SD › Melbourne › Best Hotels › Cosmopolitan Review
Updated: January 4, 2022
Essentials
• Location: Carlisle Street, St Kilda, a block from Luna Park.
• Hotel website: cosmostkilda.com
• Hotel phone: +61 (0)3 8598 6700
• Check prices for Cosmopolitan
The family-friendly Cosmopolitan is near Luna Park and the beach, and features spacious rooms, some with extra beds or kitchenettes.
Cosmopolitan – Quirky, quiet, and friendly motel in a beachside suburb.
The Cosmo (as it’s affectionately known) is ideal for those staying a while as many rooms feature kitchen facilities and for guests with cars because it offers free parking on-site – unheard of in the congested and overbuilt city center. Also catering very well for families, special rooms feature queen beds and two singles without feeling too cramped, while suites in a separate block can comfortably accommodate groups of three. It’s along a quiet residential street, yet close to the beach and St Kilda’s various amenities, and trams to the city stop just outside. Enjoy Melbourne without the traffic, noise, and overpriced rates of downtown.
See Also
- Best Hotels in Melbourne
- Best Hotels for Families in Melbourne
- Where to Stay in Melbourne
- Best Time to Visit Melbourne
Cosmopolitan – The Location
- Area: Quiet residential street just off the main road (Acland Street) in a bohemian part of St Kilda which features a likably – and, at times, tacky – vibe so different to the city center.
- Address: 2-8 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, an inner-city beach area about 6 km from the city center.
- Nearest Transport: Bus – Albert St (25m), Tram – Havelock St/Carlisle St (100m) and Barkly St/Carlisle St (100m).
- How to Get There: Taxis to/from the airport (30 km, 1-hour drive) cost about A$80. Just as fast – and one-quarter the price – is the SkyBus St Kilda Express (every 30-60 minutes, daily 6 am to 8 pm). It drops off and picks up passengers at a stop directly outside the hotel.
- Handy to: Beach and Luna Park (see below).
Cosmopolitan – The Basics
- Guests: Attracts all sorts, from party-goers on an overnight stay to families on a longer holiday.
- Pets: Not allowed.
- Views: Most rooms face neighboring streets while a few overlook the hotel car park which is also reasonably quiet.
- Kitchen: Some accommodations feature kitchenettes and suites come with proper kitchens that are larger and better equipped.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Certainly not expected (or provided) at this sort of suburban budget hotel.
- Extras: Free rental of bicycles and DVDs. Computer in the lobby for guest use.
- Parking: Plenty of free parking on-site. A guaranteed spot can be arranged for a low daily fee.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +61 (0)3 8598 6700
- Email: book@cosmostkilda.com
- Website: cosmostkilda.com
Cosmopolitan – Amenities
- Pool, Spa, & Fitness Center: Not expected (or provided) at this sort of budget hotel.
- Other Facilities: Substantial guest lounge, also useful for meetings.
Cosmopolitan – Food and Drink
- Restaurant & Bar: Nothing on-site.
- Breakfast: Not provided.
- Room Service: No room services as there is no café on-site and many rooms feature kitchen facilities.
Cosmopolitan – Rooms
- Room Types: Compact Doubles • Family Rooms • Deluxe Rooms • Deluxe Terraces • Studio Apartments • Two Bedroom Apartments • Terrace Apartments • Courtyard Suites • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: No smoking in the rooms; permitted only in a dedicated area.
- Best Room: For couples, the spacious Terrace Apartments feature kitchenettes, lounge/dining areas, plenty of space, and decent views. For families, the Courtyard Suites have 2 bedrooms, huge kitchens, and separate lounge/dining areas.
- For Families: Each Family Room features a queen bed and 2 singles in the same room. Apartments (some with 2 bedrooms) and the Courtyard Suites can also comfortably fit up to 4 people.
Cosmopolitan – Local Transport
- Walking & Cycling: Perfect area for walking, whether along the beach, streets, seaside paths, or numerous parks. A dedicated bike path extends for 11 km along this part of the coastline.
- Public Transport: Well-connected to the city center by tram #16, which stops just steps from the hotel.
