Mantra St Kilda Road

For $430- on a Saturday night, this was really disappointing. The same room was available for only $188 tonight. I booked a studio executive room expecting views of Albert Park, but there weren’t any. The ceiling looked partly finished after some kind of construction, which wasn’t what I expected, and since we checked in around 7pm, I think we may have been given the wrong room. We’d picked up noodles at the local servo after our event, planning to cook them, but there wasn’t a single pot or even a microwave container in the room. What’s the point of a cooktop if there’s nothing to cook with? It was 40 degrees in Melbourne and the air-conditioning didn’t work. The manager tried to get it going, but couldn’t. They offered a water cooler, which just left the room hot and muggy. When we called reception again, we couldn’t get a simple fan. I understand it was late and there was only one staff member at the desk, but he never called back to let us know if they had one. Don’t waste your money, especially on a Saturday night.

After our first night, I reported that the sheets and pillowcases smelled like Dettol or bleach. It was horrible, and nothing was fixed or offered in the way of a room change. At reception, the woman said one room was ready, but told us early access would cost $20. The rooms themselves were disappointing too. For serviced apartments, there was no washing machine, no smart TV, and the TV seemed like it was from the stone age, almost black and white. For the price, better service and locations are out there. Stay away.

The rooms, staff, and buffet breakfast were all great. The problem was the construction outside. It was really loud on the lower floors and started early enough to wake you up. If you’re a light sleeper, you won’t be able to sleep.

My partner and I have been in a studio apartment for two weeks and are staying another four because of work. The hotel is very clean, and the room is really comfortable. We had a TV issue, but they kindly sorted it promptly by upgrading us that day. Shrajja at the front desk was lovely and very professional. Thanks from both Cristina and Marc.