmosphere. A happy hour is available, adding to the appeal for those looking to unwind.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset. It is conveniently situated directly across from Southern Cross Station, providing immediate access to trains, trams, and the Skybus for airport transfers. This prime position places guests within the free tram zone, making it easy to explore the CBD and reach various attractions without additional transport costs. Popular destinations such as Crown Casino and Marvel Stadium are within easy walking distance, as are numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel's proximity to major transport hubs and city landmarks significantly enhances the overall guest experience, making it an ideal base for exploring.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently commend the team for their welcoming attitude and willingness to assist with inquiries or issues. The check-in and check-out processes, often facilitated by self check-in kiosks, are typically described as quick and efficient. However, some guests reported instances of staff being less accommodating when faced with specific problems, such as room issues or parking challenges. Housekeeping services receive mixed feedback; while some guests found their rooms to be impeccably clean, others noted inconsistencies or mentioned that full housekeeping might require a specific request or incur an additional fee.

Additional Information
Guests frequently note the hotel's dated appearance, with some describing its interior design as reminiscent of a "prison-like" structure, particularly in certain corridors or rooms without external windows. A serious concern raised by multiple guests is the presence of bedbugs, though the hotel reportedly offered solutions such as room changes or refunds in response. It is important for guests to be aware that services like full housekeeping, early check-in, and late check-out may incur additional charges. Recurring maintenance issues, including a lack of consistent hot water in showers and noisy air conditioning units, were also reported by some guests, impacting their overall comfort.