A go-to list of Melbourne's best accommodation

From chic boutique hotels in the ‘burbs to quirky stays in the city and dreamy cottage conversions, here are some of Melbourne’s best accommodations.

Melbourne’s accommodation scene is as satisfyingly multifaceted as the city itself. Whether you’re after something totally unconventional in the belly of the CBD, a kid-friendly joint on the cusp of the city limits, your own private penthouse on one of the inner suburbs’ most prized streets, or an airport hotel with cutting-edge facilities, Victoria’s capital delivers.

If sifting through the glut of great options gives you a headache, then consider this shortlist your shortcut.

At a glance

Best hotel: Hyde Melbourne Place
Best caravan park: BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
Best holiday home: Penthouse on Gertrude with private rooftop terrace
Best airport hotel: Novotel Melbourne Airport

Hotels

1. Hyde Melbourne Place

rooftop restaurant and bar MidAir at Hyde Melbourne Place — Unrivalled city views from the rooftop restaurant and bar, MidAir at Hyde Melbourne Place. (Image: Kate Shanasy)

The newest darling of Melbourne’s hotel scene, this design-focused five-star address is the opposite of cookie-cutter. Expect rooms injected with plenty of character and warmth, with little expense spared, and natural materials taking centre stage: frette linens, marble bathrooms, leather headboards, custom-made jarrah wood furniture, brass fixtures, plus artwork from emerging Aussie artists.

The rooftop restaurant and bar MidAir is quite the sight, with two oculi, rendered from the red brick facades, framing the resplendent city views. While down on ground level at restaurant Marmelo , it’s the woodfired Portuguese dishes that do all the talking.

2. Zagame’s House

bathroom with a sink and a mirror at Zagame’s House, Melbourne accommodation — Each suite is exquisitely appointed with luxe bathrooms. (Image: Zagame’s House)

This boutique bolthole promises chic, modern rooms in Melbourne’s Little Italy, with plenty of personality layered throughout every space. It’s just a stone’s throw from all the action of the CBD, yet still firmly ensconced within the laidback village vibes of Carlton.

There are five different room types to choose from, with rooms sleeping a maximum of three; some are also pup-friendly. Guests can access a fitness centre, an on-site restaurant and bar, and make use of room service.

3. Hotel No

view from the top of the chrome airstream trailers at Hotel No, Melbourne accommodation — The adults-only hotel features six chrome Airstream trailers. (Image: Scott Hunter)

If only off-kilter accommodation appeals, then this is the perfect spot for you. Hotel No (formerly ‘Notel’) is slap bang in the centre of the city, and hidden in plain sight atop an otherwise unremarkable car park. There are just six ‘rooms’ at this Melbourne address, each contained within a polished 70s chrome Airstream trailer, framed by a red carpet and a brick wall that’s been spray-painted pink for a backdrop.

As you might expect, the interiors are a little limited size-wise, though they’re pretty aesthetically pleasing. Inside, you’ll find a queen-sized bed with organic bamboo sheets, an ensuite with a powerful full-height shower, a minibar stocked with complimentary local bevvies, and an iPad preloaded with Netflix.

4. The Interlude

the rustic bedroom interior of The Interlude, Melbourne accommodation — The Interlude is an exciting recent addition to Melbourne’s accommodation offering. (Image: The Interlude)

One of the most exciting newcomers on the Melbourne hotel scene, The Interlude seamlessly merges heritage and style. Housed within the original bluestone walls and vaulted red brick ceilings of the former Pentridge Prison, this luxury Coburg hotel has just 19 suites, each one composed of multiple interconnecting prison cells. Vibrant pops of colour (teal, plum, mustard yellow) adorn the private and public spaces, which are lined with plush furnishings and ambient recessed lighting.

The amenities here are notable too, from a produce-driven hatted restaurant to a sultry wine bar in a dramatic cavern-like space, not to mention a subterranean lap pool.

