Upon pulling up to Crown Promenade, first-time guests may think they’ve accidentally arrived in Las Vegas due to the reflective turquoise tower and semi-circle driveway. And in a way, they wouldn’t be too wrong. Crown is a household name in Australia, known for its casinos and entertainment centers, and in Melbourne it’s well-known that anyone looking for Las Vegas-style fun should make their way to Crown: It’s the only casino in Melbourne, and is a world away from the narrow laneways and charming cafes that many come to Melbourne to experience. Still, it makes no claims to be anything other than what it is, and it does entertainment and gaming well. 

Crown Promenade, then, is one of three hotels in this inter-connected complex, along with Crown Metropole and Crown Towers, the latter being one of the city’s top luxury properties. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a stark black, red, and gray color scheme, with a gaudy oval sculpture at the center of the lobby. This is a hotel that attracts all types — conventioneers, families, gamers, Chinese tourists in droves, Australians who have come to shop. And indeed, there’s something for everyone. For families, there are inter-connected rooms, a pool, movie theaters at the sister properties, and common family promotions (there was a “kids eat free” deal when we visited). For business travelers, there’s the proximity to the Melbourne Convention Centre, a business center with a coordinator, and lots of meeting spaces throughout the Crown complex. And gamers of course will love that their hotel is attached to Melbourne’s only casino, at a fraction of the price tag of the luxury Towers hotel next door. It's funny — you may be skeptical when you walk in (garish lobby decor, large nondescript restaurant), but you’re likely to leave surprisingly charmed. Maybe it’s the bright rooms with views, maybe it’s the lovely pool — but there’s something oddly captivating about this place. 

It's not very central, but the Crown Complex is a mini neighborhood in and of itself and has many of the things you’d want from a resort area. It’s also along the Yarra River and not far from the Central Business District (CBD). Guests can walk into the center of the city in 12 minutes along the river, though tourists who are here to see the sights would likely be happier in the CBD itself or in one of Melbourne’s hip neighborhoods. In other words, those not here for the Crown complex, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (a 10-minute walk), or the DFO South Wharf outlet mall (a seven-minute walk) may not love the immediate neighborhood. It’s spread out, and there aren’t many restaurants, cafes, or bars; it lacks the charm that makes Melbourne so popular. 

• Seven-minute walk to DFO South Wharf outlet mall 
• 10-minute walk to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 
• 12-minute walk to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
• 12-minute walk to Flinders Street Station and Federation Square (considered the center of the CBD)
• 15 minutes by tram or foot to the Arts District (museums, theaters)
• 20 minutes by tram or a 25-minute walk to Etihad Stadium 
• 20 minutes by tram to the State Library of Victoria 
• 25 minutes by tram or foot to Royal Botanic Gardens
• 25 to 30 minutes by tram to St. Kilda Beach 

Coming off of dark hallways, rooms here are “light and bright” — floor-to-ceiling windows let tons of sun in, and the walls, carpets, and headboards are tan while the linens are white. The decor is plain, but the rooms are holding up well considering there haven’t been any recent refurbishments; they’re just ever so slightly starting to look dated. And thanks to the hotel’s location on the south bank of the Yarra River, there’s no danger of a tall building suddenly going up and blocking the views. This is particularly good news because views of the river and city from here are excellent, and all rooms are smartly positioned so that no one is facing the bland expanse to the south of the hotel. 

Every room has a stocked minibar, a flat-screen TV, an iron and ironing board, a safe, and some way to make coffee (only Studios and Suites have Nespresso makers, though). Bathrooms are clean and white, but unmemorable; all bathrooms have robes and hotel-brand toiletries. Only three suites have bathtubs, while all other rooms have walk-in showers. 

Standard rooms come with either a king-size bed or two queens (the latter are called Twin Rooms). There are also Corner Rooms (the next size up), Studios (larger still), and three Suites. For families, a door at the end of the hallway can close off two rooms together, creating a suite where guests can pass between rooms. 

The sunny indoor pool stands out as the hotel’s top feature. In a city where many hotels have a narrow lap pool at best, Crown Promenade’s wide, heated pool encased by floor-to-ceiling windows is welcomed change. On either side of the pool, there’s an outdoor deck where guests can order room service, sun themselves, or play table tennis. Back inside, there’s a large cardio room and a weight room, as well as modern locker rooms that each have a sauna and a steam room. There’s even a counter that sells coffees and alcoholic drinks. And although there’s no full spa on site, there’s one massage room, but guests can also head next door to the hotel’s sister properties. 

There are other small features, too, that indicate that Crown understands what guests need. There are free Wi-Fi (a fee applies for premium access), four computers and a printer (for a fee, though), 24-hour reception and concierge, and a coffee cart in the lobby each morning. 

A business center has a coordinator on site to help during business hours, and there are two meeting rooms. Events aren't the focus in Crown Promenade specifically, but the larger complex has ballrooms and tons of meeting spaces.

Dining isn’t a standout here, with just one bar and one restaurant on site, but business travelers and families will be happy to have something to eat; guests can also head to the other Crown hotels for more options. Mesh serves breakfast (buffet only) and dinner, and Tonic Bar stays open until late and serves light dishes (salads, sandwiches) in addition to its full bar. The latter, a big square-shaped space, is often used for events. They’re both a bit generic and corporate looking, but they get the job done.

Guests also have access to the features at the other two Crown properties, including a casino, spas, tennis courts, restaurants, and high-end shopping.