ibis Styles Kingsgate

The room was good value, and check-in went well thanks to friendly, helpful staff. The shower was lovely. It was easy to get around Melbourne, with the SkyBus, Southern Cross station and good food nearby. I was surprised when my key card didn't work after I came back in the afternoon and had to get it reprogrammed. Then I worried that someone might have been in my room and used my bathroom, and I was concerned they might return.

I’m leaving one star because the staff were pleasant. We paid $2200 for three nights in a basic budget room, which wasn't the issue. The problem was the nightclub next door. It got louder as the night went on, and there was nowhere to escape the noise. I'm writing this to warn people. Once you're stuck there in the middle of the night, it's too late to change hotels.

Every other staff member I met was kind, professional and helpful, but the way check-in went overshadowed my whole stay. The man who checked me in was extremely rude and unwelcoming, and it left a terrible first impression. It upset me for the entire trip and nearly spoiled what should have been an enjoyable experience. That first interaction affected me enough that I feel I have to leave a one-star review. I hope management deals with it. Better customer service and training at check-in would make a big difference.

Southern Cross station was very close, so getting to the SkyBus terminal was easy even with my heavy luggage. I also appreciated how consistently and thoroughly they cleaned my room. I felt secure as a solo traveller, with double locks on the doors. There was a rooftop area with a view over the city. It wasn't much, but it was an interesting feature. I extended my Melbourne visit for two days a couple of weeks ago and needed a room at short notice. The price was steep for a basic hotel, but the stay itself was comfortable and pleasant. The room was small, though the queen bed was big enough for me and I could unpack and arrange my large suitcase comfortably. The bathroom had so many lighting options it was amusing. The staff kindly disposed of my broken suitcase and helped carry the replacement to the doorstep by the street at checkout, since it was so heavy. The entrance steps are quite high, so carrying heavy bags up before check-in could be difficult. Keep that in mind and ask for help if you need it.