Four Points Docklands - Melbourne, Australia [Master Thread]
Aug 2, 2017, 9:09 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MCI/ORD/CDG
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 771
Four Points Docklands - Melbourne, Australia [Master Thread]
Any review of this property? Please share.
For those familiar with Melbourne, is this property convenient to sightseeing and tourist spots?
I understand that the Westin is probably in a better area for tourism but it is also more than double the price for the dates I am planning to be there. I don't mind taking trains, trams or buses as long as the commute to city center is not too terrible.
For those familiar with Melbourne, is this property convenient to sightseeing and tourist spots?
I understand that the Westin is probably in a better area for tourism but it is also more than double the price for the dates I am planning to be there. I don't mind taking trains, trams or buses as long as the commute to city center is not too terrible.
Aug 5, 2017, 11:39 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: QF Gold, VA Red, SQ, HH Silver, Marriott Gold.
Posts: 314
Four Points, Docklands, Melbourne, Australia.
I have stayed at the Four Points Docklands four times since it opened at the end of March 2017. I have been happy with all my stays, and by now the hotel is well bedded in. Most room categories are about 28 sq metres, and while not as large as those at the Westin they are well equipped and well designed, so that they don't feel too confined. Studios are 48 sq metres. Beds are comfortable. There are lots of power points and USB points.
As an SPG Gold I have had an upgraded room each stay, though that may depend on occupancy. I would regard this as a top of the range Four Points.
Front desk staff are really good, and the restaurant and bar staff less experienced but learning fast. Meals are good, somewhat pricey, but good quality. You can often get breakfast included in the package. It's decent, and you can request egg dishes cooked to order. There are many nearby restaurants to eat at, plus a supermarket a few minutes walk away.
As far as distance from the centre of Melbourne the hotel is some 2.5 km away, and can be reached by tram in about 15 minutes. Trams leave from right in front of the hotel. Tram connections to all over Melbourne, together with access to Southern Cross station, are some 10 minutes by tram. Please note that to travel on public transport in Melbourne you must purchase a pre paid stored value card, Myki, before travel. This can be done at the airport or hotel can advise.
Although the Four Points is on the central city outskirts the distance is not impossible. Certainly room rates can be half or a third of the Westin.
It is quite possible to get a FP room for AUD120 a night, and maybe $20 more with breakfast package for two.
If you have any further questions please ask me.
As an SPG Gold I have had an upgraded room each stay, though that may depend on occupancy. I would regard this as a top of the range Four Points.
Front desk staff are really good, and the restaurant and bar staff less experienced but learning fast. Meals are good, somewhat pricey, but good quality. You can often get breakfast included in the package. It's decent, and you can request egg dishes cooked to order. There are many nearby restaurants to eat at, plus a supermarket a few minutes walk away.
As far as distance from the centre of Melbourne the hotel is some 2.5 km away, and can be reached by tram in about 15 minutes. Trams leave from right in front of the hotel. Tram connections to all over Melbourne, together with access to Southern Cross station, are some 10 minutes by tram. Please note that to travel on public transport in Melbourne you must purchase a pre paid stored value card, Myki, before travel. This can be done at the airport or hotel can advise.
Although the Four Points is on the central city outskirts the distance is not impossible. Certainly room rates can be half or a third of the Westin.
It is quite possible to get a FP room for AUD120 a night, and maybe $20 more with breakfast package for two.
If you have any further questions please ask me.
Aug 6, 2017, 12:05 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,018
....Trams leave from right in front of the hotel. Tram connections to all over Melbourne, together with access to Southern Cross station, are some 10 minutes by tram. Please note that to travel on public transport in Melbourne you must purchase a pre paid stored value card, Myki, before travel. This can be done at the airport or hotel can advise.
https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/
https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/maps/
https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PD...amZone_Map.pdf
Aug 8, 2017, 10:23 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MCI/ORD/CDG
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 771
I have stayed at the Four Points Docklands four times since it opened at the end of March 2017. I have been happy with all my stays, and by now the hotel is well bedded in. Most room categories are about 28 sq metres, and while not as large as those at the Westin they are well equipped and well designed, so that they don't feel too confined. Studios are 48 sq metres. Beds are comfortable. There are lots of power points and USB points.
