A go-to list of Melbourne's best accommodation

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: Hyde Melbourne Place
Best caravan park: BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park
Best holiday home: Penthouse on Gertrude with private rooftop terrace
Best airport hotel: Novotel Melbourne Airport

Hotels

1. 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)

The newest 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Camping/Caravan Parks

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

Airport accommodation

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

18 of the best accommodation in Melbourne