Melbourne Airport hotels

[Daver6]

Given this old thread is closed I might seek some updated advice MEL airport hotels

The ParkRoyal seems the best, closest and dearest. Rates are pretty steep for the night I need though.

Is the Holiday Inn easily walkable? Or does one need to rely on the shuttle?

Finally, the Mantra rates look good. Is the shuttle free and how frequently does it run? I find sometimes shuttles that only run every 20 or 30 minutes negate the time saving from being physically near the airport. The red hot rates there do make it very attractive. As does the Accor+ dining benefit.

Also, any feedback on their various on-site restaurants.

 

[Hvr]

Holiday Inn easily walkable?

Yes, very easy to walk to. Go over check in and walk back to the lounge to enjoy your WP 'access on arrival' benefit.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

FWIW we always stay at ParkRoyal the night before morn Int deps - yes it ain’t cheap - restaurant there is also just so so and ain’t cheap also but we just make it a std part of our o/s adventures but the exp will far from knock your socks off

I have not stayed at zHikiday Innsince Hilton/PR opened but yes it is sn easy walk to terminal

Mantra I have no idea sorry

 

[lovestotravel]

The Parkroyal was my go-to for many many years with early morning flights, but now I avoid the early mornings flights.. I now haven't stayed there for a quite a few years but it's a 2 min walk

The Holiday Inn is about a 5 min easy walk and would be my pick

 

[jb747]

I used to quite regularly stay in the Ibis. Nothing flash, but it was cheap, and as I normally arrived late and left early, it worked just fine.

 

[jb747]

Finally, the Mantra rates look good. Is the shuttle free and how frequently does it run? I find sometimes shuttles that only run every 20 or 30 minutes negate the time saving from being physically near the airport. The red hot rates there do make it very attractive.

The Mantra is built right next to United Airport Parking, and they're the ones that provide the transport. It runs as needed. I never needed to wait more than a few minutes when traveling to the terminal.

 

[whughes3]

I have stayed at the Ibis Budget a few times in the past when I have had an early morning departure. as a "cheap and cheerful" option, but recently their tariffs have gone through the roof...they are charging more than HI, which is pretty absurd.

 

[Saab34]

What is the story with the planned Novotel/Ibis hotel that was built down at T4? From a distance the rooms are all empty and just sitting idle.

 

[lovestotravel]

Due to open by end of 2023

Article from July 2022

 

[ric_melb]

I have used United Parking for years, so find the Mantra very convenient when I take my car to the airport to park.
The way I do it is to pay United for my parking and book the best rate I can get at Mantra. Have had some very good rates there with Accor Plus/ Red Hot Rooms. You can get a room at Mantra that includes parking. Its really a case of comparing the hotel package with paying United and Mantra separately. The restaurant food is quite acceptable, especially with Accor Plus discount and your 1 or 2 free drinks.
(I presume you are parking your car somewhere, if being dropped off then closer hotels maybe more convenient.) United shuttle is frequent.

 

[Daver6]

I have used United Parking for years, so find the Mantra very convenient when I take my car to the airport to park.
The way I do it is to pay United for my parking and book the best rate I can get at Mantra. Have had some very good rates there with Accor Plus/ Red Hot Rooms. You can get a room at Mantra that includes parking. Its really a case of comparing the hotel package with paying United and Mantra separately. The restaurant food is quite acceptable, especially with Accor Plus discount and your 1 or 2 free drinks.
(I presume you are parking your car somewhere, if being dropped off then closer hotels maybe more convenient.) United shuttle is frequent.

Actually likely to be transiting. Arriving from PER the night before before connecting to the morning flight to DEL. I don't believe in/do trans-con red eyes.

 

[VPS]

If you can choose the Park Royal. It’s just so much nicer and easier

 

[Kiwi_Flyer]

Holiday Inn easily walkable. I've never taken the shuttle in dozens of stays. But not much cover on the way.

Stayed at park royal back when it was Hilton (ie years ago). Under cover the whole way and much shorter walk.

 

[Gladstone Tim]

I stayed at Holiday Inn. Much easier to walk along the terminal footpaths towards MacDonalds and cross the road there. Much easier than going through the car park, like I did. I would rate my stay highly….had signed up for their rewards program so got a better rate and an upgraded room. Good staff interactions too prior to and on the visit.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Stayed at park royal back when it was Hilton (ie years ago). Under cover the whole way and much shorter walk.

Even arr by car used to be under cover as you could drive into car park and drop off but that has changed and only access now is outside front drop off - we last stayed there nt of Sept 17 and it was a typhoon - we got drowned in 50mtrs from taxi drop off to shelter

 

[Daver6]

It's been a bit of an effort to get answers about the Mantra airport bus. I emailed last Friday and haven't had a response. I tried calling yesterday and the call kept dropping when it went through to reception. Finally spoke to them this morning.

Seems it's an on demand service. I didn't really get a clear answer as to how long you need to wait which didn't fill me with confidence. In my mind, if I have to wait 15 minutes for a shuttle (in either direction) it's getting to the point of defeating the purpose of being close the the airport.

 

[lovestotravel]

Hotel shuttle = Not an airport hotel and I refuse to do that routine

Did it twice pre-covid in Paris and Zurich and you are usually left waiting around for 10-30 minutes in a weird pickup area hoping the bus comes. With young kid can't get a taxi due to no booster seats etc

So next big trip coming up is either airport hotels at the airport or a few nights away from the airport

 

[Daver6]

Hotel shuttle = Not an airport hotel and I refuse to do that routine

Did it twice pre-covid in Paris and Zurich and you are usually left waiting around for 10-30 minutes in a weird pickup area hoping the bus comes. With young kid can't get a taxi due to no booster seats etc

So next big trip coming up is either airport hotels at the airport or a few nights away from the airport

I tend to agree with you. However at $100 less than the Holiday Inn, I'm trying not to be a cheapskate

 

[lovestotravel]

Without kids sure I'd save the $$

 

[Cessna 180]

The mantra shuttle is run by UAP as stated above. On arrival you ring them and they come pretty promptly. I used them twice a couple of months back. Undercover parking available too at competitive rates, if some one else reading this has that requirement.

PArkroyal, Holiday and Ibis all easy walking distance to any terminal. Shuttle un necessary. Also all three are now just taking the p.... with rates, particularly the shoebox Ibis.

Another one with a shuttle is the Cyloms lodge. Basic motel and good shuttle service. It used to be about 130 a night and overall good value/service. Seems to be booked out or unavailable lately too.

Most recently, I think, about four times in the last six weeks, I have stayed at Quality inn airport. Good on demand shuttle and free breakfast if that is your thing. Staff friendly as well.

In summary, all motels near ML have become ridiculously overpriced and you just have to pick the best of a poor lot. If price is not a consideration obviously the P Royal or Holiday are great for the convenience.
If you value a few $$$ in your pocket, Quality, Cyloms and Mantra are all ok and I have had no issues with the shuttle.