Check In

I had a bit of correspondance with the property before arrival. I did use the mobile check-in app and my keys were ready when I arrived. Unfortunately, I was not able to procure an upgrade to a King Suite. While they had one left, they felt it would be only available to me for an upcharge (I think SPG rules would require that they give it to me an elite upgrade).

Room

This was a two bed room. There was a separate area with a closet, bag storage area that led to the bathroom (shower only).

The room did have a table and a few chairs.

A plug adapter is available from the hotel and the shaver plug in the bathroom is a good choice for phone/camera chargers.

Service

The funny aspect is that I would see the same staff appear from handling the bell desk duties to concierge to lounge attendants.

The staff was very attentative and warm and helped me out with various issues as needed.

Dining

I did not dine in the on-site restaurants, but used the executive lounge offering.

Breakfast was done well. As is common for international properties, you can order eggs any style from the attendant (but it takes awhile). Beverage options are numerous and evening dining did contain a rotating hot option which I would consider to be a premium main entree (steak/fish/pasta/stew). A dessert offering (cake/tarts/custards) would also rotate.

As noted by others, the lounge is open to midnight each day for beverage access. My favorite part though had to be the self-service water/ice machine which is such a rare item in a hotel I think.

I found the free direct dial phone in the lounge helpful to call Australian numbers as I did not have a local SIM as well.

Location

I think this is a very important aspect when staying in large cities. You need to be in a place where you don't have to call a taxi to go to most places (my opinion).

This property is not far from tram stops (which are free within the CBD). I personally think this location is better than those that are nearer to Federation Square/Flinders being a bit more upscale but still at a major intersection.

In terms of places (aside from the usual tourist sites), both the QV Building and Melbourne Central (major shopping options) are easy to reach. QV has a Woolies and a Big W and Melbourne Central has a Coles. Both have many eating options as well (food hall style).

There is a self-serve laundry on Russell, but it was closed for the holidays so I used a delivery service.

Overall

This is a solid property even though you have many choices. Reasonable room rates makes it an easy choice for many. It is said that the Marriott chain is very popular with Americans. That is probably true, but the services offered (particularly the concierge and executive lounge) make stays a lot easier for many I believe.

It is not a large property actually in terms of rooms, but I appreciated the larger standard rooms that can accommodate more than two guests which is not common in most large cities (and is also an issue with many of the area SPG properties).

I found it easy to get to all of the areas using walking and trams (such as Docklands, South Wharf, Flinders/Federation and related alley streets). For longer adventures (GOR, Penguins, Yarra Valley, etc.), most of the tour services did door to door pickup and did not require me to go to Federation Square.