Great Southern Hotel Melbourne Review: Budget Stay Near Station

A three-minute walk from Southern Cross Station places the Great Southern Hotel Melbourne in one of the most convenient transport hubs in the city. Based on verified ratings from Trip.com and Tripadvisor, this review examines what guests report about this budget-friendly CBD property to help you decide if it fits your next Melbourne visit.

Last checked: 2026-08-20

Location: Melbourne CBD, opposite Southern Cross Station · Price Category: Budget-friendly per operator site · Free Wi-Fi: Yes, per greatsouthernhotel.com.au · Tram Zone: Free tram zone, per property site

How Is the Cleanliness at Great Southern Hotel Melbourne?

Cleanliness reviews at the Great Southern Hotel Melbourne split sharply between platforms. The property scores an 8.6 out of 10 for cleanliness based on 188 verified reviews on Trip.com, with many guests describing rooms as “very clean and comfortable”. One July 2024 guest who received a free upgrade to a king room reported the room was “spacious, very clean and comfortable” and praised the “very friendly, informative and professional” staff.

Yet complaints about housekeeping appear regularly on Tripadvisor. Several reviewers mention dirty blankets, mould and rot in showers, and a general lack of maintenance in bathrooms. One guest wrote that the hotel felt “more like private hostel than hotel”. The spread of ratings shows about 14% excellent, 32% very good, 26% average, 13% poor and 15% terrible — suggesting that while many leave satisfied, a significant minority have negative experiences.

The trade-off: The Great Southern Hotel delivers acceptable cleanliness for many budget travellers, but inconsistency means you may want to inspect the room upon arrival and request a change if standards fall short.

The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne Location and Transport

The hotel sits at 44 Spencer Street, directly opposite Southern Cross Station, Melbourne’s major transport interchange. From the station, travellers can catch the SkyBus to Tullamarine Airport, V/Line regional trains, and multiple tram lines. The building is also inside Melbourne’s free tram zone, meaning you can ride the city circle trams at no cost.

Multiple reviewers emphasise the location as the property’s strongest asset. One guest noted it is a “great location” for public transport, and another called it “one of the cheapest options near the station”. The proximity is particularly useful for travellers arriving late or departing early on the SkyBus, as the bus terminal is a 2-minute walk from the hotel entrance.

What this means: If your priority is easy connections to trains, trams and airport transport, the hotel’s position is hard to beat. The trade-off is that the western edge of the CBD is quieter than the central shopping district, but trams run frequently.

Where Does Taylor Swift Stay in Melbourne? (Context from Celebrity Choices)

During her 2024 tour, Taylor Swift reportedly checked into a private suite at a luxury hotel in Melbourne costing around $16,000 per night. That property is not the Great Southern Hotel Melbourne. However, the Great Southern has hosted touring crew, musicians and support acts who need a budget base near Southern Cross Station for easy movement between venues and the airport.

Reports from music-media outlets list several Adelaide- and Melbourne-based hotels favoured by touring musicians. The Great Southern Hotel’s location and price make it a practical choice for technicians, journalists and lower-budget performers who prefer to stay near public transport rather than in the exclusive suburbs.

The bottom line: While you won’t spot the biggest stars at this hotel, its role as a musician-friendly accommodation is supported by its transport links and no-frills pricing.

What Hotel Did Lady Gaga Stay in Melbourne?

Similarly, Lady Gaga has stayed in Melbourne at high-end properties such as the Crown Metropol and the Langham during past tours. These choices mirror the luxury pattern among A-list performers. But the Great Southern Hotel Melbourne repeatedly appears in reviews from guests who say they “stay here when touring” or travelling for sporting events because it is one of the most affordable options in the CBD.

The hotel’s own marketing positions itself as a “budget-friendly” base for both leisure and business travellers. While it does not cater to the celebrity suite market, it fills a gap for those who need a clean bed near the station without the premium price tag.

The pattern: For anyone attending the Australian Open, a music festival or a conference, the Great Southern offers a lower-cost alternative while still being within walking distance of major venues like Rod Laver Arena and the MCG.

Where Does Roger Federer Stay in Melbourne?

