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Located on the banks of the Yarra River is Mantra Southbank Melbourne, part of a chain of holiday apartments who have lodgings in many of Australia’s top destinations.
When we were looking for a place to stay in Melbourne, it was a no-brainer. We phoned, they had vacancies and at a great price.
We’ve stayed at a few Mantra’s across Australia, and they have always been consistently good – clean and comfortable, affordable, and a welcome break from the tent!
But while we’re used to Mantra and know what to expect, we also know that travelers to Australia, or even those visiting locally, may not be as familiar.
So, we’ve shared our honest review of Mantra’s Southbank property so you can know what to expect.
About Mantra Southbank Melbourne
Savannah chillin on the couch
Mantra Southbank is located adjacent to the Victorian Arts Centre at 31 City Road, Southbank.
This contemporary hotel is strategically positioned near the iconic Yarra River, close to the city’s thriving arts scene, gourmet dining options, and bustling shopping districts.
Although a hotel, each room comes as an apartment rental and has been thoughtfully designed to provide guests with the homey comforts from home.
The rooms feature stylish decor and amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers, and you are always greeted by attentive staff who operate a 24-hour reception.
You have the option of one- or two-bedroom apartments, and there is an onsite restaurant and cocktail bar.
Excellent Facilities at Mantra Southbank Melbourne
Master bedroom
Mantra Southbank Melbourne has an impressive array of facilities. Although it’s a 4-star hotel, you can choose whether to treat it as a home away from home or take advantage of things like concierge service and laundry facilities.
There are well-appointed rooms featuring cozy mod-cons, such as a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
Outside the apartments, there is a gymnasium that is well-equipped, plus a sauna for relaxation afterward.
You can also take advantage of convenient laundry facilities and start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at Mezzi Bar & Kitchen, the hotel’s inviting onsite dining room.
Additionally, secure parking is available for peace of mind, and the meeting rooms are equipped to cater to business needs.
Reasons We Love Mantra Southbank Melbourne
1. Apartments rock for families
Living room and kitchen
Most big-city hotel rooms were not built for families with young kids. They usually have no refrigerator or microwave, floor space is at a premium, and neighbours can hear every tantrum.
But with Mantra, you get spacious apartments with thicker walls, a full kitchen, a washing machine, and separate bedrooms.
These extra amenities on a long stay can make your trip so much more enjoyable, and our 2-bed apartment was bright and roomy.
Plus you get hotel like facilities but with the luxury of your own apartment. You can still enjoy things like concierge and laundry service, for added convenience.
2. Save money on eating out
Caz doing her thing
Melbourne’s cafe and restaurant scene is second to none in Australia. It’s just one of the reasons we love this city, but eating out three times a day as a family of four is expensive.
If it was just a weekend stay we’d probably eat out all the time, but as we were staying for 5 nights having a fully equipped kitchen and being able to self-cater on several meals plus store snacks and bottled water was priceless.
3. Indoor heated pool & spa
Mantras indoor pool
Melbourne might be famous for its culinary scene, but it’s also famous for its unpredictable weather and cold winters.
No fear, Mantra Southbank has an indoor swimming pool and spa that will keep you, and especially your kiddies, happy no matter what’s happening outside.
4. Amazing city views
Mantra on Southbank City Views
If you stay in a 2-bedroom deluxe apartment like ours, you get a private balcony with city views.
We overlooked the Victorian Arts Centre, the MCG, and the Southbank precinct.
It’s a great place to sit and reflect on your favorite moments of the city.
5. Location, Location, LOCATION
Overlooking Southbank
We love being able to walk to as many attractions and places to eat and drink from our accommodation, and Mantra Southbank is central to many of Melbourne’s highlights.
Places we could easily walk to with our 6 and 2-year-old daughters included…
Southbank
Savannah on the pedestrian bridge over the Yarra
We were literally a 60-second walk to Southbank Promenade and Southgate Restaurant and famous Shopping Precinct on the Yarra River.
It’s the entertainment heart of the city and it’s right on your doorstep!
City Centre and Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station
A five-minute walk across the Yarra took us to Swanston Street (Melbourne’s main thoroughfare) and Flinders Street Station where we could catch a train or tram to anywhere in and around Melbourne.
Rod Laver Arena and the MCG
Roger Federer in action
We ticked off one of our bucket list items on our visit to Melbourne and attended the Australian Tennis Open.
Caz even got to see the great Roger Federer play. Staying at Mantra Southbank it was just a 20-minute stroll along the Yarra to the tennis centre.
Federation Square
Caz and the kids enjoying Federation Square
Also a five-minute walk was Federation Square, one of our favourite locations in Melbourne, especially when there is a sporting event on as they play the matches on the big screen.
Degraves Street and Centre Place
Savannah in Centre Place
Walk five minutes over the Yarra and you get to Degraves Street and Centre Place, two of our favourite laneways for coffee and a vibrant arts scene. Check out the graffitied walls, and don’t forget Hosier Lane too!
Yarra River Walks
Yarra River Walk
It was also perfect for our afternoon Yarra River walks or bike rides. A welcome activity in any busy city.
Eureka Tower & Skydeck
The Edge
Literally across the road from the Mantra is the Eureka Tower. Make sure you experience ‘The Edge’ – a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building 300 metres above the ground – freaky!
But that’s not all, you can easily walk to these locations…
- Royal Botanic Gardens – 5-minute walk
- Collins Street – 6-minute walk
- National Gallery of Victoria – 7-minute walk
- Melbourne Aquarium – 10-minute walk
- Crown Casino – 10-minute walk
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre – 10-minute walk
- Southern Cross Station – 15-minute walk
- Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit – 20-minute walk
- Etihad Stadium – 25-minute walk
The Verdict: Would We Recommend Mantra Southbank Melbourne?
If you’re looking for family friendly accommodation in the heart of Melbourne, Mantra Southbank offers so much at reasonable rates, so we would highly recommend it as a place to stay in Melbourne.
And after staying there twice now, it really feels like our home away from home.
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