Darling Towers South Yarra

Pros: last minute booking for $73 was amazing value, especially for a 1-bedroom apt with parking. Cons: no internet, the apt itself was oldish and well-used (but clean), and the apt itself was not on the same street as the reception (address in the advert), but one street down.

I was traveling solo and in Australia for the first time. On the taxi ride to Darling Towers, I told myself to trust my instincts and everything would be fine. I checked in to my room and learned that I was actually in an apartment about 4 blocks away. Ok. I lugged my two suitcases and one carrying bag with me for four blocks. I followed the receptionists' directions... I went down the street to the first right, Station St. - keep going until I see Caroline and my building would be right there. It was a looooong street, but I got there. I turned right and started walking. I walked down one street... but didn't see any signs for the cross streets, so I asked someone walking by. It wasn't Caroline yet. I walked down another long street... still not Caroline. It was hot, uncomfortable and my suitcases were not easy to roll. Finally, I reached my building. I went inside, and thank goodness I don't have any accessibility issues, but it would have been nice to have an elevator at that point to get all my luggage up to the second floor where my apartment was. The room was cute and, to be honest, more than I had expected. There was a little kitchen, living room and bedroom. It was a lot of work to get there, but, I was glad to be in what would be "home" for the next week. I took out my computer to jump online and contact my family to let them know I had arrived safely in Australia. And, I couldn't get connected. I called the reception and they said they would reset it within 15 minutes. After an hour, I still couldn't connect, so I decided to go out and get to know my neighborhood. Toorak Street is a nice little street full of boutiques, cafes, restaurants - it's the perfect little neighborhood to be in. And, being a main street, you can easily take the #8 tram into the city. That first night, I spent $18 taking a taxi into the city. But, quickly learned that a Myki card with a weekly pass ($38) was the BEST way to travel. I went in to the city to meet my Australian connection and came back to my room around 11pm. I figured, everything with the wi-fi would be handled by the time I got home. I was wrong. The next morning, I called the reception and was told that they would try to reset it again. If that did not work, I would have to wait until Monday to talk to the Manager. Long story short, I didn't have internet all weekend. On Monday, I called reception and was told the manager would not be in until 9:30. I had my first meeting at 9:00am, so was not able to wait. When I got home at 5pm, the manager had left for the day. I STILL had not been in contact with my family. I called again on Tuesday at 9:30am and the manager was in a meeting. By this time, I was quite upset and shared my concern and disappointment with the receptionist. By Wednesday, I STILL hadn't talked to the manager. I decided to find a cyber cafe on Toorak Street. On Thursday, I STILL couldn't get a hold of a manager... he was always busy or not there. I really didn't hold back myself with the receptionist this time... and, was finally told they have had issues in the past with Macs. I have a Mac. I finally just gave up on being able to get wi-fi through Darling Towers. I was told I wouldn't be charged, but found a $30 charge on my bank statement. I have emailed them to inquire about this charge, but have not had a response yet. If it had not been for this TERRIBLE Wi-Fi Woe, I would have really enjoyed my stay at 43 Caroline Apt. 21 with the Darling Towers, but not having internet, not being able to talk to a manager and then this mystery charge just really brought the entire experience down.

Fantastic location. Friendly staff. Nice clean and very well priced. Will stay with this accommodation when ever in Melbourne.

Hard to beat this place on price and location. Staff are good, no nonsense. I've stayed here about 4 times now and hope to continue.

Comfortable rooms, good location. Would definately stay again

The apartment was basic ( dripping taps throughout) but clean functional. Location excellent and staff friendly. In an expensive area I would rate this as being good value and well located.

I stayed at the Caroline St premises, and apart from one noisy neighbour, I found it very peaceful and convenient to transport. Downsides... noisy air conditioner made it hard to use, and not sure who to complain to about the neighbour playing loud blaring music until 1.30am... great value for the price and I would happily recommend this place and stay there again.

Great apartments for a very low price!

Good location and facilities, clean, spacious apartment. Enjoyed our stay.

Good short-term accommodation, nice location, reasonable price.