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Travel Melbourne & Southern Australia, Australia

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Gen-X
post Jun 18 2012, 01:58 PM

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QUOTE(NighTEvo @ Jun 17 2012, 10:01 AM)
Hi Guys,

Need some advice from yall.. I be travelling to melbourne somewhere at the end of sept for a week.

Anywhere i could find affortable accomodation? private room for less than 100 aus per night?

Places of attraction are far away from the city. thus, which is better, tours or renting a car?
Thanks !!
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QUOTE(Griever5177 @ Jun 13 2012, 11:35 AM)
Greetings. Me and my friends will be heading to Melbourne in August. Can anyone recommend any affordable accommodation in central Melbourne?

Thanks smile.gif
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I was there recently and stayed in a single room for less than AUD100. But you got no attach toilet and need to "share" (not really lah). Click below link to read my article

Melbourne Clean Affordable Hotel for A Single Person or Family of Four.

From there you can go check out my other articles and if you love coffee, check out the article on Melbourne Coffee and Food.

And you no need to go Philip Island in freezing winter to see penguins too. Check out my article on Melbourne Aquarium

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Jun 18 2012, 01:58 PM
Gen-X
post Jun 26 2012, 03:20 PM

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QUOTE(flutist @ Jun 25 2012, 09:26 PM)
hey, anyone knows any good phone lines (prepaid simcard) there that is able to provide good coverage n also cheap international calls back to msia?  smile.gif
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I don't know if it was cheap or not, while I was there about 3 weeks I got a Telstra and Vodafone Prepaid Card where I opted for the AUD30/month package. And both of this was enough for me to talk to my wife daily (several times a day) for 2 weeks before she joined me. Not only that, it comes with certain amount of data where I had skype conversation with my wife but more often I use video calls with facetime (on ipad) and skype (on samsung tab).

Whatever it is, bring along your smart phone.

Click here to read my article Melbourne CBD - Getting Around where I mentioned 2 essential items 2 get i.e. telco prepaid card and Myki.

QUOTE(blissandecstasy @ Jun 22 2012, 09:32 AM)
does anyone have any idea how to go DFO essendon by public transport from cbd ? by looking at DFO site. there is no public transport straight way to go there, use tram and must catch taxi after that. how much does taxi fare cost there ? or any other option ?
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you may also want to read the above link, where I mentioned about Metlink Journey Planner and Myki.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Jun 26 2012, 05:13 PM
Gen-X
post Aug 2 2012, 04:41 PM

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QUOTE(adriankhoo153 @ Jul 27 2012, 04:09 PM)
Can anyone recommend me nice food at the following place? Nice restaurant and type of food to order. (not too expensive too)
If possible let me know it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner
Budget like AUD20 per meal per person lah..

1. Melbourne City
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QUOTE(ryan18 @ Jul 27 2012, 07:44 PM)
Melbourne City
hmm for breakfast n lunch i would recommend The Hardware Society & Manchester Press. both sells breakfast n lunch. this might be tricky to find since its somewhere in one of Melbourne's many lorongs
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I posted a few places in Melbourne and CBD for makan in my article Melbourne Coffee and Food is Freaking Good. In this article I did mention location of Hardware Societe - Hardware Street location. Melbourne CBD is small lah, no problem finding it with a map. By the way, if you want to have breakfast at Hardware Societe better you go there before 10am or else no place to sit. Posted photos of the breakfast set in my article.

And if you love coffee, you must try Brother Baba Budan at 359 Little Bourke Street. This place is kind of hidden, refer to my article above where I posted photos of it so 100% you can locate it smile.gif Then let me know if you agree this is the best coffee outlet in CBD.

And if you (or if you have children) and love Italian Food, try out Mercadante at Lygon Street (2 blocks North of Victoria St), price reasonable and good. But you better call and make reservation for dinner especially if you going on weekends. The tiramisu is really good but the choclate pizza, can try lah one time. Opposite is a pretty good ice cream parlor.

If you want fine dining , Taxi Dining Room at Exhibition Square is good.

If you love spicy Chinese food, you must try out Sichuan House at Corrs Lane, freaking hot!!!

