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.
The hotel’s design is effortlessly cool, featuring dark timber, marble, and brass finishes. You’ll notice the street-art-inspired “Zs” on the exterior and neon signage that perfectly reflects the city’s creative spirit. It is also packed with high-tech touches, such as bathroom mirrors with three light settings and infrared hair tools, ensuring you’re always ready for a night out in the city.
Dining is a major draw here. The ground floor hosts the 1851 Coffee + Kitchen, a nod to the year Carlton was founded, and the Lord Lygon wine shop, which features walls lined with nearly 300 bottles. Whether you’re grabbing a morning açaí bowl or a late-night cocktail, the food and drink options are distinctly Melburnian.
The location is ideal for exploring the best of the city. You are just a short walk from the historic Queen Victoria Market and the world-heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building. With the Melbourne Museum and the State Library of Victoria also nearby, the hotel serves as the perfect base for culture lovers and foodies alike.
Expert reviews
“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.”
“Once a scruffy motel, Zagame’s House has been reborn as a character-filled boutique property that expertly mixes creature comforts and urban vibes. Straddling the border of the city center and Little Italy, the art-strewn hotel attracts an in-the-know crowd that appreciates smart design and proximity to great pizza.”
“Surprises await in this smart motel conversion on the fringe of Melbourne’s central business district. It features on-trend, low-key luxe rooms, a fun lobby café and an innovative in-room dining menu, as well as a roll call of the city’s moody looks.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Boutique style
- Delicious breakfast
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
11 May 2026
Was a luxurious and comfortable room. Were it not for the completely see through bathroom I would stay here often.
This room had the comfiest bed I’ve ever seen experienced in a Melbourne hotel.
Bathroom provides no privacy at all.
11 May 2026
We really love staying at Zagame’s house. It’s stylish, comfortable and a fantastic location.
We like the room and general vibe. The beds are comfy and it’s not noisy.
The tv sound is muffled and the interface and remote are frustrating. We ended up having the volume uncomfortably loud because we couldn’t get subtitles and sound was unclear.
10 May 2026
The only small downside was that there weren’t bikes available for hire or guest use on site, which would have been a fa
We had a wonderful stay at Zagame's House. The location was perfect: close to family, to public transport, the city, and beautiful local parks, which made getting around incredibly easy and enjoyable. The staff were exceptional: warm, responsive, and genuinely helpful with great local recommendations.
We especially appreciated the thoughtful personal message for our anniversary, and surprise upgrade which added such a lovely and memorable touch to our stay. The whole experience felt welcoming, comfortable, and very well cared for.
The only small downside was that there weren’t bikes available for hire or guest use on site, which would have been a fantastic addition given the great nearby parks and surrounding area.
We also felt the parking information on the Booking.com listing could have been clearer, as it reads as though parking is included in the stay price. For transparency’s sake, prospective guests should note that a bond is taken at check-in, with parking costs deducted from that bond at check-out.
10 May 2026
Great location, our fav spot to stay in Carlton
Great location near Lygon St eateries and central to CBD, parks & museums. Comfortable accommodation, modern with all amenities. Fabulous breakfast & coffee.
Nothing
8 May 2026
Perfect stay for business
Outstanding location and facilkities
4 May 2026
short getaway that refreshed
"just go to the restaurant downstairs" usually ends up being a budget experience. Not here, it felt like top notch, classy destination. Comfy rooms, but we were confused and couldn't turn on the AC. Love the shower!
2 May 2026
Excellent spot close to so many things to see and explore and a really comfortable stay
Perfect location, Carlton gardens and state library in walking distance and so much more. The bed was super comfortable. It was really clean and the front desk staff were lovely
The cleaning happened quite late in the day around the time we wanted to come back and relax after a busy half day exploring but we didn’t need it done every day anyway
30 April 2026
A very comfortable and friendly hotel. Good service, nice, welcoming staff, close to the city but not too close. Great f
Lovely boutique style hotel, comfortable bed, nice toiletries, very comfortable.
