Unfortunately our flight from Tasmania touched down at 6 p.m. on a Sunday just when the hotel reception closes. However I rang the motel and was given a security code to get in, told the room number and that the key would be left outside our room; we had no problems at all in accessing our room. The motel name is in very large letters, not only outside on Swanston Street, but also over the reception desk.
As well as all the restaurants and shops outside, many of which were open 24/7, there was also a taxi rank directly opposite which was very useful for getting to the airport. We found the reception staff friendly and helpful; the reception is quite small but perfectly acceptable. The complimentary breakfast is basic but, for the price, should one expect breakfast at all.
The room we stayed in the first night was quite large and looked out over Swanston Street; although we could hear the trams rumbling past they didn't disturb us. The bathroom was very large, spotlessly clean and modern with a huge shower cubicle. Apparently some of the bathrooms in the motel are larger and more luxurious than some 5* hotels in Melbourne. The room we were allocated for our second night a few days later was at the back of the hotel with no view and was slightly smaller, but the bathroom was still of a very high standard.
If anyone wants to use the motel's recommended secure car park it is worth pointing out that the name of it is “FLINDERS Gate Secure Parking” at 172 Flinders Street and not “Kings Gate Secure Parking” as written on the motel's website. It is the nearest secure car park to the motel; the car park ticket, when validated by the motel, costs $16 AUD for 24 hours which is a saving of $29 AUD as the normal price we were told by reception is $45 AUD.
- City Square Motel
- The City Square Hotel
