Built in 1886, this Victorian guesthouse has 70-plus rooms and is ideal for travelers on a budget. The original mahogany grand staircase leads to the the hotel’s upper levels, but there's no elevator. The hallways have a grand feeling with maroon carpeting, gold-framed photos lining the halls, and crown molding along the ceiling. The lobby has a small front desk, a couple of plush red couches, and plenty of pamphlets and brochures on area attractions. The hotel is popular with budget travelers and while it's not strictly a youth hostel, it does see its share of younger guests. 

The hotel is centrally located on Toorak Road, with both public transportation and Melbourne’s top attractions within walking distance. The up-and-coming area is a popular tourist destination due to its unique boutiques and numerous casual and fine-dining options. Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Government House all take about 30 minutes to reach on foot. Sightseeing is easily accessible via convenient public transportation. The South Yarra tram station is a two-minute walk away. The Melbourne Airport is 25 minutes away without traffic.

The 70-plus rooms at the Hotel Claremont are clean and simple, featuring only the bare minimum of furnishings. The rooms come in different bed configurations: Dorm Rooms with bunk beds, Family Rooms with a queen-sized and single bed, and a variety of rooms for groups. Queen Bed Rooms have en-suite bathrooms. The bare-bone decorations include white blankets on institutional bed frames, desks and chairs, clothes-hanging racks, and lockers. Rooms also come with flat-screen TVs, telephones, and ceiling fans. The nicer rooms have a framed painting on the walls, fireplaces, and mahogany dressers. 

Communal bathrooms are located in the hallways, and each has a single shower, a toilet, and a sink. A block away from Hotel Claremont is a freestanding block of twelve serviced apartments, also run by the hotel.  The Apartments of South Yarra offer self-contained accommodations and each has an en-suite bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a a lounge. 

The hotel’s amenities are greatly suited to guests traveling in groups or looking to socialize. The dining area has long communal tables and benches in addition to smaller tables. Free continental breakfast is served and there is a guest refrigerator and microwave available for use. The hotel also has a small business center with computers and a printer, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Backpackers will be happy to see coin-operated laundry machines and free luggage storage. The reception desk is open 24-hours.