🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia
Crowne Plaza
📍 1 - 5, Spencer St7, Melbourne
Your stay — Crowne Plaza
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Melbourne.
The Property — Crowne Plaza
The Crowne Plaza Melbourne is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of the city, close to the iconic Yarra River. The hotel's modern design and comfortable rooms provide a welcoming atmosphere for business travellers and tourists alike. The hotel's USP lies in its central location, allowing guests to easily access Melbourne's vibrant cultural and shopping precincts. As you stand in the lobby, you're surrounded by the hum of the city, with the sounds of the river and nearby tram tracks adding to the urban buzz.
Chronicles of Melbourne
Melbourne was founded in 1835 by a group of settlers from Launceston, Tasmania, and was named after the British Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne. The city's architectural evolution is evident in its mix of Victorian-era buildings, Art Deco skyscrapers, and modern glass and steel towers. Melbourne is known for its cultural identity, with a thriving arts scene, a world-class food culture, and a reputation for being the sporting capital of Australia. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues, including the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Theatre Company. Melbourne's cultural calendar is filled with festivals and events throughout the year, making it a vibrant and dynamic destination.
Best Time to Visit
Full Melbourne guide →Best months
The best months to visit Melbourne are February and March, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 13°C (56°F). These months also offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak summer months. Alternatively, September is another great option, with comfortable temperatures and a range of cultural events.
Peak / festival surge
The peak month in Melbourne is January, when the city hosts the Australian Open tennis tournament, attracting large crowds and driving up hotel prices. Prices for accommodations can increase by up to 20% during this time, making it a good idea to book in advance. The Melbourne Festival, held in October, is another major event that draws large crowds and pushes up prices.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of April and May offer a great balance of mild weather, lower prices, and smaller crowds, making them an excellent time to visit Melbourne on a budget. You can expect to save up to 15% on accommodations compared to the peak season.
Weather & packing
Melbourne's climate is known for its four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Be sure to pack layers for your visit in July, as the average temperature can drop to around 8°C (46°F) at night, and the sun can be strong during the day, making sunscreen and a hat essential.
Live City Briefing — Melbourne
- The Melbourne Metro Tunnel project has improved public transportation in the city, with a new underground rail line connecting the city centre to the suburbs. The Docklands precinct has undergone significant redevelopment, with new restaurants, bars, and shops opening up along the waterfront. The Queen Victoria Market has also reopened after a major renovation, offering a range of fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Crowne Plaza, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 10) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may be more prone to street noise from Spencer Street. Considering the hotel's 17-floor count, floors 11-17 might be a good option.
Rooms to avoid
Floors 1-5, as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier due to the hotel's proximity to Spencer Street.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Spencer Street does not offer a notable view, as the street is a major thoroughfare with limited visual appeal. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a view of the city skyline.
Quietest floors
Floors 11-17
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware of potential street noise from Spencer Street, which may be audible in lower floors.
Insider tips
1. If you're arriving by car, consider using the nearby parking options, as the hotel's parking capacity is limited. 2. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour fitness center, a convenient amenity for guests to stay active during their stay.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Crowne Plaza
Free for IHG Rewards members; 500 MB free per day for non-members, then AUD 10 per hour; login via IHG app
Servicing all floors; no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers available
24/7 check-in; early arrivals accepted with notice; late check-out until 2 PM (AUD 50 fee)
Available from 6 AM to 10 PM; AUD 10 per bag, per day
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entrances; some rooms with accessible bathrooms
On-site parking available (AUD 40 per night); public car park at Melbourne Central (AUD 30 per day); EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: AUD 2.50 per night (subject to change)
Deposit & card hold: AUD 100 credit card pre-authorisation upon check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Saint Augustine's Catholic Church (382 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: PlanetShakers (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: Saint Johns Southgate (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: Saint James Old Cathedral (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Spencer Outlet Centre — 669 m · ~8 min walk
Batman Park — 351 m · ~4 min walk
Immigration Museum — 622 m · ~8 min walk
Plenary — 871 m · ~11 min walk
Flagstaff Gardens Playground — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 209 m · ~3 min walk
Chemist Warehouse — 485 m · ~6 min walk
Royale Food Store — 64 m · ~1 min walk
Southern Cross — 358 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Travellers can exchange currency at Travelex or currency exchange offices near Spencer Street Station. Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux, as rates are poor.
Visa, Mastercard, and contactless payments are widely accepted in Melbourne, including at ATMs and most shops. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also supported by many businesses.
Tipping in Melbourne is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and cafes is considered polite. For hotel staff, AU$1-2 per bag for porters and AU$1-5 for housekeeping is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found for AU$3-4 at a local café or bakery.
A budget lunch option is a sausage roll or pie from a bakery or food truck for around AU$5-6.
