Where to Stay in Melbourne: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Melbourne? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Melbourne very well, I have created this guide of:

• Melbourne’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Melbourne

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Melbourne, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Melbourne for sightseeing: Citadines on Bourke Melbourne for its location in the CBD district and its indoor swimming pool!
• Where to stay near the beach in Melbourne: MAC St Kilda by Melbourne Apartment Collection in the St Kilda district
• The best 5-star hotel in Melbourne: The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, an iconic hotel
• Where to stay in Melbourne on a budget: Ibis Melbourne Central
• Best family friendly hotel in Melbourne: Pegasus Apart-Hotel
• My favorite hotel in Melbourne for a romantic stay: W Melbourne for its stunning indoor swimming pool!

In the Central Business District

As the name suggests, the Central Business District or “CBD” is Melbourne’s central district.

It’s both a cultural, commercial, and financial downtown area, with large modern buildings and Victorian-era edifices.

The area is particularly vibrant and lively at all hours of the day and night. It’s home to numerous shops, malls, and a plethora of restaurants.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Melbourne’s center, this is the perfect spot! And from there, you can also easily visit other areas using public transport.

I recommend this area for your stay in Melbourne:

• Because it’s an excellent starting point to see the main attractions
• For shopping
• If you’re looking for a lively place.

This district is ideal to discover:

• The State Library of Victoria, known for its magnificent architecture, both inside and out
• The Queen Victoria Market, a huge covered market with stalls offering cuisine from all over the world. There’s also a section for fresh produce and one for clothing/souvenirs.
• The most beautiful buildings during a horse carriage ride
• The City Circle Tram, the historic tram that loops around the city center
• St Paul’s Cathedral dating back to the 19th century
• Hosier Lane with its street art murals
• The Laneways, small alleyways lined with cafes and restaurants
• Federation Square, one of the city’s most famous squares. It hosts many cultural and artistic events throughout the year.
• Emporium Melbourne, Melbourne Central, and QV: 3 massive shopping malls
• Collins Street and its luxury boutiques.

The Best Hotels to Stay in CBD, Melbourne

Note: All prices examples in this guide are in US Dollars

• Citadines on Bourke Melbourne: Located in the heart of the CBD. Modern studio with a seating area, desk, and kitchenette starting at 90$. Strong points: excellent location to visit Melbourne, the indoor pool, free laundry access, and well-equipped. Perfect for a stay in CBD without breaking the bank.
• Dorsett Melbourne: Situated near Queen Victoria Market. Chicly decorated double room starting at 110$, breakfast at 24$. Strong points: the pool, the jacuzzi, the ideal location, stylish design, and comfort. A great choice in Melbourne city center.
• Quincy Hotel Melbourne: Located next to the aquarium and the river. Contemporary and colorful double room with large windows starting at 145$, breakfast at 22$. Strong points: the view, the rooftop bar, and the very pleasant staff.
• The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne: This 5-star hotel is a 5-minute walk from Collins Street. Elegant and spacious rooms starting at 190$, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, a good and complete breakfast, and comfort.
• W Melbourne: Luxury hotel 5 minutes walk from the cathedral. The gorgeous designer rooms start at 280$, breakfast at 30$. Strong points: the magnificent indoor pool, the very comfortable bed, and the welcoming staff. My favorite hotel for a romantic stay in Melbourne!
• The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne: Synonymous with luxury, the Ritz offers you the chance to stay in beautiful rooms with exceptional views starting at 430$, breakfast included. Strong points: impeccable service, the perfect breakfast, the elegance of the premises, and the pool. Simply the best hotel for a luxury stay in Melbourne!

In Docklands District

This recent waterfront area is located to the east of the CBD.

Known as the modern and chic district of Melbourne, it’s home to upscale restaurants and shops along the Yarra River and the marina.

You should stay in this area:

• If you want to be close to the center but in a quieter area
• To easily visit other parts of the city
  
• To stroll on the waterfront and enjoy stunning views of Melbourne skyline
• For a family stay, as there are numerous activities to keep your children entertained in Docklands.

Best things to do and see in Docklands district:

• The District Docklands: an open-air shopping area with stores, a cinema, an ice-skating rink, and restaurants
• Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: the giant Ferris wheel stands 120 meters tall and offers a gorgeous panoramic view over the city
• ArtVo: To take pictures in 3D decors. Very well-done and perfect for some fun time!
• A river cruise.

Where to Stay in the Docklands District

• Quest NewQuay: Located right next to the shopping area. Spacious and well-equipped studios and apartments starting from 99$. Strong points: helpful staff, close to the free tram to the city center, washing machine in the accommodation.
• Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands: Just a 5-minute walk from the giant Ferris wheel. Bright and comfortable double rooms starting from 130$, breakfast for 22$. Strong points: the outdoor pool, the delicious breakfast. An excellent choice near Melbourne’s city center.
• Crowne Plaza Melbourne, an IHG Hotel: Located on the edge of Docklands and the CBD. Double rooms with some offering river views, starting from 160$, breakfast at 26$. Strong points: the pool, the bedding, the location.
• Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands: An excellent 5* hotel located next to the District Docklands. Stylish and minimalist rooms starting from 250$, breakfast for 25$. Strong points: service quality, free tram at the hotel’s doorstep, stunning rooftop infinity pool. Simply the best luxury hotel in Docklands district!

In Fitzroy and Carlton Neighborhoods

Fitzroy and Carlton are both located to the North of the Central Business District.

Fitzroy, the district of hipsters and artists, features numerous art galleries, vintage shops, bookstores, and trendy bars.