As an SPG Gold I have had an upgraded room each stay, though that may depend on occupancy. I would regard this as a top of the range Four Points.
Front desk staff are really good, and the restaurant and bar staff less experienced but learning fast. Meals are good, somewhat pricey, but good quality. You can often get breakfast included in the package. It's decent, and you can request egg dishes cooked to order. There are many nearby restaurants to eat at, plus a supermarket a few minutes walk away.
As far as distance from the centre of Melbourne the hotel is some 2.5 km away, and can be reached by tram in about 15 minutes. Trams leave from right in front of the hotel. Tram connections to all over Melbourne, together with access to Southern Cross station, are some 10 minutes by tram. Please note that to travel on public transport in Melbourne you must purchase a pre paid stored value card, Myki, before travel. This can be done at the airport or hotel can advise.
Although the Four Points is on the central city outskirts the distance is not impossible. Certainly room rates can be half or a third of the Westin.
It is quite possible to get a FP room for AUD120 a night, and maybe $20 more with breakfast package for two.
If you have any further questions please ask me.
As an SPG Gold I have had an upgraded room each stay, though that may depend on occupancy. I would regard this as a top of the range Four Points.
Front desk staff are really good, and the restaurant and bar staff less experienced but learning fast. Meals are good, somewhat pricey, but good quality. You can often get breakfast included in the package. It's decent, and you can request egg dishes cooked to order. There are many nearby restaurants to eat at, plus a supermarket a few minutes walk away.
As far as distance from the centre of Melbourne the hotel is some 2.5 km away, and can be reached by tram in about 15 minutes. Trams leave from right in front of the hotel. Tram connections to all over Melbourne, together with access to Southern Cross station, are some 10 minutes by tram. Please note that to travel on public transport in Melbourne you must purchase a pre paid stored value card, Myki, before travel. This can be done at the airport or hotel can advise.
Although the Four Points is on the central city outskirts the distance is not impossible. Certainly room rates can be half or a third of the Westin.
It is quite possible to get a FP room for AUD120 a night, and maybe $20 more with breakfast package for two.
If you have any further questions please ask me.
Nov 23, 2017, 9:51 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: QF Gold, VA Red, SQ, HH Silver, Marriott Gold.
Posts: 314
I would rank Sheraton breakfast as number one, followed by Westin then Four Points.
Four Points does not have the range of the other two, but is of decent quality.
I think if choosing one of these hotels location and price would be more important criteria, than breakfast.
Four Points does not have the range of the other two, but is of decent quality.
I think if choosing one of these hotels location and price would be more important criteria, than breakfast.
Nov 27, 2017, 10:56 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
I didn't mind the 10-15 tram ride into the CBD every day (especially since it was free). I'm honestly not sure if I received an upgraded room or not as a Gold but the room / bathroom was a more than decent size and very comfortable for 2 nights. The difference in price with the Westin/Sheraton was more than material. I agree with rick253 that this is among the top of Four Point properties.
May 9, 2018, 8:42 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: UA GS, QF Plat, Marriot/SPG Plat, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 47
I just got back from a 13 night stay there. I’m gold, so I can’t comment on the platinum treatment, but they did let me shower after my international flight in the spa and nap at the pool while I waited for my room (ready at 1pm). The breakfast wasn’t anything special and the bar didn’t interest me much. The front desk was good, the only thing I didn’t like was late housekeeping (room serviced around 4-5pm some days) and they actually missed my room 2 days.
Access to the free tram was great, location was solid.
Overall I think you would enjoy it.
Access to the free tram was great, location was solid.
Overall I think you would enjoy it.
May 21, 2018, 4:52 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: FRA
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 147
I stayed there in December 17. Overall a good choice, but primarily driven by the low price. Service was extremely friendly.
Platinum benefits: breakfast (agree with willfam3, nothing special, but solid), room on top floor (but small), voucher for drinks + food at bar, late checkout, points.
