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22 of the best accommodation in Melbourne

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: The Ritz Carlton, Melbourne
Best caravan park: BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
Best holiday home: Penthouse on Gertrude with private rooftop terrace
Best airport hotel: Novotel Melbourne Airport

Best Melbourne hotels

1.  The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

A modern room at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
East-facing rooms boast spectacular views out to the ocean.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is tucked into the heart of the city’s central business district, near the Yarra River and Southbank arts precinct, and is the tallest hotel in Australia.

Melbourne-based architecture firm Cottee Park and Melbourne interior design firm BAR Studio were called upon to create this sleek hotel, featuring a quilted facade of glass and metal and a contemporary interior with a distinctly Melbourne feel that nods to the city’s architectural heritage and cosmopolitan spirit. While the entrance is at ground level, the main Sky Lobby and reception are on Level 80, a layout that’s common in Tokyo hotels and one that ensures every guest begins their stay on a high note.

We recommend booking into the Victoria Harbour King Room for a walk-in wardrobe, floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious bathroom all wrapped up in understated luxury elevated by gold accents. Make sure to pop into the Club Lounge for bubbles and nibbles with 180-degree vistas, and visit modern Australian restaurant Atria for a decadent seafood splurge perfect for special occasions.

2. Hannah St Hotel

Hannah St Hotel's Lookout Corner Suite
The French and Italian-style interiors at Hannah St Hotel were designed by Flack Studio.

Located in Southbank, Hannah St Hotel is one of Melbourne’s hottest new hotels, bringing a richly layered design language and streetside coffee shop to boot.

The 188-room hotel is part of Collection by TFE Hotels and opened in December 2025. Ranging in size from 29 to 58 square metres – from bijou Local rooms and Balcony Terrace rooms through to the ultimate Hannah Suite – the rooms feature custom furniture, Malin + Goetz amenities, smart TVs, bespoke robes and slippers, and skyline views.

For the design, Flack Studio drew on a diverse set of influences – from French Modernism and mid-century Italy to American Deco and the Industrial Revolution – to create a one-off design that embodies Melbourne’s layered spirit. It’s grit and glamour and vintage-style signage flickering neon.

3. 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)

A new 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.

4. Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins' new suites are residential-style retreats.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins balcony
The Solitaire Suite boasts a spectacular skyline terrace.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins
Bed down in unrivalled comfort.

If you appreciate contemporary luxury infused with Melbourne’s bold creative spirit, Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins is well worth discovering. While the hotel offers four room categories each promising a sophisticated stay inspired by the character and culture of the city below, the new Bijou and Solitaire Suites – launched in February 2026 – are the stealing the spotlight.

Spanning an impressive 86 square metres, the suites are designed as residential-style sanctuaries above one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, Little Collins Street. Blending thoughtful design, premium comfort and an unbeatable CBD location, they offer the perfect setting for both short city escapes and extended stays.

Inside, guests can enjoy apartment-style living complete with a super-king bedroom, separate lounge and kitchen, curated local artwork and elegant Georg Jensen accessories. The standout Solitaire Suite also features a generous 20.5-square-metre private balcony with skyline views and a striking circular bath, creating a stay that feels equal parts boutique hotel and luxury city residence.

5. 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.

6. The Royce Hotel

The Terrace at The Royce Hotel Melbourne
Indulge in a lavish breakfast at The Terrace.

The Royce sits on St Kilda Road and is a perfect base for those wanting the city at their doorstep without the noise. When trying to encapsulate the glamorous Art Deco aesthetic and ambience, it can be easy for venues to tip into looking a bit gimmicky. The Royce doesn’t have that problem.

The building, which was originally designed in 1928 by Art Deco architect Harry Norris, has a rich motor history that has been celebrated in both its name and design. Once the home of Rolls-Royce in Melbourne, the accommodation received a refresh by renowned design firm SJB, which they completed in 2023.

The hotel’s latest iteration pays homage to its Art Deco heritage and the prestigious showroom via tiered chandeliers, a huge marble fireplace, a sweeping staircase, chrome ballroom panels, the loft mechanic workshops and the illuminated porte-cochère. There are 94 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites at The Royce, which range from intimate King Rooms to the ultra-luxe The Royce Suite. On-site dining venues Showroom Bar and The Terrace make for a delightful offering.

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7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

Best camping/caravan parks in Melbourne

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

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15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

Best Melbourne airport accommodation

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

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Chloe Cann
Chloe Cann is an award-winning freelance travel and food writer, born in England, based in Melbourne and Roman by adoption. Since honing her skills at City St George's, University of London with a master's degree in journalism, she's been writing...
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Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and...
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Imogen Eveson is Australian Traveller’s Print Editor. She was named Editor of the Year at the 2024 Mumbrella Publish Awards and in 2023, was awarded the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) Australia’s Media Award. Before joining Australian...
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How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

inside the historic Bendigo Tram
Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

A new chapter for the city’s fleet

the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.