Melbourne, in the south of Australia, is a stylish city of outstanding restaurants, world-class sporting events and stellar nightlife. Its bustling laneways are perhaps best known for coffee, art and a European atmosphere. There are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets, whether you crave a luxury room with spectacular city views or offbeat boutique digs. If you are in search of upscale accommodations, plenty of 5 star hotels in Victoria are available. These are the best places to stay in Melbourne, from historic hotels to designer bolt holes with rooftop bars.
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1. QT Melbourne, Located in Melbourne's Central Business District
Top Pick For: Artistic Aesthetics
Immerse yourself in the unique charm of QT Melbourne, a hotel that embodies the characteristic energy of Melbourne. Boasting a playful mixture of minimalistic industrial elements and sophisticated furniture designs, this hotel pays homage to the industrious cloth merchants of Flinders Lane from the early 1900s, infused with sparks of "Paris end" Collins Street's French fashion flair. Right in the heart of Melbourne's maze-like lanes, QT offers an optimal location for exploring, street art viewing, and stepping out to the city's trendiest bars, clubs, and eateries, including its own stylish rooftop bar.
Services:
Spa: No
Pool: No
Cost: Moderate
QT Melbourne is known for its amazing cuisines and is just a few steps away from the vibrant Southbank promenade, known for its eclectic dining and entertainment options. The design-oriented ethos of the hotel reflects Melbourne's unique culture and history, giving guests a taste of the city's charm and vibrancy. To experience this urban gem for yourself, book a stay at QT Melbourne.
2. The Windsor Hotel, Heart of the Business District
Most suited for extravagance of yesteryears
Taking pride of place in Melbourne's hotel landscape is the Windsor. This regal Victorian establishment, affectionately referred to as the Spring Street's Duchess, has seen the likes of Margaret Thatcher, Meryl Streep, King George VI, and Muhammad Ali cross its threshold since first welcoming guests in 1883 - even before the esteemed Ritz in London came into existence. What's more, the Australian constitution was scribed within these very walls in 1898. Maintaining its vintage splendor, the hotel immerses its guests into an elegantly nostalgic environment through sumptuous afternoon teas, uniformed doormen, marble-fitted bathrooms, and a dose of the former magnificence. This, complemented by an impeccable service, solidifies its appeal as Melbourne's most prestigious hotel.
Spa FacilitiesNo
Swimming PoolNo
Expense LevelPremium
3. Crown Towers, Southbank's Diamond
An excellent choice for those inclined towards elegant vertical living
Experience the epitome of upscale urban relaxation at Crown Towers, the crème de la crème choice for those desiring the finest in luxurious accommodation. This spectacular high-rise is a winning deal if sophistication is your game. The tower is a gem in the extravagant universe of the Crown Casino & Entertainment Centre, which rules over the southern bank of the Yarra River with consummate style. At Crown Towers, every corner oozes opulence as it stands as the shining star among the array of hotels in the complex.
As a guest, you’ll find the game of chance and melody reverberating from the roulette wheels and DJ decks at the ground floor, operating tirelessly day and night. The riverfront is a live canvas, buzzing with a dynamism that sets the stage for a grand spectacle of fire and light. Yet amidst all this vibrancy, your lavish suite becomes an oasis of tranquility. With silence draping the city underneath and a panoramic view captured by floor-to-ceiling windows, you're guaranteed an undisturbed slumber whenever you desire.
Ultimate pampering is guaranteed with the available spa facilities and swimming pool. While such grandeur comes at a premium price, it’s worth every penny for the unforgettable experience.
SpaYes
PoolYes
PriceHigh tier
Dare to treat yourself? Book your stay here*.
