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The Best Hotels In Melbourne From Boutique To Bodacious (2024 Edition)

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To be honest, we’re always looking for an excuse for a staycay in one of the best hotels in Melbourne. Birthday? Book a suite. Nephew walked for the first time? I’m already calling the Sofitel. Found $10 on the ground? Let’s party. Of course, there are a few ways you can go with Melbourne/Naarm hotels, from the boutique to the bodacious.

Get ready to raid the minibar and steal some bathrobes (kidding). Introducing the best hotels in Melbourne for 2024:

1 Grants Road, Melbourne Airport Novotel And Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport

Image Credit: Novotel And Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport | Supplied

Melbourne Airport just had a major glow-up in the accommodation space. Soon to open from July 1, Novotel and Ibis Styles have splashed $230 million-bucks on an uber stylish hotel development. We're talking 464 professionally-designed rooms, three venues including a modern gastro-pub and Italian wine bar, a ballroom and a slick hotel-serviced co-working space. The sprawling hotel is also home to Melbourne Airport's first ever airport health and wellbeing club, Higher State. It's got it all: indoor heated pool, slick sauna, massage services, and a groovy gym. And when it's time to depart or arrive, you're merely a short walk from Terminal 4. 

When it comes to booking, it's split per brand. There are 248 rooms with Novotel and 216 rooms with Ibis Styles. Both have access to the same great amenities.

16 Murphy Street, South Yarra The Lyall Hotel

Image Credit: The Lyall Hotel | Sharyn Cairns

The Lyall Hotel in South Yarra just got a swanky refresh, two years in the making. This place practically breathes leafy luxe. The Lyall has 51 rooms and suites, all designed by powerhouse DKO guided by the ethos, "the hotel for those who don’t like hotels". They're going for a third place vibe, a charming home-away-from-home. Many rooms have a Parisienne-style balcony, sweeping garden vies and luxurious bathrooms. Or if you go all out with the Penthouse Suite, you've got yourself two fireplaces and a massive outdoor terrace.

And if Chapel is your game, the location is excellent. You’re a short walk from Prahran Market, high-end boutiques, not to mention some of our favourite burgers in town. When you’re done, pack up the backs and wander over to South Yarra Station, just next door—the city is only 10 minutes away.

2 Acland Street, St Kilda The Prince Hotel

Image Credit: The Prince Hotel | Supplied

You wouldn’t expect to find The Prince Hotel above The Prince Of Wales public bar. One’s a slightly sticky (but awesome) live music venue and brewpub. The other’s a swanky, designer hotel, perched high above the corner of Fitzroy Street and Acland Street. If you’re looking for a comfy bed that’s close to St Kilda Beach, Luna Park and Albert Park (can you say Grand Prix adjacent?), The Prince is probably your best bet. The rooms look like something off a Pinterest board, but it’s the foodie experience that really seals the deal. 

562 St Kilda Road, Melbourne CBD View Hotels

Image Credit: View Melbourne | Supplied

Specially designed for high-quality gaming, state-of-the-art equipment and bottomless complimentary popcorn—View Melbourne’s Gaming Suite, in collaboration with MSI, is a Melbourne first. Including all major titles across both PC and Nintendo Switch (think Fortnite, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Call Of Duty), this LED-lit suite accommodates up to four gamers and is situated just around the corner from Melbourne’s CBD. After sitting in the MSI velvet and leather gaming chair for too long, venture upstairs to the hotel’s Hop Garden for American-style beers and BBQ, or explore Melbourne’s nightlife.

234 Toorak Road, South Yarra Ovolo South Yarra

Probably one of the biggest openings back in 2021 was the new Ovolo in South Yarra. Located smack bang on the corner of Toorak Road and Chapel Street, its become one of the best hotels Melbourne has on the southside. The entire building has a strong retro-chic feel and is filled with a colourful pop-art aesthetic. With over 123 different rooms each individually named after musical personalities including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, there are also distinctly styled suites, the 'Groovy' suite, is a homage to the era of Studio 54 with 70s wallpaper and a plush king bed.

There are plenty of perks that come with a stay at the Ovolo, including free treats from the minibar, and a complimentary breakfast. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial you can head down to the restaurant in residence, Lona Misa, the plant-based haven from all-star chef team Shannon Martinez and Ian Curley.

25 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

Image Credit: Sofitel Melbourne | Supplied

We’ve got a soft spot for The Sofitel. When you're greeted with a ‘Bonjour’ at the check-in desk, we know we’re in for a very good night. The Sofitel has a few claims to Melbourne fame. It’s arguably got the most beautiful lobby space of any hotel in the CBD, it’s got The Mayfair downstairs (a gorgeous late-night champagne and oyster bar), and because of its location at the top of Collins Street, the corner rooms have insanely good views, looking east toward the Dandenong Ranges. Proper ‘everything the light touches’ kind of views. You can even enjoy them at the well-stocked breakfast buffet at No35 Restaurant. 

