Review of St Kilda Accommodation 4*

I've previously stayed at Rydges (Melbourne CBD) and, based solely on my experience I decided to book in at Rydges St Kilda. In a previous life, Rydges St Kilda was Hotel Urban. A bit of Googling revealed mixed reviews. However, based on my own experience staying at Rydges I thought things would be better under the new name… I was about to be proven wrong. When I phoned my booking I was asked my intended time of arrival; 2pm was my book-in time and I was told the room would be available upon my arrival, with my Fiancee. I had booked the "Round Room" that included a spa and took the "Bed/Breakfast" rate. Being informed to use the "Back Gate" and being buzzed into the carpark, we unloaded the car and proceeded to enter the hotel via the open "Fire Door" (despite a sign saying the door is to remain closed at all times) … Entering the hotel from the carpark there is no signage to indicate how you get to reception. A guest showed us. Announcing our arrival at reception was greeted with a puzzled look from the woman behind the counter… She said she would have to phone house keeping to see if the room was ready… The room wasn't ready… so would we like to have a seat in the dining area with a free drink… After being offered a coffee or soft drink my Fiancee and I looked at the girl incredulously and finally got offered something a bit more adult with alcohol. After waiting almost 50 minutes we were told the room was ready. Back at reception we received our room "card/key" and were told to take either of the two elevators up to the second floor. Elevator 2 is located at the back door of the kitchen area. The kitchen door is kept open, allowing a view of the work ares dirty floor and an intimate look into the kitchen stores with its vast array of pre-bought sauces and condiments. One kitchen staff threw a lettuce to someone not in uniform… The elevator buttons are severely worn and there is no sign to indicate where to insert your room "card/key" to access the floor on which you're staying without looking for it. Breakfast at The "Hub" offers both views of Fitzroy Street and of the messy office area. Both my Fiancee and I ordered the "Hub Big Breakfast"… Though, it was glaringly missing the hashbrowns… Rather than mention it, we both decided to make a fresh start to the day and head out… Part of our "exploration" took us to Chadstone Shopping Centre… My Fiancee made the comment that the cleaning staff at Chadstone were better dressed than the staff at Rydges. When returning to the carpark you have to leave your car and press the "reception" button… The "card/key" reader is only for looks and doesn't work. This is a major hassle… Upon returning to the carpark on our second night it was raining. I got out of the car and pressed the button… and waited… and pressed it again… and waited… and pressed it again… and waited… Until FINALLY the gate opened. Breakfast on our final day and this time I made sure we got our hashbrowns… Only, this time everyone else seated was given a bottle of water and glasses with their meal… After breakfast my Fiancee and I went back to our room to check out. The woman at reception told me how much it was… and I almost dropped to the floor… We hadn't touched the mini-bar… So I reminded her that I had booked the "Bed/Breakfast" package… Miraculously the price dropped. I couldn't wait to get out of there. Next to our car were large wheeled cages… Inside them are stored all the excess hotel linen that isn't stored internally… Next time you use a towel just think of the exhaust fumes and God knows what else have been in contact with them… Sure, the bed was comfortable, the spa was relaxing. But there are dozens of other places to stay around Melbourne for the same sort of money (even cheaper) … The website says (and I quote) "Rydges values first-time guests, simply because of the opportunity to turn them into repeat guests"… Unfortunately they failed dismally… We certainly didn't feel "valued" so it's a lost opportunity!