Room check: Quality Hotel Batman's Hill on Collins, Melbourne

Thee are lots of different room configurations are available at Quality Hotel Batman's Hill on Collins. Photo / Supplied

Danielle Wright discovers a family-friendly Melbourne hotel close to all the action.

Getting there? The hotel is opposite Melbourne's major train station and transport hub, Southern Cross. There's no direct train link to the airport yet, but a Skybus is available for $41 for a family of two adults, two children. Our cab ride cost $120.

Check-in? The check-in is upstairs from the lobby, so it feels a bit more private than the usual set-up - with plenty of seating for tired kids and a bird's-eye view of the bar below.

What does it cost to stay? We stayed in a two-bedroom 50sq m apartment to sleep our family of four, which costs $288 a night, including buffet breakfast. Room rates at the hotel start at $195 a night.

My room? There were two single beds folded out from the wall in the first room, which the kids thought was fun as opposed to normal beds. The next room was a combined lounge, study, and kitchenette with a bathroom off it, and then the master bedroom. It was roomy enough to feel like a studio flat with views out over the busy street below. Lots of different room configurations are available at the hotel so it's best to call them before booking. For example, there are wings with single rooms available, making it a great choice for sporting groups.

Work space? A large desk and plugs for your devices are available in the lounge/kitchenette area. Free wi-fi is available and if you want to keep connected the old-fashioned way, free newspapers and magazines are also available at the reception desk.

Public spaces? There are five guest laundries so you can wash clothes if you need to, which is great when travelling with young children.

Food? The breakfast is typical hotel buffet food, but the heritage atmosphere of the breakfast room is pleasing, and there are seats in an area slightly away from other diners - perfect if you have messy kids.

Recreation? There are free in-house movie channels, which is handy when you arrive at the hotel after a late flight and you need something for the children to watch.

What's so good? The location. Once there, we didn't have to pay for any transport costs and could walk to all the main sights, or jump on the free City Circle Tram.

Not so good? A pool would be good. Most hotels have one.

Bottom line? A good economy family hotel, tastefully furnished and close to all the action - whether it be sports, sights or shopping.

CHECKLIST

Quality Hotel Batman's Hill on Collins is at 623 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia. Phone: 0061 39614 6344.