Melbourne is on the rise thanks to these seven must-visit hotels

Best known for its wide array of restaurants, vibrant street art and its ridiculously good coffee, Melbourne might be Australia’s creative capital, but for reasons unknown, its hotel scene remained curiously unmatched. Recently though, a slate of local hoteliers have picked up the pace, peppering the hospitality landscape with a much-needed dose of contemporary cool. From an all-you-can buy urban apartment to an art-laden winery hotel, take a look at the seven properties that are putting the city on the map.

Guestroom at The Larwill Studio, Melbourne, Australia

(Image credit: press)

By Lauren Ho

last updated 19 October 2022

in Buying Guides

The Larwill Studio

Part of Australia’s Art Series Group, The Larwill Studio celebrates the life of expressionist painter, David Larwill, with the artist’s signature bold and vivid aesthetic boosting the 96-guestrooms and the public spaces. Dressed with sleek Scandinavian furnishings and with bucolic views over the neighbouring Royal Parklands, you can’t help but let your hair down. Just as well, as it’s all about wellness here, with in-room sketchbooks, an in-house yoga channel and also bicycles at hand for exploring the area. And if you’re in need of some action, the CBD is actually only a short 30-minute stride away.

48 Flemington Rd; tel: 61.3 9032 9111; www.artserieshotels.com.au/larwill

Microluxe

A hybrid hotel, design showroom and store, everything – down to the comfiest of memory-foam mattresses – is for sale at Microluxe. A chic little urban retreat outfitted with such lust-worthy items, from 100% organic cotton bath towels to hand-crafted ceramics, you’ll wish you brought a bigger suitcase. Available for short-stay rentals, this bolthole certainly satisfies our aspirational urges.

201 Moor Street; www.micro-luxe.com/Fitzroy

Guestroom at Microluxe, Melbourne, Australia

Crown Towers

This hotel might be part of Crown Resorts, Australia’s largest gaming and entertainment group, but as the largest casino in the southern hemisphere, it’s definitely worth an overnight stay – if not to live out your Las Vegas fantasies, then to at least dine at some of the best restaurants in the city, like Nobu or Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. And while you’re there, take a stroll along the Southbank and visit nearby sights from the National Gallery of Victoria to the Royal Botanical Gardens.

8 Whiteman St; www.crownmelbourne.com.au; 61.3 9292 6868

Swimming pool at Crown Towers, Melbourne, Australia

QT Melbourne

Part of Australia’s quirky QT brand, the Melbourne property adds a dose of much-needed fun to the city’s hotel landscape. From cheeky talking elevators to naughty wallpaper that lines the walls of Pascale Bar & Grill, you can spend hours being entertained in this hotel. But, located a short skip away from bustling Chinatown, you’ll find it difficult to stay in. Just make sure you come back for a tipple on the Rooftop, one of the city’s best – especially on a warm, sunny day.

33 Russell St; www.qthotelsandresorts.com/melbourne; 61.3 8636 8800

Guestroom at QT Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

The Prince

Housed in a 1936 landmark art deco building, the 38-room Prince Hotel has just emerged from a makeover that mixes fresh Nordic elements with a light maritime vibe. Located in the seaside suburb of St Kilda, about 20 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, the hotel has a ground floor bistro and wine bar with a modern Australian menu that uses produce sourced from local community gardens – the perfect accompaniment to the unfolding views of Port Phillip Bay.

2 Acland Street, St Kilda; theprince.com.au; 61.3 9536 1111

Guestroom at The Prince, Melbourne, Australia

Mitchelton Hotel

It might only be an hour and a half north of Melbourne’s city centre, but arriving at Mitchelton Estate is like stepping into a bygone era, especially for its retro 1960s architecture that sits within the endless rolling grasslands of the area. And while the winery’s restaurant has always enticed visitors looking for a day out of town, Melburnians can at least now have the option of staying the night (or two) thanks to a brand new hotel designed by local firm Hecker Guthrie. Slotting seamlessly into its surroundings, the property has views of the nearby river or the rolling vineyards, and there’s a cosy spa to round off your stay.

470 Mitchellstown Rd; mitchelton.com.au; 61.5 736 2222

Spa reception at the Mitchelton Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

Jackalope

The Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne’s chichi weekend getaway destination, has gotten even chichier thanks to the arrival of Jackalope. With a surreal design concept that focuses on alchemy and the mythical north American animal the jackalope, the hotel is a bold and daring addition to the area’s traditional landscape. Inside, no expense has been spared with high-fashion furnishings from the likes of Rick Owens and the Campana Brothers and artwork from Australian artists such as Emily Floyd. A day trip to sample Doot Doot Doot, the fine dining restaurant by chef Guy Stanaway is a must, but try stay for a night or two, to indulge in poolside cocktails while admiring the endless views of the green rolling vineyards.

166 Balnarring Rd; www.jackalopehotels.com; 61.3 5931 2500

Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.