A affordable dinner option is a pasta or stir-fry dish at a mid-range restaurant for around AU$15-20.
The area around the Queen Victoria Market and the laneways near Bourke Street are good places to find cheap eats, including Asian and Italian food.
Common budget supermarket chains in the area include Coles and Woolworths.
For affordable high-street shopping, try the shops along Bourke Street or the vintage stores in the laneways.
A Myki card for public transport costs around AU$8-10 per day, and can be purchased at most newsagents or 7-Eleven stores. The cheapest way to get from the airport is the Skybus, which costs AU$19 one way or AU$38 return.
Buy a Myki card for public transport to save money on individual fares.Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants to save on drinks and food.Shop at local markets or food stalls for fresh produce and street food at lower prices.
Good to know — Melbourne
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.43 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
MelbourneTriple zero (000) is the main number for police, fire or ambulance in life-threatening situations. For non-urgent police matters call 131 444. For health advice, call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Melbourne, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Crowne Plaza
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 209 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Chemist Warehouse — 485 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Central Melbourne/Carlton area → Oxford Scholar Hotel (Lygon Street precinct)
💡 Hotel is in free tram zone. Use trams 1, 3, or 8 for exploring Lygon Street restaurants and city center. Routes 1 and 3 go to Parliament House.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) → Oxford Scholar Hotel, Carlton
💡 Most economical option. Skybus to Southern Cross Station, then tram 1 or 3 north to Grattan Street (Carlton). Buy myki card for unlimited local tram travel.
Melbourne CBD → Oxford Scholar Hotel, Carlton
💡 Routes 200-204 connect Carlton to CBD. Less frequent than trams but good for avoiding hill climbs. Night Network available after midnight on selected routes.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) → Oxford Scholar Hotel, Carlton
💡 Pre-book through your hotel to lock in rates. Uber typically cheaper than traditional taxis during peak hours.
About Melbourne
Wikipedia ↗Melbourne ( MEL-bərn, locally [ˈmæɫbən] ; Boonwurrung/Woiwurrung: Narrm or Naarm) is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria and the second-most populous city in Australia. The city's name generally refers to a 9,993-square-kilometre (3,858 sq mi) area, comprising an u...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Crowne Plaza?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 10) for a quieter stay, as lower floors may be more prone to street noise from Spencer Street. Considering the hotel's 17-floor count, floors 11-17 might be a good option.
Which rooms should I avoid at Crowne Plaza?
Floors 1-5, as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier due to the hotel's proximity to Spencer Street.
Is Crowne Plaza noisy?
Be aware of potential street noise from Spencer Street, which may be audible in lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Crowne Plaza?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Spencer Street does not offer a notable view, as the street is a major thoroughfare with limited visual appeal. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a view of the city skyline.
What are insider tips for staying at Crowne Plaza?
1. If you're arriving by car, consider using the nearby parking options, as the hotel's parking capacity is limited. 2. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour fitness center, a convenient amenity for guests to stay active during their stay.
What time is check-in at Crowne Plaza?
Check-in at Crowne Plaza is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Crowne Plaza have Wi-Fi?
Free for IHG Rewards members; 500 MB free per day for non-members, then AUD 10 per hour; login via IHG app
Is there a city or tourist tax at Crowne Plaza?
AUD 2.50 per night (subject to change)
Where can I eat cheaply near Crowne Plaza?
A budget lunch option is a sausage roll or pie from a bakery or food truck for around AU$5-6.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Crowne Plaza?
A Myki card for public transport costs around AU$8-10 per day, and can be purchased at most newsagents or 7-Eleven stores. The cheapest way to get from the airport is the Skybus, which costs AU$19 one way or AU$38 return.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
The best months to visit Melbourne are February and March, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 13°C (56°F). These months also offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak summer months. Alternatively, September is another great option, with comfortable temperatures and a range of cultural events.
Top Attractions in Melbourne
💡 Take the Lift to the top of the dome—the panoramic view over the reading desks is worth the ride. Just off the main entrance there's a free cloak room. Bring a notebook and read at one of the original long tables.
💡 Go Wednesday night for the summer Night Market (free entry, but extra stalls and music). The deli hall has excellent boreks from the Turkish stall. Bring cash—some produce stalls are cheaper than card-friendly ones.
💡 The NGV Triennial (summer) and major ticketed exhibitions cost, but the entire permanent collection is free. Go on Friday evenings when it stays open late and there's often live music. Queue for the water-wall out front.
💡 The fairies at the Fairy Tree (a stump carved with tiny doors) are a favourite for kids—look near the pond. Walk the 'Model Tudor Village' (a bit kitsch but fun). Pack a picnic: the lawns are quiet on weekdays.
💡 Arrive before 9am to spot wild rosellas and ibises. The Guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk runs at 11am most days — sign up online, it's free but fills quickly.