Lily Sands Inn

The welcome at Lily Sands was warm, the staff were genuinely lovely and happy to help. The Melbourne location is convenient, too. Our room felt cramped and the space wasn't used very thoughtfully. The bathroom was especially tiny, with nowhere to hang towels or clothes. It works fine for a night or two, but the lack of space and basic amenities would wear on you during a longer stay. With smarter storage and a better layout, Lily Sands could make these small rooms much more practical.

We ended up leaving Lily Sands Inn late at night because we felt unsafe and unsupported. Another guest was kept at the property, while we were the ones expected to leave. We had to arrange another hotel urgently, spending €260 for two nights instead of the €120 we had paid here. With calls and other extra costs, we lost more than €350. I also made several international calls trying to get help. Earlier that evening, after we checked in, there was nobody at reception or anywhere else in the hotel. A man came in through the emergency exit and stood outside my room, repeatedly knocking and asking for food and information. He was almost naked, wearing only underwear, and the situation was frightening. More than an hour later, a staff member arrived and told us he was another guest who had left his room without his key or phone. We were told he was clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol and acting in a disturbed way. The lack of staff and this serious security failure made us feel our safety was not being taken seriously. I strongly don't recommend this place, especially for solo travelers or anyone who needs basic security.

The receptionist was extremely friendly and helpful, and the rooms were a good size with hot showers. It was quiet at night with no traffic noise. Free street parking is available from 6pm-8am, and it's an easy walk up the street to restaurants and shops, or down toward the parks.

Probably my worst experience. The room and washroom were very unclean, with spider webs on the walls and clipped nails left on the carpet. There wasn't a rubbish bin in the room, so I had to use the toilet bin for bottles and wrappers.