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Porter Club - The Kinson
452 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Australia
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Avg. AU$199 /night, 3/17 - 3/18
AU$280
per night
AU$216
per night
AU$152
per night
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About
#146 of 179 hotels in Melbourne
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
The Kinson is a neighbourhood hotel in Melbourne’s city fringe. Edged by green spaces and interesting places, it’s a destination for work or play in one of Melbourne’s most desirable locations. The Kinson has been created with curious and creative travellers in mind. Drawing inspiration from Vogue fashion photography, rooms feature vintage images and suit a short stay or a home away from home. The Kinson is within close proximity to the city yet offers a relaxed, cosmopolitan lifestyle on its doorstep. Surrounded by tranquil parks and gardens, with some of Melbourne’s best food and drink within walking distance.
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Property amenities
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
24-hour front desk
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Kitchenette
Bath / shower
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Location
452 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Australia
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 76 out of 100
76
40 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
There are a lot of good things I can say about our two day stay at The Kinson, but unfortunately the negatives did overall leave me dissatisfied. We were excited when we got to the hotel and the reception are looked really lovely, and the blonde lady who checked us in and took our bags while we waited for room to be ready gave EXEMPLARY service with her warm manner and sharing an anecdote of an upcoming trip to see family in the UK. She made us feel very welcome. We were pleased with the room when we got up there, it all looked clean and comfortable. The issue began when I took my first shower. The shower was a combined shower and bathtub, as we had specifically booked the room for the tub, spending extra for that room as I wanted to take a relaxing bath during my stay. The drain in the shower did not work properly and the bathtub quickly was filling with the soapy dirty water from my shower. I had to keep pumping the plug with my foot to keep the plug draining. It was really gross and even after the tub finally drained a few minutes after I was out of the shower, a ring of scum was left in the tub because of the issue which I needed to sacrifice a watchcloth to wipe. I was completely put off using the tub after this. I also noticed the soap rack had some rust. I didn’t feel confident that the tub would have been cleaned properly (it had spa jet outlets) and it would have taken an hour to drain. I contemplated asking for someone to come and check out the drain when we were out the next day, but we were on the tail end of the trip and wanted to be left in peace to rest if need be, so I didn’t bother. I also noticed a strong mildewy odor in reception a few times on our way in and out. When we were checking out I felt that the male receptionist was quite sullen and unfriendly and did not ask us if we enjoyed our stay, and I didn’t feel welcome to bring up my issue with the bath. We left our bags with reception after check out as our flight wasn’t until later, and when we went to pick them up, we were shown by the same receptionist into a dilapidated and dirty shell of where it looked like a cafe was coming off reception, where bags were stored for us to collect them. While it was secure, it didn’t seem like a nice area to be taking guests in a 5 star hotel. Overall the stay was good enough but I would expect more attention to detail and functioning drains. Bed comfortable and clean. Blinds and curtains shut out light well. Art in rooms and hotel quite nice. Not too noisy at night but traffic a little loud in morning.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It’s a good location to the city, the room is comfortable with all things for the kitchen is perfect if you want to cook. Is ideal for a couple of work days or vacation with your partner. You have close to the public transport for the CBD or rest of the city
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Comfortable bed, clean room. Couldn't reach the coffee cups, we were both too short to reach them. No couch, the single chair was worn out and needed an update. Parking cost is not advertised clearly, the cost is $25.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had a lengthy stay at the Kinson. I picked it because of the opening prices, I had no knowledge of it at all. I was a bit wary but I had nothing to be concerned about. As a new apartment hotel, everything is of a high standard, no wear and tear. My room was lovely, a great bed, a little kitchen with convection oven and stovetop (but no pans), toaster, kettle etc. Great shower. TV was good and easy to use. The hotel has a laundry which is free for guests, just ask for a keycard at Reception. Housekeeping is sometimes a 'lite' service, and I received a text to notify me. The hotel has striking art photography on the walls in the public areas and in the rooms. A great touch.