Nothing, everything was good
29 April 2026
excellent hotel in fab location, great staff, very comfy rooms
everything - staff, location, price and comfort of rooms
nothing! ah - maybe a bit dark in the rooms!
29 April 2026
Super cool stay on Lygon Street
Location, staff and style
Nothing
28 April 2026
Excellent location, excellent hospitality and excellent food
Breakfast was great, with lots of choices. I loved the croissants and fruit.
The meals in the restaurant were magnificent and all staff in all areas were fantastic.
I loved everything, maybe a hand rail in the shower.
27 April 2026
Excellent stay. I would go again!
The decor was fantastic. Very boutique hotel. The rooms were ideal. Beds a great size. Gym was good.
Nothing
26 April 2026
Do not hesitate to stay here! I cannot wait to return!
I love this place! Wonderful location. Very clean. A shout out to Mohi and Tania along with the others at reception who are the best. They provided a high level of service with friendliness, graciousness and professionalism. The rooms are spacious. The breakfast is à la carte and absolutely delicious. The kitchen staff also top notch! Loved the menu selection.
25 April 2026
It was lovely and highly recommend staying at this hotel.
The staff were very friendly and helpful both mornings and very accommodating. Beautifully set up, food was great and relaxing environment.
There is nothing I could recommend for improvement as the front desk staff was great and accommodating with booking my taxi.
21 April 2026
Great place for stay in Melbourne
Great location, comfy bed
20 April 2026
Great place close to the CBD
Rooms are well appointed. They are on the small side but have everything you need. Car parking that close to Melbourne CBD is a big plus for this property and the proximity to great restaurants/cafes.
Rooms on the small side and not the best lighting
20 April 2026
very good value for money clean neat modern and fun
the rooms were clean and super comfortable and quiet. The staff are super helpful.
I think the only thing is if you want to be dead in the centre then this isnt for you. Having said that it is a pleasant walk to cbd. CLose to carlton lygon strip for food choices and bars. Went with my daughter and we liked the vibe as it is close to MRIT
could have been more food choices in the room.
location a bit of a walk say 10 min but hey its great to walk a city to get to know it. very easy for uber drop off and pick ups
20 April 2026
Modern, clean room that was serviced every day. Amongst the Lygon St restaurants.
Great dining room, very relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast was excellent. The bar had a great atmosphere and was well stocked. Great for a nightcap on the way home.
Nil
19 April 2026
Excellent . Preferred location for melbourne visits.
Location and quality wine bar and breakfast
17 April 2026
We will stay here on our Melbourne trips
It’s a fabulous property. Great location. Beds good. Breakfast outstanding.
Rooms very small and no privacy in bathroom.
17 April 2026
Great location. Good food, comfortable, clean and a little bit quirky.
Great location. Right in the heart of some amazing restaurants, spoilt for choice.
Only a 15 minute walk into the CBD and to the Museum.
Great value on-site parking.
Lovely breakfast and great vibe and food in the hotel restaurant.
The bed was super comfy and the bed linen very soft, crisp and clean.
Friendly, helpful staff.
Highly recommend
16 April 2026
Would stay here again in a heartbeat but would upgrade to a bigger room next time to have a more private bathroom.
Loved the location and styling of the room. Bed was amazingly comfy and room had a great ambiance to it with the lighting and colours. Breakfast was absolutely delicious!
The toilet so close to the bed with see through glass was the only downside to our stay.
16 April 2026
Pleasantly surprised with this cool, hip hotel
Amazing deal for breakfast. Cool hotel
Would have been better with More privacy without the glass wall at front of room.
16 April 2026
Enjoyed my stay, happy to return.
My room was very comfortable, and although on a busy street, was quiet due to double glazing. Modern design including plenty of USB charging ports is a plus. Reception staff are very welcoming.
