Clarion Suites Gateway, Melbourne

Pros

• You'll find yourself conveniently located in Melbourne CBD, just a short stroll from popular attractions like the Crown Melbourne and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
• The spacious one and two-bedroom suites include kitchens, living areas, and laundry facilities. 
• Many rooms offer picturesque views over the Yarra River.
• There's a heated indoor pool that you can enjoy no matter the weather.
• The ground-floor William's Bar & Café serves a handy breakfast buffet, and you can order room service around the clock.

Cons

• Some rooms may experience noise from nearby train tracks.
• Travelers have noted the interiors feel a bit worn and dated.

Authenticity

Clarion Suites™ Gateway occupies a modern, 19-story high rise amid Melbourne's busy center. It's ideal for travelers looking for a longer stay or the convenience of an apartment-style hotel, but you won't find any local character or charm amid the standard business hotel interiors, some of which look in need of a refresh. While the design is somewhat nondescript, the views are anything but—nab one of the units overlooking the winding Yarra for dramatic city and river vistas (if you're staying over a national holiday you'll also get a front-row seat to the fireworks).

Location

Located on the banks of the Yarra River in the CBD (Central Business District), the hotel's address puts you right in the middle of the city's action. You'll be across the street from the Immigration Museum and the Enterprize Wharf, and under five minutes on foot from the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. The Crown Melbourne entertainment complex, Batman Park, and the Melbourne Skydeck are all reachable in under 10 minutes, and THE LUME art museum, dedicated to the First Nations, is about a 20-minute walk. There's paid parking available in the hotel's private garage, and it's a 30-minute drive north to the airport.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 122 air-conditioned suites are all furnished in a basic, functional style, and some include balconies and scenic Yarra River views. The simplest studio options include a queen bed, kitchenette, and seating area, while one and two-bedroom suites add fully equipped kitchens, extra sofa beds, and washers and dryers. The 19th-floor penthouse features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and panoramic windows overlooking the city and river. Bathrooms are up-to-date and clean with showers or shower/tub combos.

Amenities

You won't find many traditional hotel amenities here, but the heated indoor pool is a nice perk, complete with plenty of lounger seating and a partial glass roof to keep things bright. There's no fitness room on-site, but guests have access to a nearby 24-hour gym. The ground-floor William's Bar & Café occupies a sunny, newly-renovated space, and serves modern Australian fare throughout the day—including an optional breakfast buffet.

Family-Friendliness

Clarion Suites™ Gateway welcomes kids, and the spacious, self-catering suites offer plenty of room for larger families. The units with kitchen and laundry facilities are ideal for families, but avoid those with balconies if you're booking with young children.