The room was an excellent balance between a budget option and still very comfortable, quiet, clean and well located. It was one of the cheaper options, but didn't cut any corners that mattered to me (as I said, it was very clean, well presented and had everything needed). The property manager James was super helpful twice that I needed to speak to him, and overall the accommodation was very well managed. Although above a pub, I didn't find it noisy at all. Although the bathrooms were shared, I never really had a problem getting to use one when I wanted. The location is excellent, with multiple tram routes that are only 15 mins from the centre of the city. It's at the top of Brunswick street which had loads of really nice shops bars and restaurants, but just past the main strip, so not in the thick of it.

I would say that the only thing that could be improved is the check in experience - as an overseas traveller, I put in my UK number when booking, but swapped for a local sim while I was in the country. As the check in info is sent via text, this caused a small delay/confusion when checking in. James was super helpful sorting it, but I suggest either making it clear when booking that the phone number you entered will be used to send the check in information, or sending the check in information via email instead. However it's a small thing, I imagine fairly niche, and it was easily resolved. But it's the one bit of feedback I'd put down.

Everything the ad said it would be. Very easy check-in and access. Facilities were clean and maintained and the room was surprisingly warm and comfortable.

Some facilities such as the bathroom are a bit older but still perfectly useable and clean. The floors being creaky, the noisy main road and the electronic locks on each of the rooms could be somewhat noisy but not overly.

Lovely clean rooms with decent space and nice decor! Shared toilets and kitchen were also always clean, we felt comfortable here.

Only downside was that when we got to the property we were given check in details for the wrong room and ended up going into a room where another couple were staying. As we were checked in late we were at a loss for an hour trying to book other hotels. Luckily we then saw someone on site who helped us and advised we’re in a different room. We were not happy at the time but the hotel were very professional about it and refunded us for the night straight away, really happy with how it was handled.

Actually quite a nice room for the price I paid (~$80). It's basic and an old building, but you can tell care has been taken to install reasonably nice locks, the chair in the room was good enough for me (nice enough, it may be from Kmart or something but I'm happy with that) and the carpet in the hallway and facilities are nice enough. When I was there I found all the guests to be respectful/quiet and everything was tidy, which was a pleasant surprise as I was expecting it to have some less desirable characters lurking about. There's also a tram stop right around the corner so it's an easy place to get to/from as well.

Probably my main complaint would be the bed, mine was really creaky which was annoying, and it's not exactly the most comfortable bed, but if you sleep reasonably well then it's fine. Basic, but fine.

It would be go to have a sound barrier like double glazing.

This accommodations is fabulous. They always have tried to communicate often and favorably. Also, the room was quite big enough and tidy. But, one weakness was the shower room. There are a few shower rooms, and one of then, it was broken so I couldn't use it. But, I had more options, so it was not a big deal. Also, after check-out, they let me leave my luggage until I collect it. It was a big help for me. I highly recommend staying in this hotel.

A broken shower room

I love the Royal Derby, it became like a little second home for me for several weeks. It's really simple, unpretentious, the rooms are small and simple, some are larger than others, they are clean and comfortable... when I was there it was super quiet and I rarely saw other guests. There are multiple shared bathroom facilities and I never had to wait to use the facilities. It's above a bar, so there is a little noise sometimes, and it's on Brunswick Street, so obviously there's activity and noise in general, but I liked that. The location is amazing, in the heart of Fitzroy.

The only issue I had was on particularly hot summer days, there was no air conditioner, and it was very uncomfortable, the rooms smelled sweaty from a previous guest... I think some rooms did have a fan available, but not all of them. That was the only downside. In cooler weather, it's great. Not so great when it's hot.

Experience matched room photo. Good use of a smaller room size gave the feel of being a larger room. Fabulously friendly staff in the bars downstairs. Safe secure smoking area that didn’t drift your smoke into other areas or cause discomfort to those passing by.

Lighting on keypad entry at gate and building, so be sure to slip your phone into your pocket if going out for a stroll.

The location is perfect. I loved the easy keyless entry and I was amazed at how lovely the room was - plus the shared kitchen; this far exceeded my expectations. Also, the shower/toilet areas were never busy.

The room was slightly stuffy but there was a fan - it was also a little noisy but there were earplugs provided; I'm not noise sensitive. Honestly, for the price, these are very minor concerns! I'd also note the shared wash areas were not all equally clean/inviting.

This hotel is in a super convenient location right next to a tram stop, and in an interesting inner city neighbourhood with lots of cafes, restaurants and supermarkets. It's really good value, and having the use of the shared kitchen helps save on meals. The staff are very kind and friendly. It was not too expensive to get an Uber their from Melbourne airport when I arrived.