Best Hotels in Melbourne

About Melbourne

Melbourne doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It’s a city that asks for your patience, not because it’s unfriendly, but because it hides its best pleasures in plain sight. The laneways hum with coffee grinders and street art, trams clatter down Swanston Street with an oddly soothing rhythm, and hotel lobbies spill soft jazz into the night. The weather shifts as dramatically as the mood of its cafés; one moment sunshine, next a gust that makes you tuck your scarf tighter. Visitors who’ve stayed long enough to understand its rhythm usually describe Melbourne as a place where the urban and the intimate cohabit, where a 5-star suite may sit above a 19th-century pub, and where locals treat a latte like an act of faith. The best hotels in Melbourne mirror that dual nature & old-world charm balanced with a restless appetite for design. The Melbourne hotel scene thrives on subtle differences: a better breakfast spread here, a rooftop plunge pool there, or just a more forgiving front-desk clerk who’ll stretch a checkout time by half an hour.

The city’s heart is the grid around Flinders Street, but its pulse beats through Fitzroy, Southbank, St Kilda, and Carlton. Each neighborhood has its own vocabulary of noise, light, and smell, the toasted sourdough scent from Degraves Street, the ocean salt in St Kilda’s air, the roasted coffee drifting from Prahran Market. For travelers, the biggest gift is choice. Whether it’s luxury hotels in Melbourne or tucked-away boutique stays, the options expand faster than you can compare rates. Still, choosing wisely pays off and yes, akbartravels.com helps when you want to scan Melbourne hotel price comparison tools in one clean view.

Explore the city with expertly crafted Melbourne tour packages from Akbar Travels, offering seamless itineraries that combine city highlights, local stays, and curated experiences for every kind of traveler.

Melbourne Airport Address

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport)
Address: Melbourne Airport VIC 3045, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9297 1600
Email: contact@melbourneairport.com.au
Distance from city center: about 23 km north-west of the CBD
Travel time: roughly 30–35 minutes by taxi; 45 minutes by SkyBus (runs 24 hours).

A small but useful note: taxis charge around AUD 70–80 to the city depending on the hour, and if you land around midnight, the queue can stretch a little. Most hotels in Melbourne near airport offer shuttle pickup if you book a day in advance.

The Best Time to Visit Melbourne

There’s a saying locals repeat: “You can have four seasons before lunch.” It’s not an exaggeration. Melbourne’s weather loves drama. For comfort, the sweet spot lies between March to May and September to November, the air’s crisp, festivals are in full swing, and hotels in Melbourne drop rates slightly before the summer surge.

December through February feels lively but pricier. The Australian Open alone can push tariffs up by 40–60%, and you’ll notice even small 2 star hotel Melbourne listings go fully booked weeks ahead. Winter (June–August) is underrated; fog drifts over the Yarra, and lobbies smell of roasted coffee and leather. It’s a good time to find Cheap hotels in Melbourne with upgraded room categories, especially if you don’t mind layering up.

How to Reach Melbourne

By Air:

Melbourne Airport connects globally and domestically. Direct flights from Singapore, Dubai, and Doha land multiple times daily. Budget carriers use Avalon Airport and about 50 km from the city, so double-check when booking. Pre-book transfers on akbartravels.com if arriving late night; Uber availability dips after 1 a.m.

By Rail:

Southern Cross Station anchors the rail network. V/Line trains from Sydney and Adelaide arrive here. If staying near the station, look for hotels in Melbourne near railway station such as the Great Southern Hotel or Batman’s Hill, both handy for early departures.

By Road:

The Hume Highway links Melbourne to Sydney in about 9 hours’ drive. For scenic routes, the Great Ocean Road remains unmatched with rugged cliffs, seaside towns, and occasional wild kangaroo sightings. Road travelers often stay overnight in Geelong or Lorne before rolling into the city.

Things to Do in Melbourne

• Federation Square – Central meeting spot with art galleries and outdoor screenings.
• Royal Botanic Gardens – Expansive, tranquil gardens with lakeside walks.
• Queen Victoria Market – Historic market buzzing with produce, crafts, and banter.
• Eureka Skydeck – Observation deck offering unmatched sunset views of the skyline.
• Hosier Lane – Melbourne’s famous graffiti laneway, a canvas that changes weekly.
• St Kilda Beach – Iconic stretch with sunsets, penguins, and rollerbladers.
• Flinders Street Station – The city’s postcard face; best seen at dusk.
• Shrine of Remembrance – Panoramic view of the city framed in solemn beauty.
• Yarra River Cruise – Relaxed glide past Southbank’s glitter and bridges.
• National Gallery of Victoria – Australia’s oldest public art museum

Tiny note: late afternoons at Queen Vic Market mean bargain time, vendors drop prices by 25–40% just before closing.