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Aug 2 2012, 04:42 PM
Gen-X
post Aug 2 2012, 05:15 PM

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QUOTE(adriankhoo153 @ Aug 2 2012, 04:55 PM)
Yup, Hardware Societe and Manchester Press is certainly in my list. Will try to visit Proud Mary too.  drool.gif
Acutally i look at google map and it was 1km away only from my Space hotel in Melbourne CBD.
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If you staying at Space Hotel, then Mercadante is very near. Anyway, like I said, Melbourne CBD is small.
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post Aug 29 2012, 03:10 PM

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QUOTE(ycs @ Aug 28 2012, 03:49 PM)
if renting car, better learn up the parking signs smile.gif

user posted imageuser posted image
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QUOTE(jchong @ Aug 28 2012, 04:26 PM)
Yeah parking is a big concern especially in Melbourne city. Spots are hard to find and some places have time limit (even if you pay). Oh and parking charges are very high, even for meter can be a few A$ per hour!

So, 1P means max 1 hour only. 2P = 2 hours. This is the limit even on the paid meter.

The slashed S means "no standing", i.e. your car cannot stop and wait there at all (even if got driver inside).
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I think these limited time parking is ridiculous (some in minutes too) and is a a way to get extra income for the local government when summons are issued.

And even late in the evening and Saturdays have to pay and the thing is different parking spot different rules . i.e. time and rate.

And some of the meters are not located at the parking bay but a stand alone unit for several car parks and you must correctly identify your parking lot number.

But most importantly, take note of the Speed Limit. There should be a Speed Limit sign at every corner and every road has a different speed limit!!! Also take note of school zone where different speed limit applies at certain hours.

And observe how the hook turn works before you go drive around in the city.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Aug 29 2012, 03:14 PM
Gen-X
post Aug 31 2012, 11:08 PM

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I just posted a short article Melbourne Property Prices To Drop Further in 2012? at my Melbourne Victoria Australia blog. There a link to a bloomberg article that may interest those of you who are intending to invest in Australia.

And if you did not know, there were two "major" earthquake in June and July where the epicentre was about 100km South East of Melbourne and tremors were felt in Melbourne City too.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 1 2012, 12:00 AM
Gen-X
post Sep 1 2012, 10:38 AM

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deleted, edited wrongly doh.gif

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 6 2012, 12:03 AM
Gen-X
post Sep 6 2012, 12:05 AM

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QUOTE(hihihehe @ Sep 5 2012, 08:31 PM)
tram 35 is city circle tram for tourist. there is a free tourist bus as well but i rarely see them
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The bus goes on specific route around the city. And the duration is about every half hour apart for the same stop. More importantly, those of you wanting to take it should take note of the operating hours (better take the bus before 4pm).

Once again, click here to read my article Melbourne Central Business District Australia - Getting Around where I posted the bus route and even mentioned one of the bus stop is not in operation. In this article, I mentioned about location of Tourist Centres where you can get the free bus shuttle service brochure.

QUOTE(ycs @ Sep 5 2012, 09:56 PM)
just to confirm that can use msia driving licence for car rental?
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Confirm can, I used my Malaysia Driving license when I rented a MPV.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 6 2012, 12:11 AM
Gen-X
post Sep 10 2012, 04:46 PM

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QUOTE(ycs @ Sep 9 2012, 06:15 PM)
can anyone suggest more places for cheap and value for money eats in CBD?

Melbourne Cheap Eat (from adrian's list)
1. Teppansan 11am – 11pm - Chicken okonomiyaki (Japanese)
2. Darac Grill and Bar 6pm-10pm (Korean)
3. Huxtaburger – 12pm- late - The Huxtaburger
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Rose Garden - "Malaysian" food but I will say it's unique in its own way - nothing like I have tasted in Malaysia, servings are huge (children can share) and it pretty good. Located at Elizabeth Street and I did post a photo at my blog. And the most value for money, Hungry Jack Stunner - AUD4.95 for burger, fries, soda and sundae too.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 10 2012, 04:46 PM
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post Sep 14 2012, 01:26 PM

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QUOTE(hihihehe @ Sep 12 2012, 02:49 PM)
malaysian come melbourne for holiday and end up in malaysia restaurant? lol

big portion is anywhere and for me, rose garden is just a normal restaurant that near to malaysian taste
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haha, yah, I had nasi lemak at Pappa Rich too, click here to see photo of the nasi lemak and Pappa Rich's Menu and prices.

