Birches Serviced Apartments

Birches Serviced Apartments is a small apartment block at 160 Simpson Street, East Melbourne, between the MCG end of the city and Collingwood. It is one of the few genuinely pet-friendly serviced apartments this close to the CBD, and unlike most it publishes its full dog policy on its own site, so you can book with the rules in hand.

Dogs at the Birches

A maximum of two pets per apartment is allowed at a surcharge of $35 per pet per night, but only in a limited number of dedicated pet-friendly rooms, so book early and state that you are bringing a dog. The house rules: dogs must be taken off the premises for toileting, pets left unattended must not disturb other guests, and constant barking can get you asked to leave. Owners are liable for damage to furniture and for any steam cleaning needed for pet smells after check-out. A written copy of the pet policy arrives with your reservation confirmation.

The vibe

Compact self-contained apartments, some laid out as mini apartments with sofa beds, that guests describe as clean and comfortable with trams at the door. The building shows its age in places, so think practical city base rather than designer stay. Simpson Street puts you at the quiet, leafy end of East Melbourne.

Getting there and out with the dog

160 Simpson Street is a short walk to trams into the CBD, and Fitzroy Gardens and Yarra Park are at the top of the street. Because dogs must leave the property for toileting, this matters: Yarra Park Dog Off Leash Area is the designated morning and evening stop, with the gardens' paths for on-lead strolls.

After a park session, head north for a pub lunch with the dog at The Rainbow Hotel in Fitzroy. If Birches' pet rooms are taken, Quest Collingwood runs dedicated pet-friendly floors a short walk away, and Sora East Melbourne is the other apartment stay in the suburb. More on our VIC pet friendly stays list, with the local guide at East Melbourne.