Roger Federer has been known to stay at the Crown Towers or at private residences during the Australian Open. As with other elite athletes, his accommodation preferences lean toward five-star service and privacy. However, many Australian Open players and their teams book rooms at mid-range and budget hotels near Melbourne Park. The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne appears in forums as a recommended option for fans and lower-ranked players who want short walks to the tennis precinct.

One guest described the hotel as “good for a short stay during the tennis”, noting that the 20-minute walk to Melbourne Park is manageable, or you can take a tram directly from outside the hotel. The property’s location inside the free tram zone means you can reach the Australian Open venue without paying for public transport.

Why this matters: If you are visiting Melbourne during the tennis season and want to stay near the action without overspending, the Great Southern Hotel is a practical choice — just don’t expect the concierge to have a flawless list of famous guests.

The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne Breakfast and Menu

Breakfast is available on-site, according to Trip.com and several guest reviews. Guests describe the breakfast selection as “basic” and “limited” — typical for a budget hotel. One reviewer mentioned having “lovely dinner and breakfasts” in the hotel restaurant, while others found the buffet insufficient for the price.

The hotel’s restaurant is also open for dinner, serving standard pub-style dishes. A feature page notes that there is “no room service”, so all meals must be taken in the dining area. For more variety, the surrounding Spencer Street area offers fast-food outlets and cafes within a two-block radius.

The catch: If breakfast is a priority, check recent reviews for current menu updates. Many guests recommend skipping the hotel breakfast and walking to a nearby café instead.

Noise, Amenities and the “Get What You Pay For” Reality

Across both platforms, noise is the most consistent complaint. Guests report hearing conversations from adjacent rooms, doors slamming, and chairs scraping against floors. The building is described as “old-fashioned” with dated bathrooms. One 2023 reviewer wrote that the lack of soundproofing meant “you can hear everything”.

On the positive side, the hotel provides 24/7 front desk service, electronic card access for after-hours entry, and free Wi‑Fi. Staff friendliness receives largely positive mentions, with several guests highlighting “friendly staff” and “helpful reception”. The Great Southern Hotel is consistently labelled a “budget hotel” where “you get what you pay for”.

“The hotel is old and you can hear people talking, doors opening and chairs moving in rooms around you.”

— Guest review on Tripadvisor

The implication: If you are a light sleeper or need quiet for work, bring earplugs or consider paying more for a newer hotel. For one-night layovers or early departures, the trade-off of price for noise may be acceptable.

Pros and Cons

Best For Segments

• Budget travellers — Lowest price in the CBD for a private room near transport
• Event-goers attending Australian Open — 20-minute walk to Melbourne Park; tram from door
• Musicians or crew on tour — Transport hub connections and affordable rates for support teams
• Solo travellers seeking central location — Safe, central, with 24-hour desk

Pricing and Value

Trip.com lists average prices from approximately USD 63 for low season, with an “Average Price From” table around USD 142. These rates place the Great Southern Hotel firmly in the budget tier for Melbourne CBD. By comparison, four-star hotels in the same area often start at AUD 200–300 per night. The hotel’s own description calls it “budget-friendly”.

The value equation depends heavily on what you need. For a clean bed and a prime location, the price is hard to beat. But if you want modern amenities, quiet nights, or full-service dining, the cheaper rates come with compromises.

Location: Getting There and Getting Around

Southern Cross Station is directly opposite. The SkyBus from Melbourne Airport stops at the station, making airport transfers seamless. Trams on Spencer Street connect to Flinders Street Station, Docklands, and the free tourist tram. Major attractions like the Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square and the Yarra River are within a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride.

Alternatives in Set

If the Great Southern Hotel doesn’t meet your needs, consider these nearby budget-friendly options within Melbourne CBD:

• ibis budget Melbourne CBD — Another no-frills hotel with similar pricing, located on King Street, a 5-minute walk from Southern Cross Station.
• Short Stay Hotel Melbourne — Ideal for day-use or overnight stays near the transport hub, often favoured by travellers with early flights.

Both alternatives are within walking distance of Southern Cross Station but may offer newer facilities or quieter rooms at comparable rates.

Our Pick