Room check: Wrap on Southbank, Melbourne

Dee Casa bar at the Wrap on Southbank hotel, Melbourne. Photo / supplied

Getting there: Melbourne is like Auckland in that it is completely lacking in airport train services. We grabbed a cab that cost $50. But there is a new dedicated Uber area, which we would have used had we known.

Check-in experience: Melbourne's Wrap on Southbank is a mixed-use hotel and apartment complex, which is a bit strange. It was strangely quiet and we never had to queue to talk to someone. They took a $100 bond, which seems standard and was refunded after our stay.

Room: We scored a two-bedroom apartment on the 27th floor after a surprise upgrade. It came with a complete kitchen, including an oven, cook top and appliances, which was great as we were staying for three nights. But the views from the balcony were terrifying. I couldn't go out there.

Price: It worked out to be around $350 a night for two of us. But we couldn't have taken the whole family, thanks to that upgrade.

What's so good about this place? There was no one there. We didn't see anyone else on our floor once. We used the sauna and pool twice a day and never saw a soul, although the gym was occasionally in use.

And the bad? There was a funny, meaty smell wafting down our hallway occasionally. And one of the lifts made a grinding noise when it reached ground floor, which was disconcerting.

What's in the neighbourhood? Nothing, really. But Melbourne's city centre was only a 10-minute walk away, so we regularly headed out for leisurely wanders for food and coffee.

Toiletries: The staples: shampoo and conditioner, as well as moisturiser.

Food and drink: Apart from sachets of sugar and a handful of milk vials, there was literally nothing else. No mini bar, no salt and pepper, and no olive oil. I had to stock up on supplies very quickly. Downstairs there are bars and restaurants.

The bed: Two very cosy double beds nestled into one single and one double room.

A room with a view? Hell, yes.

Bathroom: Large and clean, and the shower was very powerful. Exactly what you want after a long, muggy day in Melbourne.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes and that was a surprise. We'd been warned you had to pay.

Noise: Nothing to report.

Room service: We didn't use it because we were so close to some of Melbourne's famous food laneways. But they offered plenty of pizza and pasta at reasonable prices.

Exercise facilities: There is a small gym but we preferred the swimming pool on the 10th floor. Once you'd finished your swim, you could dry off in the small sauna.

Perfect for: Families or couples wanting extending stays in Melbourne.

The bottomline: Perfect for our medium-length stay.

Contact: minorhotels.com/en/oaks/wrap-on-southbank