Selina Central Melbourne

This accommodation is highly regarded for its prime central location, situated directly opposite Flinders Street Station, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring the city. Guests frequently highlight the overall cleanliness of the rooms and common areas, alongside the comfort of the beds, which often feature privacy curtains. The friendly and helpful staff consistently receive praise, contributing significantly to a positive experience. While the vibrant city setting is a major draw for sightseers and budget travelers, some guests note considerable noise from the street and within the building. The hotel's design, with its unique bunk beds and dedicated co-working spaces, makes it particularly appealing to solo travelers and digital nomads. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to bring earplugs for potential disturbances and be aware that many rooms lack air conditioning, which can lead to warmer conditions, especially during summer.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the common areas to be a significant asset, offering both social and "solo" spaces, including private booths for calls or quiet work. A library and a dedicated co-work space cater well to those needing to be productive, while a cinema room equipped with bean bags and Netflix provides a comfortable spot for relaxation. However, the Wi-Fi connectivity is frequently reported as unreliable and having a weak signal, which can be frustrating. The elevator is a recurring point of concern, often described as janky, ancient, or out of service, sometimes appearing unclean, leading guests to use the stairs. While there is a laundry room, some guests found it less than clean. The design of the storage boxes above the beds is widely criticized as a safety hazard, with guests often hitting their knees or heads, and the under-bed drawers are noted as too small and not lockable.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is generally well-regarded, with many guests finding them spacious and well-kept, though some minor issues like dust under beds or a "funky" smell have been mentioned. The beds consistently receive high praise for their comfort, often equipped with power plugs and individual lights, and the privacy curtains on bunk beds are a highly appreciated feature, providing a sense of personal space. A significant and frequent complaint, however, is the lack of air conditioning in many rooms, leading to uncomfortably warm conditions, especially during warmer weather, with only ceiling fans providing limited relief. Noise levels are a major concern for many, stemming from loud music, street traffic (including train horns and road works), and general activity within the building due to thin walls, making sleep challenging for light sleepers.

Dining & Food Quality
The kitchen facilities receive mixed feedback from guests. While some appreciate its spaciousness, many find it to be poorly equipped with limited appliances, such as only one microwave and a few stovetops, leading to waiting times during busy periods. Cleanliness is a significant issue, with numerous reports of the kitchen being dirty, fridges being disgusting, and even mentions of a rodent problem, leading some guests to keep their food in sealed bags. The fridges are often described as uncleaned and full. Despite these challenges, the breakfast offered is frequently praised as delicious and fantastic, with guests enjoying options like good coffee, eggs Benedict, and French toast. Additionally, the bar located downstairs is highlighted as an added bonus, providing a convenient spot for a beverage and a social atmosphere.

Location & Accessibility
The central location of the hotel is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests directly opposite Flinders Street Station and within the free tram zone, ensuring exceptional ease of access to all parts of the city. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance to numerous popular destinations, including various bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and the vibrant Degraves Street with its cafes. Key landmarks like St Paul's Cathedral and Federation Square are also conveniently close. While the location offers unparalleled accessibility to public transport and city attractions, it also contributes to significant street noise, with reports of train horns, road works, and delivery trucks causing disturbances, particularly at night. Parking is not a prominent feature in guest feedback, suggesting it may not be a primary amenity or concern for most visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend their cheerful demeanor, approachable nature, and willingness to assist with various requests, from providing local recommendations to helping resolve issues like lost items. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and easy, with the added convenience of being able to store luggage both before check-in and after check-out. While the overall service is positive, some guests noted inconsistencies with room cleaning requests not always being fulfilled, and shared bathrooms occasionally running out of toilet paper. Despite these minor points, the staff's commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests benefit from the hotel's free secured luggage storage room, a convenient feature for early arrivals or late departures. The hotel actively organizes daily activities and promotions, providing excellent opportunities for guests, especially solo travelers, to socialize and meet new people. While the bunk beds offer appreciated privacy curtains, a common design flaw is the large storage box positioned directly above the bed, which many guests found to be a hazard, frequently hitting their knees or heads. Some guests noted that towels are not provided for free, and basic amenities like shampoo or soap were occasionally missing from shared bathrooms. The hotel's transformation from a previous owner is mentioned by some, suggesting a unique blend of hostel and hotel facilities.