Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel

We were staying nearby to be close to someone we love at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and this Best Western changed how I think of the brand. It's a beautiful, well-kept modern hotel in a great location. The pool looks lovely and stays at a consistent 1m depth, which makes it good for children. The room and ensuite were very compact. The whole toilet, shower, and sink area felt like it was in a 1-1.5m square, so anyone with mobility needs, or who is tall or wide, should talk to reception about booking an accessible room. Parking is limited, costs extra, and is very tight, though secure. We liked how clean and thoughtful everything was, the best pillows ever, and 24-hour reception with toothbrushes available. It's an easy walk to Lygon st, a Woolworths, and Brunettis. The soap, shampoo, and conditioner were good quality. Breakfast at the on-site restaurant ends at 9am. Cereal was offered after that, which we appreciated, but a hot breakfast is hard to beat, and 10am would be a better finish time. A microwave in the room or a small guest kitchenette would have helped too. I couldn't find a hairdryer in the ensuite, though maybe it was in the cupboard. We plan to return at a happier time.

I've known this Carlton institution since I stayed here with my parents as a child, about forty years ago, and it seems to get better every time. More recently, as a middle-aged adult, I found the modern rooms and comfortable beds really good. Breakfast was great, and there's a beautiful pool in the secluded inner courtyard. Lygon st restaurants are a short walk away, and the tram gets you into the city quickly. The only small issue this trip was the tight basement car park for our large 4 x4, though it would be fine for a regular sedan. Well done!

The location is prime if you want to be in Carlton, close to both CBD and Fitzroy. We also got fantastic service at reception, where a woman took time to explain the hotel facilities and everything else. Our room was one of the older ones, with a very old motel-style interior that wasn't as nice as the newer rooms. We saw more rooms being updated as we left, though. If they refresh the rest and keep the same price, we'd come back any day.

I've stayed here many times over the years, and it's lovely and cost effective. Free secure underground parking, about a minute's stroll to Lygon Street, and an easy walk into the CBD are all great. The staff are the best part, though. They reward guest loyalty without you needing to ask. Special thanks to Shannon for looking after my whole family this trip. The service is always amazing.