As great a feeling as flopping onto a freshly made bed in a hotel room can be, it comes at a price — one that’s steadily rising every year. These days, rooms at many hotels in Melbourne can start at $400 a night, and most of the time, breakfast and parking aren’t included in that cost.
Fortunately, some new and existing hotels in Melbourne have rooms for under $250 a night. From 300-plus room hotels in the heart of the city, steps from shops and attractions, to boutique properties designed to give visitors a taste of the neighbourhoods they’re located in, this is our edit of the best Melbourne hotels for under $250 a night.
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
Despite being a big-name chain hotel, Hotel Melbourne Little Queen Street feels like a boutique property with its historic Equity Chambers Building setting. The 1930s Gothic architecture gives it a glamorous and discrete feel, as if you’re one of only a few guests staying. Though rooms rates fluctuate based on the night, you can find nights for as low as $246.
Dorsett Melbourne
Located in precinct West Side Place at the southern end of the CBD, Dorsett Melbourne features 316 rooms, an indoor pool and gym, and a spa, sauna and steam room. Though it is conveniently close to the tram stop on Spencer Street, you might not even want to leave the hotel. Dorsett Melbourne has wellness facilities, and it also houses a restaurant, bar and club lounge. Play around with the dates of your stay, and you could find the night as affordable as $239.
The Cullen Melbourne
Owned by hospitality brand Art Series, The Cullen in Prahan is named after the late Australian contemporary artist Adam Cullen. His art and sculptures decorate the walls and corners of the boutique hotel. Prahan Station is a six-minute walk away where a five-minute journey will take you to Flinders Street Station. Rooms look out at the Melbourne CBD skyline. Room rates start at $125 a night.
The Howey
The Howey is one of the most ideally located hotels Melbourne offers. The hotel is a 7-minute walk from Flinders Street Station, 10 minutes from Collins Street and 12 minutes from Federation Square. Choose from room types, ranging from Urban Standard King, to Pesgrave Suite or, the largest, Howey Suite. Rooms look out over Melbourne’s skyline and its laneways. Standard room rates start at $249.
The Motley Hotel
The Motley Hotel in Richmond opened in February 2023. The boutique property pays homage in its décor to the building’s former occupant: a seamstress and costumier named Mary Parker. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the MCG, a 7-minute drive from AAMI Park and a 12-minute drive from the NGV and Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s next to a tram stop, so you can easily get wherever else you want to go. Room rates start at $215 a night.
Hotel Collins
As its name suggests, Hotel Collins is on Collins Street, opposite The Regent Theatre and next to Bistro D’Orsay. Stroll a little further and you’ll find luxury boutique shops, as well as institutional restaurants and bars. Federation Square is a 10-minute walk away. All rooms are individually styled and overlook Collins Street or Melbourne laneways. Room rates start at an affordable $159 a night.
AC Hotel Marriott Melbourne Southbank
For easy access to South Wharf Precinct, Crown Casino and South Melbourne Market, stay at AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank. The 40-storey hotel has a rooftop infinity pool and fitness centre, as well as a lounge with happy hours. Rooms feature natural stone tiling, metal detailing and brass accents. rates can be as low as $240 a night.
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