Things that I remember negatively: pool area is extremely windy & cold. SPG rooms are really small. Repeated confusion whether coffee beverages (latte etc.) are free for platinum.
Platinum benefits: breakfast (agree with willfam3, nothing special, but solid), room on top floor (but small), voucher for drinks + food at bar, late checkout, points.
Things that I remember negatively: pool area is extremely windy & cold. SPG rooms are really small. Repeated confusion whether coffee beverages (latte etc.) are free for platinum.
May 21, 2018, 5:41 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,018
Airport info MELBOURNE (MEL) - amenities, transfers, transport
- Taxi
- https://www.skybus.com.au/melbourne-airport/ Skybus wil take you to the Spencer St depot, and then in a minibus to the hotel.
- Or the new Skybus docklands service. https://www.skybus.com.au/southbank-...klands-hotels/
- If 2 or more people cost of a taxi will not be much different to cost of 2 x skybus tickets
Last edited by Mwenenzi; May 21, 2018 at 6:12 pm
Sep 9, 2018, 12:51 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MEL
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat. WOH Glob. SQ Gold
Posts: 1,637
Recently had a one night stay due to my normal choice (Westin) being sold out. Currently three nights short of qualifying for my tenth year as a <former> SPG platinum and lifetime status but can't recall ever staying at a four points before but was pleasantly surprised and pleased with my stay.
Arrival was a bit hit and miss as I couldn't see where I was suppose to park to check in so I parked in the taxi zone where a local taxi driver "helpfully" shared his thoughts on the matter. I helpfully pointed to the shared loading zone sign and politely suggested an orifice where he could place his cab.
Once inside things were a lot smoother - handed my keys to the concierge for valet parking and was promptly checked in. Late check out was proactively offered, breakfast or points was offered as amenity and I was also given two drink vouchers. Upgraded to a Bay Studio room on the top floor (Room 1512) arguably one of best in the hotel. The room wasn't overly large - at best the same izw as a standard room at the Westin. It did have quite a large bathroom, with a huge bath. Had a seperate living area and bedroom which would be good for families - as a solo traveller I felt the room was a bit small for this setup - what would have been a nice sized open plan room felt like two slight claustrophobic rooms. Nice view over the docklands out to the bay and across Bolte Bridge to the worker's socialist paradise of the Western Suburbs.
Room still looked brand new and was in excellent condition - as expected for an entry level chain the furniture/fittings were utilitarian but got the job done. No problem streaming Netflix on the wifi. Breakfast was as discussed in the thread - nothing great but I was very happy with my omelette.
Also appreciated small details like, being cheap, that I got a free copy of the Financial Review - 100 nights at the Westin and they still want to charge me $4 for it [img]images/smilies/frown.gif
Checkout was a bit slow as an aircrew was arriving at the same time but not a big deal. Did notice when leaving that outside of business hours there is plenty of free street parking available around the hotel. Really easy access to citylink for my departure to Essendon Airport (and for anyone going to Tullamarine).
I'd be happy to stay here again - but only as a quick overnight stop as I did find the room slightly cramped and a bit dull for a longer stay - however this hotel is often $200-250 cheaper than the Westin so is certainly good value for money. I find this part of the docklands a bit dull, a lifetime ago I use to attend "illegal" raves in the dilapidated and abandoned warehouses that made up this area and it had a lot more character back then, but for a tourist after a fairly priced hotel it really isn't that far from the main CBD.
Bathroom
Living
Bedroom
View
Arrival was a bit hit and miss as I couldn't see where I was suppose to park to check in so I parked in the taxi zone where a local taxi driver "helpfully" shared his thoughts on the matter. I helpfully pointed to the shared loading zone sign and politely suggested an orifice where he could place his cab.