QUOTE(amy_jacinth @ Sep 14 2012, 12:03 PM)
i just went to Sydney 2 weeks ago, the overall expenses were cheaper than i expected it to be

http://www.booking.com/hotel/au/travelodge...682d4f314b67X15
this is the hotel i stayed in, it was really worth the money, nothing to complain about
the room was clean everyday, towel and teabags were refilled
and is so near to the Museum station, i can even catch a train from the airport straight to this station without any transfer
try the MyMulti weekly public transport ticket, is only 43aud for the entire week, plus extra 19aud for the airport Gatepass. i can use it to take train within zone1 plus all ferries and all Sydney busses
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I just book my hotel stay for this coming October in Melbourne. Click below link to read my article on discount for booking hotel online with Agoda room reservations. The article includes a Step by Step Instructions on how to book a room with your Maybank Visa or MasterCard with Agoda.com to enjoy extra 6% discount.

My Credit Cards offer Exclusive Discount for Agoda Online Hotel Room Reservations
Gen-X
post Sep 16 2012, 01:39 AM

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QUOTE(adriankhoo153 @ Sep 15 2012, 09:45 PM)
Jes came back from Melbourne. Love love love their coffee culture there! Visited a few cafe as below! Marvelous!

1. Proud Mary
2. Brother Baba Budan
3. Hardware Societe
4. Manchester Press
5. Seven Seeds

All this cafe must visit for coffee enthusiast. Super friendly staff and they know their stuff really well!
Started missing their passionate coffee culture there
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yah, the coffee in Melbourne is really good. Even the coffee at Hungry Jacks and Pie Shop is not too bad. But so far, I like Brother Baba Budan best and when I was there, I visited it quite often until the girl who took the order recognized me and introduce me the guys making the coffee smile.gif Can't wait for my next trip there next month, and this time I am staying closer to Brother Baba Budan smile.gif

QUOTE(hihihehe @ Sep 15 2012, 11:59 PM)
you missed out market lane coffee but lucky you didn't go auction house. not sure why they get best cafe in melbourne while their coffee and food is just average for me

also, brother baba budan and seven seeds are the same(using same coffee bean)
wait until you seem the skirts fly up high brows.gif
saw that many times on the street.
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Auction room coffee ok but I do like the breakfast meals, ordered practically everything on the breakfast menu.

Also, I prefer Brother Baba Budan coffee over Seven Seed.
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post Sep 16 2012, 05:30 PM

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QUOTE(adriankhoo153 @ Sep 16 2012, 11:04 AM)
Love their weather, friendly people everywhere i met. Clean toilet, jes everything! Lol, wish to migrate there!!
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You love their weather?? tongue.gif And I love Melbourne too, so much that I have have decided that all my younger children will go to Australia for their undergraduate instead of USA. My eldest daughter who is supposed to enter a US Uni last month is now going to Melbourne next year instead. So, I can visit Melbourne more often smile.gif Beside the high income tax rate, the other set back is that the accommodation is freaking expensive. A week rent in Melbourne for a 2 bedroom apartment in CBD cost the same as my son's 3 room apartment rental in US for a month! The plus side, cars are cheaper there but then again, does one's apartment in CBD comes with car park.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 16 2012, 05:30 PM
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post Sep 16 2012, 10:27 PM

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QUOTE(Monya Meow Meow @ Sep 16 2012, 09:49 PM)
Renting in the suburb is much more cheaper, and nicer in my opinion. Away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.
Unless of course your kids study in Melbourne Uni then probably renting in the city would be much more convenient.
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Yah, in certain suburbs can get to purchase a bungalow with swimming pool for the price of a 3 bedroom apartment in CBD without car park. I am also considering to purchase an apartment in Melbourne CBD. As for suburbs, during the last visit to Melbourne, we visited many suburbs in the East and my wife like Balwyn. But I think it will be more convenient for the 3 younger kids in the long run to have an apartment in CBD. One graduate, next one enter, so it's like for the next 10 years planing. Also if work in the city, much much more convenient.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, hopefully my eldest daughter can enter Monash Parkville next year. Actually, I personally prefer an apartment in CBD as I find it "nicer" than KL; and since Melbourne CBD is kind of compact, convenient for me to go makan and have coffee or go to the casino anytime on foot without needing to drive smile.gif

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post Sep 16 2012, 11:28 PM

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QUOTE(jchong @ Sep 16 2012, 11:05 PM)
Wah, Melbourne left such a good impression on you! Indeed it is a very nice and liveable city. I enjoyed my time there as a student and still do as a return visitor/tourist.