- Taxis & Ride-shares: Taxi stand outside the Vineyard Restaurant (see below). Uber and Ola operate all over Melbourne.
Cosmopolitan – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants and Bars
- Radio Mexico – Opposite the hotel for all things Mexicana. Good-value and authentic – from salsas to margaritas. (50m).
- Galleon Café – Next to Radio Mexico, it’s compact, funky, and bohemian – so typical of this area. (50m).
- Vineyard Restaurant – Lovely corner position. Contemporary Australian cuisine, outdoor tables, and live music. (100m)
- Abbey Road Café – Along Acland Street. Vibrant setting, fabulous service, and tempting daily specials. (250m).
- Republica St Kilda Beach – Summertime hangout alongside the beach (but open all year). Hugely popular at sunset and for daily food and drink specials. Ideal for families. Up the esplanade. (700m).
- Hotel Esplanade – Renowned across the city for its huge bars, street-side tables, and live bands. Easy to find along the esplanade. (700m).
Nearby Shops
-
Terrific selection in a compact area along Acland Street which starts just 100m down from the hotel. The street finishes as a pedestrian plaza.
Nearby Attractions
- Luna Park Melbourne – A highlight for some, it’s an old-style amusement park filled with rides and activities for everyone. The massive clown-face entrance is unmistakable along the esplanade. (250m).
- St Kilda – Offers everything – breeze, views, sand for walking, paddle-boarding, and an extended pier – but is not that great for swimming. (600m).
Cosmopolitan – The Hotel
The Cosmo, as it’s known, is a very nice motel in the pleasant beachside suburb of St Kilda.
The lobby area is substantial and the staff is particularly friendly and helpful.
The guest lounge at the Cosmopolitan Hotel is large and ideal for meetings.
The spacious rooms feature sizable windows, many facing the quiet suburban streets.
In the corner of some rooms is a desk area larger than those found in most 5-star international-brand hotels costing much more.
The décor may be unfussy but there’s plenty of space for luggage.
Some rooms are already set up for a family of three.
The apartments and suites feature kitchen facilities, so they’re perfect for families and those staying awhile.
The Family Rooms feature a queen bed and two singles.
Some rooms have a full-sized kitchen and a small table in an alcove offering street views.
As expected at an inner-city motel like this, there isn’t much extra space, but some seating is positioned outside a few rooms.
Rooms face the outside streets while others overlook the hotel car park, which is also pleasingly quiet.
Starting only 100m from the hotel, Acland Street is packed with appealing places to eat and drink.
Acland Street turns into a pedestrian plaza just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Only 150m from the hotel, the Vineyard Restaurant is adorable.
On a prominent corner, the Vineyard offers extra seating outside which is ideal for people-watching.
Opposite the hotel, Galleon Café is funky and friendly, so typical of this part of St Kilda.
Republica is an iconic beachside bistro and bar about 700m from the hotel.
The likable Abbey Road Café, also only a few minutes’ stroll from the hotel, provides a fascinating décor.
Renowned across the city, The Espy (or Hotel Esplanade) is the place to see live bands. West along the esplanade from the hotel.
St Kilda is a beachside suburb only 6 km from the city center.
A boardwalk along the coast at St Kilda is ideal for walking and cycling. The beach, however, is not that great for swimming.
A very long pier at St Kilda extends into Port Phillip Bay.
Nearby, along the esplanade are gardens dotted with massive palms.
Just a few minutes from the Cosmopolitan Hotel is Luna Park, packed with rides and other things for the family.
Another place that regularly offers shows, bands, and other entertainment is the Palais Theatre, next to Luna Park.
The hotel is connected to the city center by regular trams (about 20 minutes).
The best way to travel between the airport and hotel is by the express SkyBus which stops outside the hotel. Check rates and availability: Cosmopolitan
Read More
- Melbourne Travel Guide
- Best Hotels in Melbourne
- Best Hotels for Families in Melbourne
- Where to Stay in Melbourne
- Melbourne Hotel Reviews
- Best Time to Visit Melbourne
- Best Hotels in Brisbane
- Best Family Hotels in Brisbane
- Where to Stay in Brisbane
- Best Time to Visit Brisbane
Get All New Content
• My Travel Newsletter