Our experience at Waterfront was lovely. There was a festive buzz in the air with a guitarist busker playing music out on the promenade. The restaurant was extremely busy but our waiter saw to us very promptly and we were surprised at how quickly our meals and drinks arrived, each course.

I had a Mamasita cocktail, delicious!! We enjoyed our Crystal Bay prawns entree and our ribs were amazing!

For dessert, my son had a trio of sorbets, nothing special to be honest. Presentation was a bit ordinary and the flavours were bland.

My dessert of banana creme brulee was excellent though I asked to substitute the chocolate chip ice cream with the 'golden gaytime' ice cream. Didn't taste anything like a golden gaytime, but the brulee was magnificent!

Our waiter was efficient, prompt and pleasant.

Totally enjoyed our visit to Waterfront and recommend it for riverside dining.

There's nothing like the experience of luxury in a beautiful hotel where the details matter. We stayed at Crown Towers in an Executive Room and were thoroughly spoiled. The Concierge arranged champagne and chocolate to be delivered to our room which was a beautiful touch.

Bed turn-down was at 5.30pm; can't get into a bed that hasn't been turned down ;). Loved the pillow chocolates!

There is a large TV in the 'living area', another in the bedroom and a smaller flat screen embedded in the wall so you can watch it while sitting in the bath!

The room also has a Nespresso coffee machine with milk frother, a day bed, lovely office area and remote control curtains and blinds.

The foyer of the hotel is simply magnificent and at the moment is decorated with absolutely gorgeous Christmas baubles of all sizes (think as big as cars!).

Crown Towers is truly an experience. Try it at least once if you're in Melbourne.

We had breakfast here while waiting for our room to be ready. The prices are no more expensive than any other decent restaurant serving breakfast. We had eggs benedict, yoghurt with fruit, coffees and juice. Service is prompt and professional and the food was all delicious.

The atmosphere is very busy with lots of people looking for breakfast even at 11am.

All servers seem to be bilingual (lots of accents).

Recommended if you're in the area.

Approximate cost: $15

Booked our accommodation here on Wotif.com. We were looking for hotel accommodation with a kitchenette and we found it. The rooms are clean and budget-appropriate. There is a microwave, bar fridge, sink, crockery and glasses plus tea and coffee making facilities. Rooms are air conditioned. There is a spa bath, sauna and gym.

Flat screen TVs, desk with chair, mirror-door wardrobe, iron and ironing board ... everything you need for a no-frills stay.

Reception staff are friendly.

We managed to get a rate of $105 per night on a Fri and Sat night! Considering the proximity to the CBD, about 1.5km in an easy, non-hilly walk, it's pretty good. Trams go by down the street, it was a $5.70 taxi ride from the City on a rainy Friday afternoon and the Queen Victoria Markets are a 2-minute walk away.

You can't get in the front door without your room key so security is good.

For the price, this property is excellent as it's close to everything, won't cost you a fortune in cab fares if you choose not to walk and the water pressure is EXCELLENT!!

Recommended for budget accommodation ... then you can spend your money at the markets!

Approximate cost: $105

Had breakfast here as it's around the corner from where we're staying. Couldn't be happier. We had eggs benedict with salmon and eggs benedict with bacon. They didn't mind substituting the sourdough for regular bread on one of our servings. The eggs were beautifully done and the plates were presented well.

Coffee is so-so given that this is Melbourne. No salt and pepper shakers on the tables.

Nice, diner-style cafe with plenty going on ... TVs showing film clips, couches, booths and tables to sit at, fresh squeezed juices on offer and a bain marie with the usual fare.

It's also licensed so you can get cocktails, spirits and beer and wine.

Located within a stone's throw of Vic Markets so it's a handy place to stop to eat or have a drink and a sit-down.

Approximate cost: $15

On a drizzly afternoon we stopped in at Il Tempo for a couple of coffees. Even sitting at the tables outside in the weather (protected by awnings) was pleasant as it just added to the atmosphere.

The coffees were excellent and were served promptly.

Being a Friday afternoon, the surrounding stores were all doing a brisk trade so the noise levels were up but all in all, it was a pleasant experience with a warming cup to chase the cool air away.

Approximate cost: $3

What a magnificent lunch we enjoyed here! The service is outstanding, never intrusive, always pleasant. The meals are served in degustation style so don't expect large servings. Happily, the waiters will explain this to you so there are no unpleasant surprises.

The bread is fresh out of the oven and abundant, served with house butter.

We enjoyed the 4-course menu and tried some lovely dishes. Our favourite was the ocean trout which we'd highly recommend.

The atmosphere is upmarket but not intimidating and the decor is comfortable and welcoming. The view out to the courtyard is lovely with hydrangeas in full bloom.

I found the wine list a bit disappointing. With only 4 red wines on offer (and only two of those Australian), I felt it lacked imagination and pride in local wines. The latter is I'm sure, not the case, but I would have liked more choice.

The desserts were delicious, particularly the mocha ice cream.

Coffee was excellent too.

Lunching at Jacques Reymond is an experience to be savoured. We spent three hours there, relaxing and taking our time.

We'd definitely go back the next time we're in town and have something to celebrate.

Approximate cost: $85

Excellent dinner here! The key to finding the right restaurant on Lygon St is to look for the ones that are well patronised, with customers spilling out onto the footpath and the terrace. That was the case here and we were greeted at the door by Matt, a waiter of 16 years service here.

The food was excellent! I had spinach and ricotta cannelloni with bolognese sauce and my son had a capricciosa pizza. Both were delicious. Service was prompt and efficient and the prices were the icing on the cake. Not expensive at all.

I'd highly recommend eating here if you like real Italian food.

These are really nice cinemas and they're not usually over-run with teenagers because they're not in a Westfield complex. The only drawback can sometimes be parking if your visit coincides with the arrival or departure of a cruise ship.

Saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower here; lovely movie made better by the Dendy experience. I thoroughly enjoyed feeling like the grown-up I am, being 'allowed' to take a glass of wine into the cinema.

The best thing about Dendy is if you're a member, you get significantly reduced ticket prices and sometimes they even have $6 movie screenings.

With a Max Brenner store just a few steps from the cinema, it's hard to beat this place for an afternoon or evening's entertainment.

Approximate cost: $11

I think this place has changed hands in the last months. Still great value, nice and clean and a good range on offer. But the shop has been changed around a bit.

The only drawback about this shop is that parking is sometimes tricky if they're busy but it's worth parking up the road a bit for good quality fish and chips.

Pleasant, quick service and they serve a beer battered fries option now too.