Best Place to Stay in Melbourne Australia
Our Guru's recommendations for the best places to stay in Melbourne are littered through the chic and shiny Southbank, found in flashy and sandy St. Kilda, in lush, green, foodie South Yarra, on chic Chapel St. and in the heart of town.
Melbourne is perfectly summed up by its most famous annual event: The Melbourne Cup, a day of hedonistic appreciation for the finer things, blended with an easy, classy charm. Its reputation for quality and finish, and its weather, culture and atmosphere are more stylishly European than you'll find elsewhere in Australia. But don't expect stuffy suits and silver service, Melbourne is more about cool cats, foodie haunts and people with a nose for their coffee.
Close to the wine region of the Yarra Valley, Melbourne takes its wine, and food seriously. The centre of town has recently sprouted a collection of new rooftop bars and the "Laneways" are full of alleyway eateries, converted from once industrial buildings.
But as well as wine and food, Melbourne also takes coffee, The Arts, and shopping seriously. Shopping fans should try Collins Street for the Parisian boutiques and Chapel St. for quirky chic. But you shouldn't miss out on the Queen Victoria markets either - the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere. And Melbourne's cultural calendar is packed with festivals celebrating some, or all, of the above.
In fact people from Melbourne consider Melbourne to be Australia's Cultural Capital. Locals from other centres don't really agree, but most would begrudgingly admit that Melbourne is 'pretty arty', with with its tens of galleries and museums, hundreds of live music venues and a myriad of colourful street artists.
Melbourne is also keen on its sport, and it's not just the gee-gees and the Tennis Open that people flock too, the MCG is a cricket Mecca and there's a Formula One race track nearby, and of course the footy - both the AFL and the Rugby.
Don't forget there's a myriad of great beaches too - Melbourne is situated on the horseshoe shaped Port Phillip Bay. So take time to check out Brighton with its colourful beach huts or further out of town Altona is a popular beach for swimmers (it's got a no boat zone), and sailors alike (there are yachting facilities close by).
Our pick of the best places to stay in Melbourne has something for all tastes and budgets, whether you want sheer luxury (book The Como) or your prefer things a bit more low key (The Prince is a great option).
For a city break
- The Langham Hotel Melbourne is a luxury hotel in an unrivalled position right on the Southbank by the Yarra River. As well as offering amazing city views and easy access to many of Melbourne's highlights, The Langham has some impressive decor and a fantastic spa.
- Crown Towers occupies the other end of the Southbank, closer to the Docklands, but you're still perfectly located and the views, from generous sized rooms and the rooftop gardens, are incredible.
- Ovolo Laneways, is right in the heart of the central business district, close to some of Melbourne's best bars, cafes and restaurants and a short walk from Federation Square. This hundred room hotel is also great value, with rooms, and complimentary breakfasts, starting at £128 per night.
