The Novotel Melbourne Airport is just steps away from the airport. You can walk into the terminal in less than five minutes.
During our trip to Australia, we booked a day for the Great Ocean Road. After this amazing drive, we booked a night at the Novotel Melbourne Airport, as our flight leaves at 6am the next day.
Since we are only staying for the night, we book a family room and it is – to be blunt – not Novotel worthy.
Novotel, Ibis & Holiday Inn
The Novotel Melbourne Airport shares its location with the Ibis and Holiday Inn hotel. Both other hotels are already fully booked on the night we want to book, so we also have little other choice.
There are a number of hotels – with free airport shuttle – nearby, but from those locations it is easily half an hour’s drive to the airport. Given the time of our flight, we don’t think this is ideal.
Check-in at the Novotel is smooth and friendly. The lobby is spacious and modern and is decorated by a huge Christmas tree. At least that’s a good start.
Novotel Melbourne Airport room
While there is little to fault on the room – everything works and is neat, clean – it is not a family room in my opinion. Comparing this room to the Mercure in Cairns, it’s a world of difference.
This is essentially a single or double room with two beds placed in it. Nothing more and nothing less. In doing so, the beds are queen-sized, which I personally find rather narrow.
The bathroom
The bathroom is tidy and features a nice walk-in shower. What is less practical is the single sink in a 4-bedroom. At the very least, a double sink should have been there.
Gym & Wellness
Although we have little time during our stay, we take a peek at the gym and wellness. The wellness area is closed, but looks fine. The gym is also closed, but looks fine.
The gym is very spacious by hotel standards and is equipped with Nautilus machines. There are several cardio and strength machines. You will also find separate dumbbells and a four-point scale, for when you want to monitor your fat percentage between flights.
Novotel Melbourne Airport location
The reason we book the Novotel – or Holiday Inn / Ibis – is the location. We have an early flight and then an extra half-hour drive to the airport quickly adds up. In our case, we walk within 5 minutes from the hotel check-in and check-out desk, to the baggage drop in the departure hall.
As soon as you step out the door, the signs for the terminals are immediately indicated. Ideal!
Advantages
- Location is outstanding if you have an early flight.
Cons
- Hotel does not offer nice family rooms.
- The location is only convenient if you have an early flight. The distance to the city centre is too far.
Breakfast Novotel
One of my favourite moments during a hotel stay is breakfast, but unfortunately the breakfast (buffet) was not yet open when we had to check out (04.00).
ALL Member Programme
At the time of our stay, I no longer had status with Novotel. Still, we get a room on the eighth floor overlooking the airport. Very nice.
Furthermore, the All / Accor membership programme is a programme where you only really enjoy benefits at high status. If you want more information about the Accor / All members programme, be sure to read this page.
Conclusion Novotel Melbourne Airport
The Novotel is a fine hotel if you have an early flight planned. If you have more time, I think there are better hotels in the area where you get better value for money (at least in terms of rooms).
If you arrive late, consider taking 30 minutes to get dropped off near Melbourne city centre; you’ll find it more useful the next day.
