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Here’s your toiletries pack says the smiling girl at the check-in desk at Melbourne’s Tune Hotel.
Do they think forgot my deodorant this morning or I’m running low on toothpaste I wonder? A quick inspection inside the bag reveals just a fresh white fluffy towel, small soap and shampoo, so I'm not obviously in desperate need of a shower.
It’s my first introduction to Tune’s ‘no frills’ policy which includes a pay-as-you-use system for WiFi, FOXTEL™ Cable TV and even your towel. At $8 a day WiFi is a necessity for me along with a towel for around $2 for the stay. I’m happy to pay the small price for these when the hotel’s base rate starts at a very competitive $65 per night. I’m also happy not to pay for FOXTEL which I am unlikely to watch.
The concept here is to offer a great night’s sleep at a great price. The rooms are space-efficient and streamlined (read compact but not quite cramped), focusing on high-quality basics with very comfortable beds and again compact, but reasonably appointed ensuites.
You still also get traditional hotel benefits such as housekeeping services, electronic keycard access into rooms, extensive CCTV systems, and no access into the main lobby without a keycard past midnight.
What do I like about Tune Melbourne?
It’s just 15 minutes easy walk or two trams stops away from the Central Business District (CBD) and a short stroll.2km from the multitude of eateries in Lygon Street.
The hotel has a funky foyer and an indoor, open air courtyard, a recreational lounge, a restaurant, café, luggage storage, self-service launderette and free Internet desks on the ground floor. There’s also basement car parks.
While my double room is compact, it’s more than comfortable and adequate for one person. I don’t feel as though I am missing out on anything by having to carry my ‘toiletries pack’ to the room. The bed is very comfortable and the light and desk handy and easy to use.
Breakfast in the café downstairs is easy with a good coffee and a limited selection of breakfast items.
It’s also refreshing to find reception staff in a budget hotel who are exceptional helpful and responsive to traveller’s requests.
What don’t I like?
Not a lot really. When I consider the base price of $65 per night I’m happy to accept most things, except I would like better access and more than two power points in the room. I’ll be packing a powerboard and extension cord for the next visit.
Tune Hotel Melbourne is the 34th property for Tune Hotels, which has pioneered the “pay-as-you-use” concept which is becoming increasingly popular with smart travellers around the world.
Apart from Tune Hotel Melbourne, the group has 11 hotels in operation in Malaysia, eight in the Philippines, six in Indonesia, five in the UK, four in Thailand and one each in India and Japan.
Tune Hotels is part of Tune Group, a lifestyle business conglomerate co-founded by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, who are the Group CEO and Executive Chairman respectively of Asia’s largest low cost carrier AirAsia.
Best tip: Pack your own soap and shampoo if you are fond of luxury.
Bottom line: Great for a single traveller not planning to spend much time in the room or those on a budget. Could get cramped if you are sharing with a partner.
What luxuries can you do without when travelling?
Kerry Heaney
See more of Tune Melbourne
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest of Tune Melbourne.
