Grand Hotel Melbourne Managed by Sofitel, Melbourne

Advantages: Slower pace ... most livable city
Disadvantages: At the other end of the world

...I visited Melbourne over the Christmas break and what a break it was! Instead of doing a usual what a wonderful city this is, I thought I will give a tour of Melbourne based on food. Getting hungry already? Well, here we go! Lets start at the airport. Upon arrival, the immigration officers were very efficient and before long, we were through and collecting our bags. Just a word of warning; because Australia is an island, they are very strict about bring flora and fauna products into their country. So, if you have food items, plants or even animal skin, do declare it. Upon exiting the arrival hall, you have 3 choices. One, someone is there to meet you, whereupon transportation is already taken care of. Two, you are in Melbourne by yourself and have already decided where you are staying (in the city), and so the airport shuttle (Airbus... Read review

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Advantages: The Most Liveable City in the World
Disadvantages: A long way away from practically everywhere else!

...an hour and a half's drive out of the city centre. The grand slam Australian Open tennis championship is held in January. The Melbourne Cup, one of the world's greatest horse races, is held on the first Tuesday in November. Perhaps tellingly, a public holiday is held in its honour, and the entire nation virtually grinds to a halt for the duration of the race. This degree of national enthusiasm was summed up by the American writer Mark Twain who wrote, after a visit to the Melbourne Cup in 1895, "Nowhere in the world have I encountered a festival of people that has such a magnificent appeal to the whole nation. The Cup astonishes me." Many visitors to Melbourne are equally astonished by the ease and relative inexpense of securing tickets to these international events, especially the Australian Open, which, unlike its sister events at Wimbledon... Read review

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Advantages: Friendly Hostel, clean and cheap
Disadvantages: Can get noisy

...The Melbourne International Backpackers The Melbourne International Backpackers is in a great location for the CBD. Located on Elizabeth and Franklin Street, the nearest station is Melbourne Central just 5 mins away and Flinders Street station is only (15 mins away). Rooms: Hostel dorm rooms are available from 4 ? 10 bed, these are all priced the same, the winter prices are $24 a night or $143 for a week. You will need to give a refundable $20 deposit for your key card. All rooms are bunk bed style with free linen and blankets, all rooms have a full length mirror and lockers. Social Areas: This hostel has a large kitchen which was part of the appeal for me, clean and tidy with enough pots and pans for everyone. You can get a cutlery box from reception; you just have to make a $20 deposit which you will receive back... Read review

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