Everything you need to know before you arrive
We've answered the questions guests ask us most — from check-in and parking to what to do in the laneways. If you can't find what you need here, call us on 1800 650 688 or email reservations@causeway.com.au. We answer both.
Do you have parking?
Yes — we have a discounted parking arrangement with Divvy Galleria at 131 Elizabeth Street, approximately a 1-2 minute walk from the hotels.
How to use Divvy parking at the discounted rate:
1. Download the Divvy app on your phone
2. Create a Divvy account
3. Before your parking date, book using the code HOTELCH Divvy rate with code HOTELCH: $30for the first 24 hours, $12.50 for each additional 24-hour period.
The discounted rate is only available if you book via the app before your parking begins. Access: the entrance ramp is at 131 Elizabeth Street at the intersection with Little Collins Street. Easiest access travelling northbound on Elizabeth Street.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in opens at 2pm on the day of arrival. Check-out is at 11am on the day of departure. If you're arriving on an early flight, we're happy to store your luggage from the morning so you can explore Melbourne without your bags. Early check-in is available on request — call the front desk the day before and we'll do our best to have your room ready. Late check-out until 1pm is available for direct bookers on request, subject to availability, at no extra charge. We can't guarantee early check-in or late check-out, but we always try.
How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
Three practical options from Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport:
Rideshare (Uber / Didi): pick up from the dedicated rideshare zone at the airport (follow signs, separate from the taxi rank). Journey: 30-45 minutes, estimated $65-90. Surge pricing applies during peak hours and after major events.
Taxi: available at the taxi rank outside arrivals. Journey time and cost similar to rideshare — approximately 30-40 minutes and $75-90.
SkyBus: a direct shuttle from the airport to Southern Cross Station, running every 10-15 minutes between 4:30am and midnight. Journey: 20-30 minutes. Cost: approximately $24 one way (check skybus.com.au).
From Southern Cross Station, the hotels are a 15-minute walk east, or free tram ride eastbound from Spencer Street. For early morning or late night arrivals, rideshare or taxi is recommended for direct door-to-door service.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and public areas at Causeway 353 and The Howey. The connection supports video calls, streaming, and remote working. Network details are provided at check-in. No data limits apply.
What is a pre-authorisation?
When you check in, we place a $100 hold on your credit or debit card. This is a temporary hold — not a charge — that covers any incidental costs during your stay such as minibar items. The hold is released automatically within 25 business days after you check out, provided no charges are applied. Debit card banks may take slightly longer than credit card companies to release the hold.
If you have a question about a pre-authorisation during or after your stay, call us directly and we can provide documentation for your bank.
What happens if I want to cancel my booking?
For direct bookings (made on our website, by phone, or by email): - Free cancellation up to 4:00pm on the day of arrival (Melbourne local time) - Cancellations after 4:00pm: the first night's accommodation will be charged - No-shows: the first night's accommodation will be charged.
For OTA bookings (Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, etc.): Your cancellation terms are set by the platform at the time of booking. The hotel cannot override OTA cancellation policies. Check your booking confirmation for your specific terms. Non-refundable rates: some promotional rates are non-refundable. This is clearly stated during the booking process.
For urgent same-day cancellations, call us on 1800 650 688 rather than emailing — our lines are answered 24 hours and we can process your cancellation immediately.
Which free tram stops are closest to the hotels?
Both Causeway 353 and The Howey are inside the Melbourne Free Tram Zone — all tram travel within the CBD is free, no Myki card required. Closest stops to our Little Collins Street hotels: - Stop 5 on Swanston Street (Town Hall / City Square) — approximately 3 minutes walk east - Stop D16 on Collins Street at Elizabeth Street — approximately 2 minutes walk west From these stops you can reach Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, the Arts Centre, and Docklands without a fare. For travel outside the free zone (to Fitzroy, St Kilda, Richmond etc.) you'll need a Myki card, available at 7-Eleven stores, the airport, and major train stations.
How do I get from Southern Cross Station to the hotels?
Southern Cross Station is approximately a 15-minute walk east from our hotels on Little Collins Street, or a 5-minute free tram ride. Walking: exit Southern Cross on Bourke Street and walk east. Causeway Inn on the Mall (when open) is at No.327 Bourke Street Mall. Causeway 353 and The Howey are on Little Collins Street, a short distance further. By tram: take any eastbound tram on Collins or Bourke Street from the Spencer Street stop. Get off at Elizabeth Street (1-2 stops). The full journey is within the free tram zone.
How far is the hotel from the MCG?
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is approximately a 20-minute walk from our hotels, through Fitzroy Gardens — one of Melbourne's best short walks, particularly in the morning before a match. By tram: take any free tram to Flinders Street Station, then walk east across the Yarra River and through Birrarung Marr towards Melbourne Park. Allow 30 minutes on a match day with crowds. On AFL Grand Final day and during major cricket events, walking is often faster than waiting for trams.
How far are the hotels from Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena?
Melbourne Park (Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena) is approximately a 20-minute walk from our hotels. Route on foot: walk east along Flinders Lane or Collins Street to Swanston Street, south to Flinders Street Station, then east along the river towards Melbourne Park. Well-signed during the Australian Open and other major events. By tram: take any free tram to Flinders Street Station (2 stops from Elizabeth Street), then walk 10 minutes east. During the Australian Open, additional shuttle services operate — check ptv.vic.gov.au closer to the event.
Can I walk to Bourke Street Mall from Causeway 353 and The Howey?
Yes. Bourke Street Mall is approximately a 4-minute walk east from both Causeway 353 and The Howey. Walk east along Little Collins Street and turn left at Bourke Street. The Mall runs between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets. Causeway Inn on the Mall is located directly on Bourke Street Mall at No.327 and will reopen following its current renovation.
Is there a free tram I can catch to the Queen Victoria Market?
Yes. The Queen Victoria Market is about a 12-minute walk north from the hotels, or a short free tram ride. Take any northbound tram on Elizabeth Street from the stop at Little Collins and Elizabeth Streets. The market is at the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets — two to three stops north, within the free tram zone. The market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hours vary by day and season — check qvm.com.au before you go.
Are pets allowed at the hotels?
No pets are allowed in any of our hotels
Is there accessible accommodation available?
Yes. Both Causeway 353 and The Howey have accessible rooms for guests with mobility requirements. These rooms include — roll-in shower, grab rails, wider doorways, lowered fixtures, etc. To ensure an accessible room is available, please contact us directly when booking rather than booking online. Call 1800 650 688 or email reservations@causeway.com.au and we'll confirm the room configuration and any specific requirements you have.
Is the area around the hotels safe at night?
Yes. The Little Collins Street and Bourke Street Mall area is a well-trafficked, well-lit part of Melbourne's CBD, with restaurants, bars, and theatres that operate late, meaning there's pedestrian activity through most of the evening. As with any city centre, standard common-sense precautions apply after midnight. Our front desk is available 24 hours and can advise on safe routes to wherever you're heading.
What are the benefits of booking directly with Causeway Hotels?
When you book directly with us — on our website, by phone, or by email — you get a few things the booking engines can't offer: Best rate guarantee: we match or beat any OTA rate. If you find our room cheaper elsewhere, call us. No booking fee or card surcharge: OTAs typically add 1.5-3.5% on payment. We don't. Flexible modifications: direct bookings can be changed or cancelled by calling us. A person picks up — no queues or chatbots. Late checkout: direct bookers can request a 1pm checkout at no extra charge, subject to availability. Member discount: sign up free as a Causeway member and get up to 15% off our best available rate on every future stay.