We booked into the Travelodge for 8 nights based soley on the reviews on TripAdvisor. When previously visiting Melbourne we leaned towards the City Hotels but we were persuaded to try out the relatively new (for Melbourne) Southbank Precinct. Southbank is literally the southern side of the Yarra River which travels east/west at this point. The Travelodge itself is about 150 metres from the banks of the Yarra River. The nearest connection by foot to the city is via a pedestrian bridge over the river just down from the hotel. All in all it takes about 5 mins from leaving the hotel till you get to Flinders Street Railway Station on the other (North) side of the river. Elizabeth Street and the city starts here. All along the southern bank you wou will discover dozens of great eateries to suit every traste and pocket. An easy 500 metre stroll west gets you to the "Crown Casino", itself a fascinating and popular place. The Travelodge itself is right next to the attractive "Eureka Skywalk" building. The lift will give you the quickest ride ever to level 88 (tallest in the Southern Hemisphere) where you will enjoy the best views of Melbourne and surrounds. If feeling daring enter the glass bottom capsule and enjoy the vertical view looking straight down.

Now the Travelodge itself is interesting in that unlike the usual hotel it does not have bars or a disco, nor does it provide any other meals apart from breakfast. Guests benefit in that all entertainment is external to the hotel leaving it a comfortable place to retire home to. Every type of entertainment is provided throughout the Southbank area. We booked well in advance on TripAdvisor. There is some variation in Travelodge room price on certain nights and duration of stay. We chose a room described as a 'Queen Deluxe' at a rate of $186 per night with no breakfast inclusion. We were on the 7th floor via a very effecient lift service from the lobby. Check in was easy and the staff friendly. Our room had a view to the south across other buildings. Room size was quite adequate and furnished with bed, table and chairs, lounge chair, flat screen tv, small kitchenette, sink, microwave, bar fridge and usual coffee/tea making facilities. Iron and ironing board supplied, usual bathroom and wc configuration. Water pressure was poor but adequate. Best of all everything was in good condition and clean! Internet connection is available to rooms and there are screens in an area off the lobby - sorry - make own enquiries re costs. I paid $18 for a full cooked breakfast buffet and it had all the usual hot items you would expect plus cereals, juices etc. Given that you can return for seconds makes it difficult to beat. Alas - in keeping with buffet trends internationally the only eggs are scrambled. Serious caffeine hounds may prefer something stronger. Simply exit foyer, turn left and walk 30 paces to the 'G4' coffee shop open for breakfast all day - well staffed and friendly plus great coffee! For a good choice at lunch time try the Southbank building for probably the best food hall in town. Exit foyer, turn right and continue up the street past the Langholme? Hotel, ascend the steps you can easily see from the foyer and find your way in. Spotlessly clean and well priced. For dedicated Curry Lovers try the 'Flora Indian Restaurant' in Flinders Street opposite the Flinders Railway Station. Simply stroll over the foot bridge (described above) onto Flinders St, turn right and 200 metres up on the opposite (north) side you will find it. Buffet style everything Indian. Check out the local Indian patronage to verify authenticity. An enjoyable experience at very affordable prices.

Loads of parking at 'Wilson Parking' next door if travelling by car. Having said that you do not need a car around the city to the majority of points of interest during the day, tourists get to use Free set bus and Tram routes courtesy of the City of Melbourne. There is a taxi rank at the front door. There is a 24 hour convenience store around the corner from the hotel (exit foyer, turn right ands right again - it has everything you will need including an ATM).

There are coin operated laundries on the 3rd and 8th floor (only been to the 8th floor one - all good). On our day of leaving we arranged a no problem 11am book out and we could leave our bags in storage till later that day.

Overall a good experience and I really cannot think of any negatives.