Cover The indoor pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (Photo: courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne)
The indoor pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (Photo: courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne)
1 / 1
Wondering where to stay in Melbourne? These luxury hotels place guests in the heart of the city's exciting dining and art scene
Thanks to its diverse restaurants and bars that range from edgy to elegant, a thriving art scene and curious cultural pockets, Melbourne has been having quite a moment.
And as international visitors flock to Victoria’s capital—be it for the annual Australian Open tennis tournament or simply to scope out the scene—Melbourne has truly stepped up its hotel offerings in recent years.
Check out our picks for the best luxury hotels in Melbourne, from Australia’s tallest hotel to an architectural marvel housed in the former Equity Chambers built in 1931.
1. Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne is located in what locals call the “Paris End” of Collins Street—thanks to its cluster of ornate heritage buildings and high-end boutiques. Adding to the area’s opulence for over 30 years, the gilded Grand Hyatt Melbourne is widely considered the city’s original luxury hotel.
Its 546 rooms include 25 suites—the largest is the 1,959 square foot Premier Suite, which boasts floor-to-ceiling views of the city from the comfort of an oversized king bed. Fret not if you can’t secure a suite, however, as every guest room offers the luxury of Egyptian linens and elegant marble bathrooms.
The fitness facilities at Grand Hyatt Melbourne are second to none, complete with a rooftop tennis court, indoor swimming pool, golf nets, a basketball court and a spa that offers a range of massage therapies, aesthetic services and facial treatments.
2. Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
The Hilton occupies Melbourne’s heritage-listed Equity Chambers, which was originally built in 1931. Designed by architectural firm Bates Smart, to this day, the hotel embodies the building’s rich history—from Bourke Street entrance’s soaring portico with two grand sandstone columns to the double-height dining space at contemporary Australian restaurant Luci.
Restored lifts, stairs and a mezzanine guest lounge have also been “carved” from the existing volumes of the former grand banking hall. The architects also added a contemporary six-level extension above the existing five-storey heritage building and a 16-storey tower adjoined at the rear to accommodate a 239-room hotel.
Be sure to check out The Douglas Club, which recreates the spirit of a 1930s cocktail lounge.
See also: 5 luxury heritage hotels in Asia with enchanting designs and fascinating histories
3. Laneways by Ovolo
Designed to be a sort of home-away-from-home, but cooler, Laneways by Ovolo shuns the stark aesthetic of inner city hotels in favour of mid-century modern design. Think rounded angles, dramatic drapery and velvet textiles in shades of navy blue and mustard yellow.
Tatler tip: Design lovers should request Suite 303, the exclusive Neale Whitaker suite, which features art and objects curated by the design aficionado himself including a large painting by artist Nunzio Miano, a Sarah Nedovic Gaunt lamp and a portrait by Flynn Cowan.
Located at the top of Little Bourke Street—it’s hard to miss the canary-yellow entrance—Laneways by Ovolo is just few blocks down from Melbourne’s vibrant Chinatown, and around the corner from the city’s historic theatre district which is home to local institutions such as Princess Theatre, The Melbourne Supper Club, The European and City Wine Shop.
Its own restaurant, Amphlett House, is a favourite among Melburnians for its elevated pub fare made using ingredients sourced from around Victoria.
4. The Langham, Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne has all the makings of a classic, luxury city hotel. Guests are welcomed into a soaring atrium with a grand staircase wrapped around a cascading water feature. Its restaurant, Melba, serves what might be the best hotel buffet in Melbourne, which is something of a rarity in the city. And that’s what makes this hotel stand out—it may not have the lofty interiors or trendy late-night haunts of newer properties, but it certainly delivers in good old-fashioned hospitality.
We recommend booking the Executive Terrace Room, with a sprawling private balcony that boasts postcard-perfect views of Melbourne’s central business district (CBD). Alternatively, get tickled pink in The Residence by Kerrie Hess, a pink-themed hotel apartment with a spacious lounge and dining area that can seat up to six guests. Be sure to book a room with access to the Langham Club, which offers a complimentary buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Located on Southbank, The Langham, Melbourne is just steps away from the National Gallery Victoria and other cultural hotspots.
5. Ovolo South Yarra
When visiting Melbourne, it’s worth venturing out of the CBD to explore its cool neighbourhoods—like South Yarra, which is home to some great cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques. Live like a local and check into Ovolo South Yarra, which places guests in the heart of this coveted neighbourhood.
Designed by interior designer Luchetti Krelle, the hotel’s retro-plush interiors feature accents of chrome and crushed velvet, and bold pop art pieces by artists like Jisbar, Pascal Guetta and Ben Tankard. A rockstar theme is prevalent throughout the hotel, from its hush-hush basement bar to its suites named after iconic duos in music history, like Sonny and Cher, and John Lennon and Yoko Yono. The suites also come equipped with a record player and curated vinyl collection.
On the ground floor is Lona Misa, a Latin American vegan restaurant which received a One Hat rating by the prestigious The Good Food Guide 2023.
6. Park Hyatt Melbourne
Quietly tucked away on the fringe of the CBD, surrounded by elegant gardens and overlooking St Patrick’s Cathedral, is Park Hyatt Melbourne. The luxury property has 245 oversized guest rooms, including 24 suites, featuring plush king beds and Italian marble bathrooms.
Hidden away on an upper floor is a 25-metre indoor pool inspired by Roman baths, along with a fitness studio and a day spa. Radii, Park Hyatt Melbourne’s signature modern European restaurant, is an art deco dream come true spread across five cascading levels. Be sure to make time for drinks at the circular bar. High tea is served daily in the lobby lounge.
See also: Luxury lodges in Australia to go off the grid in style
7. QT Melbourne
Housed in a former cinema, QT Melbourne sets the scene for a dreamy stay in the city. Its industrial-chic interiors range from deep, moody hues to light-filled suites with dramatic, draping textiles. Artful details are found throughout, from suspended neon lights to a video screening abstract moving shapes and a wall of 6,000 books.
Its restaurant, Pascale, is a nod to the building’s cinema heritage with seductive lighting and plush seats, while Bar 133 serves cocktails crafted around seasonal produce and botanicals.
Located on Russell Street, QT Melbourne places its guests slap-bang in the middle of the CBD within walking distance from some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and other attractions.
8. The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
After nine years in the making, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne finally opened its doors in March this year, occupying the top 17 floors of an 80-storey skyscraper in the city’s CBD. The views here are stellar, covering historical landmarks such as Queen Victoria Market, rows upon rows of Melbourne’s iconic Victorian-style homes, the winding Yarra River and all the way out to the Dandenong Ranges.
There are a number of room and suite configurations available, and certainly no bad options. We love the Premier Ritz-Carlton Club Suite—resembling a chic studio apartment, it features living and dining areas as well as a sleek walk-in wardrobe dressed in rich, dark wood. The height of luxury here, however, is the 2,700 sq ft Ritz-Carlton Suite, which comprises separate living and dining rooms, a study and a powder room.
Its fine dining restaurant, Atria, is refreshingly laidback, and features a 19-metre bar that runs along the restaurant’s outstretched windows, ensuring everyone gets a seat with a view. Cameo, a 30-seat bar, creates a kind of chef’s table experience but for cocktails.
Topics
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