379 St Kilda Road, Melbourne CBD Royce Hotel

Image Credit: Royce Hotel | Supplied

It's five stars. it's boutique. It's one of the best hotels in Melbourne. Royce Hotel is an elegant escape right in the thick of it on St Kilda Road, the former car showroom has been fully reimagined into a period-esque space adorned with shiny metal fittings, sleek marble flooring and chandeliers hanging from above. The rooms continue with the elevated aesthetic with plush deep blue carpets and a myriad of black-framed doors and even a freestanding bathtub. The Showroom, the downstairs bar and diner is the perhaps the pièce de résistance, a decadent journey through classic Euro-centric cuisine where a couple of martinis never go astray.

201 Normanby Road, Southbank AC Hotel By Marriott Melbourne Southbank

Image Credit: AC Hotel By Marriott Melbourne Southbank | Supplied

AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank has curated a perfectly precise hotel experience for you in Melbourne, providing you with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Located on Southbank you’ll be a quick stroll away from transport, entertainment and restaurants. The rooms are designed to be timeless without being dull. With four distinct room types ranging from the deluxe guest room with basic amenities to the signature suite with a separate living room–there is something to suit your price and lifestyle. If that’s not enough to sell you on a room, Marriott Southbank is also pet-friendly so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend at home which easily cements its spot on the best hotels in Melbourne list. 

15 Waterfront Way, Docklands The Marriot Docklands

Image Credit: The Marriot Docklands | Supplied

There's plenty to like here, 189 super-luxe rooms that create some serious staycation hype as well as four different bars and eateries throughout—The Marriot Docklands has it dialled. The real hero however is what’s happening upstairs at Sunset House, the rooftop bar, with views of the city and a sleek infinity pool that stretches to the edge of the building, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot in the city for a cocktail.They also serve a sky-high menu of classics with light starters, share plates, and larger dishes like the Melbourne favourite, Moreton Bay Bug brioche roll, with fermented chilli.

270 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD Doubletree By Hilton

Image Credit: Doubletree By Hilton | Supplied

If we’re talking pure location, it’s hard to go past Doubletree By Hilton. You’re about 50m from Flinders Street Station (most of the rooms come with beautiful statin views), and our favourite laneway is just around the corner—Centre Place. Home to Aix Creperie Salon, Jungle Juice, Hells Kitchen and The Soup Place. The room fittings are lavish, as you might expect when they whack the ‘Hilton’ name on the door, but they do verge on the corporate end of the scale (don’t expect the same level of quirk as, say, The Arts Series hotels). If you’re looking for dinner, you could do worse than grab a bite at Doubletree’s elegant, Platform 270. 

1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank The Langham

Image Credit: The Langham | Supplied

No best hotels in Melbourne article would be complete without The Langham. You know it’s luxe from the moment you leave your car with the valet, dressed in his top hat and tails. As Melbourne hotels go, The Langham is probably the city’s Grand Dame. It’s got 5-stars, naturally, and each of its 387 guest rooms and suites are beautifully appointed. If you can find the extra cash, we highly recommend splurging on the Executive Terrace Rooms: you get water views and your own private balcony (but they ain’t cheap). For dinner? It’s gotta be an all-you-can-eat buffet at The Langham’s famous restaurant, Melba.

615 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD ​Dorsett Melbourne

Image Credit: Dorsett Melbourne | Supplied

Melbourne's new West Side Place is quickly becoming a destination in its own right, and for those looking to park up for an evening or two in the thriving precinct, Dorsett Melbourne should be at the top of the list. Encapsulating Melbourne in a hotel, art has played an integral part to the locale's design and finishings, with several stand-out commissions throughout.

From the Balcony Suite to the Executive King, you can't go wrong thanks to the modern sensibilities found throughout, though it's the Diva Suite that truly sets a new standard in what a hotel stay can be. Within the sprawling offering there's a spacious tub, two king-sized beds, and the pièce de résistance, a private large scale sculpture by artist Marta Figueiredo, illuminated by night and only viewable to those staying in the room. 

509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD Quincy Hotel

Image Credit: Quincy Hotel | Supplied

One loaded with plenty more soul than you’d expect from a hotel, Quincy is a refreshing escape where you’ll find plenty of colours, shapes, and comforts. Located on Flinders Lane in the city, Quincy’s fresh and experimental approach to accommodation manifests itself in a 241-room boutique establishment spread out across 29-floors. With three distinct room types, you’ve can opt for the Caledonian and Hosier Club rooms which are each adorned in shapely modern furniture and each features its own colourful patterned bed heads. If you book in a room on floors 10 and above you’ll also score uninterrupted views of the bustling city and MCG below. Quincy also boats two in-house diners, The Salted Egg and Q, both featuring a slew of South East Asian-influenced cuisine.