Be aware of the council parking inspectors, they come a few times a day and stalk the spots out front to issue fines. Parking is free from 6pm to 8am, after that, you are at risk of a $92 fine. There is paid parking through the hotel or via a laneway alongside the hotel.
The best feature of the hotel are the front desk staff. I had many dealings with them during my stay and without exception they were friendly and helpful. They always went out of their way to sort things out and nothing was too much trouble. I was very impressed with them all. I had a great time at the Kinson and I hope I have reason to stay again!
Be aware of the council parking inspectors, they come a few times a day and stalk the spots out front to issue fines. Parking is free from 6pm to 8am, after that, you are at risk of a $92 fine. There is paid parking through the hotel or via a laneway alongside the hotel.
The best feature of the hotel are the front desk staff. I had many dealings with them during my stay and without exception they were friendly and helpful. They always went out of their way to sort things out and nothing was too much trouble. I was very impressed with them all. I had a great time at the Kinson and I hope I have reason to stay again!
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Stay here, you will really enjoy it. It is in a neighbourhood area, close to everything, yet in a...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We selected the Kinson almost in desperation as we need to be in Melbourne for the Billy Joel concert our original booking at another hotel was cancelled and rooms anywhere close to the city were hard to find and very, very expensive.
The Kinson turned out to be a fortuitous find. Very helpful staff, working in a well appointed boutique-style hotel. Our room was on the 17th floor, with great view over Albert Park and the Bay. More importantly we had a very comfortable bed; a well designed bathroom and (thank god) light switches that you could actually find and operate without an engineering degree. The kitchenette was a nice additional touch and double glazed windows made the rooms silent.
Any issues? -Only a couple of minor ones. The reading lights, while a very interesting design, the locator light does light up the room (we fixed it by moving the light around to a point where the locator was inside the bed head); and with all the well thought-out design features, including great glassware and crockery in the kitchen, a Nespresso machine would have been a nice addition. Honestly, instant coffee in a room like this is a bit of let down. Yes there are some nice cafes around the place but a decent coffee is still nice if you are using the kitchenette for breakfast. But these are only minor points. Overall a great place to stay in Melbourne and we'll be back.
The Kinson turned out to be a fortuitous find. Very helpful staff, working in a well appointed boutique-style hotel. Our room was on the 17th floor, with great view over Albert Park and the Bay. More importantly we had a very comfortable bed; a well designed bathroom and (thank god) light switches that you could actually find and operate without an engineering degree. The kitchenette was a nice additional touch and double glazed windows made the rooms silent.
Any issues? -Only a couple of minor ones. The reading lights, while a very interesting design, the locator light does light up the room (we fixed it by moving the light around to a point where the locator was inside the bed head); and with all the well thought-out design features, including great glassware and crockery in the kitchen, a Nespresso machine would have been a nice addition. Honestly, instant coffee in a room like this is a bit of let down. Yes there are some nice cafes around the place but a decent coffee is still nice if you are using the kitchenette for breakfast. But these are only minor points. Overall a great place to stay in Melbourne and we'll be back.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dan Nurchandra, Guest Services / Front Office at Porter Club - The Kinson
Responded 5 Jan 2023
Hi GR_Canberra, Thank you for your review and choosing to stay with The Kinson. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed our service, location, and room. Thank you again and hope to welcome you back. Kind Regards, Dan Nurchandra Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am deeply disappointed with the Kinson (refurbished Blackman hotel) in comparison to my earlier stays at Blackman. Literally, the hotel does not have any facilities, no bar, no food, no catering service even the Gym is closed. The rooms are very outdated with dusty carpets. The A/C makes lots of noise and you can't get rid of the dusty smell in the room. Yesterday I sat for an hour in the lobby area and witnessed 3 complaints by the guests. The answer of the staff was often "it is stated on our website". Poor service. It is a shame how the old Blackman ended up in the hands of an investment company which does not have any clue about hospitality. They ask you to pay even higher than you used to pay to Blackman and provide service less than half what you had before. For my next stay in Melbourne, I need to look for other places. Adious The Kinson..