Shopping in Melbourne

The city’s retail rhythm swings between heritage arcades and modern precincts.
A few favorites:

1. Emporium Melbourne – For big brands in a sleek maze-like mall.
2. Melbourne Central – Great mix of local boutiques and high-street names.
3. Collins Street – The “Paris end” for luxury fashion houses.
4. Queen Victoria Market – Still unbeatable for local crafts.
5. Chadstone Shopping Centre – The largest in the Southern Hemisphere; wear good shoes.
6. The Block Arcade – Old-world charm, mosaics, and coffee at Hopetoun Tea Rooms.
7. Bourke Street Mall – Heart of the CBD shopping strip.
8. Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – Eclectic thrift and designer mix.
9. Prahran Market – Gourmet groceries and spice stalls.
10. South Melbourne Market – Fresh seafood, especially oysters by the dozen.
11. DFO South Wharf – For discounted designer outlets.
12. Camberwell Sunday Market – Vintage treasures and oddities.

Famous Restaurants in Melbourne

Food here is a religion. Every laneway hides something worthy.

1. Chin Chin – Noisy, colorful, consistently good Thai fusion.
2. Vue de Monde – Fine dining with skyline views.
3. Cumulus Inc. – Contemporary dining that nails breakfast.
4. Flower Drum – Legendary Cantonese institution.
5. Attica – Experimental Australian ingredients at their most refined.
6. Hardware Société – French breakfast haven tucked in a laneway.
7. Movida – Spanish tapas that defined a decade.
8. Supernormal – Japanese-inspired dishes with attitude.
9. Grossi Florentino – Italian grandeur in gilt interiors.
10. Lune Croissanterie – Worth the queue, truly.
11. Higher Ground – Industrial-chic coffee palace.
12. D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar – Italian simplicity done right.
13. Tipo 00 – Pasta magic.
14. Sunda Dining – Innovative Southeast Asian twist.
15. Ezard – Subtle fusion, calm ambience.

Brief aside: ask for “long black” coffee, not “Americano.” Locals care about that.

Popular Hotels in Melbourne

Here’s the spectrum that defines hotels in Melbourne: polished, practical, and occasionally eccentric.

1. The Langham Melbourne – Plush riverside classic, known for afternoon tea.
2. Crown Towers – Glittering luxury with one of the city’s largest spas.
3. The Westin Melbourne – Steps from Federation Square, refined and quiet.
4. QT Melbourne – Playful design, rooftop bar with stellar city views.
5. Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Stately, perfect for business travelers.
6. Hotel Windsor – Vintage charm meets royal treatment.
7. Ovolo Laneways – Quirky décor and complimentary minibar.
8. Novotel Melbourne on Collins – Solid mid-range pick in the thick of the action.
9. Crown Metropol – Sleek rooms, infinity pool with skyline reflection.
10. Brady Hotel Central Melbourne – Compact, efficient, and well-located.
11. The Jazz Corner Hotel – Great vibe, next to Queen Vic Market.
12. Treasury on Collins – Heritage elegance, quiet corner charm.
13. Pegasus Apart’Hotel – Good for families with kitchenettes.
14. Space Hotel – Smart, social, budget-friendly.
15. Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens – Reliable service, leafy outlook.

akbartravels.com is handy to check current Melbourne hotel prize shifts during events, especially Grand Prix week when rates spike 30%.

Popular Resorts in Melbourne

1. Werribee Mansion Hotel & Spa – Victorian grandeur, gardens, and peacocks.
2. Woodman Estate – Lakeside peace an hour from CBD.
3. Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley – Vineyard views and a relaxed spa.
4. Lindenderry Red Hill – Elegant country retreat near wineries.
5. The Sebel Yarrawonga – Waterfront, golf, and lazy brunches.
6. Cleveland Winery – Rustic yet comfortable, excellent cellar door.
7. Cape Schanck Resort – Ocean air and golf greens.
8. RACV Healesville Country Club – Family-friendly in Yarra Ranges.
9. The Lake House, Daylesford – Culinary destination with tranquil spa.
10. Mornington Peninsula Resort – Sea breezes and spa indulgence.
11. Peppers Moonah Links – Golf and hot springs nearby.
12. Flinders Hotel – Seaside escape with a local heart.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

The best places to stay in Melbourne depend on what you crave.

• For first-timers, CBD offers walking access to landmarks.
• For nightlife and waterfront views, Southbank wins hands down.
• Fitzroy and Collingwood appeal to creative souls; murals, microbreweries, and indie hotels in Melbourne dot every corner.
• Families often prefer Docklands for its open spaces and serviced apartments.
• For sand and sunsets, St Kilda gives hotels in Melbourne near beach vibes with penguins at dusk.

Avoid last-minute bookings on Friday nights, the city fills fast with local staycations.

Places to Stay in Melbourne Near Popular Attractions

• Near Federation Square – The Westin Melbourne, Hotel Lindrum.
• Near Queen Victoria Market – The Jazz Corner Hotel, Pegasus Apart’Hotel.
• Near Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – Pullman Melbourne on the Park.
• Near St Kilda Beach – The Prince Hotel, Rydges St Kilda.
• Near Docklands – Four Points by Sheraton, Peppers Docklands.
• Near Flinders Street Station – Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne.

