Melbourne is one of those special cities that just keeps drawing you back.
The incredible food, the endless shopping and the rooftop bars (my personal favourite) always make for the perfect weekend escape, but with so much on offer it’s important to maximise your time.
So when I recently traveled with my toddler and my mum, I needed somewhere spacious to accommodate us comfortably, but still right in the heart of the city.
The Oaks on Collins is the perfect place.
Located on the bustling Collins Street, this budget-friendly hotel offers heritage charm while still having all the mod-cons – including good wi-fi and TVs with streaming capabilities.
It’s also a literal stone’s throw from the tram line or a leisurely stroll to Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations, meaning the entire city is at your fingertips.
When we arrived at the Oaks on Collins, there was a self check-in system at reception which was very fun to test out, but there were also plenty of staff on-hand to help and one lovely team member even offered my daughter some colouring pencils and paper while I collected our keys.
We stayed for two nights in a Cosmo Apartment, which really does feel like a home away from home.
With two queen beds, one is located in a separate bedroom while the other is tucked away around a corner offering ample room for the whole family.
There was also a fully-equipped kitchenette as well as a lounge and dining area, so we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Despite being right in the heart of the city, it was reasonably quiet in our room which meant we were well rested each night, too.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Melbourne a few times, but had never had the chance to check out the South Melbourne Markets, so we hopped on a tram and were there within 10 minutes.
As we surveyed the incredible foods on offer – from fresh-cut fruit and freshly shucked oysters to pork belly and burrata focaccia sandwiches – I was kicking myself I hadn’t been here sooner. It’s definitely a must-do while you’re visiting, and there’s also plenty of clothing and homewares stalls to check out while you’re there too.
If you’re a foodie, I’d also highly recommend wandering down to Degraves Street – one of the famous laneways of Melbourne – and finding a spot to order a delicious brunch and watch the world go by.
Plus staying on Collins Street means you’re just minutes from the bustle of the main shopping precinct and museums that will keep the whole family happy.
So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly weekend away, it can’t get any better than Melbourne!
This writer stayed as a guest of Oaks on Collins.
Visit https://www.oakshotels.com/en/oaks-on-collins.