Once inside things were a lot smoother - handed my keys to the concierge for valet parking and was promptly checked in. Late check out was proactively offered, breakfast or points was offered as amenity and I was also given two drink vouchers. Upgraded to a Bay Studio room on the top floor (Room 1512) arguably one of best in the hotel. The room wasn't overly large - at best the same izw as a standard room at the Westin. It did have quite a large bathroom, with a huge bath. Had a seperate living area and bedroom which would be good for families - as a solo traveller I felt the room was a bit small for this setup - what would have been a nice sized open plan room felt like two slight claustrophobic rooms. Nice view over the docklands out to the bay and across Bolte Bridge to the worker's socialist paradise of the Western Suburbs.
Room still looked brand new and was in excellent condition - as expected for an entry level chain the furniture/fittings were utilitarian but got the job done. No problem streaming Netflix on the wifi. Breakfast was as discussed in the thread - nothing great but I was very happy with my omelette.
Also appreciated small details like, being cheap, that I got a free copy of the Financial Review - 100 nights at the Westin and they still want to charge me $4 for it [img]images/smilies/frown.gif
Checkout was a bit slow as an aircrew was arriving at the same time but not a big deal. Did notice when leaving that outside of business hours there is plenty of free street parking available around the hotel. Really easy access to citylink for my departure to Essendon Airport (and for anyone going to Tullamarine).
I'd be happy to stay here again - but only as a quick overnight stop as I did find the room slightly cramped and a bit dull for a longer stay - however this hotel is often $200-250 cheaper than the Westin so is certainly good value for money. I find this part of the docklands a bit dull, a lifetime ago I use to attend "illegal" raves in the dilapidated and abandoned warehouses that made up this area and it had a lot more character back then, but for a tourist after a fairly priced hotel it really isn't that far from the main CBD.
Bathroom
Living
Bedroom
View
Last edited by chad75; Sep 9, 2018 at 12:56 am
Oct 19, 2018, 4:19 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Just finished up a stay here. Largely the same experience as chad75, in fact was upgraded to the exact same room but on the 10th floor (1012) but his pictures are exactly the same as my room looked. They also gave me 2 drink coupons for use at the bar which was a nice gesture. Option of points or the breakfast, opted for points, was told I could still get breakfast at a reduced rate if desired (didn't take advantage so can't report on quality).
Only stayed here because the other SPG properties were out of policy but the FourPoints was way cheaper so was bookable. If you don't mind walking (or taking the free tram), it's worth it to save the extra money if paying out of pocket vs. OPM -- Melbourne is such a walkable city that it's perfectly feasible to stay the 4P and walk around CBD with ease. Lots of easy, well-lit pathways between the two. Just need to be aware that the Docklands area is quite dead at night, it feels like it's still 5 years from being fully there (vs. when I was last in Melbourne 5 years ago and it felt about 10 years away).
I would definitely stay here again if traveling on my own dime but if I was back again for work, I would only stay here if the same situation arose (Marriott/SPG properties out of policy except the 4P).
Fun fact -- it's literally 3 blocks from a Costco -- I didn't realize there were any Costco stores in Australia (dumb American) so I didn't have my card but they were able to pull it up off the number and it was fun to walk around and see Costco Australia vs. Costco US (felt very similar). Nice prices on wine too if I had been staying for more than 2 nights
Only stayed here because the other SPG properties were out of policy but the FourPoints was way cheaper so was bookable. If you don't mind walking (or taking the free tram), it's worth it to save the extra money if paying out of pocket vs. OPM -- Melbourne is such a walkable city that it's perfectly feasible to stay the 4P and walk around CBD with ease. Lots of easy, well-lit pathways between the two. Just need to be aware that the Docklands area is quite dead at night, it feels like it's still 5 years from being fully there (vs. when I was last in Melbourne 5 years ago and it felt about 10 years away).
I would definitely stay here again if traveling on my own dime but if I was back again for work, I would only stay here if the same situation arose (Marriott/SPG properties out of policy except the 4P).
Fun fact -- it's literally 3 blocks from a Costco -- I didn't realize there were any Costco stores in Australia (dumb American) so I didn't have my card but they were able to pull it up off the number and it was fun to walk around and see Costco Australia vs. Costco US (felt very similar). Nice prices on wine too if I had been staying for more than 2 nights