Booking via akbartravels.com can reveal surprise discounts for hotels in Melbourne near railway station, especially on weekday stays.

Budget Hotels in Melbourne

Budget doesn’t mean bland. Some cheaper stays surprise with warmth and personality.

• Space Hotel – Clean dorms and private rooms, rooftop hot tub.
• City Tempo Apartments – Functional kitchenette setups, great for longer stays.
• Brady Hotels Jones Lane – Compact but modern.
• Hotel Sophia – Walkable to Southern Cross Station.
• Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD – Straightforward and central.
• ibis Styles Kingsgate – Older building, fair rates.
• Miami Hotel Melbourne – Homely with a friendly café.

For travelers calculating tariffs, akbartravels.com displays Melbourne hotel price comparison charts in real-time, very helpful if chasing the cheapest hotel in Melbourne for a night or two.

Melbourne Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 star hotels in Melbourne – Crown Towers, The Langham, Grand Hyatt, Sofitel.
• 4 star hotels – Novotel, QT Melbourne, Ovolo Laneways.
• 3 star hotels – Ibis Melbourne, Travelodge Docklands.
• 2 star hotel Melbourne – City Centre Budget Hotel, Hotel Claremont Guesthouse.

Odd quirk; star rating here doesn’t always equal experience. Some 3-star properties punch above their class due to location or charm.

Best Hotels in Melbourne Based on Location

• CBD: The Westin, Grand Hyatt, Treasury on Collins.
• Southbank: Crown Metropol, Langham Melbourne.
• Docklands: Peppers Docklands, Four Points.
• Fitzroy: The Nunnery, Ovolo.
• St Kilda: The Prince, Rydges St Kilda.
• Carlton: Zagame’s House, Best Western Plus.

The Melbourne famous hotels like The Windsor or The Langham rarely disappoint, though their policies can feel slightly formal; jackets preferred in some lounges

Family-Friendly Hotels in Melbourne

Traveling with family means balancing comfort with convenience.
Some reliable picks:

• Pegasus Apart’Hotel – Spacious, with kitchenettes.
• Crown Promenade – Pools and kid-friendly dining.
• Oaks Melbourne on Market – Suites for long stays.
• Novotel on Collins – Central and safe.
• Quest Docklands – Serviced apartments near trams.
• Holiday Inn Express Southbank – Value, breakfast included.

Book early during school holidays; rates climb around +25%.

Melbourne Hotels Tariff

Rates swing with season and events.
Here’s an average ballpark (in AUD):

• Luxury hotels in Melbourne: 400–800 per night.
• Mid-range hotels in Melbourne: 180–300 per night.
• Cheap hotels in Melbourne: 100–160 per night.
• Hotel apartments in Melbourne: 200–350 per night depending on size.

During Formula 1 Grand Prix, tariffs surge up to 70%. Booking through akbartravels.com a month ahead often secures steadier deals; Tuesday or Wednesday bookings tend to yield the lowest rates due to midweek cancellations.

Melbourne Travel Tips

1. Book flights early: Melbourne flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Melbourne well in advance about 6–8 weeks is the sweet spot.

2. Carry a Myki card: It’s your ticket to trams, trains, and buses. The CBD tram zone is free, so you’ll save a few dollars daily.

3. Expect quick weather shifts: Locals joke about four seasons in a day. Keep a light jacket and umbrella in your day bag.

4. Walk the laneways: Melbourne hides its best cafés, murals, and small bars in alleys like Hosier Lane and Degraves Street, never sticking to the main roads.

5. Try coffee seriously: Skip the big chains. Order a “flat white” or “magic” from spots like Patricia Coffee Brewers or Dukes Coffee Roasters.

6. Plan around events: Room rates jump up to 50% during the Australian Open, Grand Prix, and AFL Finals. Check hotel prices before confirming dates.

7. Book hotels midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often bring the best hotel rates, weekends get crowded with weddings and local staycations.

8. Carry a reusable bottle: Tap water is safe and fresh. Refill stations are scattered through the CBD.

9. Use trams smartly: The free tram zone covers Docklands to Spring Street; step off before the boundary to avoid unnecessary fares.

10. Mind tipping etiquette: No obligation, but rounding up or leaving 10% for great service feels polite.

11. Dress in layers: Air-conditioning indoors can feel chilly, even in summer, locals master the scarf-and-tee combo.

12. Visit markets late: Queen Victoria Market vendors slash prices 30–40% near closing; great time for local cheese or souvenirs.

13. Try day trips: Don’t miss the Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley wineries & both are reachable in a day with early starts.

14. Stay connected: Public Wi-Fi is strong around Federation Square, but download offline maps before heading into suburbs.

15. Check airport transfers: The SkyBus runs every 10 minutes to Southern Cross Station; taxis cost roughly AUD 70–80, so plan your arrival time wisely.

Apply for your Australia visa online easily through Akbar Travels, with quick processing, guided documentation, and reliable support from start to approval.