Where can we stay when we move to Melbourne?

March 15, 2006 9:47 PM

My partner and I are moving to Melbourne in a month. Where can we stay fairly cheaply until we find rental accommodation?

So the last time we moved, (to Newcastle) we were so desperate to get out of the motel that was eating up our cash, we took the first rental house to come along. It was in a really crappy area and we had problems with some drug dealers down the road. This time we would like to spend a bit more time looking around. So I've looked up caravan parks online, but can't tell which ones are OK and which ones are skanky. We don't want our stuff stolen while we're out looking for an apartment, but we want to stay somewhere that is fairly inexpensive. Any ideas?

posted by azuma to Travel & Transportation around Melbourne, Australia (6 answers total)

Have you considered a backpackers? Some are Sleazy as hell but others are pretty good.
posted by gergtreble at 10:01 PM on March 15, 2006

Having backpacked up and down the east coast of Australia, I can vouch for the cleanliness, friendliness, and general goodness of the hostels, should you go that route.

My only advice: stay out of Footscray.

Good luck, and enjoy Australia, it is truly a beautiful country.
posted by patr1ck at 10:22 PM on March 15, 2006

I seem to remember there was a pretty decent Hostel called "The Nunnery" or something along those lines. There was also "Hotel Spenser" on spenser street. Although that wasnt clean and tiday at all times some of the rooms had bedbugs.

Ah yes! Heres a site for The Nunnery. It looks like their prices have gone up since I stayed there.

Also if you are worried about crime, stay out of St Kilda....
posted by gergtreble at 10:32 PM on March 15, 2006

Ah! Just checked THIS site and it says that the nunnery is from $26 per night. I knew it want that expensive! Aparently those are the prices for their "Guesthouse".
posted by gergtreble at 10:46 PM on March 15, 2006

Short term rental might be a go. Try Melbourne Craigslist for something. If you could see something there and arrange it for just a month it might work out.

You could also try couchsurfing for something for a week or two.
posted by sien at 3:59 AM on March 16, 2006

If you want something right in the city there's always the Kingsgate Hotel in King St and the Victoria Hotel in Little Collins. The Kingsgate has both budget rooms with shared facilities and better ensuite rooms, and it usually gives a discount if you stay five nights or more. I haven't stayed there myself but I have a friend who used to stay there all the time.

I checked out some of the inexpensive places I do have experience with (the Y and the Victoria) but they all seem to have gone upmarket.
posted by andraste at 2:50 PM on March 16, 2006