Where to Stay in Melbourne
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
Melbourne organizes its hotels across distinct inner suburbs, each with its own pace and character. The Central Business District packs high-rise convenience and transport links into tight blocks, while precincts like Fitzroy and St Kilda swap density for bohemian lanes and bayfront walks. Inner-northern suburbs deliver quieter streets where renovated terraces give you a local feel.
Budget AUD 200-350 per night for a standard mid-range double in most central neighborhoods. The Central Business District and Southbank usually cost more. Hostels start around AUD 80-150 per night. Luxury suites at top-tier properties can exceed AUD 800.
Budget
AUD 80-150 per night for hostels and basic hotels
Mid-Range
AUD 190-350 per night for 3-4 star hotels
Luxury
AUD 450-850+ per night for 5-star properties
Where to Stay in Melbourne
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for every visitor.
Our Top Picks
The highest-rated hotel in each price range, selected from all neighborhoods.
Top Pick: Central Business District
Budget
Space Hotel
"Nice area super convenient, I booked for private room and yes! I do love the vi…"
Gym
Public parking
Luggage storage
Restaurant
Central Business District
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Top Pick: Central Business District
Mid Range
Dorsett Melbourne
"Had a wonderful stay at Doresett Melbourne. The cleanliness was outstanding thro…"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Executive lounge
Gym
Central Business District
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Top Pick: Central Business District
"good, the service is in place, the room is very comfortable, like hom"
Gym
Priority airport pick-up
Car rentals
Bar
Central Business District
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
Hotel recommendations verified
Central Business District
Mid-range to Luxury
The dense grid of skyscrapers forms the commercial heart. Trams rattle down major thoroughfares. Laneways conceal street art and hole-in-the-wall cafes. This is the hub for major shopping, theatre, and direct access to all tram lines.
- ✓ Direct access to all public transport
- ✓ Highest concentration of restaurants and bars
- ✓ Walkable to major attractions like Federation Square
- ✓ Late-night dining options
- ✗ Street noise can be persistent, on weekends
- ✗ Parking is notoriously expensive and scarce
Recommended places to stay in Central Business District
Budget
Space Hotel
"Nice area super convenient, I booked for private room and yes! I do love the vi…"
Gym
Public parking
Luggage storage
Restaurant
✓ Verified
Check prices on Trip.com →
Mid Range
Dorsett Melbourne
"Had a wonderful stay at Doresett Melbourne. The cleanliness was outstanding thro…"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Executive lounge
Gym
✓ Verified
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Luxury
1 Hotel Melbourne
"The two 1.5-meter beds were decent. We stayed for 5 nights. They made the beds a…"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
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"good, the service is in place, the room is very comfortable, like hom"
Gym
Priority airport pick-up
Car rentals
Bar
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Rydges Melbourne an EVT hotel
"Stayed for 3 nights in July. The rooms are modern and comfortable. My only compl…"
Sunbathing area
Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Private parking
✓ Verified
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Fitzroy
Mid-range
A grid of Victorian terraces transformed into the city's creative nucleus. The scent of roasting coffee mixes with spray paint from ever-changing lane murals. Brunswick Street pulses with live music venues and eclectic boutiques.
- ✓ Unmatched concentration of independent cafes and bars
- ✓ Active street art and designer shops
- ✓ Lively, local atmosphere day and night
- ✓ Easy tram access to the city
- ✗ Limited on-site parking at most accommodations
- ✗ Can be noisy, on weekend evenings
Recommended places to stay in Fitzroy
"Right in the city center, close to Chinatown. Many attractions nearby, which is…"
Indoor swimming pool
Gym
Private parking
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Crown Metropol Melbourne
"The service was great and the location is very convenient. Facilities: The faci…"
Indoor swimming pool
Spa
Gym
Public parking
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Crown Towers Melbourne
"The hotel has excellent facilities and luxurious, comfortable decor. The hygi"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
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Mid Range
Quest NewQuay, Docklands
"It was on standout location one minutes walk to new year fireworks. Pizza, cafe,…"
Gym
2 Public parking lots
Luggage storage
Taxi booking service
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Mid Range
Hyatt Centric Melbourne
"The rooms were spacious, well-equipped, clean, and tidy, with attentive service.…"
Indoor swimming pool
Gym
Private parking
Car rentals
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Southbank
Luxury
A sleek riverside strip of glass towers reflecting on the Yarra. The hum of trams blends with chatter from expansive outdoor dining terraces. This precinct connects directly to the arts precinct via pedestrian bridges.
