Oaks on Collins Street

Excellent stay at Oaks on Collins, I had one standard single room and it was great, lots of space, an awesome view across the street to an old Gothic building, a central location, and excellent room service.

Had a reservation of 3 nights and on the second day was where hell started.

A friend and myself stayed on the 19th floor where we had a lovely room with a big balcony. No shade, but weren't too fussed as there is air con in the room. Went outside for a smoke, drink and absorbing a few rays of sun (38degrees in melb that day!) approx. 1pm. Slid the glass door closed and after spending about 15mins outside, we go to open door to go back inside. .... LOCKED!!!! The faulty pin, in the faulty door locked us outside!!! here we are.. stuck on the 19th floor, no shade, no key, no drink and very very hot!

After my friend scaling the outter ledge of the 19th floor glass and holding on with dear life, managed to get to 2 apartments aways balcony and saw a housekeeper. Asked her to call reception to let us in as the door had locked us out. She said "ok ok".

NOTHING.. not one person came to unlock our door. 2hrs later, my friend again scaled the outter edge of 19th floor and 3 apartments to the side later, managed to speak to a male occupant of the apartment who did call reception.

After 2hr and 40 minutes being outside in that heat on that balcony with near to what could of been heat stroke, Management came up to let us in.

They apologised for the inconvenience, then offered us a free continental breakfast or a "drink on the house". We stressed the danger of a faulty door in that heat and that the situation could of been worse. That could of been my grandma or someone elderly. What would they of done if they were out there on their own? Management said "well, that wasn't the case so no need to worry bout things like that!"

We asked for a refund on the $200 a night room which after 3 days of stay and many arguments, management agreed on. Have I received this refund yet???? no. Has anyone returned any of my calls regarding the refund? no.

That was among many things that went wrong in my stay at the Oaks on Collins. Victor - CService Manager - USELESS!!!

Will never ever ever be staying there everrrrrrr again.

Oaks on Collins is said to be 4.5 stars, as rated by AAA. In my opinion, it is no better than a 3.5 star establishment.

A few things went wrong that you don't expect at a 4.5 star hotel. They had us checking out a day early, even though on arrival I confirmed all the dates on record. And when we came home later than day, out electronic key wouldn't work - probably because they hadn't altered our check-out date in the system. And on check-out day - check-out time being 10am - we were harassed by housekeeping at 9:40am about having our room cleaned.

Also, the room rate of $150-300 per night (depending on room) is excessive. It is a self-contained apartment, with cooker, etc. But a little pricey for what it is. The design is interesting and avante garde, but not practical. This is particularly evident in the bathroom with the basin, and the kitchen with the faucet.

Positives are the location. Very close to everything, being on Collins St. You are midway between Flinders St Station and Southern Cross Station. A short walk to Bourke St. And obviously, everything else is close as well.