The hype
Travelers are consistently impressed by the friendly staff and spacious, modern rooms, often calling it the best option in the northern suburbs.
Novotel Melbourne Preston
$100-170/ night
Book this if You need a polished, reliable HQ in Melbourne's north near the hospital or university and don't mind a commute to the CBD.
Why People Love It
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping city views on high floors
- Solid 4.5-star standards in a suburb usually lacking premium hotels
- Access to the massive Bell City complex amenities (pool, gym, multiple dining options)
Quick Take: A sharp, business-ready tower that feels surprisingly upscale for its suburban highway location, even if the 'resort' vibes are a bit shared-campus.
Reviewed by @KatHeath: I stayed here for a quick business trip and it was exactly what I needed. The room was spotless, the Nespresso machine was a huge perk, and having an iron ready to go made my morning stress-free.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'city views' come with a side of traffic noise, and the housekeeping sometimes misses the finer details like dusting bedside tables or clearing garden rubbish.
- You have business at La Trobe Uni or Austin Hospital
- You want a full-service hotel experience without paying CBD prices
- You appreciate easy parking ($20/day) compared to the city nightmare
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though reviewers occasionally note missed dust on bedside tables.
- Bathroom hygiene: Strong. Grout is typically white and silicone fresh. Water pressure is excellent.
- Maintenance: Good, but exterior areas (gardens, walkways) sometimes have accumulated rubbish.
- Linens & towels: Crisp white commercial grade. No complaints of stains or wear.
- Odors & scents: Neutral. No heavy perfumes, but hallways can smell of 'hotel cleaning product'.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy traffic on Bell Street (trucks, sirens)
- Hallway noise due to gaps under doors
Before you book
Good to know
- Credit card payments incur a 1.4% surcharge.
- The hotel is part of the 'Bell City' complex, sharing some facilities with Mantra and BreakFree.
- Tram #86 (to CBD) stops a short walk away on Plenty Road, but it's a 45-minute ride to the city.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for Bell St facing rooms)
- Swim cap (pool rules are strict)
- Myki card (for the tram/train into Melbourne)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Suites on the top floor (Level 7) for the best soundproofing and city skyline views
- Garden-facing rooms for a significantly quieter night
Rooms to avoid
- Low-floor rooms (Levels 1-3) facing Bell Street
- Rooms near the elevator bank (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on a high floor (Level 5+) facing the garden/courtyard, away from the Bell Street traffic noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
No, the outdoor pool is unheated and seasonal. It can be brisk even in summer.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is $20 AUD per day. It's an open-air lot and secure garage mix.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. The buffet at The Stampton costs around $35 AUD per person, though 'kids eat free' promos exist.
Can I open the windows?
Yes, most rooms have windows that open slightly for fresh air.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed.
How far is the airport?
It's about a 20-25 minute drive to Tullamarine Airport (MEL), making it a decent stopover option.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Join the Accor Live Limitless program before booking; members often get free wifi upgrades or late checkout priority.
- ✨
The 'Stampton & Co' cafe downstairs does a grab-and-go breakfast that's half the price of the full buffet.
- ✨
Ask for a 'refurbished' room; while most are modern, some corners of the complex are showing their 2008 vintage.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'gym' is actually a proper commercial-grade fitness center (24/7) shared with the complex, better than typical hotel gyms.
💡You can't take leftover breakfast pastries out of the restaurant—staff enforce this 'stupid policy' strictly.
💡The walk to the tram stop involves crossing a very busy, multi-lane intersection.
💡The 'garden view' is sometimes just a view of the car park with some trees.
💡Room service has a $5 tray charge on top of the menu price.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Novotel Melbourne Preston is located and what's nearby.