160 Spencer Street, Melbourne CBD Movenpick

Image Credit: Movenpick Hotel Melbourne | Supplied

Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer is a five-star experience that blurs art and design. Its prime location not only puts you in the heart of the CBD, but also the wallet-friendly free tram zone. The interior pays homage to some of Melbourne’s top artists with photography scattered around the hotel by Steve Scanlon and Sean McDonald. The rooms and suites are styled with intuitive and understated interior design, minimal with pops of vibrant colour from the art and furnishings. Elevated into the best hotels Melbourne list through the addition of the world-class dining experience at modern Asian restaurant and bar Miss Mi. It would be remiss to not mention Movenpick’s chocolate hour which invites you to head down to the lobby to enjoy a chocolate-themed creation from the hotel chefs daily from 4.30pm.

7 Convention Centre Plane, South Wharf ​Novotel South Wharf

Image Credit: Novotel | Supplied

Melbourne’s Novotel Hotel in South Wharf is an interesting one. Some Melburnians will say you’re better off staying in the CBD (or even Southbank) because they’re closer to the action. But if you’re coming to Melbourne for an event at the Convention Centre (AKA Jeff’s Shed), business in Docklands, shopping at DFO, or you just want to check out South Melbourne Market, The Novotel is perfect. And the hotel itself is stunning—it cost $150m to build, Woods Bagot, NH Architecture Fender Katsalidis handled the architectural plans, and the rooms all come with cutting-edge amenities and views of the CBD. Pro tip: if you can't be bothered leaving the building, check out Mr Carpono Bar & Dining on level six—very underrated Italian restaurant.

19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD Laneways By Ovolo

Image Credit: Laneways By Ovolo | Supplied

Two words: free minibar. Yup, Ovolo Laneways runs a free minibar in all its rooms, right down to the Studio rooms. And unlike a lot of CBD hotels, they don’t take themselves too seriously. There’s a free lolly bar in the lobby, a pinball machine in the Penthouse Suite (highly recommend this room for Hen’s Nights etc—there’s a hot tub on your own private balcony) and they even run ‘Break Up Packs’ for the newly single. They tend to include a lot of chocolate and facial masks.

637/641 Chapel Street, South Yarra ​The Olsen

melbourne-best-hotels-the-olsen
Image Credit: ​The Olsen | Supplied

South Yarra’s Arts Series gem. The Olsen has been going strong for years now, wowing international guests with its epic John Olsen art collection, cantilevered swimming pool and quirky amenities (you can hire microscopic SmartCars and Lekker bikes if you feel like stretching your legs). The Olsen is one of those hotels you barely need to leave: Spoonbill does an excellent brunch, you’ve got the Norbu Day Spa for pamper sessions, and the whole Chapel St shopping precinct right on your doorstep. If it’s a fancy anniversary staycay, book in one of the private spa suites. They’re worth the extra mullah. One last tip? Stay in and order a Rowdy Double Cheeseburger from Two Wrongs, just downstairs. One of our favourite burgers in Melbourne.

489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne CBD ​Jasper Hotel

Image Credit: Jasper Hotel | Supplied

Melbourne’s Jasper Hotel probably doesn’t reach the luxurious heights of your Crown or Doubletree (technically it’s a 4-star hotel), but the location near Queen Vic Market is excellent, and it’s a little easier on the hip pocket than some of the other boutique stays on this list. There are 90 contemporary rooms and suites at Jasper, each one designed to represent a different facet and colour of the Jasper gemstone. The whole place got an extensive renovation in 2014, so you can expect modern styling (we hesitate to use the word ‘funky’, but what the hell—it’s funky). For rooms? They’re all good, but our pick is definitely the Premium Courtyard Access Room. Bit pricier, but it comes with a surprisingly sunny private courtyard and a vertical garden.

850 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill ​The Chen

Image Credit: ​The Chen | Supplied

The Chen is The Arts Series’ newest child. And like all new children, they tend to get attention lavished on them from an early age. That’s why The Chen picked up probably the most jaw-dropping swimming pool in all of Melbourne. It’s on the roof (just ride the elevator till it won’t go any higher) with wraparound views of Melbourne CBD, the Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. One of the advantages of being out in Box Hill (apart from the food) is that there’s hardly anything to obstruct your view. High rises are still a novelty out here, so The Chen gets the skyline to itself.

