Finding a place to stay in Melbourne is a bit like trying to pick a favorite coffee shop in the CBD. There are way too many options, and half of them look identical on a phone screen. If you've been looking at the Radisson Hotel Melbourne, or more specifically, the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, you’re probably seeing a mix of "stellar location" and "needs a bit of love."
Honestly, it’s a polarizing spot.
Some people swear by it because you can literally walk across the street and be in the oldest park in the city. Others? They get a bit grumpy about the carpet. But there is a massive shift coming. If you are planning a trip for mid-2026, the Radisson you see in current photos might not be the one you actually walk into.
The Flagstaff Gardens Reality Check
Location is the main reason anyone books here. You’re at 380 William Street. That puts you right on the edge of the grid.
It’s quiet.
Unlike staying on Flinders Street where the sirens and trams never seem to shut up, this corner of the city actually lets you sleep. You’re two minutes from Flagstaff Station. You’ve got the Queen Victoria Market basically in your backyard. If you want to wake up, grab a massive borek and a coffee from the market, and sit in the sun, this is your spot.
But let’s be real for a second. The building was built in 1997. While it had a facelift around 2014, parts of it have definitely started to show their age. Guests in early 2026 have mentioned that while the rooms are huge—and they really are, compared to the shoeboxes in Southbank—the furniture has seen better days.
Here is the kicker: A major renovation is scheduled to kick off in March 2026.
If you’re booking for later in the year, you’re likely getting the "new" Radisson experience. If you’re here before that, you’re trading modern aesthetics for space and a killer view.
What’s inside the rooms?
Most people go for the Standard or Superior rooms, which sit around 23 to 25 square meters. That’s enough space to actually open a suitcase without tripping over it.
- Standard Rooms: Usually a Queen bed. Basic, functional.
- Superior Parkview: This is the one you want. Seeing the greenery of Flagstaff Gardens in the morning is a vibe.
- Junior Suites: These are on the top floor. You get 50 square meters and a separate lounge area.
They use Sealy Posturepedic beds. They’re famously comfortable. If you’ve stayed in a Radisson before, you know they don't mess around with the sleep quality. You’ve also got the standard mini-bar, tea and coffee, and—thankfully—windows that actually open in some rooms.
The Radisson Brand is Expanding
It’s easy to get confused because "Radisson Hotel Melbourne" used to just mean one place. Not anymore.
Radisson Hotel Group has been busy. They just opened the Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton late in 2025. It’s a different beast entirely. It’s up near Princes Park, closer to the Melbourne Zoo and the University of Melbourne. It’s got 89 rooms and a very "bright and breezy" feel compared to the more corporate Flagstaff Gardens location.
Then there is the talk of Radisson RED.
While Radisson RED Auckland is slated for early 2026, the Melbourne market is still waiting for its version of the "cool, lifestyle" brand. For now, if you want the classic experience, you’re heading to William Street.
Dining and The "HQs" Experience
The on-site restaurant is called HQs on William.
It’s fine. Is it the best meal you’ll have in Melbourne? Probably not, considering you’re in the world's unofficial food capital. But for a hotel breakfast, it actually holds its own. They do a solid buffet, and the view looking out toward the gardens is a great way to start a Tuesday.
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One thing that surprises people is the bar. It’s weirdly cozy. It’s the kind of place where you see business travelers hunched over laptops and couples having a "where should we go for dinner" debate over a gin and tonic.
Pro tip for the hungry:
Don’t eat every meal at the hotel. You are a five-minute walk from some of the best Indian food in the city. Places like Biryani House and Drums Cafe are right there. Plus, the Queen Vic Market night markets (if they're running during your stay) are a mandatory visit.
The Practical Bits (The Stuff That Matters)
Let’s talk money and logistics.
Parking in Melbourne CBD is a nightmare sent from the deepest pits of hell. The Radisson offers on-site covered parking, but it’ll cost you. We're talking around $38 AUD for self-parking or up to $65 AUD for valet.
Is it worth it?
If you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The hotel is inside the Free Tram Zone. You can hop on a tram and get to Bourke Street Mall or the MCG without spending a cent on transport.
The Tech Specs:
- Wi-Fi: It's free and actually works. No "one device only" nonsense.
- Gym: It’s on the rooftop. It’s small, but the views of the skyline while you’re on the treadmill are actually pretty distracting.
- Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM.
- Staff: This is where the hotel consistently wins. People like Donna and Rose at the front desk get mentioned by name in reviews constantly. They actually seem to care if your stay is going well.
Is it actually "Green"?
Radisson makes a big deal about their "Responsible Business" credentials. At the Melbourne property, you'll see the usual stuff—eco-friendly toiletries, LED bulbs, and a push for less plastic. The newer Park Inn in Carlton takes this further with solar power, but the Flagstaff location is doing what it can with a 20-year-old skeleton.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often book this hotel thinking they are right in the middle of the "party" district.
You aren't.
If you want to be stumbling out of a club on Chapel Street or directly into a casino, this isn't the one. This is the "I want a quiet morning and a quick commute to my meeting" hotel. It's the "I want to walk through a park before I go to the museum" hotel.
It's a more grown-up side of Melbourne.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you are going to pull the trigger on a booking, do these three things to make sure you don't end up disappointed:
- Request a High Floor: The street noise is low, but the views of Flagstaff Gardens from floors 7 and up are significantly better.
- Join Radisson Rewards: Even if you only stay once. It usually gets you a slightly later check-out or a discount on the breakfast which, if you aren't a morning person, is a life-saver.
- Check the Renovation Status: If you are visiting between March and late 2026, call them. Ask if the floor you are booked on has been "refreshed." It makes a massive difference in the quality of the room.
- Use the Skybus: If you're coming from the airport, the Skybus drops off at Southern Cross Station. From there, it's a 13-minute walk or a very quick (and free) tram ride. Don't waste $70 on an Uber if you don't have heaps of luggage.