5. The StandardX

the public lounge inside The StandardX, Melbourne accommodation — The StandardX offers visitors an elevated stay in the CBD. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)

Ever lively Fitzroy, long a must-visit neighbourhood, finally features a proper hotel of its own. The StandardX is the Aussie debut for international boutique brand The Standard Hotels, open since mid-2024.

The property’s strikingly stark rusted exterior, designed by Woods Bagot, gives way to much softer interiors: a palette of neutrals with the odd fleck of colour, an eclectic but harmonious mix of custom-made furniture and antique pieces that suits the local neighbourhood’s bohemian vibe through and through.

Camping/Caravan Parks

6. BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park

the cabin exterior at BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park, Melbourne accommodation — BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation options, from pet-friendly villas to spacious caravan sites.

Hidden away in Melbourne’s inner north, this BIG4 holiday park is only nine clicks north of the CBD, but it’s also near some of the city’s most vibrant and happening suburbs: the bars, boutiques and restaurants of Preston, Northcote, Thornbury and Brunswick are all within a 15-minute drive too.

There’s a range of accommodation on-site – from three-bedroom villas that sleep up to eight and one-bedroom spa cottages through to powered and ensuite caravan and camping sites – and a host of amenities too. Think a solar-heated swimming pool, an outdoor spa that’s heated year-round, an indoor gym, an indoor and outdoor kids playground, a games room for the bigger kids, and a movie room.

7. Discovery Parks Melbourne

a cosy cabin at Discovery Parks Melbourne — Discovery Parks Melbourne features cabins to suit all budgets. (Image: Discovery Parks Melbourne)

Located in Melbourne’s inner west, this Braybrook holiday park is a 30-minute drive from the CBD, and a 10-minute drive from Footscray, a diverse, up-and-coming suburb that’s known for its global food scene.

Guests at Discovery Parks Melbourne can make use of an outdoor pool, a games room, and a sizeable outdoor playground. There’s an array of different cabins on offer, from budget through to standard, superior and a bit more of a swish ‘deluxe’ option.

8. BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park

the BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park, Melbourne accommodation — BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park is a great basecamp for nature-loving families.

A clean and quiet park on the edge of the city, the BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park is a good jumping-off point for the eastern green belt that includes the Dandenong Ranges and the wider Yarra Valley. Though it features all the mod cons you’ll need, this park is better suited to couples and groups rather than families, offering fewer facilities than the other caravan parks mentioned here.

9. BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park

On the southernmost city periphery, BIG4 Frankston Holiday Park is a great shout for those who want to prioritise lazy days on the Mornington Peninsula, but dabble in a bit of city sightseeing too. From here, it’s less than a 15-minute drive to great local beaches (Seaford Beach is one of the best-kept local secrets and boasts a great cafe hidden among the dunes), plus there’s a laundry list of scenic wineries within a 30-minute radius. The CBD, meanwhile, is 70 minutes away by train.

This Melbourne caravan park is also hyper kid-friendly: you’ll find a custom-made 74 metre pump track, a giant jumping pillow, a solar-heated outdoor pool, a games room, a tennis court, a TV room, a basketball court, and pedal karts for hire here.

Holiday homes and Airbnbs

10. Penthouse on Gertrude with private rooftop terrace

the private rooftop terrace at Penthouse on Gertrude, Melbourne accommodation — Soak up killer views from the private rooftop terrace at Penthouse on Gertrude.

With its blend of independent boutiques, stylish eateries, and laid-back charm, Gertrude Street in Fitzroy is easily one of Melbourne’s premier strips. And at this Melbourne Airbnb , you can stay right in the thick of it. The standout feature at this artfully decorated penthouse is arguably the private rooftop terrace, which offers killer views of many Melbourne landmarks. But the huge open-plan living and dining area is also of note. And the recently renovated kitchen, with its navy cabinetry, pendant LED light, and handmade Moroccan tiles, might just tempt you to ditch dinner plans and cook at ‘home’ instead.