The lighting in the bathroom was fine, but rather dim in the bedroom. It’s nice to have low level mood lighting, but I would like to have the choice to increase the lighting when required. Also lacking a master switch to turn off all the lights from the bed, rather than wandering around trying to find where all the switches are located.
15 April 2026
Comphy and funtional
Location; staff; free loundry machine; modern room equipment; smart room features; cockatoos hanging out on the trees by the window.
some traffic noise, toilet setup (not much separated from the rest of the room)
15 April 2026
pleasant stay with a lovely room. perfect for couples looking to slow down in a busy city.
requested early check in for 9-10am which is surprisingly approved, no waiting required. complimenting luggage storage was available after check out which was helpful.
the location was not the worst but not the greatest - purely based on personal preference. it was a more quiet suburb which made our stay feel a bit boring unless we were bothered to go on a 10 minute walk to the action (difficult because Melbourne weather is freezing….)
13 April 2026
Absolutely making this my fave hotel to stay in Melb from now on!
Lovely design and aesthetic, rooms were spacious and comfortable.
A little dark inside?
13 April 2026
Spacious, comfortable and luxe!
My partner and I stayed at Zagame's for our wedding weekend, nearby to our reception location. The room was spacious, comfortable and felt luxurious - we especially loved the double shower / double sink! It's also in a great location, with a cafe attached for breakfast. We would've liked to stay longer and would love to come back another time.
No notes!
12 April 2026
A gem in Melbourne- our new go to!
Location, spotless, sublime beds, exceptional food & coffee, great gym, funky style.
Leaving
12 April 2026
Excellent surroundings and friendly staff catering for all I required.
The room was very modern and practical.
Breakfast and coffee great.
Very convenient for my business.
Nothing
11 April 2026
Perfect accommodation in a great city with so many options to choose from. Would definitely stay there again.
Funky rooms with everything you need. Quiet, blackout curtains. Fabulous location. Easy walk to Queen Victoria markets, CBD and Carlton. Great restaurants in walking distance too.
Amazing staff, so friendly. Delicious breakfast menu too and Lord Lygons was handy for a night cap.
8 April 2026
Perfect location and modern hotel.
Absolutely brilliant location, the staff were so friendly and kind. The onsite gym was really good for a smaller place. It was extremely good value for money. Loved my stay there. Rooms are soundproofed well so I couldn't hear the street, and slept really well. If I did have my car it would be great to have the onsite parking as well.
7 April 2026
A dream week end over Easter while I was in town for a ballet.
Beautiful lets call it a Boutique hotel located towards the City End of Lygon Street Carlton, Perfect location a short walk into town and another short walk the other way to sample cafes and the Lygon Street Cafe and Restaurant scene.
Staff were exceptionally welcoming and the room I had was comfortable and thoughtful in its lay out with ample room.
I was given a room on the 3rd floor lift access to all floors which was quite and peaceful. Parking is avail for a fee on site.
I liked everything about this hotel with out question.
Oh ! did I mention the fab breakfast in the dining room area of the hotel. It was sensational Eggs Benni on rosti potatoes and great coffee . They have an extensive breakfast menu that just makes your mouth water when you read it.
I did not stay in for Dinner but I am guessing it would be Zagame at its best again.
Everything was perfect something rare these days.
6 April 2026
Had a great stay. We were there for the Comedy Festival, walking distance to dinner and our show
Room was very clean and very cosy. Great central location without being noisy.
Staff were super friendly.
Having to pay for parking.
5 April 2026
Great location, fabulous breakfast, comfortable stay
Really friendly staff, comfy bed, absolutely fabulous breakfast, and really good location
A proper ironing board in the room would be better, as the mini ones they have are much more difficult to use
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shared lounge/TV area
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Fitness
- - Happy hour
Cleaning services
- - Laundry
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Entertainment & family services
- - Board games/puzzles
Parking
- - Accessible parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
Outdoors
- - Outdoor furniture
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered

More photos

12 May 2026
Great spot. Will definitely be back!