I can't say much more than this place really made me feel like i was still at home. When i checked into Essendon Grand it was my first time in Victoria. Since then, thanks to the help from the lovely staff i have been able to tour around with the good advice i received from them. It is situated in a nice leafy part of Melbourne, far enough away from the huusle and bustle, but close enough by tram to go and see what the city has to offer. The amenities first class. Well done!

Punt Hill apartments is an ideal place to stay in Melbourne. The rooms are spacious and well kept and the location is perfect - close to the city, right next to a variety of places to eat, drink and even a supermarket next door. BUT in my experience, if you are under the age of 30, are not wearing a 3 piece suit and carrying brief case do not expect to be treated with much respect or regard. I felt like a 16 year old getting warned by her teacher to behave or else while checking in to this hotel. My partner and i were told by the receptionist that there were helicopter pilots on call staying in rooms close to ours so we are to keep the noise level right down other wise if there are any complaints, head office will have to 'deal' with us and our guests. She condescendingly told us that Punt Hill Apartments have a responsibility to their corporate clients. In my opinion, Hotel staff have a responsibility to ALL their clients paying the same amount to stay there and should receive the same courtesy. I have never felt more patronised in my life by someone whose JOB it is to make me feel welcome and comfortable. Customer service is a big part of what we pay for when going to a hotel, especially from the first person to greet us at the front reception. The receptionist showed no tact or enthusiasm. Punt Hill Apartments will never receive my business again. What a huge disappointment.

Positives: Very spacious, with modern decor. Most fittings look fashionable and pleasing on the eye, with large kitchen area and plenty of provisions (fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities etc.). Relatively quiet, with lots of various shops in near vicinity.

Negatives: The place totally lacks love - all that nice decor and furniture is simply tossed in with no regard for useability or function, and things like maintenance and white-glove cleaning are neglected. Just to give an idea of where it's at - the dishwasher still has the installation guide and power rating stickers covering the front, from about 3 years ago!!! The dishwasher also starts an occasional death buzz that sounds like a big starship with gearbox problems, and the rattly air con refuses to turn off.

The outside porch is decorated with two rusting air con units (one is neighbour's), which are old and very rattly (great for sleeping), and (due to being installed in essentially an enclosed space) do not work very well. Poor and often uncomfortable use of all that space - one big area just stands there empty, and the TV needs to be looked at sideways as the lounge is placed in front of the office desk. And the pillows are large, heavy bricks...

Overall not bad (and MUCH better than some), however we've been to better places for the price.

Do not stay here if you are young. I was behind two old couples when checking in and they were treated like kings. However I was treated like a 14 year old school kid when I checked in (I am a 23 year old accountant). It was a bad start to my experience, a big no no for customer service. The room was nice, stayed in a studio, although the shower wasn't the best. I've stayed in a lot better rooms for the price.