It was my first time staying in Melbourne, and I was looking for somewhere close to the city and free transport. I was not disappointed when I stayed at Amanda's apartment. It was hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but was still so close to the city and very quiet. Amanda met us when we arrived from our flight and showed us to the apartment. She was so friendly and welcoming, and was always easy to contact leading up to our stay, with prompt replies.
The apartment was beautifully furnished and styled with high quality appliances, bed linen and towels. Everything you could ever want or need for a short stay was in the apartment, and Amanda kindly bought us milk and fresh bread prior to our arrival. There were big flat screen televisions in each room, and pay TV in the lounge room. Complimentary wi-fi was also fantastic to help plan our next days adventures.
The apartment was clean, tidy, bright and spacious. The beds were really comfortable, and both rooms had ceiling fans and good blinds which blocked out the daylight well. The air conditioner was great on the hot days, as well as for the cooler days. The front and back decks were a great spot to have a coffee and a meal. The back deck had a great view of the Melbourne Star, which was really quite beautiful at night.
It was very close to shopping ( literally directly above Harbour Town shopping centre) lots of cafes and food outlets, and the Docklands cafe precinct. The Docklands harbour area was beautiful at night, with the lights off the city and reflections in the water. It was a short few minute walk to the closest tram which was free, and got us everywhere in the city and back with ease at all hours of the day and late at night. It felt like a very clean and safe part of the city.
We flew into Melbourne from Brisbane, and used StarBus Shuttles to get us to and from the apartment. They dropped us off and picked us up right outside the apartment lane, which was quick and convenient. ($36pp return). Better than dragging our luggage on and off trams!
I was so lucky to find this gem of an apartment in Melbourne, and can't wait to return again soon. Amanda was a fantastic host, and it was a pleasure to have her allow us to stay in her beautiful apartment.