WHEN: visited Melbourne in the month of May and stayed at the Seasons Botanic Gardens, although cold (not freezing) the Studio Room had sufficient bed covering and heating for those afraid of the lower temperatures. LOCATION: outer edge of the CBD located on St Kilda Road. Although St Kilda road is a main road, the studio room we were allocated on Level 5 was nice and quiet. This accommodation is located opposite the Rememberance Shrine and the atmosphere is peaceful (even with the road work) as the widely spaced road is lined with lovely trees. TRAM TRANSPORTATION: tram stop close by, and it does not take long to reach central CBD or Federation Square to connect to the free city circle tram No. 35. Although I wouldn't advise trying to catch the tram during the peak periods when people are getting off work, unless you wish to see the trams pass you by as they are too full to pick up more passengers. FREE TOURIST SHUTTLE BUS: located on the opposite side of the Rememberance Shrine, 10am to 6pm. ROOM: excellent designed spacious studio room. The sitting area has a long lounge, a coffee table, a tv, and a small table that could be used as a dining table. The bed was just right, firm but not too hard (with no dips). Lovely spacious clean bathroom with enough hooks to hang your towels or clothing. As our room was located just opposite the lift, the bathroom was closer to the door thereby reducing the traffic noise. Good use of space as they also supplied an iron, ironing board, washing machine and dryer within the studio room in a cupboard. Sufficent floor space at the end of the bed for a large suitcase. Also there is another cupboard with sliding mirrored doors and drawers within for clothing. Should you wish to eat in there is a small kitchenette with 2 cooking elements/pots and a pull out steam pullout thingy. Behind lovely wood style panel cupboards are cultery, plates, mugs, glasses and a fridge with the usual for sale items. What impressed me was that apart from the usual water boiler, coffee and tea satchets, they also provided a salt and pepper shaker. Such small conveniences is much appreciated - excellent attention to detail. If I had to be picky I would recommend a rack for washed plates/cultery (I tend to clean up after myself), unless it is part of the cleaning crews job. CLEANING CREW: excellent service. Never saw them but whenever we returned to the studio room it was always in an immaculate condition with the bathroom and kitchen tidied up, toilettries replenished, and the bed remade. RECEPTION STAFF: this is where I took off one star. The staff are capable in their duties, but if you are looking for service with a smile, you won't get it here. Not everyone likes to be acknowledged so if you wish to be left alone this is the perfect accommodation. To be fair, I must state that when I was checking out I came across the older dark gentleman with the bald head, who was friendly and helpful in acquiring a taxi for me - not sure if he was the concierge or what .... OTHER HOTEL FACILITIES: unable to comment as we were keen to get out and about to discover Melbourne city, the Great Ocean Road and the Penguin Parade.

Stayed at this hotel on a last minute deal via wotif.com and was pleasantly surprised. Apartment style hotel is very modern tower block situated conveniently on St Kilda Road opposite the botanic gardens in Melbourne. Staff were great, room was spacious and reasonably well appointed especially considering the rate we got. Definitely recommended.

While staying in Melbourne, I would highly recommend the Seasons Hotel. I found the staff very helpful in booking cabs and giving information about the trams, sights, restaurants, etc. The rooms are clean, spacious, filled with light, comfortable, and have a small cooking facility that was helpful in saving a few dollars as food in Australia is very expensive. There is a small grocer on the next block up St. Kilda. The location is wonderful, directly across from the Royal Botanical Gardens, which I found to be the most beautiful stop on my tour through Australia. The park is filled with fabulous running trails and eventually leads to the Yarrow River. It was fabulous to be out running and watching the early morning rowing crews. The tram, which is located right outside the hotel, was a quick and easy shot (5 minutes) straight into the heart of Melbourne. If you're a walker, it's probably about 20 minutes. As a single, female traveler, I felt very safe. Next time I return to Melbourne, I will absolutely stay at the Seasons.

Now called Seasons Botanic Gardens. Enjoyable stay. Only spent one night but would be quite comfortable to stay longer. Clean and quite roomy in a one bedroom apartment. Nice lounge area with balcony. Full kitchen with everything you need. Small laundry but all you need even if staying longer with a washer and dryer. Nice neat and clean furnishings. Only complaint was that the pool was advertised as heater indoor but was actually freezing which was a little disappointing as we wanted to take our daughter for a swim but it was way too cold for her. Settled for the spa instead. Also chose to order room service for dinner as we didn't want to be out with our baby daughter. Had to order of the restaurant menu which was a little too formal. Would have preferred the room service menu option but can't order from it till after 10pm.

the somerset is a very nice hotel with good facilities and rooms bit that said, i found the staff very rude and condecending almost to the point that you were made to feel that they were doing you a favour by letting you stay at their hotel, in short my stay would have been more enjoyable if staff from the front desk to the room service people had more people skills and pesonality i would think twice about staying here again not for the hotel, but for the attitude of the staff.