Hotels in Melbourne

Getting around Melbourne

Melbourne offers a variety of public transportation options, but depending on where you stay, most of the main attractions are within walking distance. If you want to use public transportation or plan to do so frequently, get yourself a myki card, which lets you travel on all units offered by the Public Transport Victoria, including water taxis. The myki Explorer is best for travellers and offers 1-day unlimited travel on all public transportation. It costs $15 AUD and includes $9 AUD myki money for travel. A child’s myki Explorer card costs $7.50 AUD and comes with $4.50 AUD in myki money for travelling. With the myki Explorer card, you receive discounts on main attractions like the SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Museum and the Eureka Skydeck 88. You can also use the discounts on regional Victoria attractions, like Sovereign Hill and the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Staying safe in Melbourne

Melbourne is a relatively safe city, but the beaches have frequent rips and undercurrents. Always swim on lifeguard patrolled beaches in between the red and yellow swimmer flags. Also, be sun conscious by wearing sunscreen and staying in the shade when possible. The Australian sunshine tends to burn delicate skin faster than in many other parts of the world.

How to enjoy Melbourne without spending too much

Each week, The Age newspaper gives you a list of free and interesting events for the upcoming week. Get yourself a copy on Saturday or Sunday to see what you can enjoy for free. Uber is a good option to get around the city instead of a taxi, and you can use the Uber Pool to save on travel with other passengers. If you are keen to explore the city driving on your own, you can look for good bargains on car rentals with momondo. Hostels in Melbourne let you work for your accommodation, including a few hours per day of cleaning for a free room at night. For transportation, use the free tourist shuttles running around the city centre and inner suburbs from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. You can ride the free city circle trams around the CBD and to the docklands from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Best places to stay in Melbourne

Melbourne’s city centre has an abundance of fine art galleries, restaurants, local wines and plenty of retail excitement to go around. Whether you are here for the weekend or an extended stay, each of the distinct neighbourhoods has something unique to explore. Melbourne is a coastal city and the capital of the state of Victoria. It is named among the most liveable cities in the country for good reason. When you are here, you will quickly see why visitors keep coming back for more.

Laneways

Melbourne’s laneways district is the centre for creativity. The coveted boutiques, unique restaurants and astonishing bars make this a popular spot for day and night activities. Stay at the boutique hotel called Ovolo Laneways which is very centrally located.

Chinatown

Aussies know how to create an authentic, vibrant Chinatown. Here you will find genuine Chinese eateries, some delectable Thai cuisine and even the Chinese Museum. Just a few feet from Chinatown’s centre, you have Mantra on Russell, a modern, high-rise hotel that is only 13 minutes from Federation Square and 1.7 km from Eureka Tower.

Collins Street

Collins Street is where you can explore chic boutiques, trendy art galleries and 5-star accommodations. Collins Street is dripping in luxury, but also offers local, hip designers and hidden bars squeezed discreetly in between the shops. On Collins Street, you have the regal Grand Hyatt Melbourne with its high-rise views over the city centre. Adara Collins offers temporary apartments and is across the street from the Regent Theatre. For a mid-scale hotel, try the Novotel Melbourne on Collins.

Flinders Quarter

Rub elbows with Melbourne’s elite in Flinders Quarter. The local and international fashion stores located between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets are worth browsing, even if you do not want to spend your travel budget on high fashion finds. The creativity on display at local art galleries here is inspirational, and you might find a few quirky sculptures and fun pieces to take home. Stay at the chic Adelphi Hotel to enjoy a comfortable experience complete with in-house movies and a free mini bar for all guests.

Docklands

Docklands is the place to go if you are travelling with the entire family. The harbour atmosphere offers plenty to do, and you can enjoy the views on the Melbourne Star observation wheel. For a comfortable stay, book a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment at The Sebel Residences, Melbourne Docklands. Here you have views of the Victoria Harbour and Melbourne skyline.

Sports Precinct

If you are an avid sports fan, the place you want to tuck yourself away at night is in the sports precinct. Here you are close to the action, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park and the events at the AAMI Park. You are also just a 15-minute walk from the CBD. The Precinct Hotel on Swan Street puts you strategically close to the sports venues, and you are a quick drive to the South Melbourne Market and Port Phillip Bay.

South Bank and South Wharf

Soak up the sun, enjoy the pristine beaches and dip into the relaxing waters while spending your evenings at the finest boutique restaurants. Order an exciting cocktail and mingle with the crowds at a trendy club in South Bank. South Bank hotels cost a little more, but they put you within walking distance of the beaches. If you do not want to drive or bother with a taxi, picking a hotel close to the oceanside is best. Stay at the luxurious Crown Towers Melbourne for both comfort and luxury, as well as a complimentary sparkling wine.

Central Business District (CBD)

The CBD of Melbourne provides you with the easiest access to public transportation. From here, you can hop on the bus and get to the other neighbourhoods of Melbourne, including Docklands and the beaches. Stay at Citadines On Bourke Melbourne, which is just 20 minutes walking distance from the sports district and gives you quick access to the Flinders Street Station. You also have the Treasury on Collins Melbourne with its upscale hotel suites and breathtaking views.

Cheap hotels in Melbourne

Melbourne hotels can be fairly expensive, but it is possible to find some budget-friendly options too. The Space Hotel in Melbourne’s CBD is an economy-priced boutique hotel and backpacker hostel with affordable rooms. You also have the Hotel ibis Budget Melbourne CBD on Elizabeth Street that is across from the Elizabeth Street bus stop. Another clean and safe hostel is the Discovery Melbourne with hotel quality private rooms available for hostel prices.

Melbourne has tons to do and one cannot possibly squeeze everything into a single weekend visit. Depending on how long you plan to be here, you may need to divide your time among the top attractions and then see what else you can add in if you have a couple of hours remaining before you leave.

• Take a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. The ride takes just 30 minutes and provides you with views of the bay and Docklands.
• Take the family over to the Melbourne Zoo. Here you see over 250 species of animals in rainforest, bushland and underwater environments.
• In the afternoon, stroll through the quaint Royal Botanic Gardens. The fresh air combined with the plush landscape is the perfect place to relax after a long day. The Gardens are in the city centre and easily accessible on foot.
• When the temperatures outside are too hot, head indoors and visit the Melbourne Museum. You can explore a rainforest, discover the Koori heritage and, if you are brave enough, ride a rollercoaster.
• If ghosts and spirits catch your fancy, visit the supposedly haunted and oldest prison in Victoria at the Old Melbourne Gaol museum. This old prison once housed Victoria’s toughest criminals, including the bushranger Ned Kelly.
• Shop at Queen Victoria Market, which has everything from buskers to local souvenirs to fresh treats and even local wines for sale.
• Walk through Federation Square which is by far one of the busiest areas of Melbourne. Daily events happen all through the year and the bold art galleries are worth visiting to see what local artists are creating.
• Melbourne’s culinary scene is quite impressive too. You can eat at Attica, which is rated one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. In the CBD, you have the original MoVida, located on Hosier Lane. At The Press Club you can explore a creative, Greek-inspired menu, or visit the Estelle Bistro to savour your meal while watching the boats out on the water.