4. The Cullen - An Art Series Hotel, Prahran
Standout Feature: Abundant original art
The Cullen, part of the Art Series, is a unique property in Prahran that pays homage to contemporary Australian art, specifically highlighting the exemplary creations of Sydney-born artist, Adam Cullen. The hallmark characteristics of Cullen’s art—vivacious block backgrounds, striking black outlines, impressively-controlled paint drips, and an audacious mingling of erudite and colloquial humour—are liberally represented across this ultra-modern property. The artistic influence is undeniable, with his original work hung and painted all throughout the glossy precincts.
Despite their suites coming equipped with kitchenettes, the surrounding area offers an irresistible gastronomic charm that’ll steal your every opportunity to cook. Proximity to Chapel Street means that an array of exceptional dining experiences lie within ambulatory reach. A stone's throw from the hotel is Prahran Market, a beloved treasure of Melbourne since 1864. A delightful potpourri of food stalls, vibrant coffee shops and fresh farm produce await your exploration here.
Spa:N
Pool:N
Price:£
5. The Eclectic Ovolo Laneways, Central Business District
Perfect for: Lively Ambiance
The Ovolo Laneways is a unique boutique retreat with an air of relaxed coolness, sitting right in the middle of the city's thrilling pulse. It features a penthouse suite with a private hot tub and a life-sized pinball machine, creating an unforgettable holiday experience. Zac Fendl, an Australian artist, has livened up the modern rooms with pop art, reflecting the hotel's surroundings filled with theatres, restaurants, bars, and vibrant street art. Notably, the suite with two bedrooms offers an ideal accommodation for families.
Guests of this hotel are entitled to a host of complimentary services: Wi-Fi that even the locals envy for its speed, a self-serviced launderette, fitness facility and breakfast. After a long day of exploring the city, guests are invited for a complimentary happy hour with wines and beers. The hotel lobby, reminiscent of a child's dream, is adorned with bowls filled with sweets. And let's not forget about the mini-bars - yes, they are also replenished daily, entirely free of charge.
The Ovolo Laneways doesn't have a spa or pool, however, being located in the Central Business District, guests can find numerous wellness centers within a short walking distance. The price point is moderately set to accommodate travellers of varied budgets.
Get a taste of Melbourne's artistic vibe and book your visit now at the Ovolo Laneways - a destination of its own. Secure your stay*.
6. The Radiant Adelphi Hotel, Central Business District
The ideal location for design enthusiasts
Serving as one of Melbourne's first ever design-focused hotels, the Adelphi is brimming with a concoction of style and capriciousness. Nestled within the shell of an art deco warehouse, it boasts interiors adorned with elements of mid-century modern design and beds so cosy, they make you think of marshmallows. Geometry comes to life with the vividly patterned carpets, an example of the hotel's commitment to attention to detail. A dip in the rooftop pool, reminiscent of David Hockney’s iconic A Bigger Splash painting, lets you escape from the hustle and bustle of city life despite being right above the fashionable Flinders Lane. Each room comes with added perks of a free mini-bar, complimentary movies and wi-fi service.
Spa service: Not available
Pool: Available
Price Range: Moderate
Experience the design marvels of Melbourne with a stay at the Adelphi Hotel.
Book your stay here.
7. The Charm and Elegance of Zagame’s House, Carlton
The Ideal Locale for Italian Ambiance
Zagame’s House in Carlton, nestled among quaint Italian eateries and cafés, is an architectural gem that mirrors the chic elegance of Milan right in Melbourne's Little Italy. While offering 97 tastefully decorated rooms, this sparkling gem of a hotel boasts high-end finishes reminiscent of chic urban living. The interiors are a harmony of greys and plums, adorned with houndstooth furnishings and playful leopard-print cushions, integrating fixtures in copper and black tones.
In addition to its exceptional design aesthetics, it's just a stone's throw away from the vibrant Fitzroy neighborhood, making it an excellent starting point for night expeditions. With locally sourced bottled cocktails at your mini-bar and a gourmet all-night toasted sandwich room service menu, Zagame's House is an exemplar of a luxurious haven in the heart of the city.
