Mercure Melbourne La Trobe Street

The staff were consistently helpful and cheerful, and I'd recommend this place to families exploring Melbourne. It's a new property in a central CBD spot, with a tram stop just outside and Southern cross coach station about a 10-15 minute walk away. We booked a two double bed room. It was fine and had all the amenities, and the bathroom was fine too. We got breakfast with an opening special. The selection was good, though it didn't change day to day. Our package included drinks at the bar, and we also had drinks there another day as I'm a silver member. The bar balcony has a great view at night.

Pete, the young woman at reception, was wonderful, and the friendly hospitality from her and the rest of the staff made our long weekend enjoyable. The level 6 dining room and bar are pleasant, and breakfast had a good variety, though the coffee machine was only average. Our upgraded room was still small, but the bed was comfortable, the shower was good, and everything felt clean and new. The big fluffy bath towels were especially nice. It's well placed for walking around or catching the free City Circle tram right out front.

We were in Melbourne briefly to see family and friends, and this newly opened hotel worked out really well. The location, room, dinner restaurant, bar and breakfast were all fabulous. There's a tram right in front, and the gym has lots of equipment and facilities. We'd definitely recommend it and come back.

I picked Mercure mainly for its location, and that part worked well. QV market is walkable and there's a tram stop at the entrance, so getting around the CBD was easy. The rest of the stay was disappointing, though. I spent five nights with some of the worst sleep I've had because the air conditioning kept cycling on for 15 minutes, off for 15, then making a gurgling water-system noise, all through the night. I reported it to the front desk. They seemed defensive but agreed to send a technician. He tested things and said he'd check the internal systems, then come back. He never returned, and nobody called or followed up. The staff seemed unwilling to help and were unfriendly. The room itself was clean and comfortable aside from that. I'd suggest reusable water bottles, since the refill station is downstairs in the lobby and the room only has tea cups and glasses. It's a new hotel with a lot of potential, and I hope they take the feedback seriously and improve.