11. Beautifully curated 2-bedroom home

a 2-bedroom home with a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Melbourne accommodation — The 100-year-old semi-detached workers’ cottage comes complete with a fireplace.

In the beloved inner-city suburb of South Melbourne lies this dreamy cottage , complete with a white picket fence. Appearances can be deceiving, though. While this 100-year-old semi-detached workers’ cottage features an original fireplace and arched hallway, the building adjoins a thoroughly modern extension, where six-metre-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow light to pour in. The interiors look as though they’ve been plucked straight from a magazine, all blousy linens layered with plush throws and scatter cushions in soft earthy shades.

12. Bright 1B West Melbourne apt w free parking #3

panoramic city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of Bright 1B West Melbourne apt w free parking #3 Airbnb — The floor-to-ceiling windows put a spotlight on the city.

Gorge on panoramic views of the city skyscrapers’ twinkling lights from the curved floor-to-ceiling windows of this slick West Melbourne apartment . A one-bed, one-bath city crash pad, furnished with a white, grey and cream colour palette, it also offers guests complimentary access to an indoor lap pool and a gym as well as an underground car space.

13. Two Bedr Art Deco Flat – East Melb – 5min to MCG

scenic views from the Two Bedr Art Deco Flat with hot air balloons and lush greenery in the background — Base yourself in East Melbourne at this art deco apartment.

A true home from home, this cosy corner apartment is located in one of the city’s most prestigious suburbs. Historic, leafy and tranquil East Melbourne is right on the city fringe, only a ten-minute walk to the CBD and a five-minute stroll to the MCG. This two-bedroom Airbnb is furnished with mid-century modern finds, brimming with greenery, and set within a charming red-brick art deco building.

Guests will also find a well-equipped kitchen, a PS4 and record player, blackout blinds for a restful sleep, and a lovely little balcony that overlooks a local park

14. 7m ceiling 1888 Heritage warehouse loft Middle CBD

inside the 7m ceiling 1888 Heritage warehouse loft Middle CBD, Melbourne accommodation — The Melbourne CBD loft features sleek, contemporary design.

Modern, minimalist, monochrome and a little bit quirky, this Melbourne CBD loft is housed within a converted warehouse that dates back to the 1880s. Situated next to pedestrianised Hardware Lane — awash with cafes, bars and restaurants — this little city bolthole offers a pretty premium location.

The bathroom and kitchen are both sleekly refurbished contemporary spaces, covered in marble and featuring all the mod cons you could need, while the bedroom consists of little more than a queen-sized poster bed that sits on the mezzanine floor.

Airport accommodation

15. Novotel Melbourne Airport

the view of airport runway at Novotel Melbourne Airport — Novotel Melbourne Airport is a short walk from terminals one to four.

It’s a Novotel, but not as you know it… Open since mid-2024, this property is part of a dual-branded hotel development with the ibis Styles Melbourne Airport (a self-proclaimed ‘premium economy’ hotel). The main building is an otherwise unremarkable L-shaped design, but it’s fronted by a dramatic bronze structure designed by esteemed local firm Fender Katsalidis to resemble an aircraft wing. Inside this ‘aerofoil’, you’ll find a hub of amenities, from co-working lounges and bookable meeting rooms to a heated indoor pool, an infrared sauna, a spa, and three restaurants/bars.

The rooms offer a minimalist canvas, with white linens and light walls against an abstract black and grey carpet inspired by the Great Ocean Road, and forest green accents.

It’s a short walk (5-10 minutes) from terminals one to four, though there’s also a complimentary shuttle bus.

16. PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport

the room at PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport with runway views — Pass the time with views of the runway. (Image: PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport)

If you were any closer to the airport you’d be on the tarmac. The PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport is located opposite terminals two and three, which are accessible via a covered skybridge, and some of the rooms offer runway views to boot.

