Hotel near Melbourne Port

We will be arriving from Canada on Jan 23, 2015 for a 5 day cruise on Jan 24th from Melbourne to Tasmania. This is our first time to Australia and so I need some advice on where to stay in Melbourne the night before our cruise (we arrive 10:30 am), perhaps mid-way from the airport to the port.

Assuming you leave from Station Pier I'd suggest going into the city on arrival, it is then a tram [light rail] ride from the city to the Pier, that way you have plenty of options on hotels and the chance to have a quick look at Melb. and plenty of restaurants to chose from.

I did forget to say that is Summer school holidays so don't leave it too long to book.

The Aust open Tennis is also on AND it is Australia Day Long Weekend, I strongly advise that you don't delay and book soon.

We will be arriving from Canada on Jan 23, 2015 for a 5 day cruise on Jan 24th from Melbourne to Tasmania. This is our first time to Australia and so I need some advice on where to stay in Melbourne the night before our cruise (we arrive 10:30 am), perhaps mid-way from the airport to the port.

An easy way to get to Station Pier in by the 109 tram. It travels down Collins St and passes the Crown Casino and Hotel. Many Hotels along Collins and others within walking distance of the tram route, including Swanston and Spencer.

We will be arriving from Canada on Jan 23, 2015 for a 5 day cruise on Jan 24th from Melbourne to Tasmania. This is our first time to Australia and so I need some advice on where to stay in Melbourne the night before our cruise (we arrive 10:30 am), perhaps mid-way from the airport to the port.

We stayed at the Alto on Bourke Street. Southern Cross Station is about 75 metres away - they do a bus transfer from there to Station Pier - you have to go in and book it with them. We got a taxi - can't remember the cost - wasn't a lot - maybe $30.00 - just guessing - I think it was less and we just gave him $30.00 That was Dec 2013. Lots of eating places around - the trams - including the free trams - run right up and down the middle of the street.

We booked directly with the hotel - on their web site - no hassle.

I have attached the link for you to look at.

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CD4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altohotel.com.au%2F&ei=0w77U6SbLaKV8QGo2oHQBw&usg=AFQjCNHml5vqbnvFXWlWhMEy3VTQckWieg&bvm=bv.73612305,d.dGc