Yes, property prices there have gone up a lot in the last 5-10 years. Driven up by immigrant demand since Melbourne is one of the most popular destinations for new PRs.

Your idea of buying a property is what a lot of my friends do as well, get an apartment for all the kids to live in one after another when they go there to study (plus make a nice holiday home for you too when visiting). Your eldest daughter pursuing Pharmacy?
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you also return to Melbourne for visit even tho you studied there tongue.gif After I graduated from US, I never visited my Uni state, haha

Yah, that's the idea, holiday place for me smile.gif Somemore got Air Asia nowadays. But wonder if right time to buy? Prices have been dropping year to year since 2 years back. And I read an article at bloomberg (that prices are pressured to drop further (commented on it at my blog). Besides Parkville, she's also considering Melbourne Uni, she still cannot really decide what she wants to major in doh.gif

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 17 2012, 04:26 AM
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post Sep 17 2012, 03:56 PM

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QUOTE(jchong @ Sep 17 2012, 02:14 PM)
Foreigners can buy 2nd hand units I think.
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Non residence can only purchase new/off the plan units and not sub-sale. That's why second hand apartment unit generally "cheaper" (since market smaller) as compared to new unit for the same size. Even those with "temporary" PR needs to seek approval from the "relevant authority" for second hand unit - I know because my cousin who is on a spouse Visa (i.e. temporary visa) just bought a second hand unit jointly with her husband.

And for those who are interested - MBB and OCBC now has housing loan facilty in RM for property in Australia.

QUOTE(Monya Meow Meow @ Sep 17 2012, 10:50 AM)
I personally think that Caulfield is not a bad suburb.
Quite close to the city (~15 mins to the city) but with quiet surroundings and good shops around  smile.gif
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Noted, I must go check it out. However travel time also depends on time of day. My cousin's husband who stays at St Kilda road, less than 10 minutes drive by car said he needs more than 30 minutes ride by tram during peak hours to get to his office at Exhibition St.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 17 2012, 04:15 PM
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post Sep 18 2012, 01:43 AM

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QUOTE(sfwong1 @ Sep 17 2012, 09:19 PM)
u can have a look at doncaster... not bad though.
currently staying in lonsdale street nearby parliament tram station, freaking rent is darn expensive for that mere small space.
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Doncaster relatively new area so yes, it is quite nice as the roads, road shoulder and side walks are wider compared to the more older and established suburbs. For the price of a 3 bedroom apartment in CBD, can get a new townhouses there smile.gif But only got bus servicing it currently, so that automatically kind of eliminate the place for me. Went to Taipan on a weekend Dim Sum, really packed.


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post Sep 22 2012, 05:55 PM

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QUOTE(adriankhoo153 @ Sep 20 2012, 04:27 PM)
Penguin parade is a little overated. Waited for an hour plus in the cold and rain jes to see tiny penguin from afar. But luckly when walk back we get to see them walking back to their own homes. Hence do not buy those expensive penguin plus etc. Jes buy the general viewing stand enough cause the penguin gonna walk up and u can see upclose. Do not take picture lah. Lot ppl still take picture and kena warn by the authorities there. But i still think that there is no harm if took photo without flash. Anyway, this is to prevent ppl to use camera and flash lah. If put can use camera but do not use flash sure got ppl still use flash. Hence they decided jes ban camera. Jes my 2 cent view. Stay a night at The Avenue apartment in Philip Island, Cowes Town
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QUOTE(ycs @ Sep 21 2012, 08:36 PM)
overall, do you think can skip healesville sanctuary and philip island? instead go melbourne zoo and warrook farm
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QUOTE(adriankhoo153 @ Sep 22 2012, 12:06 PM)
But that is the main attraction. I mean Philip island. U got to experience once to know the feel of waiting or the penguin in wildlife. Of course u may get a closer interaction with the animals in zoo but hey it is just zoo. If u get what I mean. The feel is not there.
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haha, I guess adriankhoo153 got a point about gaining the experience of waiting for the penguins in the cold (wildlife). Something to talk about.

