Unbeatable location directly opposite the MCG and Fitzroy Gardens
Recent $40M renovation has modernized the rooms significantly
Views of the cricket ground or city skyline are genuinely spectacular
Quick Take: A polished, sports-obsessed sanctuary that’s fantastic for game day but feels a bit stranded from the CBD dining scene.
Reviewed by @aussie.indian.adventures: We stayed here for a weekend and the location is unbeatable. Waking up to the MCG view was a bucket-list moment, and walking to the game instead of catching an Uber changed everything. The soaking tub with skyline views? Pure magic.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Guests rave about the friendly staff and the fresh, modern feel of the renovated rooms, but many find the breakfast chaotic.
Reality check
The 'switchable privacy glass' in the bathrooms is cool tech but offers zero acoustic privacy, which can be awkward for non-couples.
You are attending the Australian Open or AFL Grand Final
You travel with a dog (rare 'Paws on the Park' luxury package)
You appreciate a proper executive lounge with decent evening canapés
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
Housekeeping: Daily and generally thorough, though some guests report missed dusting on high surfaces.
Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. The renovation replaced old grout with sleek stone and glass, minimizing mold risks.
Maintenance: Excellent in rooms (new fittings), but the pool deck furniture and garage feel a bit tired.
Linens & towels: Crisp, high-quality white linens. Towels are fluffy but sometimes scarce (2 per room default).
Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh and expensive; corridors occasionally have a faint damp/musty odor.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Jolimont train station tracks directly behind the hotel
Corridor noise during major sporting events
Before you book
Good to know
A 1.4% surcharge applies to all credit card payments.
The 'Paws on the Park' package must be booked directly to secure the specific pet-friendly suite.
Valet parking is steep at $75 AUD; self-park is $50 AUD but the garage has a tight 2.0m height clearance.
What to pack
Earplugs if you end up on a lower floor facing the tracks
A warm cover-up for the walk from the outdoor pool back to the lobby in cooler months
Room Genie
Best picks
Deluxe Executive Room (High Floor) for guaranteed MCG views and lounge access
North-facing rooms for a quieter stay overlooking Fitzroy Gardens
Rooms to avoid
Low-floor rooms on the south side (facing the train tracks)
Rooms near the elevator bank if you're sensitive to foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a high-floor room facing North towards Fitzroy Gardens for a quieter stay. If possible, please avoid the side facing Jolimont Station.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool usable in winter?
Technically yes (it's heated), but reviews consistently mention it's not warm enough for a comfortable winter dip.
Can I walk to the CBD?
Yes, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk through Fitzroy Gardens, or a quick 5-minute tram ride from the stop right out front.
Is breakfast worth the price?
At ~$45 AUD, it's pricey. The spread is decent but the automated coffee machines are a letdown. You're better off walking to a local cafe in East Melbourne.
Does the hotel allow pets?
Yes, but ONLY via the specific 'Paws on the Park' package which books a designated suite with a courtyard. You cannot just bring a pet to a standard room.
How is the wifi?
Fast and reliable, suitable for video calls. Free for Accor members (even the free tier).
Are the rooms renovated?
Yes, a major $40M renovation was completed in 2022, so the rooms feel modern, crisp, and tech-forward.
Insider Tips
✨
The 'Switchable Privacy Glass' in the bathroom turns from clear to frosted at the touch of a button—fun, but check it before you shower!
✨
Executive Lounge access (included with Executive rooms) offers complimentary evening drinks and canapés, which can offset the price difference.
✨
Ask the concierge for a 'jogging map' of Fitzroy Gardens—it's one of the best run routes in the city.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'amenity lighting' (night lights) in some rooms can be surprisingly bright and hard to turn off completely.
💡The walk to the MCG is literally across the street—closer than any other hotel in Melbourne.
💡Corridors can sometimes have a lingering 'musty' or 'cleaning chemical' smell despite the renovation.
💡The hotel was formerly a Hilton, and the 'bones' of the building (like the elevators and parking garage) still feel a bit 1970s.
💡You can hear the roar of the crowd from the MCG in your room during big games if you crack a window.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pullman Melbourne On The Park is located and what's nearby.