We all love a holiday, but so do our pets. So next time you book a Victorian getaway, why not save yourself the hassle of a sitter and find somewhere that’ll welcome the two of you at a pet-friendly accommodation, say a dog-friendly hotel?
Melbourne has countless options, but the expert Editors at Urban List have wrapped up some of the favourites (in some of the best locations around the state). Read on to discover our 2024 picks for the best pet-friendly accommodation in Victoria:
42 Oxford Street, Collingwood Lyf
Located just a stone's throw away from Smith Street, Lyf in Collingwood is an all-star pet-friendly accommodation option. The edgy boutique hotel welcomes woofers in their colourful One Of A Kind rooms which also come equipped with everything you and your precious doggo need for a stay including a snug dog bed and blanket, and even a toy and treat gift pack.
615 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD Dorsett Melbourne
Dorsett is the quintessential Melbourne hotel, and now the luxury accommodation spot on Little Lonsdale Street has recently launched a ‘Holidays for Hounds’ package. Primed for pups, doggos, and all the furry-friends, each pet-friendly room has all the pooch amenities one four-legged friend needs: proper orthopedic foam beds, lead-free stainless water and food bowls, plus a menu packed with gourmet meals.
408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD W Melbourne
It's a good thing when one of the city's sleekest hotels also just happens to be one of the best dog friendly accommodation spots in Melbourne. The W Melbourne has opened up its doors to your furry friends with a variety of room options, opt for the 'Pets Are Welcome' and park up in one of the impeccably put-together hotel stays you're likely to come across.
201 Normanby Road, Southbank AC Hotel
The AC Marriott is a clear frontrunner for the best dog-friendly accommodation due to its proximity to the CBD's plethora of entertainment and restaurants. The 'close-to-pawfection' option at the hotel ranges from their deluxe guest rooms right up to their superior suites with spanking vistas of the city and also includes a doggo welcome pack with a plush bed, bowl and other treats.
192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne Pullman Melbourne On The Park
Lock in a stay at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park's new Pet Suite, where you and your four-legged companion can dive into true comfort. This dog-friendly paradise includes a private courtyard, grass mat, and kennel—the hotel also offers a mouthwatering room service menu tailored for pets, featuring free dishes from poached chicken to diced Australian beef fillet. 10% of proceeds from your stay will go to supporting The Lost Dogs Home, making your stay even more meaningful.
133 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD QT Hotels
QT is always on the pulse, whether it be an in-house pop-up bar or restaurant or their fully catered pet-friendly accommodation. Designed specifically for doggos, their 'Pup Yeah' offer includes a fully-catered mini bar packed with treats as well as a woofer-centric room service menu. If your best friend is in need of a glow-up there's also a bespoke grooming service and dedicated walkers in case you're looking for a little 'me time'.
66 Lygon Street, Carlton Zagame’s House
Gift your dog with the full Melbourne experience at Zagame’s House in Carlton—the best pet-friendly accommodation in Melbourne. On arrival, your pooch will score a ‘Treat Yo Fur-baby’ goody bag, and during their stay, they can order from an exclusive in-room pet menu with dishes like holistic chicken and lentils, summer-bod meal and gluten-free ancient grain kangaroo. If your pal likes watching TV they can tune in to the ‘Furry Movie of the Month’ for free. Not all pets are accepted, so call ahead prior to booking.
1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank The Langham
The Langham is one of the city's top hotels, it also just so happens to be a front-runner for the best pet-friendly accommodation in Melbourne. Their pampered pets package includes the choice between two rooms depending on if you're bringing in a cat or a dog, however, both rooms offer an exclusive outdoor terrace and balcony access as well as guest valet parking and breakfast in bed.
234 Toorak Road, South Yarra Ovolo South Yarra
Did you know you can bring your dog for a stay at the groovy Ovolo Hotel in South Yarra? The 70s-inspired boutique hotel is a feast for the eyes and is right in the heart of shops, restaurants and parks. The Royal Botanic Gardens are within walking distance, as is Fawkner Park and the Yarra Trail, so there are plenty of outings for you and your pet to plan. Check-in for a city staycation and a change of scenery from your backyard.
19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD Ovolo Laneways
In terms of proximity for dog-friendly accommodation, it doesn't get much better than Ovolo Laneways. The slick boutique hotel on Little Bourke Street in the CBD, offers a similar offering to its South Yarra counterpart with dog-friendly suites filled with a full package from a plush dog bed to snacks and even a welcome pack with toys and treats.
25 Downie Street, Melbourne CBD Hyatt Centric Melbourne
Park up in the King Balcony room of the Hyatt Centric alongside your doggo with all the amenities taken care of. It's a sprawling light-filled room with it's own outdoor balcony for taking in some sun and fresh air. There's even premium hair care goods from Mr Smith and bathrobes for humans and a take-home toy for the doggos.
