2014 Melbourne F1 Hotel Ideas?

[caropepe]

So the wife & I are burning a metric ton of frequent flyer miles and going to our first F1 race in March - The Australian GP in Albert Park, Melbourne..

Any thoughts/experiences regarding a place to stay? We’re looking for basic rooms within walking distance of Albert Park, maybe on Toorak Rd. or in St. Kilda. (Location & cost are probably more important than amenities & services.)

I know I’m cutting this pretty close…I tend to do this a lot!

(PM me if you’re interested in meeting up - we’ll be there all 4 days.)

Joe

[stiffy]

Hi Joe,

I have been many times and its a great event, accommodation is a

hassle, expensive and over rated.

We have a good tram system that is cheap and efficient, it would be

cheaper to stay further out and get the tram.

What tickets are you going for?


Stiffy

[caropepe]

Thanks Stiffy!

We picked up the rotating stand, 4-day tickets w/Jones on Sunday. I figure this will get us many views of the track and keep the sun out of our eyes on Sunday afternoon.

Joe

[stephen low]

Thinking outside the square as to whether acquiring a pair of bikes and riding from say Port Melbourne area or closer could be an option.

Not sure about where they could be locked up but it pushes you a tad further out to reduce accommodation costs that will probably be over-stated as already said.

You're here for longer though Joe no?

Steve

[caropepe]

Steve-

We've got some friends out in Yinnar, near Morwell. We're spending a couple of days out there - hiking Wilson's Prom, etc. before coming back to MEL and the race.

On Monday after the GP we're heading to Sydney and spending a week, trying not to get stung by something deadly.

Joe

[Cobnut]

Hi Joe,

I'm travelling down from Sydney for the F1 too. Staying in the Grand Mercure Apartments at Docklands. I stayed there last year for the GP and was a short walk to the trams where they'll take you straight to the gate (is all free). Transfer back was easy too.
Being apartments will make it easy to please yourself for catering and laundry.
Trying to stay any closer might be more hassle than it's worth.

My other tip......take sunscreen and a waterproof jacket, I'll guarantee you'll use them both!!

Good luck,

Derek

[stephen low]

Joe

Derek's not wrong.

The saying in Melbourne is, don't like our weather..... just wait 5 minutes! Getting 4 seasons in one day is not that uncommon.

A frosty morning today around 10 C, I had to spray the car first, translating to a forecast 35 C this arvo.

Cheers

[caropepe]

Stephen/Derek:

Got it - weather's going to change! We'll be ready!

Joe

[stiffy]

Hi Joe,

I will be attending on Saturday Genaral Admission for the day, a

mate from NSW is coming down to check out the new engine's.

We should catch up for a few froffies (Beers), unfortunately the beer

sponsor is not one of my favourites


Rohan

[BJ's Snake]

Geez Stiffy,
We're coming for the 4 days and just looked up the Beer Sponsor. Isn't Boags the same as cats p$ss. May catch up for a cold one elsewhere.

Cheers

[stiffy]

BJ,

There are plenty of other places to go, where are you staying?

I'm only 10k's from the track and on a tram line......



Stiffy

[BJ's Snake]

Stiffy
All we could get was City Park Hotel/Barkly Apartments in South Melbourne which is close to the track I believe. Girls are going to Lionel F'n Richie/ John F'n Farnham concert on the Saturday night but I am going to the WHO concert. We should be able to catch up for an ale somewhere.
Cheers
Brett

[stiffy]

BJ,


So both your girls will be with you

Definitely must catch up.



Stiffy

[BJ's Snake]

Did you forget that the oldest lives in Flemington now. You haven't been paying attention Stiffy.... . Wife is meeting up with a bunch of wild women
on the Saturday night, you know, the pantie and bra throwing type...

I'm feeling sorry for Lionel and John.

Cheers

[caropepe]

Did someone mention froffies? Count me in!

Joe

[stiffy]

BJ,

I did not forget I contemplated selling my place and moving to Flemington

For that very reason.........

But my garage...........

Joe,

We will be having froffies! That is a given.

If we are not too pissy we can have some at the shed........

Stiffy

[BMK]

Joe

My thoughts would be the a docklands area also. There are a fabulous amount of good eateries there.

Easy to get to the track and some nice walking around into the city centre for additional nightlife.

There are also a few good motels in Collins Street etc.

Throw a few names our way here on the Forum and i am sure Stiffy or I can say yes/no etc.

Bernie

[caropepe]

Flying out on Sunday (arrive Tuesday, how's that work?) - PM's sent!

Joe

[jcraigau]

It's a REAAAALLLLLLYYYYY long flight!

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by caropepe

Flying out on Sunday (arrive Tuesday, how's that work?) - PM's sent!

Joe

You cross the International Dateline.

Originally Posted by jcraigau

It's a REAAAALLLLLLYYYYY long flight!

True, but the way back takes no time at all.
On one of my trips across we landed almost soon as we left.