Eels Blogs

Where to stay Round 1 2026 v Storm

Posted by Squire on January 10, 2026 at 10:39am

G'day everyone.
Taking my son ( it's his 16th birthday pressie) and my 17 yo daughter to round 1 in Melbourne.
Hoping with the Storm rivalry (and the Lomax shenanigans) we get a decent away crowd.
Question, can anyone recommend a hotel within walking distance of the ground. Not overly fussed on price as I want to make it a special occassion. I've done the googling and there appears to be quite a few but information is limited. I'm looking for one with onsite parking and preferably a pool. As we'll be there 2 days I'd like the hotel to be a bit of a sanctuary we can relax in after being out and about exploring.
Thanks in advance everyone. Very confident for round 1. Storm have some big outs so I think we have a great chance of getting a result.

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Replies

Electric Eel 2 January 10, 2026 at 11:10am

I have stayed at the Wuest on Jolimont and the antra on Jolimont. No issues with either.
Prof. Daz January 10, 2026 at 11:50am

So many options, all within walking distance (nobody drives to the precinct down here), but so long as you have pre-selected a commiseration spot on Swan St or Bridge Rd all will be fine.
Go to Vlado's (steaaaaaak) and Mtn Culture Brewery and all will be fine.
The Badger January 10, 2026 at 12:45pm

Milano Apartments is up Swanston Street towards Queen Victoria Markets and Lygon Street.

Quieter spot just outside of the hustle and bustle.
Tragiceel January 10, 2026 at 4:03pm

I stayed at 381 Cremorne on Punt Street. Really good apartments and about 300 meter walking distance to AAMI.
Squire January 10, 2026 at 5:07pm

Thanks all. I've booked Mantra.
- Poppa > Squire January 13, 2026 at 10:50am
  
  That's nice but make sure the kids are busy somewhere else when you bring her back!
  - Prof. Daz > Poppa January 13, 2026 at 2:30pm
    
    Poppaaaaaaaa.
    PS: good one
Prof. Daz January 13, 2026 at 2:30pm

So, Squire is apparently hosting a commiseration party at Mantra? Phil Mann & I will be at AAMI with one of those truly weird creatures, a mate who follows both Eels & Storm. I know, heresy. We would be happy to meet up somewhere and, if the Storm win, we can offer out mate as human sacrifice. Because that's what friends are for.
- Poppa > Prof. Daz January 14, 2026 at 3:26pm
  
  With Mantra......Daz and Phil with one of those weird creatures.....a bi team follower......sounds like the cantina scene out of Star Wars!......and I always thought Melbourne was a dull place......does the Daily Planet still operate?
  - Phil Mann > Poppa January 14, 2026 at 5:03pm
    
    We've had some pretty grim evenings at AAMI park. Watching those pricks parade around the 2009 trophy last year, then smashing us, was particularly gaulling. Not a happy place. However I will be prepared for substantive commiseration drink afterwards to relieve the pain.