It’s also one of the best areas to go out at night for a drink!

Carlton, the Italian district adjacent to Fitzroy, is just as lively as it’s home to the University of Melbourne. It features numerous bars and trattorias where young people gather in the evening.

 Fitzroy and Carlton as great places to stay in Sydney:

• For a trip with friends
• To enjoy the lively nightlife
• If you like bohemian vibes.

These neighborhoods are perfect to discover:

• The Melbourne Museum, a very varied and interesting museum. It covers history, science, and culture. There is something for every taste and age!
• The Royal Exhibition Building, a magnificent building surrounded by a vast garden
• Street art works, on Brunswick Street and Nicholson Street
• Vintage shops on Brunswick Street and Smith Street
• The Carlton Club: a club, a bar, and a restaurant with a unique atmosphere.

Here’s my selection of the best hotels in Fitzroy and Carlton

• Best Western Plus Travel Inn: Located just a 2-minute walk from the Melbourne Museum. Double rooms starting at 110$, breakfast for 22$. Strong points: very comfortable bedding, good location, swimming pool.
• The StandardX, Melbourne: Situated in Fitzroy. Double rooms with minimalist decor starting at 180$, breakfast for 25$. Strong points: the rooftop and its view, attentive staff, design.
• Zagame’s House: A 5-star hotel located in the Carlton district. Tastefully furnished double rooms from 190$, breakfast for 17$. Strong points: super comfortable bed, friendly and attentive staff, location next to excellent restaurants. A beautiful hotel for a romantic stay in Melbourne!

In St Kilda district

You should choose to stay in St Kilda district if you want to enjoy the beach during your trip to Melbourne.

St Kilda is the city’s most famous seaside resort, but it’s also a bit out of the way.

So, you will need to take public transport whenever you plan to go somewhere. For example, it takes about 30 minutes to go from St Kilda to the CBD by tram.

Must-see spots in St Kilda:

• St Kilda Beach, Melbourne’s most famous beach where surfers and swimmers have some fun!
• Luna Park amusement park: opened in 1912, it’s a historic site listed on the Australian National Heritage Register.
• Watching the penguins around the pier
• Fitzroy Street, for its nightlife and many bars
• Dining at a seaside restaurant
• The Royal Botanic Gardens.

Where to stay in St Kilda district, Melbourne?

• MAC St Kilda by Melbourne Apartment Collection: Located in the heart of St Kilda. Modern and spacious studio with kitchen starting at 130$. Strong points: cleanliness, parking, comfort.
• The Prince: Situated only 200 meters from the beach. Double rooms starting at 150$. Strong points: location, parking, friendly staff.
• Quest St Kilda Bayside: Located a 5-minute walk from the beach. Fully equipped studio with kitchen, washing machine, and balcony starting at 200$. Strong points: outdoor pool, close to shops and tram, in a quiet street.

Where to Stay in Melbourne on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here’s a selection of affordable hotels in Melbourne:

• Flinders Backpackers: Hostel located right in the city center. Dorm beds starting from 28$. Strong points: central location, very clean, large and well-equipped kitchen.
• Space Hotel: Hostel situated in the CBD area. Dorm beds starting from 35$. Strong points: the rooftop terrace with jacuzzi and lovely views, cleanliness, super friendly staff. Perfect if you’re traveling on a budget.
• Ibis Melbourne Central: Located in the CBD district. Bright double rooms starting from 70$, breakfast for 15$. Strong points: central location, very clean, comfortable. Another great place to stay un Melbourne without breaking the bank.
• Atlantis Hotel Melbourne: Situated between the CBD and Docklands. Spacious and comfortable double room starting from 75$, breakfast for 9$. Strong points: heated indoor pool, close to public transport.

Staying in Melbourne with Family

• Pegasus Apart-Hotel: Located in CBD. Studio for 4 or an apartment with kitchen, starting from 130$, breakfast for 17$. Strong points: the pool and jacuzzi, next to the tram, well-equipped. This is one of the best places to stay in Melbourne with your family.
  
• Clarion Suites Gateway: Also located in CBD, next to Melbourne Aquarium. Rooms starting from 150$. Strong points: location, swimming pool, river view.
• Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands: Located in Docklands. Room with 2 large double beds starting from 150$, breakfast for 22$. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, comfort, facilities. I highly recommend this hotel for a family stay in Melbourne!

What is the best hotel in Melbourne?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Melbourne, I recommend you The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you shoud book a night or more at the W Melbourne.

Where to stay in Melbourne: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Melbourne, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article. You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne	CBD	90$
Dorsett Melbourne	CBD	110$
Quincy Hotel Melbourne	CBD	145$
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins	CBD	190$
W Melbourne	CBD	280$
The Ritz Carlton Melbourne	CBD	430$
Quest New Quay	Docklands	99$
Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands	Docklands	130$
Crowne Plaza Melbourne	Docklands	160$
Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands	Docklands	250$
Best Western Plus Travel Inn	Fitzroy and Carlton	110$
The StandardX	Fitzroy and Carlton	180$
Zagame's house	Fitzroy and Carlton	190$
MAC St Kilda	St Kilda	130$
The Prince	St Kilda	150$
Quest St Kilda Bayside	St Kilda	200$
Flinders Backpackers	Cheap Hotel	28$
Space Hotel	Cheap Hotel	35$
Ibis Melbourne Central	Cheap Hotel	70$
Atlantis Hotel Melbourne	Cheap Hotel	75$
Pegasus Apart Hotel	Hotel for families	130$
Clarion Suites Gateway	Hotel for families	150$
Vibe Hotel Melbourne	Hotel for families	150$

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