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seriously the most painful booking experience I have ever encountered.
I needed to add additional nights to a booking. Instead of being helpful, they asked me to do it on the website then they would combine the bookings together.
When I rang to do the booking over the phone, reservations hadn't started work yet (11am?) so had to go through reception.
I explained the situation. He was very rude and abrupt over the phone saying he would rather I do it myself but eventually agreed to help after I basically had to beg.
He then proceeded to tell me that if I didn't give him a credit card that matched the name of the guest that my 'reservation' would be automatically cancelled by the system. I thought the whole point of 'reserving' the room is so that the room was mine - apparently not according to this hotel.
After 25mins of fighting on the phone, I said there are thousands of hotels in Melbourne that would welcome us as guests and be grateful to have our $1500. He said if that's what you want, then I can change it? I said no but safe to say we would NEVER stay here again and would NEVER recommend this rude, ungrateful hotel in Melbourne. Apparently, customer service is dead.
I needed to add additional nights to a booking. Instead of being helpful, they asked me to do it on the website then they would combine the bookings together.
When I rang to do the booking over the phone, reservations hadn't started work yet (11am?) so had to go through reception.
I explained the situation. He was very rude and abrupt over the phone saying he would rather I do it myself but eventually agreed to help after I basically had to beg.
He then proceeded to tell me that if I didn't give him a credit card that matched the name of the guest that my 'reservation' would be automatically cancelled by the system. I thought the whole point of 'reserving' the room is so that the room was mine - apparently not according to this hotel.
After 25mins of fighting on the phone, I said there are thousands of hotels in Melbourne that would welcome us as guests and be grateful to have our $1500. He said if that's what you want, then I can change it? I said no but safe to say we would NEVER stay here again and would NEVER recommend this rude, ungrateful hotel in Melbourne. Apparently, customer service is dead.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Kinson is a great place to stay. Very big room, supersized bed with really good pillows and linens; dining area, decent desk and chair, sofa, big TV, small but well equipped kitchenette, big fridge and freezer, decent bathroom with power shower and a jacuzzi. Small balcony with couple of chairs and table. All in all, a great hub for work and, being someone who walks everywhere, also well positioned for walking to the beach and all the bars and fun in Fitzroy / Aklam / St Kilda Beach (40 mins), the Botanical Gardens (15 mins), Shrine of Remembrance(10 mins tops), Fawkner Park is 2 mins away, Albert Park and Lake 5-10 mins. Even all the way to Fed Square and Bourke is 45 mins.
Taxis easy. And the tram is round the corner.
Only negative is The Kinson has no food service or bar, no gym and no pool. There are no major supermarkets close by, and limited eateries and bars at night, but you just go to the busier places and then have a peaceful place to stay after! I will return, but will request a room with a view rather than looking into the rooms of the apartment block next door, but you can see the park from the balcony!
Bit noisy from the outside - the double glazing isn’t perfect - but it was the F1 build up! Nothing some earplugs doesn’t take care of. No corridor noise, which is a big plus for me.
Staff are really amazing. Couldn’t do enough to help, advise and were always very happy. Milana (hope that’s spelled right) was a standout, but everyone seemed very happy in their job.
Didn’t take any pictures of the room, but it was exactly as described and portrayed on their website.
Taxis easy. And the tram is round the corner.
Only negative is The Kinson has no food service or bar, no gym and no pool. There are no major supermarkets close by, and limited eateries and bars at night, but you just go to the busier places and then have a peaceful place to stay after! I will return, but will request a room with a view rather than looking into the rooms of the apartment block next door, but you can see the park from the balcony!
