Written by Cheyenne Bradley
Whether you’re dreaming of a sophisticated escape near world-renowned theatres and sporting landmarks, or longing for a serene getaway outside the bustling city centre, these are the best hotels in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The best hotels in Melbourne’s CBD
Pullman Melbourne City Centre
Through a hidden laneway entrance, an urban retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD awaits. Treat yourself to breakfast and great coffee at Eva’s Restaurant & Bar or head to Blossom Rooftop Bar – Melbourne’s highest outdoor rooftop bar – for laid-back cocktails and dazzling views.
Next Hotel Melbourne
This boutique abode is just off Little Collins Street, perfectly placed to walk to most of the city’s laneways bars and to the theatre precinct; it’s the newly overhauled restaurant, La Madonna, that’s an attraction all its own. Leaning into French flavours in the moodily lit restaurant you might have a tuna tartare with caviar and basil coulis or dry-aged Loddon Estate duck breast with radicchio and a rich duck jus. At neighbouring onsite bar The Barrel Room, the signature cocktails all used barrel-aged spirits, whether you pick a negroni, aviation or tiki-tastic mai tai. Then head upstairs to room decked out in cool blues and greys with leather throw pillows and turn in for a perfect night’s sleep.
Pan Pacific Melbourne
Frequently regarded as Melbourne’s best hotel (it was even named Australia’s Leading Hotel in the World Travel Awards 2024), Pan Pacific is one of those classic five-star stays you simply can’t go wrong with. Located on South Wharf with city skyline and Yarra River views, it’s right on the doorstep of everything Southbank and the CBD has to offer. It’s glossy, it’s modern and the dining is excellent: think dishes inspired by local producers, like twice-cooked Wagyu short ribs with school prawns, and native desert lime and meringue tart, served at Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen.
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens
Set in a heritage-listed former print works between Parliament House and Carlton Gardens, Lanson Place Parliament Gardens is a five-star Melbourne retreat that pairs old-world charm with crisp contemporary design. Spacious studios, rooms and apartments offer a tranquil base just a short walk from the Princess Theatre, Collins Street boutiques and the laneways of the CBD, with the MCG, Fitzroy Gardens and the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition Building all close by. Mornings start in the Albert Lounge with a generous buffet breakfast, while Chronicle 502 Bar & Dining showcases seasonal Australian produce and signature cocktails beneath a striking 40-metre artwork by Melbourne-based Indigenous artists.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
Planted in the beating heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this hotel is right on the doorstep of Bourke Street Mall and Collins Street’s shopping strips, with Block Arcade a one-minute stroll away.
Graffiti-splashed laneways and Melbourne’s legendary food scene pulse all around you, while the National Gallery of Victoria and Royal Botanical Gardens are just a quick tram ride when you’re ready to explore beyond the neighbourhood’s creative chaos. Inside, the hotel reflects Melbourne’s vibrant character, with curated amenities, thoughtfully designed spaces and spacious rooms inspired by the city.
Lancemore Crossley St.
Embrace Melbourne culture with a decadent stay at this cutting-edge designer retreat, located in the heart of the city’s East End Theatre District. Head to the hotel’s rooftop terrace for skyline vistas before stepping out onto the surrounding streets to discover hole-in-the-wall cafes, high-end boutiques and an endless network of top-notch restaurants.
QT Melbourne
At the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street, a bold fusion of industrial chic and high-fashion flair meet. The hotel is as stylish as the city itself – velvet details, eclectic interiors, low lights and high fashion come together across individually tailored rooms, dining experiences and rooftops. Revel in cocktails and live music at Rooftop at QT, and for laneway-inspired dining, head to Hot Sauce Laneway, boasting Korean and Japanese-inspired dishes.
The Langham
Experience the epitome of riverside elegance with sweeping views at this luxury stay in the heart of the city. Meet pure opulence at Chaun Spa, where you’re matched with a natural element like wood or water, and treated with products based on your pairing. When not indulging in stress-relieving massages, try award-winning dining at Melba Restaurant’s interactive open kitchen. Complete your stay in sophisticated rooms with marble bathrooms and timeless charm.
The Hotel Windsor
Perfectly located across from the historic Parliament House, next to the renowned Princess Theatre and at the top of bustling Collins Street, this grand, heritage-listed property offers unparalleled access to Melbourne’s famous laneways, cafes and vibrant street art. Since the 1800s, its classic elegance has been the go-to for the A-list, from film and theatre stars like Meryl Streep and Sir Anthony Hopkins to prime ministers. Treat yourself to traditional afternoon tea at One Eleven and enjoy a nightcap at The Cricketers Bar, or wander to the nearby Antara for a seasonal menu of small plates and a curated selection of wines.