Spa facilities: Unavailable
Swimming pool: Unavailable
Rate: £
To ignite your holiday with a splash of Italian flair, consider booking a stay at the magnificent Zarame's House in Carlton. You can do so through the hotel's booking page here*.
8. United Places Botanic Gardens, South Yarra's Hidden Gem
Best known for its cosmopolitan appeal
The United Places Botanic Gardens with its 12 carefully designed suites, aims to marry home comforts with luxury hospitality. Guests get a personal introduction to their accommodations by a dedicated butler within a uniquely asymmetrical and conically hollowed foyer. Truly reflecting South Yarra’s character, a renowned urban village loved for its high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and opulent bars. The location offers a unique experience with the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne at its doorstep. Each suite is tailored with front-facing windows, revealing a pool of green scenery, in specific suites, you relish this splendor from a stylish black bathtub encased behind modishly tinted glass.
Spa: No
Pool : No
Price Range: High
9. The Extravagance of Quincy Hotel, Central Business District
A remarkable standout for its innovative decor
Rising above the city, the 28-tiered Quincy hotel, first of its kind outside Singapore, decorates the Melbourne CBD skyline. The glass-clad exterior encapsulates all you would expect from a five-star luxury high rise including a pool atop the roof, club lounges, and a top-shelf fitness suite. Nonetheless, the interior design is where the place truly shines. With a boutique vibe filled with unconventional colours intended to promote positivity and good luck, the hotel's 241 rooms boast eye-catching jade and blue headboards and salmon-toned bathrooms. Its in-house bars and restaurants are popular for their lively Asian culinary arts and the hotel's exclusive cocktail, the Quincy Sling.
No Spa
Pool Available
Rate£££
10. Art Series: The Chen, Central Business District
Best for rooftop views
This property celebrates the work of the Chinese-born Australian artist Zhong Chen, whose pixel portraits and ink-brush paintings explore the concept of transcultural identity. Fittingly, his namesake hotel offers boutique, contemporary accommodation in Melbourne’s flourishing Box Hill neighbourhood, which is on the rise as the city’s “New Chinatown”. Sleek and minimalist interiors — greyscales punctuated with pastel pinks and blues — act as suitably muted showcases for Chen’s vibrant artworks. There’s also plenty to admire from the rooftop pool and entertainment deck, which has views over Melbourne’s CBD and its surrounding suburbs. Head to the restaurant for some of the city’s best yum cha: a Cantonese brunch of tea and dim sum.
SpaN
PoolY
Price£
11. W Melbourne, The Heart of Melbourne's Central Business District:
A testament to avant-garde aesthetics
Nestled in the architectural marvel that is Melbourne's Central Business District, where historic edifices coalesce with abstract sculptures, W hotel delineates itself as a beacon of defiant opulence. The crown jewel of the Collins Arch precinct, which comes with a whopping price tag of $1.25 billion, W Melbourne presents its patrons with 294 ultramodern guest rooms and suites, top-notch fitness amenities, and a selection of four high-end dining and drinking establishments. Nonetheless, the real 'pièce de résistance' is the hotel's audacious and ground-breaking architectural concept. The entrance is captivatingly graced by impressionist murals, whereas its majestic, future-forward communal zones give you the illusion of walking into an intergalactic shuttle. The bedroom design offers an exploration into an alternate reality, with walls that unfold to reveal concealed luminous fixtures, and areas demarcated by punctured sheet-metal artistry. As a crowning achievement, the indoor pool is topped by an undulating gold ceiling that echoes a sense of fluid luxury.
