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Essence Hotel Carlton

Property class: 3.5

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Photo gallery for Essence Hotel Carlton

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, and a city view through sheer curtains. - Essence Hotel Carlton (Carlton)
A modern elevator with black tiled walls and a metallic finish. - Essence Hotel Carlton (Carlton)
A modern building with a green and white tram in front. - Essence Hotel Carlton (Carlton)
A spacious indoor area with a long wooden table and benches, surrounded by glass walls and a high ceiling. - Essence Hotel Carlton (Carlton)
A billiards table in a modern indoor setting with large windows and a reception area. - Essence Hotel Carlton (Carlton)
Located close to Melbourne City Baths and Lygon Street, Essence Hotel Carlton provides a terrace, a garden, and an arcade/game room. In addition to laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Laundry

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Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(20 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Queen Room

Room

Essence Queen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Twin Room

Room

Essence Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

A hotel room with two beds, a red accent wall, a mirror, and a wooden floor.

Standard Twin Room

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

A modern hotel room with a red accent wall, a large bed with white linens, a desk with a lamp, and a view of the city through large windows.

Deluxe Double Room

7.8 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Essence Deluxe Queen Room

A modern hotel room with a bed, a flat-screen TV, and large windows with curtains.

Essence Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Single Room

A modern hotel room with a wooden floor, a desk with a red chair, a bed with red headboard, a bedside table with a plant, and a mirror above the desk.

Economy Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Carlton, a neighborhood 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 travelers looking to shop may want to visit Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? 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
  • The Queen Victoria Market with a green archway, outdoor seating, and people walking by.
    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

  • Panda Hot Pot 蜀大侠火锅
    5 min walk
  • Flovie Florist Cafe
    4 min walk
  • Plus Coffee
    5 min walk
  • Soul Soul Cafe
    4 min walk
  • Universal Restaurant
    5 min walk

Similar properties

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  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
8.4 out of 10, Very good, 1,001 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Secured self parking on site (AUD 35 per night)
  • Limited onsite 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"on-site accessible parking spaces 1", on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Elevator (35 inch wide door)
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • 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 washroom

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 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
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

  • Diners Club
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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

  • Secured self parking fee: AUD 35 per night

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

You need to know

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-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

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 is parking?

Self parking is available for AUD 35 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?

Check-out 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 select 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. 293 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 448 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 164 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 67 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1002 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location for a fair price
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy parking. Friendly staff. Easy early check in. Close to all areas.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient location. Very small rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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

4/10 Poor

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 review

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for both short and long stays. Location is perfect, in between the busy city centre and the cultural hub of Carlton, with many ice cream spots and cafes nearby. Free tram zone is a 5-minute walk away, and Aldi is right around the corner. The room is spacious and clean, and room cleaning service is offered every day. The kitchen and big common area makes it perfect for longer stays when you may feel like cooking. The large fridge also allows you to store multiple days of groceries and snacks conveniently. There is a pool table free for use. Gym is also free and includes most of the basic equipments needed. Receptionists are incredibly helpful and friendly. Overall, I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely come back.
Stayed 28 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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 review

8/10 Good

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 review

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

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