Bayview On The Park

With its motel facade and tired-looking interiors, the Bayview On The Park is less exciting than the opposite Australian Grand Prix Formula One track. Although largely well-maintained, the dated decor throughout cheapens the property. The lobby's brown leather Chesterfield sofas are attractive, the rust-colored marble on floors and some walls is a bit garish, and adjacent lounge areas have old-fashioned fabric-covered armchairs. Banquet signage points to the property's function facilities -- conference or tour groups are often presence, but there's a mostly Australian leisure crowd. An outdoor pool, hot tub, and adjacent terrace are undergoing renovations through 2017, unfortunately. 

Bayview On The Park's location opposite Albert Park's lake, greenery, and racing track is a draw, as are nearby embassies and Alfred Hospital. Melbourne CBD is about an 18-minute drive away, and it houses Melbourne Aquarium, Crown Casino, Federation Square, the National Gallery of Australia, and main Flinders Street Railway Station. Melbourne Cricket Ground and AAMI Park's sports are slightly closer. Travelers tend to hop into taxis or take trams, which stop a block away from the hotel, and multiple lines run to major attractions. St Kilda Beach's sands, pier, and restaurants are a five-minute drive, or longer tram ride. Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport is a 35-minute drive, or approximately one hour by public transport.

Rooms are colorful, but they're in need of a facelift, and chain decor is predictable. They're outfitted in light walls, gray-carpeted floors, medium- or blond-wood furniture, and red, green, or khaki in seating areas, bed runners, pillow tops, and headboards. Standard Rooms measure 172 square feet (16 square meters) and can overlook parking lots or be dark, and they're too small for cribs. Upgraded categories have park views and satin robes, and are a healthier 301 square feet (28 square meters). Larger Suites have living and dining areas, but furnishings remain underwhelming and outdated. Additionally, rooms are subject to noise, either from the main road below, or tour groups.

Phones, desks, tube-style or flat-screen cable TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, irons and ironing boards, AC, and free Wi-Fi are provided. Bathrooms with laminate off-pink vanities aren't the classiest, but they're clean, and have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries.

Considering the attractive rates, the available features are reasonable, particularly as most guests spend their days out exploring. They generally stay on-site for the buffet breakfasts, where cooked bacon, eggs, and sausages accompany a decent continental spread. The all-day bar and Sails Brasserie are popular. The restaurant is bright from large windows, circular red pillars, and marbles dressing up ordinary seating, and modern international cuisine here accompanies classic grilled dishes. The restaurant is closed for lunch, but the bar serves food all day, alongside a range of beverages.

Our visit was prior to pool closures in 2017, which are likely to continue until 2018 and encompass the pool, hot tub, and outdoor terrace. Guests can use the bright, albeit worn, gym, which has cardio and resistance equipment, but lacks free weights. Solid meeting facilities include a ballroom, flexible conference rooms, and a business center. The 24-hour reception can arrange laundry services and airport transfers (both at a fee). Pets are not permitted. On-site parking incurs fees, while Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.