Arrow on Swanston

We stayed in Room 1003 at Arrow on Swanston as a family of three—two adults and a child—for a short visit to Melbourne. The location was the strongest advantage, offering direct access to Swanston Street’s tram network and nearby restaurants and a short walk to our daughter’s student accommodation at Scape Swanston. The room itself was compact but functional, with a well-equipped kitchenette suitable for preparing simple meals. Although the space was limited, it was clean on arrival and the bed was reasonably comfortable. Housekeeping, however, was only scheduled once every four days, and we had to make repeated requests to have the room cleaned. Towels and toiletries were not replenished automatically and had to be collected in person from the reception. Elevator service was also a drawback—there are only two passenger lifts, which were often slow to arrive, and on multiple occasions, garbage bins were transported in the same lift as guests, making for an unpleasant experience. The sofa bed provided for our child was adequate for a short stay but may not be suitable for longer durations. Heating worked well, which was appreciated during colder evenings, and the kitchenette offered basic but useful amenities. Reception staff were generally polite and helpful when approached. That said, the room and some common areas appeared dated and would benefit from refurbishment. Overall, while the property felt slightly overpriced given the service and maintenance levels, it was convenient and met our basic needs for a short family stay.

Very clean

Old building and dirty