Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

The hotel stands out for its historic building and old-world charm, which many guests find captivating and well-preserved. Its central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it an ideal choice for sightseers, business travelers, and those attending events in the city. Guests generally appreciate the comfortable rooms and the efforts of the attentive staff, though feedback on service can be mixed. The breakfast also receives positive mentions for its quality. For couples and families, the hotel's prime position and comfortable accommodations offer a convenient base for exploring. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor or away from the Yarra side to mitigate potential noise from the city, and it is advisable to confirm all booking details, such as upgrades or included amenities, upon check-in to avoid any disappointment.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a charming bar, often praised for its ambiance and a popular happy hour, providing a pleasant space for relaxation. However, guest experiences with the elevators are mixed; while functional, they are frequently described as small, old, and slow, occasionally leading to delays or being out of service. Some guests also reported recurring issues with key cards malfunctioning, requiring multiple trips to the front desk. In-room conveniences like free Wi-Fi are appreciated, along with the provision of Nespresso coffee pods and quality toiletries. While there isn't a swimming pool, a fitness center is available, though some noted minor cleaning oversights within this area. The presence of ice machines and vending machines adds to guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many rooms are described as small or tiny, which can feel cramped and make luggage management challenging, though some guests found them adequately sized. The beds are consistently praised for being comfortable, often accompanied by good pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. Showers generally receive positive comments for their water pressure and temperature. However, the bathrooms themselves are frequently noted as cramped, with the common setup of a shower over the bath posing accessibility and safety concerns for some. Noise levels are a recurring issue, with guests reporting disturbances from trams, trains, and even air conditioning units or toilet refills, particularly in front-facing or lower-level rooms. While many reviews highlight overall cleanliness, some guests encountered issues such as hair in the shower, mould, or rooms not being serviced adequately, including unwashed glasses or missed cleaning days, impacting their perception of hygiene.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from many guests, described as amazing, excellent, and offering a good variety of options that are frequently replenished, providing a worthwhile start to the day. However, some guests found the buffet to be somewhat boring or repetitive, with limited choices for alternative milk or fresh fruit, and noted that food could be lukewarm. The restaurant layout can create a bottleneck at the entry during busy times, and the self-serve coffee machine's quality was a point of concern for some, with barista-made coffee available at an additional cost. The hotel's bar is generally well-regarded for its atmosphere and food, though some found the bar food to be expensive. Feedback on the cocktails was mixed, with some guests suggesting room for improvement in their preparation and quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant highlight, placing guests directly opposite Flinders Street Station and within easy reach of tram stops, including those in the free tram zone, making city exploration highly convenient. Guests appreciate the ability to walk to numerous attractions, including the Yarra River, Southbank, various museums, and sporting venues like the MCG. This prime position allows for effortless access to the city's vibrant restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. While the location offers unparalleled accessibility, some guests noted the presence of homeless people in the surrounding city center area, and there can be noise from trams and trains, particularly for rooms facing the street or railway. Parking is available, often off-site, and guests should be aware that it can be expensive.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the staff and service are notably mixed. Many guests commend the staff for being exceptionally friendly and helpful, highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate requests, contributing to a positive stay. The check-in and check-out processes are often described as quick and smooth by some. However, a significant number of reviews detail instances of unprofessional or rude staff, particularly at the front desk, with some feeling unwelcomed or experiencing a lack of empathy during interactions. Issues such as staff not looking up from screens, being uncommunicative, or making inappropriate comments were reported. Housekeeping service also received varied feedback; while some found it excellent, others reported rooms not being serviced for multiple days, or being cleaned carelessly, impacting guest comfort and expectations. Despite these inconsistencies, the efforts of many staff members to provide excellent service are frequently acknowledged.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects that can impact their stay. A recurring theme in reviews is the hotel's policy regarding early check-in and late check-out, with many guests expressing frustration over strict adherence to official times, even when rooms appear available, leading to long waits in the lobby. This can be particularly inconvenient for travelers arriving on early flights or needing extra time before departure. Furthermore, frequent reports of key cards malfunctioning, requiring multiple trips to the reception desk for re-activation, can disrupt convenience and cause minor delays. While the hotel aims to provide a comfortable experience, these specific points related to guest convenience and policy application are frequently highlighted by visitors.