This grand dame of airport hotels received a welcome facelift in 2024, and now features bright and cleanly styled interiors, with a pared-back vibe and a few licks of primary colours that combine to offer a fresh feel for weary travellers. The common areas (a bar, a restaurant, the lobby) are now all rather schmick and inviting too.

Between 7am and 7pm, you can access accommodation by the hour to rest and recharge between flights, with access to all the hotel’s facilities, including a gym and an indoor pool.

17. Quest Melbourne Airport

the apartment interior at Quest Melbourne Airport, Melbourne accommodation — Quest Melbourne Airport is a short but convenient drive away from the airport. (Image: Supplied)

Unlike the other options listed here, it’s a short drive from the airport to these serviced apartments (studios, plus one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with balconies). Expect fully equipped kitchen facilities in every room, and access to laundry facilities, a gym, and a grab-and-go pantry.

18. Lancemore Crossley St.

the two-bedroom suite with terrace at Lancemore Crossley St. Melbourne — Book a two-bedroom suite with a terrace. (Image: Lancemore Crossley St.)

Staying true to the city’s artistic flair, the 113 art-filled rooms in Lancemore Crossley St. are oozing charm and character. Choose from six distinct room types, each meticulously curated with Hunter Lab amenities, signature L.M. beds, and contemporary artworks from emerging artists.

Centrally located between the Paris end of Bourke Street and the East End Theatre District, the stylish new stay is within walking distance to Chinatown and some of the absolute best restaurants in Melbourne. Finish your day with Happy Hour by the firepit on the Rooftop Terrace, while taking in sweeping city views.

Wind through fern tunnels, stop for a wine in a tram bar, or chase giant murals across the wheatbelt. These drives and rides prove Victoria’s best stories are found off the straight and narrow.

There’s something unmistakably Australian about a road trip: car packed, playlist on, landscapes shifting. Travelling down the highway toward Healesville, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley , the mountains rise, flanking me on both sides. I feel its embrace, a silent invitation to explore what lies beyond.

Moss-covered embankments rise on either side, and towering mountain ash trees form a green tunnel overhead. Road signs warn of wombats and cyclists but with giant ferns lining the roadside, the landscape feels prehistoric, as if a dinosaur might suddenly emerge. This, the Black Spur , is one of my favourite road trips.

The Black Spur

Location: Yarra Ranges
Duration: 30 kilometres / 30 minutes

The Black Spur is short compared to other Victorian road trips, just 30 kilometres, stretching from Healesville to Narbethong. But what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in scenery. Just outside Healesville, Maroondah Dam offers bushwalks and scenic views. However, if pressed for time, Selover’s Lookout is an easy roadside stop offering uninterrupted views of the dam.

In Narbethong, close to the Marysville’s snowfield, is the Black Spur Inn , a charming double-storey brick hotel that’s been welcoming travellers since 1863. Here, diners cosy up by the roaring fire or gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows, imagining horse-drawn coaches carrying hopeful gold seekers to the eastern goldfields.

Victoria’s Silo Art Trail

Location: Various towns across the Wimmera Mallee region
Duration: More than 200 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days

What began as a way to draw travellers back into town bypassed by highways – places such as Nullawil, Sea Lake and Patchewollock – has grown into a celebrated outdoor art movement. The Silo Art Trail now includes 23 silos, each transformed with large-scale mural portraits sharing local stories, celebrating community heroes, Indigenous history, farming life, or regional identity.

The Nullawil silo, for example, is a portrait of a local farmer in a chequered flannelette shirt alongside his loyal kelpie, painted by artist Sam Bates (AKA Smug). And the silos at Albacutya in the Grampians, painted by artist Kitt Bennett, depict her joyful memories of growing up in the countryside. Many of the murals sit right in the heart of small towns, such as Rochester and St Arnaud , making them perfect spots to pause for a country pub meal or something sweet from a local bakery.

