My daughter and I stayed at the Mercure Welcome weekend of 19 July. It was the third time for both of us staying there. I think its a great hotel for the price, location is excellent. We stayed in a standard room which was on the top floor facing the street. The room was very clean and the beds extremely comfortable. We arrived at 9.30am after an early flight. Our room wasnt ready (the hotel was full the night before and we didnt really expect to check in straight away). However, the front desk phoned us about 11.30 to say we could check in. We had left our bags in the luggage storage while we looked around and the next day we also left our luggage after checking out. . Our room rate included full buffet breakfast as well. All of the staff we encountered were professional, friendly and helpful. Other times I have stayed there I have found the staff always friendly and courteous. I have stayed in a room facing an alley and another one facing a brick wall but it was never a problem. We were in Melbourne for the shopping and sights so all we really needed was a comfortable, clean bed to sleep in which we always had. Can't understand some of the bad reviews of this hotel. Would definitely stay there again.

The Mercure Hotel Welcome is truly a central location. It is a large hotel with basic functionality. However, what a shocker!

The room we stayed in was conveniently located right next to the lifts. The noise from these alone were enough to send you crazy! Banging, crashing noises filled our room all night for two nights as people came and went from the hotel until I finally got some shut eye at nearly 4 am! But to my horror I was woken again at 5 am by business types leaving this property. Babies, I can cope with, and a little noise from the staff early of a morning is bearable, but this was ridiculous!

To add to this, the rooms are cramped, dirty linen and towels, plus you see no natural sun light as this hotel is virtually an internal block building.

The cheap price is the only thing that would ever make you consider this an option.

My advice, stay away if at all possible.

I regret that I didn't look at this site more carefully before booking our trip. This hotel is located in a great area but that is the ONLY thing I can say positive about this establishment. Here is a list of the problems we noticed.

1. The rooms are very small and dirty (many stains on the carpet, drapes and bed coverings as well as a general funny smell).

2.The bathrooms are full of mold and the fixtures are falling apart (laminate coming off the counter, faulty showerhead and faucet).

3. Terrible staff. I was told by the front desk that we would have no room service during our stay. Later, I found a housekeeper who said she would take care of our room. On check out, the front desk lady asked me if I was with the "Indian family." Not professional to refer to anyone by their race.

I booked this hotel and my group did not stop complaining about my choice through out our whole trip. THIS PLACE IS NOT 3 STAR.

My daughter and I returned last Saturday having spent a week in this hotel. We arrived early expecting to have our bags stored away til our room was ready however the lovely receptionist advised us that a room was ready so we were able to go straight up!

Room was small but this suited us (being only my daughter & myself). Room was clean as was bathroom so no complaints from us in this area.

We both enjoyed the continental breakfasts that were included in the package deal that we got. My daughter loved having the bacon every morning (she dosent get to do this at home) and I enjoyed the home made muesli!

Concierge(sp) whom I think was called Jarrod was always very helpful when we asked about local attractions. The location of this hotel was fantastic for us. Close to everything.

We asked for a late check out which was agreed to which was great for us as it let us finish off our last minute packing.

My daughter and I had no complaints regarding this hotel or its staff who we found to be helpful & pleasant at all times.