The best hotels in Melbourne’s suburbs
Ovolo Melbourne, South Yarra
Ovolo South Yarra fits the effortlessly stylish attitude of Chapel Street like it was designed for it, which, through the lens of 70s pop-art and disco-era rock gods, it essentially was. The lobby arrives at full volume: mosaic floor tiles inlaid with famous song lyrics, a lolly bar next to the lifts and Freddie Mercury portrait watching over check-in. Interiors by Luchetti Krelle work in maroon tones, terrazzo and fluted glass throughout the 123 rooms. On the street level, follow the neon martini glass sign leads to Backroom: a Prohibition-era speakeasy that serves as both the hotel’s best-kept secret and one of South Yarra’s better cocktail rooms.
The StandardX, Melbourne
Enjoy a stay at Fitzroy’s trendiest luxury hotel, steps from stylish cafes, galleries and stores. Take in vibrant views from sleek and minimalist rooms before indulging in Thai-inspired cuisine at BANG Restaurant. The hotel’s design reflects Fitzroy’s artistic flair, with a terra cotta-tinted rooftop space and a lobby filled with eclectic, vintage furniture.
The Interlude
Situated in Coburg, The Interlude Hotel at Pentridge transforms Melbourne’s historic Pentridge Prison into a luxurious urban sanctuary. This heritage-rich stay, adorned with bluestone walls and vaulted ceilings, blends history with modern elegance. Unwind in an underground pool, enjoy curated wines at Olivine Wine Bar and tuck into seasonal dining at North&COMMON.
The best hotels in regional Victoria
RACV Cape Schanck Resort
Set along the rugged coastline of the Mornington Peninsula and surrounded by wilderness, this is the perfect break from the bustling city, boasting a heated pool, stunning bay views and an 18-hole championship golf course. The highly acclaimed French Cape Restaurant is a must-visit for fine dining, while Samphire Restaurant showcases contemporary Australian flavours.
The Mitchelton Hotel Nagambie
Escape to the romantic allure of the Goulburn Valley’s prestigious vine-draped hills. Just a scenic 90-minute drive from Melbourne, discover a stunning architectural gem envisioned by the esteemed Hecker Guthrie. Here, your rural retreat awaits, seamlessly blending rustic charm with contemporary elegance, offering the full winery experience right on your doorstep.
Jackalope Hotel
The jet-black form of the Jackalope Hotel looms sudden and deliberate against the pale vine rows of LL Vineyard, an entrance that makes the point before a word is spoken. The seven-metre Jackalope sculpture stands at the hotel entrance, a mythical antlered rabbit and the hotel’s self-declared symbol for something exceptional enough to be legendary. The 46 rooms are unashamedly dark in palette, floor-to-ceiling windows opening private terraces to vineyard views. Doot Doot Doot (named for the leader of a Flaggerdoot, the collective noun for a group of Jackalopes) seats guests beneath a 10,000-globe chandelier designed to evoke the bubbling sensation of wine in fermentation. In the Flaggerdoot bar, golden leather pelt chairs and an antler-and-oak bench occupy the same room as a plush blue pool table.
The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
The Mornington Peninsula has no shortage of day spas and thermal springs, but Alba brings is something different: a 15-hectare geothermal property in Fingal where the underground mineral springs feed an array of more than pools scattered across native bushland and wildflower meadows. The Sanctuary sits on the ridge above the springs with five freestanding villas and two studio suites tucked away in the native bush with a slow-burning fireplace, a luxurious freestanding bath and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward the bay. Thyme, the onsite restaurant with a menu developed by Melbourne chef and cookbook author Karen Martini, serves seasonal produce from local Mornington suppliers throughout the day.
Yarra Valley Lodge
One of the best hidden gems in the Yarra Valley is Yarra Valley Lodge, set within the 120-acre Heritage Golf & Country Club. Relax with a glass of wine at Lodge Bar Bistro or head to sophisticated onsite eatery, Bella, where pop-up events on Friday and Saturday serve farm-to-table fare, think grilled flatbread with native seeds and Little Creek Cattle rib-eye. Practice your skills on the golf course and head to the day spa before exploring exceptional local wineries.
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
The crowning jewel of Werribee Park’s grounds, this lush hotel is ensconced in ten acres of manicured English gardens. With a billiards room and library, it is little surprise this regal retreat has become one of Melbourne’s most cherished outer suburb escapes. Enjoy three-course feasts at Joseph’s Dining featuring the finest Australian wines and unwind with custom-made facials at L.M. Spa.
InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, an IHG Hotel
The spoils of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula await at InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula. From some of the country’s most esteemed wineries to its world-famous beaches and award-winning eateries, a trip to this sunny slice of Victoria coastline is a must – and with an unrivalled location and spectacular central pool, this hotel makes an unrivalled stay.
