The Wifey’s Corner team went to Melbourne and it had been a really nice trip! All these years we live in Sydney and never been to Melbourne even once. Finally we decided we’d go there for our third year anniversary. It definitely was the right decision, albeit was a short trip, yet a very memorable one! This post is a review of our City Tempo, where we stayed during our short trip – and again is of our own opinion.
We left Sydney at 7.45 am and landed at Turramarine airport approximately 9.20 am. From there, we lined up for the pre-booked Skybus to take us to Southerncross station for another transfer to our hotel. We thought Skybus is convenient and easy airport transfer, however the transfer at Southerncross station puts us off a little. Luckily we booked only one way, and we used Starbus for our hotel-airport transfer, which was even more convenient.
I should also mention that one day prior to our arrival, I received an email from City Tempo confirming my booking and what time I would arrive. Communication via email was easy, they responded promptly and no problems whatsoever.
When we arrived at City Tempo, it was packed with guests checking ins or outs. Check in process was smooth, filled in some forms and that’s it. Unfortunately, the room was not ready but the receptionist offered to store our luggage until it is. They asked our contact number to text us once the room is cleaned, which didn’t happen.
Meanwhile waiting for 2 pm, we walked around and caught the free city tram for some sightseeing and lunch. We returned around 1.30 pm and again the room was still not cleaned but they will let us know as soon as it is ready. Because the guaranteed check in time is 2 pm, we thought we would just sit and wait in the lobby. At 2.20 pm after groups of people finished their check ins, hubby went to ask again and this time they said it is ಠ╭╮ಠ No one texted or told us, all the while we were sitting there waiting!
Located on Queens St, City Tempo is just one block away from the famous Queen Victoria Market on the north and walk toward the south you’ll find tram stop on La Trobe St. And not to mention, a very walkable distance to the famous Hardware St!
Anyhow, I wouldn’t complain since we were given a nice studio unit on level 23! Woohoooo excellent view from up there, especially at night-time 🙂 The unit is bright, compact, good size for two people, and has a functional kitchenette. Bathroom wall is of frosted glass, so it probably be a bit awkward if you are staying with a friend (¬‿¬)
Housekeeping came in the afternoon. On the day we did Yarra Valley winery tour, we came back to a nice clean room; the next day, he came when were getting ready to for pre-dinner stroll. By the way, they also have coined laundry facility on level 1. This is accessible with your room key card and there are laundry detergent sachets in your room.
Overall, we love the unit we were in (no. 2302); the only minor problem was just the mattress. Hubby complains that the queen size mattress is too small, but that was just because we get used to king sized mattress. Apart from that, we only experienced WiFi issue once during our 3 nights stay. When we asked the receptionist the next morning, he said it had affected the whole building the night before (our first night) but is fixed now. We found no other issues for the rest of our stay. In our opinion, this is a great place for short stay in CBD and if you find a deal on Expedia (like we did), it is truly value for your bucks.
City Tempo
353 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8256 7555
