Best Western Plus Buckingham International: Highett Review & Guide

For travellers weighing their accommodation options in Melbourne’s bayside corridor, the Best Western Plus Buckingham International in Highett offers a practical mix of free parking, an outdoor pool, and an on‑site restaurant that resumed dinner service in early 2024. According to KAYAK, the property sits about 9.9 miles (roughly 16 km) south of the city centre, placing it within reach of both business hubs and Bayside beaches. This guide aggregates verified guest ratings and official amenity listings to help you decide whether it fits your trip.

Last checked: 2026-09-04

Property name: Best Western Plus Buckingham International · Star rating: 4-star · Address: 1130 Nepean Highway, Highett, Victoria 3190, Australia · Key amenities: On-site restaurant, swimming pool, free WiFi, free parking, BBQ facilities

Best Western Plus Buckingham International reviews

Guest ratings overview

Across major booking platforms, the hotel consistently earns solid marks. TripAdvisor users give it roughly 4.1 out of 5, with cleanliness and service scoring above 4.1. On Expedia, the hotel rates around 8.4 out of 10, described as “Very good” based on more than 1,000 verified reviews. A similar score is found on Booking.com, where guest feedback frequently praises the comfortable beds and value for money.

Common compliments and complaints

Reviewers on both Expedia and TripAdvisor consistently highlight cleanliness, friendly staff, and the convenience of free parking and WiFi. Some guests, however, note that certain areas feel dated and that noise from the nearby Nepean Highway can be noticeable. The hotel enforces quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., a policy that helps mitigate this concern for many travellers.

“It deserves its 4 stars. All in all, it was perfect place for travelling to Melbourne.” – Arthur, guest review on Hotels in Victoria

The bottom line: Guest satisfaction leans positive, particularly for cleanliness and value. Light sleepers may want to request a room facing away from the highway or bring earplugs.

Best Western Plus Buckingham International Melbourne Australia

The property is located at 1130 Nepean Highway in Highett, a suburb of Melbourne’s bayside area. The official Best Western listing states the hotel provides 4‑star accommodation with 67 rooms and four apartments, free wireless broadband, Foxtel cable channels, a pool and barbecue set in gardens, and function space for up to 150 guests. According to KAYAK, the distance to Melbourne’s city centre is about 9.9 miles (16 km).

What this means: For travellers who need easy highway access and don’t mind being outside the CBD bustle, this location offers a balance between suburban quiet and city reachability.

Best Western Plus Buckingham International photos

Official imagery on the Best Western website and the hotel’s direct site shows a landscaped outdoor pool surrounded by gardens, a barbecue area, and a contemporary lobby. Guest rooms appear bright, with work desks, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms; some rooms feature spa baths. The on‑site restaurant and bar are portrayed as comfortable spaces for evening dining. The property’s Facebook page also includes seasonal photos of events and the pool area.

The trade-off: While the photos reflect a well‑maintained property, a few guest images on TripAdvisor suggest that some carpets and furnishings show wear – a common pattern for hotels of this age and segment.

Best Western Plus Buckingham International prices

Nightly rates fluctuate by season and room type. On platforms such as Expedia and Hotels.com, standard rooms often range between roughly AUD 90 and AUD 220 per night. The hotel includes free parking and WiFi, which can reduce overall trip costs compared to city‑centre properties that charge extra for these amenities. Prices are best confirmed directly on the Best Western booking page or via a trusted OTA.

What to watch: Rates fluctuate significantly with demand; a room that costs AUD 110 on a quiet weekday can double during Melbourne events. Always check cancellation policies before booking.

Best Western Plus Buckingham International breakfast

Breakfast arrangements are not listed as a standard amenity on the official Best Western site. However, a TripAdvisor review from July 2024 by guest Peter S noted that his booking “included breakfast offer.” This suggests that breakfast may be included in certain rate plans or available as an add‑on. To be certain, travellers should confirm breakfast availability and pricing directly with the hotel at the time of reservation.

The catch: Without an official policy, breakfast cannot be assumed. If a morning meal is important to you, verify it during booking.

Buckingham hotel Highett

Highett is a bayside suburb about 16 km south‑east of Melbourne’s centre. The hotel sits on Nepean Highway, a major arterial road. Best Western’s listing highlights proximity to Highett Railway Station (roughly 10 minutes on foot) and Southland Shopping Centre (about 5 minutes by car). Bayside beaches such as Brighton Beach and Beaumaris Beach are about 3 km away, making the hotel a convenient base for coastal walks and the famous Brighton bathing boxes.

Getting there by car is straightforward: take the M1 from Melbourne city and exit at Southland/Highett. Public transport: the train from Flinders Street Station to Highett Station takes roughly 30 minutes; from there it’s a short walk or taxi ride.

Why this matters: For travellers who want to explore Melbourne’s south‑eastern suburbs and beaches without being right in the CBD, this location offers a quieter alternative with easy transit links.

Best Western Plus Buckingham International restaurants

The on‑site restaurant reopened for dinner service in January 2024, according to property announcements. The full menu is available on the hotel’s direct website (thebuckingham.com.au). Beyond the hotel, Highett and neighbouring Moorabbin offer a range of casual dining options – from Thai to fish‑and‑chips – within a short drive or walk.

The implication: Having a restaurant on‑site adds convenience for evening meals, but if you prefer variety, the area provides ample choice without needing to drive far.

Pros and Cons

Who stays here? Best for segments

• Families: The pool, BBQ area, and free parking make it a solid choice for road‑tripping families. Apartments offer extra space.
• Business travellers: Free WiFi, a business centre, conference facilities for up to 150, and a 24‑hour front desk support work needs. Highway access aids travel to industrial suburbs.
• Couples: Quiet hours and a romantic garden setting for drinks; some rooms have spa baths. The hotel’s proximity to Bayside beaches suits a weekend escape.
• Budget‑conscious travellers: Given the included amenities (parking, WiFi, pool), the hotel offers good value compared to CBD properties that charge extra for these.

Alternatives to consider

Because the Best Western Plus Buckingham International is a suburban, highway‑adjacent property, travellers seeking a more central location may prefer a hotel in the CBD or St Kilda. For those who prioritise free parking and a pool, comparable options in Melbourne’s south‑east include Quest Brighton on the Bay (apartment‑style) and the Mercure Melbourne Frankston (seaside). Rates and amenities vary, so using a comparison site like Expedia or Booking.com can help you weigh trade‑offs.

Our recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Best Western official listing
• TripAdvisor reviews
• Expedia property page
• Booking.com listing
• KAYAK
• Qantas Hotels description
• Hotels.com price data
• GuestReservations
• HOTEL.info
• Hotel direct website