Historical Traveler Reviews of Radisson On Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
Good value
from superQ
We stayed at the Radisson on Flagstaff from Apr 15 - Apr 18 in a standard room, on a really good easter special rate of $ 129 per night.
In short, the hotel is good value for the money you pay. While it has one of the lowest rate in inner city Melbourne ( location may have something to do with it but more on it later ), it has the look and feel of a well presented, well run 4 star quality hotel.
Hotel was smallish - not very many large public spaces, but room was big enough to comfortably fit 2 adults and 1 small child. Decor was modern and stylish rather than opulent or luxurious. Anyone desiring more lavish surrounds should go to the one of the other more ( a lot more ) expensive 5 star resorts the city has to offer.
Couldn't really judge housekeeping as we are pretty neat people and didn't leave much mess. However, I did like the way our beds were made, which was done everyday. Housekeeping kept us well supplied with towels and toiletries which we appreciated - they even replenished our shower cap which was a nice touch. On our second day we left the hotel a little later than usual and got a knock on the door from Housekeeping at around 10 am to check if we wanted our room cleaned. Not a problem for us, but could be upsetting for guest recuperating from a hard night out. If so, putting out the Do not Disturb sign is certainly recommended.
Hotel is located on the northern fringes of the financial/business district at the Western end of the inner city. It is sited opposite a park which gives it a very peaceful, relaxed "central park" feel. Being blocks away from the main shopping and entertainment districts at the South-Eastern end of the city, it is very quiet and "refreshing" as one other reviewer had put it. However, it is only a short tram ride away from the more exciting hot spots on the free city tram shuttle service.
The service doesn't operate in the evenings so it can be a problem for those wanting to stay out a bit late. The area is not well lit nor populated at night, and locals do not recommend walking back to the hotel after dark. Cabbing it is a better option.
Didn't eat at the hotel so cannot comment on the food. Melbourne is the gastronomic capital of Australia so if on leisure trip, it doesn't make sense to eat at the hotel. Prices are standard restaurant prices though room service is expensive for what you get. A word of warning though - as there are few if any cafes or coffee shops around the hotel, you may be stuck for breakfast if you wish to skip the AUD $ 30 breakfast buffet the hotel offers. While a short tram ride on the free shuttle service will take you to the cafe strip, most cafes do not open before 10 am so breakfast can be a problem if an early departure is required.
Cannot really judge service provided by staff as we did not have any special requests. However, staff was always professional, efficient and courteous at all times. One little thing though, we were incorrectly told on check in that breakfast was included in our package. Luckily I checked or we may have been up for additional expenses we did not ask for.
The hotel wasn't crowded while we were there so crowds were not a problem. The hotel seems geared more to the business clientle though it appears to be popular with the quality conscious traveller with an eye for a good deal.
Very helpful
from blackgranite
We stayed at the Radisson on our tour of Australia for six nights.We found the staff very helpful, friendly, and nothing was to much trouble. Everything is easy to get to either by tram or walking,The Victoria market is worth a visit. We would recommend anybody visiting Melbourne to stay at this hotal.
Very nice stay
from Liz1953
We recently started our tour at the Radisson. Everything about the hotel was fine. All staff members were friendly and helpful. The king-bedded room was clean, comfortable and quiet. The breakfast selection was excellent and offered something for everyone. Unlike some reviews, we liked our location and used the free city tram to get around. We would definitely stay here again.
Refreshing
from Kal1982
we stayed in the radisson over christmas and found it to be very pleasant. The hotel restaurant had friendly and helpful staff and very nice food.
the room was very clean and tastefully decorated. sitting in the jacuzzi overlooking the city made being away from family a lot easier!
only far out of the city if you don't have legs or a map of the tram system.
Great position for central Melbourne
from bellini6
The hotel is admirably situated opposite the pretty Flagstaff Gardens, 5 mins walk from Victoria Markets and right by a tramstop for the FREE circular tram that travels around the CBD. The staff were courteous and helpful. Breakfasts excellent choice of fresh food.
Good value for money.
Great Beds, boring location
from bundyone
I spent a recent Saturday night here. The rooms were clean and the bed was absolutely fantastic. Bed was similar to one I had at the Westin at LAX which I thought could not be beaten.
Whilst the overall room and the breakfast (a bit pricey) were great, on a Saturday and Sunday there ain't much happening around it. Good for those needing a decent nights sleep (like me), but those who want to go out and about, was a bit out of the way.
Wedding Trip
from A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed for 8 nights in a superior room with a view over Flagstaff Gardens. Efficient hotel with a reasonable varied breakfast, large room beautifully clean with good bathroom. However - if you are not here on business do not stay at this hotel. It is out on a limb in the business district and when you can't get a cab back from the nightlife its a long, long walk! It definitely has the feel of a business hotel and is popular with airlines for staff stop overs. To sum up, a good average quality business hotel - but rather dull and a bit dated.
Rather dull and soulless
from boatmusdir
My wife and I stayed at the hotel in February. Whilst it was perfectly adequate, the room was nothing special, breakfast was somewhat tired, and the lobby area soulless and unwelcoming. The staff were perfectly pleasant, without being especially engaged in helping you. The hotel's position was a little out of the way, and this perhaps contributed to the slightly heavy hearted feelings we had each day as we trudged back up the hill. Altogether it needed some livelier staff, more welcoming decor, and a better cuisine.
Tired hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
Disapointing Hotel. Rooms in need of update, but clean. Buffet crammed onto one table so you have to fight your way to get to anything as it goes fast and on my visit not replaced. 2 toasters on table to make your own toast - didn't work. Staff were there but as you approach, vanish very quickly. Wouldn't say it was bad - but I would not choose to go back there
The spruced up police station
from A TripAdvisor Member
The Raddison occupys what used to be the 1970's style former Police Headquarters (about 10 levels). Lobby medium size with a small hotel shop selling the usually magazines, jewellery and personal items. Bar is combined with the restaurant/ cafe of one side and looks out onto William street and the Flaggstaff gardens opposite. Rooms are fairly large and are of modern design in warm creams and yellow/buttermilk colours. If you get the opportunity, request a front facing room - these look out onto the large park directly across the road. The rooms at the back, look onto the city (which in itself is not a bad view). Rooftop is a fitness centre, jacuzzi and small outdoor seating area looking out over the city. Room service is prompt, reasonable priced for a hotel(about AUD$16 for a burger and fries). Great location, tram/trolleycar runs directly outside into city (hotel is on edge of business district), underground station diagonally opposite and the Queen Victoria Market just around the corner. Overall, a very nice 4star hotel that you wouldn't be dissapointed in.