Staying at INK Hotel Southbank: A Modern City Sleepover Close to Everything
Looking for a clean, modern place to stay in Melbourne without the sky-high price tag? I recently came across INK Hotel Melbourne Southbank, and thanks to one of our regular contributors Diane, I now know it’s a great little spot for a city stay.
Here’s why INK Hotel could be worth considering for your next night in the city.
Related reading: 29 Best Hotels in Melbourne CBD: A Senior-Friendly Guide
Where Is INK Hotel Melbourne?
INK Hotel Melbourne Southbank is tucked just behind Crown Casino, on City Road. From there, it’s an easy distance to Southbank Promenade, Arts Centre Melbourne, Federation Square, and even Flinders Street Station.
Diane stays and visits the Melbourne Recital Centre and says it was “not even a 10-minute walk” from the hotel to their evening show.
What Are the Rooms Like?
Diane stays in one of INK’s smaller rooms, which she says was compact but perfect for a one-night stay. Larger rooms are available if you prefer more space.
Here’s what Diane has to say:
“Our room was very small, but for our one-night sleepover, it was perfect (larger rooms were also available). We would happily return to the INK Hotel again.”
The rooms are simple but thoughtfully designed, with comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, a rainfall shower, and a mounted TV for a quiet night in.
You won’t find mini-bars or in-room dining here—it’s all about a good sleep and getting out to enjoy the city.
Is It Affordable?
Melbourne city accommodation isn’t always cheap, but INK Hotel strikes a nice balance between price and location. Diane paid around $200 for a Saturday night, which she felt was reasonable.
Considering the central location and modern facilities, I’d agree.
What About Parking?
INK Hotel doesn’t have onsite parking, but they offer a partnership with a nearby secure car park.
Diane found it straightforward:
“The car park was a 5-minute walk away, but the rate for 24 hours was only $25.”
That’s certainly a reasonable rate for city parking, especially if you’re planning to park the car and explore on foot.
What’s the Atmosphere Like?
One of INK’s stand-out features is its modern, youthful vibe. You’ll walk into a bright, funky foyer, where the bar doubles as the reception desk.
Staff are friendly and down-to-earth, giving the hotel a relaxed feel.
Diane mentioned:
“After entering the funky foyer/bar/reception (pets are also welcome in this area), we were greeted by very friendly young staff. Check-in was seamless.”
Yes, pets are welcome—ideal if you’re travelling with a four-legged friend.
“While INK Hotel has a young and groovy vibe, we found it perfectly welcoming for older travellers too—the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere meant we never felt out of place.”
Food and Drink
INK Hotel doesn’t have a full restaurant, but you’ll find a light breakfast menu and bar drinks available downstairs. Think morning coffee or a cheeky glass of wine in the evening.
Of course, being in Southbank, you’re spoiled for dining options just around the corner—riverside restaurants, cafes, casual bars, and plenty of spots for a pre-show meal.
The Verdict: Would We Recommend It?
If you’re after a modern, well-located hotel that’s clean, comfortable, and doesn’t cost a fortune, INK Hotel Melbourne Southbank is well worth a look.
Quick Summary: INK Hotel Melbourne Southbank
- Location: 167 City Rd, Southbank, behind Crown Casino
- Rooms: Compact and larger rooms available
- Price: From around $200 per night
- Parking: Off-site, $25 for 24 hours
- Atmosphere: Modern, youthful, and pet-friendly in public areas
- Dining: Light breakfast and bar service
- Ideal for: Concertgoers, couples, city breaks
Have you stayed at INK Hotel? Or do you have another Melbourne city hotel you’d recommend? Let me know—I’m always keen to share more local finds for our community.
Diane’s review
INK Hotel Melbourne South Bank, very close to the Casino, and all CBD attractions. Ideal for where we had to go, The Melbourne Recital Centre, not even a 10 minute walk. The room cost us around $200 which we felt was reasonable for a Saturday night.
The car park was a 5-minute walk away but the rate for 24 hours was only $25.
After entering the funky foyer/bar/reception (pets are also welcome in this area) we were greeted by very friendly young staff, check-in was seamless.
Our room was very small but for our one-night sleepover, it was perfect (larger rooms were also available).
We would happily return to the INK again.
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