We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Melbourne as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places with at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
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
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“Alternately a former coffee storehouse, headquarters for the now-defunct Herald newspaper and a billiards center named for legendary Australian pool player Walter Lindrum, it’s now a boutique hotel that exudes old world warmth without foregoing contemporary facilities.”
“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.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.
“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 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.
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, CNN
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
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
If you love coffee, good beer, and amazing food, there’s no better city to visit than Melbourne. The home of Straydog, Brunswick and Moon Dog breweries, the city is also famous for its coffee culture. In fact, Lonely Planet has called it the best city for coffee in the world. Anyone who loves these things should book a flight to Australia’s “coffee capital” as soon as possible! If you’re planning a trip to this great city, we have some insider tips on how you can get there and back again comfortably. Read on for all the details you need to know before your trip to Melbourne…
About Melbourne
Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria and ranks as the second-most populous city in Australia and the entire Oceania. The city ranks highly as a center for several human endeavors such as health care, research and development, tourism and sport, making it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. In fact, the city is the world’s most livable city. The city is a leading financial center in the Asia-Pacific region and ranks among the top fifteen cities in the entire world.
Melbourne is vital to the Australian culture; it is the birthplace of Australian Impressionism, Australian rules football, Australian film and television industries and Australian contemporary dance. Apart from its importance to Australian culture, it is a major center of street art, music, and theater. The city is recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature.
The city is also home to several fascinating cultural institutions which makes it attractive to tourists; the National Gallery of Victoria, State Library of Victoria, and Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The city’s Royal Exhibition Building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important tourist destination in Australia.
How to get from Melbourne Airport to the city
The easiest way to get from Melbourne Airport to the city is by taxi. The trip takes about 45 minutes, costs around $50 and can be booked at the airport. If you don’t want to spend so much money on a taxi, you can take the shuttle bus to Southern Cross Station and catch the Metro from there. However, this will take up to 2 hours, and you’ll need to buy 2 tickets – one to the airport and one to the city. Alternatively, you can take the train from the airport to Southern Cross Station and then change to another train to get to the city. The train journey takes about an hour and a half.
Getting around Melbourne
There are two main train lines that run through Melbourne – the Frankston line and the Cranbourne line. These are the lines you’ll need to use to get from the airport to the city. Once you’ve arrived in the city, the best way to travel from one point to another is by using the excellent public transport system. You can buy single journey tickets or a Myki card that you can use again and again. These single journey tickets are good for 30 days and can be re-used. The Myki card can also be topped up as necessary. If you’re planning to travel outside of the city, you can use the V/Line train network. This is an excellent way of seeing the amazing countryside of Victoria. You can also use the V/Line coaches to get from one city to another. One of the best things about travelling in Melbourne is that the great public transport system means you don’t really need to drive.
What to see in Melbourne
The Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to start your trip to Melbourne. Located in the centre of the city, they make for a wonderful place to relax, walk, and enjoy a picnic. There’s also a huge collection of beautiful plants and trees from all around the world.
St. Kilda Beach: St. Kilda Beach is a must-visit for anyone who loves the sea and sand! This huge expanse of sand is where you’ll find the famous Seaside Railway. This is a tram that has been transformed into a huge sand train. Kids will love riding it!
The Great Ocean Road: If you have time to visit just one place outside of Melbourne, we recommend that you make the trip to The Great Ocean Road. Famous for its stunning views of the ocean, the Great Ocean Road is a must-see for any visitor to Victoria.
The Arts Centre: The Arts Centre is the cultural hub of Melbourne. You can visit the galleries, theaters, and museums here, or you can simply sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or a cold beer.
Where to stay in Melbourne
Melbourne has a huge selection of hotels and hostels, so it’s easy to find something that suits your needs and budget. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay outside of the city, you might want to consider booking a hotel close to the airport since you’ll be flying out from there.
Please do read our guide on where to stay in Melbourne, so you get an even better idea about the city.
Final Words
We hope that this guide has helped you to plan your trip to the amazing city of Melbourne. There’s so much to do and see here, so we hope that you have time to experience it all. If you follow our tips on how to get there and where to stay, you’ll have a smooth journey and an enjoyable visit.
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.