- ✓ Impressive riverside and city skyline views
- ✓ Direct pedestrian access to arts centres and Crown Casino
- ✓ High concentration of luxury hotels and fine dining
- ✓ Generally quieter at street level than the CBD
- ✗ Feels more corporate and less neighbourhood-oriented
- ✗ Dining and drinking options tend toward the upscale
Recommended places to stay in Southbank
Budget
Best Western Melbourne City
"Perfect stay for a simple trip. Stayed at the single bed room. The room is small…"
Public parking
Luggage storage
Bar
Restaurant
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Oakwood Premier Melbourne
""A Wonderful One-Night Stay at Oakwood!" I had the pleasure of staying at Oakwo…"
Casino
Executive lounge
Gym
Public parking
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
"The soundproofing in the room is terrible. You can clearly hear the water pipes…"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
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Mid Range
The Canvas Apartment Hotel
"It is highly recommended to get the suite with the river view! The view from the…"
Gym
Private parking
Luggage storage
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
"We were upgraded to a king room without asking which was a lovely surprise, sta…"
Public parking
Luggage storage
Bar
Restaurant
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St Kilda
Mid-range
A seaside suburb where the salty breeze from Port Phillip Bay carries seagull cries along a historic pier. The main strip, Acland Street, is famous for its cake shops and live music venues echoing from the Palais Theatre.
- ✓ Direct beach and bay front access
- ✓ Active, village-like atmosphere on Acland Street
- ✓ Excellent public transport via trams and the train line
- ✓ Iconic Luna Park amusement park
- ✗ Can feel crowded and touristy during summer weekends
- ✗ A longer commute to the CBD core than inner suburbs
Recommended places to stay in St Kilda
Budget
Little Drifter Melbourne
"I would recommend this place to every solo traveler who wants to save up their m…"
Luggage storage
Bar
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments
"Very nice convenient, clean Hotel in a great suburb of Melbourne. Will definitel…"
Golf course
Surfing
Private parking
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Mantra Melbourne Airport
"Exceeded my expectations! The service attitude, room facilities, and even the fr…"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Gym
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
The Howey
"I'm very happy to come and stay at this hotel for my business. And then I will c…"
Gym
Parking
Luggage storage
Bar
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport
"This hotel is located close to Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport, reachable on foo…"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Massage room
Gym
✓ Verified
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Carlton
Mid-range
The historic Italian quarter centered on Lygon Street, where espresso and garlic hang in the air. Wide, tree-lined streets are flanked by Victorian terraces housing bookshops, cinemas, and the university.
- ✓ Authentic Italian restaurants and cafes line Lygon Street
- ✓ Proximity to the University of Melbourne and museums
- ✓ Leafy, relaxed streets with a residential calm
- ✓ Excellent tram connections into the CBD
- ✗ Nightlife is more subdued than in Fitzroy or the CBD
- ✗ Limited accommodation options compared to other inner suburbs
Recommended places to stay in Carlton
Budget
Melbourne City Backpackers
"Great for stopover or budget conscious traveller as location is great, near rail…"
Luggage storage
Priority airport pick-up
Wi-Fi in public areas
Airport drop-off
✓ Verified
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"More ordinary motels, noisy near the highway at night, it doesn't feel particula…"
Private parking
Airport pick-up
Airport drop-off
Car rentals
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Pan Pacific Melbourne
"We stayed one night at Pan Pacific Melbourne after arriving from the airport, an…"
Golf course
Executive lounge
Gym
Public parking
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Pegasus Apart'Hotel
"Friendly staff. Easy check in. Beautiful room. Enjoyed a cup of tea in the room…"
Indoor swimming pool
Spa
Gym
Private parking
✓ Verified
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"The hotel is a 12-minute drive from the airport. The airport shuttle needs to be…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Public parking
Airport pick-up
✓ Verified
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Richmond
Budget to Mid-range
An industrial suburb reinvented, where the roar of the MCG crowd mixes with sizzling Vietnamese barbecue from Victoria Street. Bridge Road is a long strip of factory outlets and pubs.
