Saint Domain

This was a great base while we explored beautiful Melbourne. Cafes and supermarkets are just a short walk away, delivery is available, and the tram stop is close by. The staff were friendly and helpful, and replied quickly by email when we arranged a late check-in. They were also responsive when we went through reception. We’d highly recommend the Saint Domain Serviced Apartments.

I came to Melbourne for a concert after saving for a $499 ticket, and had to find somewhere quickly when my first Airbnb flooded because of a burst water main. Options were limited, so I paid $600 for a last-minute booking here. The area seemed close and the place looked okay, but the experience was awful. At the bright orange entrance, mail was scattered around alongside old, torn, dirty clothes. It looked like an alcove of a derelict shop being used as shelter. There was a tiny reception with nobody there. I called and was put through to head office, who told me to wait 30 minutes. After an hour, no one had arrived. On my next call I was kept on hold for 45 minutes before the call cut off. A woman then told me they couldn’t honour the booking and hung up. When I called again, she rudely said there was no booking, that it was only an answering service, and that they weren’t in charge, then hung up again. I never heard from an actual employee. I left and filed a complaint with Agoda.com, where I booked, and with the Hotels association, of which I’m a board lifetime member. Saint Domain, you never know who might be a customer.

I booked five nights, but the room was disgusting when I arrived. The toilet seat had urine on it, the pillows and bedding were dirty, and the furniture was filthy. It looked as if the room had been used as a childcare space. I asked for the room to be cleaned, but it still wasn’t. They only gave me clean towels. For a place called “Serviced apartments,” service happens every three days, and even then it’s just a towel change. The staff were rude and didn’t take my complaint seriously. You pay for a pleasant holiday stay and arrive to find this. It’s not acceptable, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The room and balcony had outstanding views, and we found the room clean. The shower was definitely five stars. The pillows were only average, though, the bathroom fan didn’t work, and the compact space would make using the kitchen and dining area a challenge. Saint Domain is near St Kilda Road and the Shrine of Remembrance, with the heart of Melbourne reachable by a brisk walk or a short tram ride. Some apartments in the complex are rented long term to students at the nearby university, while the short-stay ones are fairly spacious for a holiday. The entrance is just a doorway and easy to miss the first time. We were grateful that the receptionist stayed late when our Jetstar flight was delayed.