Bit noisy from the outside - the double glazing isn’t perfect - but it was the F1 build up! Nothing some earplugs doesn’t take care of. No corridor noise, which is a big plus for me.
Staff are really amazing. Couldn’t do enough to help, advise and were always very happy. Milana (hope that’s spelled right) was a standout, but everyone seemed very happy in their job.
Didn’t take any pictures of the room, but it was exactly as described and portrayed on their website.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oct 2024
Arrived at the hotel at 13.35, there was two people on reception. We where served by Andres. When we said we wanted to check in his first words to us where you are too early and and your rooms not ready, we had come straight from airport.
We asked when do you think the room will be ready, he answered ' I cannot tell, you as if I do and it is longer you will only complain".
We where shocked otsca simple question, so I said to him, we just want yo understand how longbyou think it will be , 30 mins, 1 hour 2 hours, and he responded by saying' I cannot say'. So I said ok we will wait, as we cut see was very frazzled.
He then left, dod not tell the other person on reception we where waiting. Three groups checked in while we waited, After an hour I went up to other receptionist and she said no problem room was ready.
Andres then returned and I overheard him saying he was back from his break,
This was such a bad start to our stay,
The hotel itself is good, but I really do not think Andres is cut out for reception, or customer service,
Arrived at the hotel at 13.35, there was two people on reception. We where served by Andres. When we said we wanted to check in his first words to us where you are too early and and your rooms not ready, we had come straight from airport.
We asked when do you think the room will be ready, he answered ' I cannot tell, you as if I do and it is longer you will only complain".
We where shocked otsca simple question, so I said to him, we just want yo understand how longbyou think it will be , 30 mins, 1 hour 2 hours, and he responded by saying' I cannot say'. So I said ok we will wait, as we cut see was very frazzled.
He then left, dod not tell the other person on reception we where waiting. Three groups checked in while we waited, After an hour I went up to other receptionist and she said no problem room was ready.
Andres then returned and I overheard him saying he was back from his break,
This was such a bad start to our stay,
The hotel itself is good, but I really do not think Andres is cut out for reception, or customer service,
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had stayed here 3 times over the past couple of months, always a good experience until my last stay. Where 2 people were scanned into our rooms by a staff member at 7am.
Also received a phone call asking when we were leaving at 10am. I responded 12pm was check out time.
At the reception desk both situations were badly handled.
I emailed the manager and all that was said in the email response was sorry this happened.
I felt the customer service was a major let down on my last stay. After recommending this to friends and family prior to my last stay. This has left an extremely sour taste in my mouth.
Also received a phone call asking when we were leaving at 10am. I responded 12pm was check out time.
At the reception desk both situations were badly handled.
I emailed the manager and all that was said in the email response was sorry this happened.
I felt the customer service was a major let down on my last stay. After recommending this to friends and family prior to my last stay. This has left an extremely sour taste in my mouth.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"Hardly worth getting a balcony room, as balcony tiny and no view. Everything else was great."Read full review
"Stay here, you will really enjoy it. It is in a neighbourhood area, close to everything, yet in a little quiet street. Entry is on Arthur St"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
AU$150 - AU$194 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaMelbourne
NUMBER OF ROOMS
203
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingPORTER CLUB - THE KINSON (AU$150) - 2025 Prices & Reviews (Melbourne) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Porter Club - The Kinson
Which popular attractions are close to Porter Club - The Kinson?
Nearby attractions include Queen Victoria Gardens (0.5 km), Southbank (0.2 km), and The Cobbers Statue (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Porter Club - The Kinson?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, self serve laundry, and a 24 hour front desk.
What are some restaurants close to Porter Club - The Kinson?
Conveniently located restaurants include Bistro Gitan, Mr.Percival Cafe & Restaurant, and Nar Bangkok.
Are there any historical sites close to Porter Club - The Kinson?
Many travellers enjoy visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral (3.2 km), Parliament House of Victoria (3.1 km), and The Johnston Collection (2.7 km).