The Best Luxury Hotels in Melbourne
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and with its palpable creativity, vibrant dining scene and charming historical buildings, it’s easy to see why. Make the most of any stay in Australia’s culture capital by splashing out on a room at one of the city’s spectacular luxury hotels, featuring rooftop pools, contemporary art and in-house fine-dining destinations – there’s something here to suit all tastes.
1. The Hotel Windsor
Hotel
Lawrence Olivier, Meryl Streep and Muhammad Ali are just some of the stars to have graced the corridors of the Hotel Windsor, a landmark heritage hotel that has been in operation near Melbourne’s theatre district since 1883. Steeped in history and older than the Ritz in Paris and the Savoy in London, many of the hotel’s architectural details, including its grand ballroom, have been lovingly preserved and restored over the years. Some of the 180 guest rooms feature antique accessories and ornamental fireplaces amid contemporary touches, such as custom pillow menus, that have brought the venue firmly into the 21st century.
2. Park Hyatt Melbourne
Hotel
Overlooking Fitzroy Gardens and a stone’s throw from the imposing Parliament House, the Park Hyatt Melbourne offers stately opulence, made evident from the moment visitors arrive via its grand, tree-lined entrance and step into the palatial lobby. The hotel’s 240 rooms are spacious and include walk-in wardrobes. There’s an indoor pool and a day spa, but with the trendy neighbourhood hotspots of Collingwood, Fitzroy and Chinatown all within walking distance, you may not be staying indoors much.
3. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Hotel
For Australian hospitality with a French twist, check into the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Fittingly, it is located at the Paris end of Collins Street, with the city’s most expensive boutiques on its doorstep. After shopping, retire to one of the 363 rooms, which are decorated in soothing hues and feature Bose sound systems. Alternatively, take the elevator up to the 35th floor for dinner at the No35 restaurant, or a nightcap at Atrium Bar on 35.
5. Adelphi Hotel
Hotel
Luxury-level design with a dash of kitsch defines the Adelphi, a 34-room boutique hotel in the heart of Melbourne. Candy jars and stools that look like liquorice are just some of the quirkier features incorporated into its playful interior, and each room has a personal coffee station to make getting up in the morning easier. The Adelphi is located on Flinders Lane, dangerously close to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants and bars. Also worthy of a mention is dessert haven, the Om Nom Kitchen, located inside the building. If it all gets too much, you can always retreat to the cantilevered rooftop pool.
6. The Langham Melbourne
Hotel
7. Crown Towers Melbourne
Hotel
8. Pan Pacific Melbourne
Hotel
Located on the waterfront at South Wharf, an area brimming with discount shopping and dining options, is the Pan Pacific Melbourne – a sleek, elegant hotel that overlooks a string of refurbished 19th-century cargo sheds housing buzzy eateries and bars. Its 396 rooms boast views across the river and the city skyline, and the hotel is adjacent to the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, home to various concerts, trade shows and conferences.
9. United Places Botanic Gardens
Hotel
Tucked away in South Yarra, one of Melbourne’s most upmarket neighbourhoods, is a 12-suite home hotel facing the Royal Botanic Gardens. A relatively new addition to the city’s luxury accommodation scene, United Places offers minimalist design and attention to detail that includes amenities from the cult perfume brand Le Labo and blankets and towels hand-loomed in southern Turkey. Breakfast comes from nearby restaurant Matilda 159 and the round-the-clock butler service means guests can have their own private table set up in their suite.
10. The Cullen
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
In the lively neighbourhood of Prahran is a 118-room homage to the late contemporary Australian artist, Adam Cullen. His signature aesthetic inspired the hotel’s suites, which run the gamut from studio to penthouse and are decorated with artworks. The rooms feature kitchenette facilities, and for those who feel like cooking, there’s no better place to stock up on supplies than the bustling Prahran Market, located just across the street. There are two on-site restaurants, and Smart cars are available for hire on an hourly or daily basis.
This is an updated version of a story created by Monique La Terra.
If you’re on your travels with your loved one, check out the best romantic hotels in Melbourne, bookable with Culture Trip.
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