Daylesford Aggies Way
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this gorgeous cottage is perfect for a getaway in Daylesford. Bring your pooch and settle in for your stay in this quiet spot just a few minutes' drive out of town. You’ll have the entire house to yourself, fully equipped with a country kitchen, barbeque facilities, and a wrap-around porch that’ll help you and your pet live your best cottagecore life.
Bendigo White Picket Cottage
Just over the road from Bendigo’s historic Ulumbarra Theatre and beautiful Rosalind Park, you’ll find this adorable, dog-friendly Airbnb. After exploring all that Bendigo has to offer, you and your bestie can kick back on the lounge by the fireplace or take in the serenity on the front porch. While the days away and spend some quality time together in this picturesque place.
Heathcote Charming Rustic Barn
Get off-grid for a while at this dog-friendly, secluded barn. Renovated to perfection, your pooch will love watching the kangaroos hop around the property while you enjoy reading a book carefully selected from the barn’s own library. Toast marshmallows on the outdoor firepit come sundown and then stay toasty warm by the indoor wood-burning fireplace.
Bright Tyntynder Garden Cottage
For a cosy escape, look no further than Tyntynder Garden Cottage in Bright. You and your best mate can rug up in front of the fire after a day out in the snow. The cottage has been beautifully renovated and the backyard has a fence so you can let your pooch run wild, stress-free. Just over a kilometre out of town, you could layer up for a winter walk or drive up to the shops for a bite.
Wye River Cape Wye
If you and your furry friend love a room with a view, then Cape Wye is our pick for you. The modern beach house has an epic rooftop deck and the best panoramic coastal views from every room—even the bath has an unobstructed view across the sea. With such a massive rooftop deck, you won’t need to worry about fences or your doggo running off, so you can just sit back on a sun lounge and feel your stresses melt away.
Olinda Billabong Falls
You know what makes this one of the top dog-friendly Airbnbs in Victoria? Not only do you have access to your own billabong and waterfall just a few feet away from your bedroom but doggos are more than welcome. just under an hour out of town in the lush bush surroundings of Olinda, you'll find Billabong Falls which gets its name from the resident natural billabong and waterfall that circle the property.
Kalorama Kirkness Sanctuary House
Situated on the footsteps of Mount Dandenong just an hour from town, Kirkness Sanctuary is a sleepy getaway surrounded by the lush native bush. Although there's room for eight (and doggos) overall with three bedrooms, the entire stay has a cosy and intimate feel with a light-filled lounge and farm-chic kitchen fitted out with everything you'd need to whip a Michelin-star dinner.
Grampians Hillrise Cottage
Set on a hill above the gum trees with breathtaking views of the Grampians, Hillrise Cottage has a sense of tranquillity that you just can’t find at urban hotels. This is one of the best dog-friendly Airbnb spots if you’re looking to include the woofer in the getaway; here you can fish for yabbies in the dam, collect fallen wood for the fireplace, use the property telescope to spot constellations and stroll the six-acre property in search of wildlife.
Mount Macedon Willowglade Retreat And Garden
Channelling the hard #CottageCore aesthetic, Willowglade Retreat out in Mount Macedon is brimming with Victorian natural beauty. The sheeted metal house is awash in a sea of green with the lush native trees and plantlife of the garden surrounding the property. A front-runner as the best dog-friendly Airbnb due to its sprawling grounds it even boasts its very-own waterfall and stream with plenty of different nooks to explore.
Lysterfield Vineyard Hobby Farm
With vistas of mountains in the distance, a sun-soaked vineyard and wild kangaroos appearing, this dog-friendly Airbnb has them all. Located in Lysterfield and situated on its own private stretch just a short three to five-minute walk from the Lysterfield Natural Park with bike trails, hikes and more. The house sleeps up to 12 including your furry friend and boasts a massive outdoor balcony that overlooks the vineyard and hills as well as a woodfire oven and barbecue.
Smiths Gully Country Paradise
With the Yarra Valley as the backdrop, this farm-style getaway easily slots its way onto the best dog-friendly Airbnb list. Although rustic, the entire Country Paradise stay has been elegantly curated with soft-wood furnishings, dark leathers, antique pendant lights and even a spiral staircase made up of natural tree branches. With views of the vineyards and ranges in the distance, you and your doggo can rest in comfort at the outdoor dining and firepit area and take in the natural bush that surrounds the property.
Hepburn Springs Locarno Cottage
Right in the heart of spa country, Locarno Cottage is a cosy stay nestled in the native forest region of Hepburn Springs. Flanked by the lush bushland this dog-friendly Airbnb is a cosy escape for two with an indoor fireplace, full kitchen and even a bathtub for those wintery weekends away. It's also just a short venture down the road from the famed Mineral Springs and township of Hepburn with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Leading image credit: Dorsett Melbourne | Supplied
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