187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD ​Adelphi Hotel

Image Credit: ​Adelphi Hotel | Supplied

If you have a sweet tooth then this boutique hotel is for you. The Adelphi is located in the heart of the Flinders Lane shopping and dining precinct (literally the best restaurants in town are all within 100m of your front door). This makes it one of the best spots for visiting foodies. The hotel itself is filled with good vibes, friendly staff and funky décor. And even better, it comes with Om Nom Dessert Bar, just downstairs—Melbourne’s premier dessert and cocktail temple. Imagine Willy Wonka was given a large budget and told ‘Use your imagination...’ Om Nom is hat he would build. While you’re staying at Adelphi, make sure to check out the famous rooftop pool and deck area, swing on swinging couches in the foyer and watch endless movies with snacks from the free minibar. Our top pick for classy couples.

51 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD Lancemore

Image Credit: Lancemore | Supplied

The Lancemore is located on Crossley Street right at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture, surrounded by the Paris end of Bourke Street, Chinatown, theatres and top-tier restaurants. Once you’re done exploring the city you can escape the chaos in one of Lancemore’s art-filled accommodation rooms. The rooms are minimalist and sleek and fitted out with a rain shower regardless if you opt for a single king suite or a two-bedroom penthouse suite. The hotel itself also provides other spaces for you to relax with its lobby bar, rooftop terrace and modern gym. Lancemore also offers packages to suit your stay depending on if you’re in town to watch, shop or play or in Melbourne’s CBD.

133 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD QT Melbourne

Image Credit: QT Melbourne | Supplied

The QT quickly made a name for itself as one of Melbourne’s most beautiful CBD hotels. There are a few things going for it: it’s a short stroll from the Collins St, shopping precinct, there are plenty of A-Grade restaurants and bars in the building (including a cafe, rooftop bar, laneway concept bar and meaty grill restaurant), and all rooms come with free WIFI as standard. Even the budget rooms are decked out the nines: wooden floorboards, his and her sinks, gel-topped beds, free in-room movies and coffee pods (nice touch). When it comes time to eat, just pick your poison: Rooftop At QT for views and cocktails, then dinner at Pascale (probably the best Melbourne hotel restaurant going around).

388 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD Hotel No

Image Credit: Hotel No | Supplied

Hotel No is probably the quirkiest hotel in Melbourne. Basically, it’s a collection of six 1970s Airstream campers, converted into boutique suites, stuck on a Melbourne rooftop. Hotel No is the brainchild of James Fry, who saw a gap in the local hotel market. He also owns the carpark beneath the rooftop. For years he toyed with the idea of opening a rooftop pool, but the whole campervan-hotel thing seemed like way more fun. And thus Notel was born. Your basic airstream starts at $399/night, or you can upgrade to the Airstream With Benefits. That one comes with a private deck, private spa bath and a view over Flinders Lane. All Notel caravans come with split system AC and a complimentary minibar though (winning).

408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. CBD ​W Melbourne

Image Credit: ​W Melbourne | Supplied

Sitting on one of the best strips of the city on Flinders Lane, the W Hotel has made serious waves in the staycation department. Surrounded by some of the best eateries, bars, and shopping, the W is the perfect escape. Its opulent offering with indoor and rooftop pool, secret bar, in-resident restaurant and uber-modern gym is at the absolute top of the range. It’s a huge hotel, with over 294 rooms each in the colourful design and textured style of the W, expect wide rooms with blacks, greys, with bursts of orange and amber. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Lollo, also holds some serious sway with Melbourne chef Adam D'Sylva of Tonka, and Coda at the helm. Expect a menu of Modern Australian cuisine with a heavy focus on Victorian produce.

18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne CBD ​Hilton Little Queen Street

Image Credit: Hilton | Supplied

The Hilton on Little Queen Street is an exquisite choice for a stay in the city. Atop the stunning heritage equity chambers building, the hotel is light-filled and spacey, with a real historical feel to it. The rooms look out onto the city, with a minimalist style and added comforts like a freestanding bath, coffee from Dukes Coffee Roasters, and bathroom items from Hunter Lab. The mezzanine level Douglas Bar has a wonderfully art-deco atmosphere, inspired by the glamour of the 1930s building, you can even take your own historical tour of the hotel, discovering the secrets of the nearly 100-year-old building.

The resident restaurant, Luci, is a culinary exploration of modern Italian, expect explorative dishes like Fregola with lobster emulsion, and barbecued scallops. The Hilton bring some serious glamour back to the city and easily earns its name amongst the best hotels in Melbourne for 2024.

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank Crown Towers

Image Credit: Crown Towers | Supplied

Start with the obvious, right? Now some people think Crown Towers is reserved for high-rolling businessmen, or maybe Roger Federer. But anyone can stay here—in fact, the room rates aren’t as exorbitant as you might expect (don’t get us wrong, it’s still a splurge, but you won’t have to remortgage the house for that Deluxe King), and that's what makes it one of the best hotels in Melbourne. As with all Crown stays, you get free WIFI, luxe fittings, epic views over Southbank and the CBD, plus some of the city’s swankiest restaurants right under your feet. 

Leading image credit: Hotel No | Supplied

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