- ✓ Walking distance to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and sporting precinct
- ✓ Varied, affordable dining, Vietnamese on Victoria Street
- ✓ Major shopping for discounts on Bridge Road
- ✓ Good train and tram links
- ✗ Heavy traffic and pedestrian crowds on major event days
- ✗ Grittier, less polished streetscape than some inner suburbs
Recommended places to stay in Richmond
Budget
YHA Melbourne Central
"I love the atmosphere of YHA Melbourne. So many different travelers of all ages.…"
Luggage storage
Wi-Fi in public areas
Bar
Cafe
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
"The location is fantastic. Most major city attractions are within walking distan…"
Indoor swimming pool
Gym
Public parking
Car rentals
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Melbourne Marriott Hotel
"Location is good, close to QV, Chinatown and supermarket. We paid to upgrade to…"
Indoor swimming pool
Executive lounge
Gym
Private parking
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Quality Hotel Melbourne Airport
"We stayed for one night so that we could go to airport next day. The hotel staff…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Private parking
Airport shuttle pick-up
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Novotel Melbourne Airport
"Very conveniently located and check-in/out were smooth. Good for those who ha"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
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South Yarra
Luxury
An affluent suburb where designer boutiques on Chapel Street show the latest fashions behind polished windows. The air carries notes of expensive perfume and freshly brewed single-origin coffee.
- ✓ High-end shopping and dining along Chapel Street and Toorak Road
- ✓ Elegant, tree-lined residential streets
- ✓ Excellent train line for quick access to the CBD and beach suburbs
- ✓ Sophisticated bar and cafe scene
- ✗ Accommodation and dining costs are among the highest in Melbourne
- ✗ Can feel exclusive and less welcoming to budget travelers
Recommended places to stay in South Yarra
Budget
CitiClub Hotel Melbourne
"I recently stayed at Citiclub Hotel Melbourne and had a pleasant experience. The…"
Private parking
Luggage storage
Bar
Nightclub
✓ Verified
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"lovely hotel that was converted from an old prison. no scary vibes. this room ha…"
Indoor swimming pool
Gym
Private parking
Bar
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
"The hotel website stated parking was $35, but it cost $40. Self-parking"
Indoor swimming pool
Spa
Massage room
Gym
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Ibis Melbourne Central
"Hotel front desk staffs were very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed talking to the…"
Gym
Private parking
Luggage storage
Bar
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
"Friendly receptionists with a cozy lobby area. Guest rooms are large with suffic…"
Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Gym
Public parking
✓ Verified
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Docklands
Mid-range
A modern waterfront development where the wind whips across open plazas and the sails of the Polly Woodside tall ship creak. New apartment towers overlook marinas and the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.
- ✓ Modern, spacious apartment-style hotels with water views
- ✓ Quieter than the CBD, at night
- ✓ Direct access to the Etihad Stadium and Marvel Stadium
- ✓ Promenades for walking and cycling
- ✗ Feels sterile and lacks the character of older suburbs
- ✗ Limited dining and nightlife options compared to the CBD
Recommended places to stay in Docklands
Budget
YTI Garden Hotel
"Absolutely loved our 2-night stay at YTI Garden Hotel The location was unbeatabl…"
Taxi booking service
Wi-Fi in public areas
Laundry room
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
The Hotel Windsor
"The location is fantastic, very close to Chinatown and easily accessible by car,…"
Private parking
Bar
Restaurant
Conference room
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Essence Hotel Carlton
"Great location. Right in the middle of the city. If you like to walk it takes 15-…"
Gym
Private parking
Luggage storage
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Crown Promenade Melbourne
"Great sized room in ideal location. We stayed in a doublke queen room which was…"
Indoor swimming pool
Massage room
Gym
Public parking
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Knightsbridge Apartments
"Located in East Melbourne, the hotel is about a 5-minute walk from the light rai…"
Private parking
Luggage storage
Taxi booking service
Wi-Fi in public areas
✓ Verified
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Find Hotels in Melbourne
Compare prices and book your perfect stay
Find the best hotel for your stay on Trip.comPrices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Hotels
AUD 150-850+ per night
International chains and boutique properties are concentrated in the CBD and Southbank, while smaller suburbs feature independent hotels.
Best for: Travelers wanting daily housekeeping, concierge services, and on-site amenities
Check a comparison sites directly for packages that may include parking or dining credits
Serviced Apartments
AUD 200-500 per night
Abundant in areas like Docklands and Southbank, offering kitchenettes or full kitchens and more space than standard hotel rooms.
