Renowned for its vibrant laneway culture, world-class coffee scene, and eclectic arts districts, this city offers an unmatched blend of sophisticated urban energy and relaxed charm. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Melbourne based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Melbourne: View Melbourne
Best boutique hotel in Melbourne: Ovolo Laneways
Best luxury hotel in Melbourne: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Best hostel in Melbourne: Mansion Melbourne
Best eco-friendly hotel in Melbourne: Voco Melbourne Central
Sort list by price, rating or by value for money.
Zagame's House is a standout boutique hotel located on Lygon Street in Carlton, a neighborhood famously known as Melbourne’s "Little Italy." This property is a true labour of love for the Zagame family, having been transformed from a long-held family asset into a stylish, 97-room destination by brothers Victor and Robert Zagame.
New York Times + 2 more“Zagame’s House, a once faded motel that was gutted and modernized, has 97 rooms with dark tones and gold accents. The hotel is a few minutes’ walk from both the city center and the lush Carlton Gardens, popular for its green lawns and the grand Royal Exhibition Building.”
United Places Botanic Gardens is a sophisticated, boutique "home hotel" in the leafy, upscale suburb of South Yarra. Designed by the acclaimed firm CARR, the building is a striking example of modern architecture, featuring a minimalist concrete and bronze façade that contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery of its surroundings.
CN Traveler + 2 more“Of the 12 smart yet understated rooms, those in moss-green tones have views of the gardens; the others, in shades of dusky pink, overlook the neighborhood. Every detail here is carefully considered and in line with the taste level expected in this style-driven city.”
Laneways By Ovolo is a standout boutique hotel tucked away on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD. Designed by the interior design firm Luchetti Krelle, the hotel draws playful inspiration from the 1980s Italian "Memphis Group" movement. This results in a bold, colourful aesthetic filled with geometric patterns and bright, primal hues that perfectly mirror the creative energy of Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways.
New York Times + 2 more“The Ovolo Hotel is a boutique hotel with 43 rooms and suites in an ideal city-center location. Studios come with Wi-Fi, a daily happy hour and to-go breakfasts.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Melbourne.
The Park Hyatt Melbourne is a sophisticated sanctuary tucked away in Parliament Square. Since opening in 1999, it has established a reputation for "old money" elegance, blending classic Art Deco aesthetics with modern luxury. The hotel is renowned for its grand, multi-level lobby, which features a stunning curved staircase and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer peaceful views of the surrounding area.
Fodors + 2 more“Set right next to Fitzroy Gardens and opposite St. Patrick’s Cathedral, this is one of Melbourne’s most elegant hotels. Warm colors, rich wood paneling, and art deco–style furnishings adorn the rooms.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Melbourne.
Hotel QT Melbourne is a striking example of "industrial chic" located in the heart of the city's bustling CBD. Built on the site of the former Greater Union cinema, the hotel pays homage to the 1920s "rag traders" who once populated the nearby Flinders Lane. The building itself was designed by architect Angelo Candalepas, while the eclectic, fashion-forward interiors were a collaboration between designers Nic Graham and Shelley Indyk.
Lonely Planet + 2 more“Rough concrete surfaces, brass trim, lifts with tapestry light boxes that play house music and say random stuff in a Russian accent: this is one of Melbourne’s newest, quirkiest and best boutique hotels.”
Crown Metropol Melbourne, located in the heart of the city’s bustling Southbank precinct, is a striking landmark known for its unique, wave-like architectural form. Designed by the acclaimed firm Bates Smart, the hotel was envisioned as a boutique experience on a grand scale, aiming to avoid the "anonymous" feel often associated with large-scale high-rises.
New York Times + 1 more“The Crown Metropol Melbourne, situated in a gleaming tower, has 658 luxurious rooms and sweeping views from the 27th-floor infinity pool.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Melbourne.
The Larwill Studio in Parkville, Melbourne, is a boutique hotel dedicated to the legacy of the late Australian artist David Larwill. Opened as part of the Art Series group, the hotel’s design draws deep inspiration from Larwill’s own working studio, blending his vibrant, figurative expressionist works with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The property celebrates his "larrikin" spirit, featuring playful, spontaneous art that brings a sense of joy to the guest experience.
New York Times + 1 more“Creative, wellness-minded travelers who want to be slightly removed from the thrum of Melbourne’s city center (but not deep in suburbia) will love the Larwill for its artsy ambience, gallery-like lobby and hallways and accessible location.”
Hyde Melbourne Place is a striking, 16-story landmark located on Russell Street in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD. Opened in 2024, this modern boutique hotel is designed to feel like an immersive art piece. From the moment you enter the lobby, you are greeted by shifting digital art installations that set a creative, high-energy tone for your stay.
CN Traveler“This striking rust-colored 191-room hotel built from local bricks, concrete, and hardwood is a distillation of what makes this thrumming city tick. The debut hotel by sought-after Melbourne-based architecture and design studio Kennedy Nolan, is chock-full of head-turning details.”
The Olsen Hotel in Melbourne’s South Yarra is a boutique destination that doubles as a vibrant gallery. As the flagship property of the Art Series Hotel Group, it is entirely inspired by the acclaimed Australian landscape painter Dr. John Olsen. The hotel is filled with his prints and original works, offering a deep dive into the artist’s unique perspective on the Australian environment.
New York Times“The Olsen Hotel, a 224-room property in South Yarra, is dedicated to the 91-year-old landscape artist, John Olsen, one of Australia’s most accomplished painters, with his works scattered throughout.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Melbourne.
Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy offers a sophisticated, modern home base in one of Melbourne’s most creative and historic suburbs. Unlike large-scale hotel chains, this boutique property focuses on high-end self-contained living, featuring 36 spacious apartments that feel more like private urban residences than standard hotel rooms.
Lonely Planet“These spacious, self-contained modern apartments have a certain Fitzroy-celeb vibe. Big couches, flat-screen TVs, European laundries and balconies add to the appeal, and plenty of restaurants and bars are right at your door.”
Treasury on Collins is a stunning boutique hotel housed within the former Bank of Australasia, a heritage-listed landmark built in 1876. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Reed and Barnes—the same team behind Melbourne’s Town Hall and the State Library—the building remains a beautiful example of classical Renaissance Revival design. It even features original Oamaru stone imported from New Zealand, reflecting the bank's historical ties to the region.
Lonely Planet“This imposing stone neoclassical building (1876) once housed a branch of the Bank of Australia. The apartments are modern and restrained, not to mention chic and spacious.”
Recommended by:
New York Times, CN Traveler, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, CNN
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Melbourne is the capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria and it has several landmarks such as the National Gallery of Victoria, the Arts Centre Melbourne, the Melbourne Arts Precinct, etc.
The best neighborhoods in Melbourne are:
Carlton
Carlton is a central suburban neighborhood, known as ‘Little Italy’, and is popular with young professionals and university students. The area is home to famous landmarks such as Lygon Street, Melbourne Museum, the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
Coburg
Coburg is a former industrial suburb neighborhood that was an full of European migrants and it is now becoming a great place for young professionals. It is has to Victorian and Edwardian buildings and structures near the popular pub The Post Office Hotel, The Glass Den café and the Merri Creek parkland.
Docklands
Docklands is a rather new suburban neighborhood that has waterfront apartments with high amenities and is popular among professionals in the city. The neighborhood has many cafés, shops and restaurants and is a magnet for tourists.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy is a suburban neighborhood that is near to quirky shops, cafés and health food bars. The neighborhood is connected with several key roads including Alexandra Parade, Smith Street, Nicholson Street, Victoria Parade, Johnston Street, Brunswick Street.
Williamstown
Williamstown is a seaside suburban neighborhood located nine kilometres south-west of Melbourne. It is a great place for the locals and tourists who intend to stay in a suburb, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet travel easily in and out of Melbourne. The area has several detached houses and private residences that makes it attractive for young professionals.
Also check out our travel guide about the best areas to stay in Melbourne.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Melbourne, then book View Melbourne. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Melbourne.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Melbourne, you should check out Ovolo Laneways. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Melbourne, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Melbourne, then go for Park Hyatt Melbourne. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Melbourne, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Melbourne? Check out Mansion Melbourne. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Melbourne.
Looking for a great view while having a drink? Hotel QT, it has an excellent rooftop bar with views of Melbourne.
Try Hotel Treasury on Collins if you're looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Melbourne. The hotel has excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $65 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $120 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Melbourne hotel then you can expect to pay around $210 per night.
If you're looking to stay in Melbourne with your family, then try Hotel Lindrum. The hotel has excellent review ratings by families.
Try Hotel QT if you're looking for a romantic getaway in Melbourne, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.
Melbourne: Full-Day The Great Ocean Road Experience. Experience the world-famous Great Ocean Road with tales of shipwrecks and years past, panoramic vistas around every corner and of course the best views of the majestic and iconic 12 Apostles. Price: $98.
Spirit of Melbourne 4-Course Cruise with Drinks. Enjoy a great night out and have a truly unique experience in a cruising restaurant. With a tantalizing 4-course menu and a vibrant atmosphere, you’ll experience an unforgettable evening while cruising down the Yarra River. Price: $106.
Phillip Island Penguin, Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary from Melbourne. Discover the natural delights of Phillip Island with an eco-tour from Melbourne. See the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Price: $104.
More things to do in Melbourne
Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, serves as a testament to the transformative power of evolution, having transitioned from a colonial settlement to a globally recognized cultural powerhouse. Founded in 1835 by free settlers seeking fertile grazing land, the city was officially established in 1837 and named after the British Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne. The discovery of gold in the 1850s propelled it into a period of extreme wealth and rapid development, earning it the moniker “Marvellous Melbourne” as it became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the British Empire.
Today, Melbourne stands as a bastion of progressive energy, celebrated internationally for its world-class coffee culture, intricate laneway networks adorned with street art, and a profound commitment to the arts. It is widely regarded as the sporting capital of the world, housing the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and hosting the Australian Open annually. Beyond its surface-level appeal, the city fosters a multicultural identity, embracing diversity as its core strength and maintaining an atmosphere that balances sophisticated urban living with an unmistakable, laid-back Australian charm.
Despite its global prominence, the city retains several intriguing secrets. Few visitors realize that Melbourne was briefly the capital of Australia from 1901 until 1927 while Canberra was still under construction. Furthermore, the city’s unique grid layout, known as the Hoddle Grid, was designed with exceptionally wide streets—not for aesthetics, but to ensure bullock drays could turn around without causing traffic congestion. Perhaps most surprisingly, Melbourne is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating aquarium, and its extensive tram network—the largest in the world—serves as a functional, living museum of urban transit. These layers of history, combined with a relentless drive toward modernity, ensure that Melbourne remains a city of constant discovery for residents and travelers alike.
Please do read our guide on where to stay in Melbourne, covering the best areas for visitors, cool things to do, and much more.
If you like our list of hostels and accommodations in Melbourne, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Sydney or the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur.