Punthill Essendon Grand, Essendon, Melbourne  

Our room was great! A nice spacious layout. We booked a one bedroom suite. It's nice to have a suite rather than just a room. The room had a kitchen with a decent sized fridge,(not just a sml bar fridge)also a dishwasher. There was a couch and small dining setting also. We were lucky and were on the first floor with a large outdoor courtyard, which would be nice on a sunny day.
I booked a two bedroom suite for our friends. they were really happy also. Their's had 2 bathrooms, one with a spa and a larger couch.
We stayed for two nights for the Melbourne Cup. We wanted to stay somewhere not too far from Flemington as we didn't want to have transport hassles on the day. The location was excellent! There's a major tram stop just 2 mins walk up the road, which also made it easy to go straight into the city by taking just one tram. We could get off @ the Burke Street Mall, right in the heart of the shops.
In our hotel on the ground floor, we were recommended The Stonegrill Restaurant. Really different but great. You cooked your meal on your own individual hot stone. Also accross the road was a hotel with a sports bar, bistro etc. We ate lunch there the first day we arrived. Good meals.
Also the DFO stores are nearby in Essendon. We would definately stay here again! The staff were fantastic and very friendly and helpful!