I will say, if you are not going to Melbourne often, go for both, i.e. Philip Island and The Aquarium for the penguin experience.

At the Aquarium, you can take all the photos you want and you get to see the penguins swimming under water (this itself is worth the entry fee). Check out my article Melbourne Aquarium - An Experience Not To Be Missed, where I posted a short video (in order not to spoil your fun of experiencing it) of the penguins torpedoing under water. I strongly recommend all tourist to drop by the Aquarium which is located in the City and there are many interesting marine life species like AXOLOTL and Dragon Fish (same like the one in Tap Fish game, which I thought did not really existed until I saw it with my own eyes).
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post Sep 28 2012, 06:55 AM

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QUOTE(sfwong1 @ Sep 27 2012, 09:31 PM)
want to ask, my parents is coming around end of the year, can recommend any nice apartment to rent for like a week?
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There are plenty of nice apartments, what's your budget.

If not mistaken Garden Hotel has both rooms and apartments and the price is affordable if you are looking at accommodation for two.

Just go to agoda.com-->Melbourne Australia-->at the right column click CBD and it will list all the hotel and apartments they have at CBD--> click on any hotel--> then click the map, and it will show all the hotels on plan, from there see which is near you.

And if your parents have Maybank and Citibank can get discount with Agoda, click here to my article Exclusive Agoda.com room reservation Discount with My Credit Cards Of course always compared with other booking sites (CIMB Visa with HotelClub, RHB with AsiaWebDirect, Bookings, etc) and and the hotel website itself too.

For those looking for a budget hotel room for a single person or an apartment for family of four? click here to read my article Melbourne Clean Affordable Hotel Accommodation Single Person or Family of Four

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Sep 28 2012, 08:37 AM
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post Oct 1 2012, 04:11 PM

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QUOTE(silkysilk @ Oct 1 2012, 12:07 AM)
hei guys, how much  should i bring for 14 days trip to aus (perth, melbourne and sydney)?
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Maximum you can bring in is AUD10K per person unless you declare tongue.gif How much would depends on what is your budget lah and how many people in your group. Anyway, if you have a credit card not to worry as almost everywhere accept it. Also bring along a Debit Card just in case you need to withdraw cash.

QUOTE(tamago11 @ Oct 1 2012, 12:17 AM)
any nice budget hotel near airport or any 3 stars hotel in  melb city can recommend me?? thanks
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QUOTE(ahoq @ Oct 1 2012, 12:33 AM)
same quest here

also near to car rental

Great Southern Hotel ok or not?
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If for one person or family of 4, Space Hotel in edge of CBD is clean and bed comfy. Check out my above link I posted.

If 3 persons, check out Formule 1 in CBD.

I also posted above link to my article on Agoda Discount with Maybank, Citibank and HSBC credit card. In the same article I also have link on CIMB Visa card hotel promo with HotelClub and RHB cards with AsiaWebDirect. Compare the rates and make sure you take note if taxes are imposed. For example, the CIMB Hotel Club Promo rates includes taxes BUT if you go to HotelClub.com directly, the rates are not inclusive of taxes until you go to the check out page.
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post Oct 1 2012, 07:30 PM

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QUOTE(ahoq @ Oct 1 2012, 07:16 PM)
Hi Gen-X,

Really appreciate your reply above.

But i am a bit confuse now..

Space Hotel : RM303
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Bro, what are you confused with? RM303 is less than AUD100.

Space Hotel Melbourne website, 1st November single occupant room shared toilet starting from AUD71. Twin starting from AUD85.

Agoda.com - Space Hotel 1st November single occupant room shared toilet starting from AUD79 (before MBB Discount). Twin starting from AUD92.

If you single and really on a budget, go for the dormitories - Starting from AUD31

You can select RM too for Space Hotel Website.

If you want to see how the share toilet look like - click here to read my article Melbourne Clean Affordable Hotel Accommodation Single Person or Family of Four

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Oct 1 2012, 07:32 PM

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