Oakwood Premier Melbourne: Reviews, Rating & Taylor Swift

There’s something magnetic about a hotel that can pull in both pop royalty and everyday travellers without missing a beat. Oakwood Premier Melbourne, a 40-storey tower in Southbank, has become that kind of place—thanks in part to Taylor Swift’s reported stay during her Eras Tour. This guide digs into what makes the property tick, from its 260 serviced apartments to its pitch-perfect location near the Yarra River.

Floors: 40 · Hotel Rooms: 132 · Serviced Apartments: 260 · Location: Southbank, Melbourne · Distance to Melbourne Airport: Approx. 22 km

Eight key specs capture the property’s profile at a glance—note the split between hotel rooms and serviced apartments, which is rare in a single tower.

Is Oakwood Premier good?

Star rating and classification

• No formal star rating is listed on the official Oakwood Premier site, but the property is marketed as a luxury serviced apartment and hotel blend (official website).
• Industry sources classify it in the “luxury” bracket due to amenities and Southbank location (Southbank Victoria Official).

The implication: guests should expect four-star-or-better service standards without a formal badge.

Guest reviews and testimonials

• TripAdvisor reviews often praise the spacious apartments and central location (TripAdvisor).
• Booking.com users highlight the 24-hour front desk and cleanliness (Booking.com).

“The apartment was huge, well-equipped, and the staff were incredibly helpful. Perfect for a family stay in Southbank.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (anonymised)

Consistency in guest satisfaction around space and location, but some note noise from nearby construction.

Awards and recognition

• Oakwood Premier Melbourne is part of The Ascott Limited, a CapitaLand subsidiary that operates globally (official website).
• The property has not publicly listed specific industry awards, but its parent brand regularly wins service accolades (Discover ASR).

The trade-off: brand reliability versus the unique Southbank address.

How far is Oakwood Premier Melbourne from the airport?

Distance and driving time

• Melbourne Airport (MEL) is roughly 22 km from the hotel, a drive of about 25–35 minutes in normal traffic (official website).
• A taxi or rideshare typically costs AUD 55–70 (official website).

Public transport options

• The nearest train station is Flinders Street, about 1.5 km walk, with direct lines to the airport via Southern Cross (Public Transport Victoria).
• Trams on St Kilda Road connect Southbank to the CBD in under 10 minutes (Public Transport Victoria).

Airport shuttle availability

• SkyBus operates express services from T4 to Southern Cross Station, then a short tram or taxi ride (SkyBus).
• No direct hotel shuttle is listed on the Oakwood Premier site (official website).

The pattern: the 22 km distance is standard for CBD hotels, but the absence of a complimentary shuttle nudges travellers toward rideshares.

How many floors is Oakwood Premier?

Building height and architecture

• The tower rises 40 storeys in the Southbank precinct (official website).
• Its modern glass facade is typical of Southbank’s skyline (Southbank Victoria Official).

Number of rooms by floor

• Total: 132 hotel rooms + 260 serviced apartments = 392 units across the tower (official website).
• That works out to roughly 10 units per floor on average, though penthouse floors have fewer.

Amenities on each floor

• Fitness centre is on a dedicated floor (official website).
• Restaurants and lobby occupy the ground level (official website).
• Free WiFi is available throughout (official website).

Where did Taylor Swift stay in Melbourne?

The penthouse suite details

• Taylor Swift reportedly stayed in a penthouse suite at Oakwood Premier Melbourne during her Eras Tour stop (7News Sydney YouTube).
• The suite includes high-end furnishings and panoramic views of the Yarra River (7News Sydney YouTube).

Why she chose Oakwood Premier

• The property’s Southbank location is a short drive to the MCG and Marvel Stadium, venues for her concerts (official website).
• Its serviced apartments offer privacy and space that standard hotels can’t match—key for a global superstar.

“Taylor Swift’s Melbourne penthouse was reported to have a private elevator and butler service, consistent with Oakwood Premier’s top-tier suites.”

— Page Six report (via 7News)

Other celebrity guests

• Oakwood Premier Melbourne has also hosted sports teams and international business figures, though specific names are not disclosed (official website).

The implication: Swift’s choice signals that the property offers the discretion and luxury demanded by A-list travellers.

What is the address and how do I get there?

Exact street address

• Oakwood Premier Melbourne is located at 123 A’Beckett Street, Southbank, VIC 3006 (official website).

Parking facilities

• On-site parking is available but limited; the hotel recommends pre-booking (official website).
• Rates are not publicly listed on the official site.

Nearby landmarks

• Within a 12-minute walk: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (official website).
• 0.6 miles: Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex (official website).
• 1.5 km: Flinders Street Station.

The trade-off: central convenience comes at a parking premium.

“The fitness centre is well-equipped and open 24/7—a rare find for serviced apartments in Melbourne.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (anonymised)

“We booked a one-bedroom apartment and loved the full kitchen. Made our week-long stay feel like home.”

— Booking.com guest (anonymised)

For Australian travellers weighing a luxury stay in Southbank, the choice is clear: Oakwood Premier delivers space and celebrity cachet, but those who need a formal star rating or free parking should look at nearby chain hotels. The property’s mix of short-stay rooms and long-stay apartments gives it a unique edge—one that Taylor Swift herself found worth choosing.

For another Southbank luxury option that has also hosted Taylor Swift, consider The Langham Melbourne on the Yarra River.

Frequently asked questions