Essence Hotel Carlton

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

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

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
The current price is ₩113,202
₩124,522 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Laptop workspace
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Essence Queen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Queen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Economy Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Co Living Single Room

  • Sleeps 1

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About the neighborhood

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

  • ‪Hareruya Pantry - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Ini Studio - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Universal Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Queensberry Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Regale - ‬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/game 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
  • An elevator, multilingual staff, and luggage storage
  • A vending machine, a 24-hour front desk, and a TV in the lobby
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Essence Hotel Carlton boast perks such as laptop-compatible safes and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and desk chairs.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Wardrobes/closets, heating, and housekeeping

Similar properties

Property amenities

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 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
  • 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

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 percent 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
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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-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

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 Nov 2, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on Nov 17, 2025 start from ₩113,202, 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.

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?

Check-out 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.

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Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 286 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 452 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 169 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 67 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1002 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a great area that is easy to get to. Nice that it has parking although it is a small underground garage. Room was clean, comfy beds.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good location and excellent services
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

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

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
I would stay there again. A small room but well equipped and very clean. Some construction noise but generally quiet. Good value for the price.
Stayed 1 night 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

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. We only stayed one night and it was a late check-in. Suited us very well. It was pleasing to have reception staff at the late hour. Room was stylish and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

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