Spa No
Pool Yes
Price Range High-End*
12. No Hotel, Central Business District
Top choice for Instagram aficionados
Perched atop a bustling city centre carpark, a quintet of gleaming Airstream trailers offer an exceptional boutique lodgings for the selfie lover. Access these stylishly retro aluminium mobile homes via an inconspicuous entrance incongruously marked “NO ENTRY”. These vintage caravans make a majestic sight against the contrasting background of whimsically splotched masonry in hues of violet and a lush, crimson carpet. Each pristine white interior optimises its space with a queen-sized bed, an ensuite bathroom, and a complimentary mini-bar. Opt for an upgraded model, named Airstream With Benefits, to bask in a personal hot tub while gazing over the dynamic Flinders Lane. Plus, complimentary high-speed Internet is available for all guests wanting to share their unusual yet chic experience with their followers.
Spa facilitiesNo
Swimming PoolNo
Rate£££
Embark on an unforgettable journey by booking a stint at this novelle hotel concept Book a stay*.
13. The Prince, St Kilda
Most suited for nightlife enthusiasts
The Prince Hotel situated in St. Kilda, Melbourne's renowned coastal suburb, is a unique blend of charm and excitement. Best known for its bustling nightlife, iconic beachfront music festivals, and nostalgic amusements at Luna Park, St Kilda makes for an enticing stay. The hotel charmingly sits above the Prince Bandroom, a small, yet historically significant music venue that's been graced by names like Lenny Kravitz and the Scissor Sisters.
The allure of Prince Hotel is its unexpected elegance in a typically rock'n'roll environment. The design is vibrant and contemporary, echoing a beachside feel and maintaining the building's original art deco features. The gracefully refined wine bar and restaurant further enhance its appeal. Despite its energetic location, the hotel maintains a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal base for explorations.
Moreover, the hotel's price point offers good value for money, although it lacks certain amenities such as a pool and spa. It offers a unique experience combining history, music, and nightlife into one package.
14. Voco Melbourne Central, in the Heart of the Central Business District
The Perfect Spot for the environmentally-conscious traveller
Carefully situated among Melbourne's fashionable laneways within the unmistakable double-towered, sparkling skyscraper of 380 Melbourne, you'll find the first IHG's custom-built Voco in Australia — the Voco Melbourne Central. This effortlessly chic, 252-room hotel exudes a laidback luxurious vibe that calls to mind a conventional fragrance boutique in Paris, yet uniquely infused with a bird-inspired decor. A myriad of captivating avian artwork, and adorable bird statuettes enrich both the guest rooms and the shared spaces, while lush foliage thrives in the public areas.
Voco Melbourne Central's eco-friendly ethos isn't just limited to these verdant aesthetics, though. In fact, the hotel proudly boasts that its cozy beds are comprised of 100% repurposed materials, with sustainably-sourced cotton used for its sheets. More so, it takes pride in its locally derived menu items in its restaurant, some of which come straight from its rooftop garden, promoting sustainability and local support.
Spa N
Pool Y
Price ££
15. The Impressive Lyall Hotel and Spa, Nestled in South Yarra
An Oasis for Luxury:
The Lyall Hotel and Spa boasts of its status as the sole independently operated five-star property in Melbourne, promising both the sophistication of a deluxe chain and the heartening attention of a homely B&B. Hosting only 40 suites across its three stories, this posh hotel ventures to provide a highly customized and intimate experience for its guests.
This luxurious retreat is tucked into the affluent and green inner-city suburb of South Yarra, a mere 2.5 miles away from Melbourne's bustling central business district. South Yarra is a shopaholic's paradise, peppered with high-end boutiques and it’s a paradise for food and wine connoisseurs, boasting numerous wine bars and gourmet dining options.
The Lyall Hotel and Spa has been lauded for its wellness facilities, acclaimed for its extraordinary spa services. The top-notch spa service coupled with a refreshingly inviting swimming pool make it an idyllic choice for holidaying in Melbourne, regardless of the season.
The pricing is well within the upper mid-range, offering value for money while ensuring a remarkable stay.
Spa: Yes
Pool: Yes
Price bracket: Mid-Upper range
Discover this perfect blend of tranquil luxury and vibrant urban living at The Lyall Hotel and Spa, promising a memorable Melbourne stay.