Best for: Families, long-stay visitors, or travelers wanting self-catering options
Often cheaper for stays longer than three nights compared to equivalent hotel rooms
Hostels
AUD 25-60 per night for dorms
Found in the CBD, Fitzroy, and St Kilda, ranging from modern purpose-built buildings to converted heritage properties.
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, and groups on tight budgets
Book private rooms well ahead for summer. Dorm beds often have last-minute availability.
Boutique Hotels
AUD 250-600 per night
Smaller, design-focused properties concentrate in Fitzroy, South Yarra, and the CBD laneways.
Best for: Travelers seek unique character and personalized service over chain-hotel consistency.
Many have limited rooms and sell out quickly for weekends. Book at least a month in advance.
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Book CBD and Southbank early for events
Hotels in the Central Business District and Southbank sell out months ahead for major events like the Australian Open or Formula 1 Grand Prix. Book at least four months in advance for these periods.
Consider tram lines for outer suburbs
For stays in suburbs like St Kilda or Fitzroy, check proximity to tram stops. A room near a direct line into the city saves significant time and transport costs.
Weekend versus weekday rates
CBD business hotels often drop their rates significantly on Friday and Saturday nights. Leisure-focused suburbs like St Kilda can be more expensive on weekends.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
High Season
Reserve 3-4 months ahead for December through March. Properties near the Australian Open precinct in January fill fastest.
Shoulder Season
April-May and September-November offer milder weather and better rates. Four to six weeks notice is typically sufficient.
Low Season
June-August sees lower tourist demand and discounted rates, except during school holidays. Last-minute bookings are often possible.
For a standard visit, aim to book at least six weeks in advance. This secures a good selection of properties and rates.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.
Check-in / Check-out
Standard check-in is from 14:00 or 15:00, with check-out by 10:00 or 11:00. Most hotels will store luggage for early arrivals or late departures.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary or expected in Melbourne. Service charges are not added to bills.
Payment
Credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere. Some smaller hostels or guesthouses may have a surcharge for card payments.
Safety
Melbourne is considered a safe city. Standard urban precautions apply in the CBD and on public transport at night. Use room safes for valuables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melbourne Tripadvisor Hotels?
TripAdvisor lists hundreds of Melbourne hotels with verified reviews, which is helpful for comparing options across different neighborhoods. When browsing, pay attention to the hotel's location relative to where you want to spend time, Melbourne's tram network makes most areas accessible. But staying in the CBD, Southbank, or Fitzroy can save you travel time. We recommend cross-checking prices on hotel websites directly, as you'll sometimes find better rates than booking through third-party sites.
Where to Stay in Melbourne?
The CBD is convenient for first-time visitors with easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and the free tram zone. Fitzroy and Collingwood offer a more local feel with great cafes and nightlife, while Southbank puts you near the arts precinct and riverside dining. St Kilda is ideal if you want to be near the beach, though it's about 20 minutes from the city center by tram.
Melbourne Hotel?
Melbourne has hotels ranging from budget options around $100-150 AUD per night to luxury properties at $400+ AUD. The CBD has the highest concentration of hotels, from international chains to boutique properties, with many located along Collins and Flinders Streets. Book ahead during major events like the Australian Open (January), Grand Prix (March), and Melbourne Cup (November) when prices increase significantly and availability gets tight.
Melbourne Accommodation?
Beyond traditional hotels, Melbourne offers serviced apartments (great for longer stays), hostels in Fitzroy and the CBD ($30-50 per dorm bed), and Airbnb options throughout inner suburbs. Serviced apartments in Southbank or Docklands typically cost $150-250 per night and include kitchens, which helps if you want to save on dining out. We recommend checking cancellation policies carefully, as Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable and plans sometimes change.
Best Places to Stay Melbourne?
For easy access to everything, the CBD between Flinders Street and the Queen Victoria Market works well. If you prefer character and local cafes, Fitzroy and Carlton are walkable to the city and have plenty of accommodation options. South Yarra and Prahran offer upscale dining and shopping with good tram connections, while Richmond combines affordability with proximity to the MCG and great Vietnamese restaurants on Victoria Street.
Ready to plan your trip to Melbourne?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.