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Essence Hotel Carlton

3.5 star property
Travelers balance productivity and leisure at this Melbourne hotel's coworking space, garden terrace, and game room for evening entertainment

Choose dates to view prices

Near Melbourne City Baths and RMIT University, Essence Hotel Carlton creates a vibrant atmosphere with practical amenities. Guests connect via in-room WiFi, focus in dedicated coworking areas, relax in the garden terrace, or enjoy the arcade and outdoor entertainment spaces.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
The current price is £65
includes taxes & fees
30 Jul - 31 Jul

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Standard Queen

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a red headboard, a bedside table with a lamp, and a mirror above the bed.

Standard Queen

7.8 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Essence Queen Room

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a lamp, a chair, and a window with curtains.

Essence Queen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Essence Twin Room

A hotel room with two beds, a wardrobe, a mirror, and a door.

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Standard Twin Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Deluxe Double Room

7.6 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Essence Deluxe Queen Room

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Standard Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Economy Single Room

Economy Single Room | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Economy Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Located in Carlton, a neighbourhood in Melbourne, Essence Hotel Carlton is in a shopping district and near a metro station. Lygon Street and Royal Exhibition Building are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. Looking to enjoy an event or a match? See what's going on at Rod Laver Arena or Melbourne Cricket Ground. Visit our Melbourne travel guide
Map
609 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053

What's nearby

  • A building with a neon sign reading "Borsari's Corner" and "Ex-Olympic Champion" on a cyclist.
    Lygon Street
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A historic building with ornate architecture, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and trees.
    RMIT University
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A historic building with ornate architecture, including a prominent tower and decorative elements.
    University of Melbourne
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A bustling indoor market with various fresh produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens on display.
    Queen Victoria Market
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A circular metal framework with a brick building at its base.
    Melbourne Central
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Essendon Station
    9 min drive
  • Melbourne Central Station
    10 min walk
  • Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon)
    21 min drive

Restaurants

  • Universal Restaurant
    5 min walk
  • Queensberry Hotel
    1 min walk
  • Flovie Florist Cafe
    4 min walk
  • Ini Studio
    3 min walk
  • Hareruya Pantry
    2 min walk

About this property

Essence Hotel Carlton

  • Hotel near Lygon Street
  • Located close to Melbourne City Baths and RMIT University, Essence Hotel Carlton provides a terrace, a garden and an arcade/games room. In addition to laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
  • You'll also enjoy perks such as:
    • Self-parking (surcharge), a lift and a water dispenser
    • Luggage storage, outdoor furniture and a vending machine
    • Coworking spaces, multilingual staff and a TV in reception
    • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
  • Room features
  • All guest rooms at Essence Hotel Carlton include perks, such as laptop-compatible safes and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and desk chairs.
  • Other conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
    • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
    • Wardrobes/cupboards, heating and housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
  • Parking on site (AUD 29 per night)
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping on request
  • Multilingual staff

Business services

  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Lift (90 centimetre wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom

More

  • 1 building
  • 5 floors
  • Built in 2013
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A damage deposit of AUD 101 will be collected before check-in.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Self-parking fee: AUD 29.00 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 per cent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Parking height restrictions apply

Frequently asked questions

Is Essence Hotel Carlton pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Essence Hotel Carlton?

As of 16 Jul 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Essence Hotel Carlton on 30 Jul 2026 start from £65, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Self-parking is available for AUD 29.00 per night. Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Essence Hotel Carlton?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Essence Hotel Carlton located?

Located in Carlton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street. University of Melbourne and RMIT University are also within 10 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 10 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 16 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Essence Hotel Carlton Reviews

8.0

Very good

8.6

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.6

Staff & service

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 294 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 446 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 163 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 67 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, trams right outside, very close to amenities and city centre
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Phillipa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely staff, clean room and fabulous location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Paul

Disliked: Amenities
It was basic place to stay, keycard not able to grant access after hours relying on people to open door. Unmanned front desk after 9pm making it difficult to get card fixed. Location was good staff friendly
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean , great staff , tiny rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

harry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean and fresh, helpful staff very comfortable bed
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A value for money hotel close to shops, dining and transport. Rooms are small, but well appointed and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

cameron

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Small but clean room. Pretty good location for anything happening in the city.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing stay clean rooms good service and such easy access to the CBD of Melbourne A+
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I always enjoy staying at the Essence. It's a great location, has parking, and the rooms are a good size and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Isabel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Reception staff were friendly and no trouble to stow my luggage as I arrived early and room wasn’t ready. Twin bedroom, clean and tidy, great shower. However, the air conditioning wasn’t working and reception had left for the night so room was quite cold, otherwise for the one night stay was very convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Ross

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was nice and clean and the staff were very nice and helpful. Good security parking
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful staff. Room was fine, bed comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Comfy bed. Lovely outdoor area & indoor nooks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good location and excellent services
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
the room is clean, the shower felt fab, the staff was kind. what more does one need for a one night stay?
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

courtney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was clean, very affordable, and by far the comfiest beds ive ever sleep on when travelling!!! such a great location aswell!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great facilities, helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great space and location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Dee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed and showers, clean and had everything I needed for a short stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly Alessandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice and comfort room for a reasonable price.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel 7 staff were very good
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Moreno

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Hotel close to the University of Melbourne. Rooms were clean and comfortable. I would definitely stay here again if in Melbourne!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Byron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean simple rooms for the solo traveller. Plus conveniently located a short walk from the Lygon St restaurants. Close to a couple of great local pubs The Lincoln and Queensbury Hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is the 2nd time I have stayed here and while the rooms are on the small side, they are always clean and tidy. The hotel is walking distance to Lygon St and the Royal Exhibition Building which is great and there is a tram stop out the front which goes straight to the CBD area
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025