Metung to Mallacoota

Location: Gippsland
Duration: Approximately 220 kilometres / 4 hours

The Gippsland Lakes are a much-loved holiday spot in Victoria, but road-tripping further east reveals much more. Begin in Metung and time your visit with the monthly farmers’ market, or simply linger over lunch on the lawn of the Metung Hotel. Twenty minutes away is Lakes Entrance , where you can watch the fishing boats return with their catch.

Lakes Entrance. (Image: Visit Victoria/Iluminaire Pictures)

Continue to Marlo, where the Snowy River spills into the sea, and Cape Conran for its many beaches and walks. If needing to stretch your legs, Croajingolong National Park is home to the historic Point Hicks Lighthouse and the Wilderness Coast Walk. Birdwatching and rainforest trails near Bemm River are worth a pit stop before arriving in Mallacoota, where the forest meets the sea.

Great Ocean Road

Location: South-west Victoria, from Torquay to Allansford
Duration: Approximately 250 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days

Victoria’s most famous road trip delivers it all: world-class surf breaks, rainforest walks, clifftop lookouts and wildlife encounters. The journey begins in Torquay, the state’s surf capital, then hugs the coast past Anglesea and Lorne to Apollo Bay, before curving inland through the lush rainforest of the Otways. Stop at Cape Otway Lightstation or take to the treetops at Otway Fly.

Between Cape Otway and Port Campbell lies the most photographed stretch – seven of the Twelve Apostles still standing, alongside the golden cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge. Further west, Warrnambool is a winter whale-watching hotspot, before the road winds to Port Fairy, a charming fishing village of whalers’ cottages, walking trails and offshore seal colonies further along the coast.

Bellarine Taste Trail

Terindah Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Location: Bellarine Peninsula
Duration: Approximately 80 kilometres / 2–3 hours

The Bellarine Taste Trail is a feast for the senses, winding through coastal towns, past boutique wineries and artisan producers. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure style trail – simply grab a map and build your own delicious journey.

You might wander historic, seafront Queenscliff, sip wine in a converted tram bar at Terindah Estate , sample a locally distilled whisky at The Whiskery in Drydale or pick up a jar of honey at Wattle Grove in Wallington. Seafood lovers can head to Portarlington, famous for its mussels. Eat them fresh at local restaurants or head out on the water with Portarlington Mussel Tours.

O’Keefe Rail Trail – Bendigo to Heathcote

Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Location: Central Victoria
Duration: Approximately 50 kilometres / 4 hours cycling

Travellers first journeyed between Heathcote and Bendigo in 1888, when the railway line was built to link the towns. Trains stopped running in 1956, but today the route has a new life as the O’Keefe Rail Trail . The path is mostly level for easy riding, and along the way you’ll cycle past bushland, waterways and reserves. There are plenty of places to picnic, birdwatch, and if you’re lucky, spot a platypus.

The trail is well supported with water stations, bike repair points, shelters, and signage. Axedale makes a great halfway stop, with the pretty Campaspe River Reserve for a rest and local cafes for refuelling. Begin in Heathcote, known for its wineries and cafes, or in Bendigo, which is easily reached by train from Melbourne/Naarm. Shorter sections, such as Heathcote to Axedale, are also popular.

Goldfields Track – Ballarat to Bendigo

Location: Central Victoria
Duration: Approximately 210 kilometres / 2–3 days cycling

The Goldfields Track traces a route once so rich in gold it made Melbourne one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Starting at Mt Buninyong, south of Ballarat, the trail leads mountain cyclists and walkers north through Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine before finishing in Bendigo. Along the way, you’ll encounter granite outcrops, eucalypt forests, rolling farmland and remnants of the region’s mining past.

As it passes through the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the track shares gold rush history and Indigenous stories brought to life by interpretive signs. Walk or ride the full trail or choose from one of its three distinct sections. With cosy stays, cafes and pubs, it’s easy to mix wilderness with comfort.

18 of the best accommodation in Melbourne