Caulfield Elegance: Chic Abode

Great apartment, stressful check-in! Positive: The apartment itself has plenty of space and potential, with the two bathrooms being a bonus, and once we were finally settled in, it was comfortable. Negative: Unfortunately our experience was let down by the check-in process and communication. The check-in process was unnecessarily complicated and, in our case, extremely stressful. The instructions we received stated that after watching the required video, we were to call to confirm we had watched it before the lockbox code would be provided. We watched the video and called as instructed. However, instead of simply providing the lockbox code, we repeatedly asked whether we had watched the video and told to watch it again. We did, but there was still no code. After calling again, we were told someone would get back to us. We then received a message asking what sign we could see near the elevator in the parking area to confirm we were in the correct building. The problem was that we couldn't even get into the parking area in the first place because we were waiting for the lockbox code. The lockbox contained the keys and fob needed to access the apartment and parking area. This made the situation even more confusing. We ended up waiting more than 30 minutes in the cold after a long drive, with our young daughter getting tired as it was getting late, and an early start the next morning. At that point, we were genuinely becoming concerned that something had gone wrong with the booking and were starting to look for alternative accommodation because we were worried we had lost our money and wouldn't be able to access the apartment. Once we finally received the code, getting into the building and apartment was completely straightforward. That is what made the whole experience particularly frustrating, the actual entry process was simple once we had the information we needed. The communication during this process also came across as quite rude and as though we were somehow at fault, rather than simply helping us resolve the missing piece to the puzzle, the code! Unfortunately, the apartment wasn't as clean as we'd expected either.

WELL PRICED AND A GREAT LOCATION . Positive: Yes, I’d stay here again…..great location. A wee bit out of the city but if you have a rental car that’s not a problem. Free covered car park is a real bonus. Overall, it is very clean and comfortable. Great coffee shop over the road ❤️. Negative: COMMENTS EDITED AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMPANY : On posting my review I received a rather unwelcome message from the company that manages Melbourne Furnished Apartments. The comment about the electric jug upset the management company, and they reminded me that publishing false information is an offence under Australian Law - they have no record of the message I sent them regarding the electric jug. I do, however, have a copy, and they acknowledged it when I forwarded it to them and have assured me the jug has been changed. Interestingly, they were upset by what I said, not about the jug. My comment about the necessary supplies upset them too. Somehow I missed amongst the lengthy information that they only supply a starter kit for coffee, etc....best bring your own; they aren't changing this. They disputed that the check-in process was unnecessarily complicated, and Jonathon explained to me the customer is not always right... I stand corrected. I understand that there are two apartments with the same number in adjoining blocks but the one I rented is at 29 Kambrook Rd and that is clearly indicated on the lift itself. One sentence is all that's needed. You form your own opinion.... the apartment was great, the experience following was less so. My original review is below: Unnecessarily complicated check-in procedure…furnishing proof that you knew which lift you were using before you’d be given the lockbox code to collect the key …. ( Totally stand by this.....) Electric jug was unusable… clearly missed by the cleaners. Inside of it was filthy. Request for replacement went unanswered. ( Apparently this message was not received) Two of us stayed 7 days …. Hopefully if 4 were staying there would be more than one towel per person supplied.. (True statement) Although well equipped, a rethink on necessary supplies would be helpful - eg dishwasher tablets. I don’t expect to supply my own. (Got this wrong to...see opening correction)

Positive: Very comfortable all round (beds, carpark, kitchen, balcony etc), spacious, stylish, well appointed. This was our second time staying here. Very convenient location for us as family all live nearby. Cafe across the road makes for easy morning coffee. Negative: The traffic can be a bit noisy

An Enjoyable stay. A nice coffee shop across the road. Was easy for us to get to the F1 Positive: It had everything we needed for a week long stay. It had a washing machine, but no Dryer. We put some of our clothed to dry on the balcony. Security was good, as you needed a FOB to get into the main entry

Overall enjoyed our stay and wood rebook. Positive: Location was good. Beds were comfortable. Had everything we needed. Negative: Hot plate, windows, balcony and shower strips need some attention.