Coolest Melbourne hotels for unique vibes on your city break

Rub shoulders with Instagrammers and fashionistas when you stay at the five-star QT Melbourne. This effortlessly chic hotel blends expertly designed interiors with gourmet eateries and a smattering of artisan touches—the result? Boutique Melbourne accommodation that just oozes cool. Slip into the bubbly depths of your window-front standalone bath, or opt for a nap on the feather-soft bed in your QT Corner King Room. You can refresh with a cup of Tippity tea, then breeze down to on-site treat haven The Cake Shop for some buttery fruit toast.

Afternoon entertainment is easy with a five-minute meander to The Collins Street precinct. After a spot of retail therapy, be sure to check out nearby St Paul’s Cathedral to absorb a little of the city’s heritage. Sip a smooth flat white at iconic laneway cafe The Quarter, then head back to the hotel in time for sundowners at the glamorous Rooftop at QT. You’ll watch dusk descend on the elegant terrace while a waiter brings you coconut chicken salad, best swilled down with ice-cold champagne or a prosecco-topped signature cocktail.

Cool cats, or those who just appreciate a good tune, will revel in a weekend break at The Jazz Corner. Here at one of Melbourne’s sleekest hotels, you’ll find three super stylish dining venues to help you start your getaway on a tasty note. Rest up post-lunch in an art-flecked Studio room, where quality linen on your plush bed makes for a delicious nap before you head out to enjoy the city’s buzz.

Wander just 200 metres to the world-famous Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne’s largest 19th century market with a colourful history spanning 140 years. Sample satiating delights such as flaky almond pastries and mascarpone-stuffed figs before doubling back to catch an exhibition at the history-heavy Hellenic Museum. Take a late afternoon siesta back at the hotel with your feet up on your private balcony, a cold drink from the fridge in your hand.

Nightfall means it’s your moment to slip into your coolest threads and head down to the hotel’s acclaimed jazz bar, Bird’s Basement. Order a platter of lemon-pepper calamari, then throw back a martini and sway as the band strikes up their first lively number.

Drawing inspiration from the city’s graphic laneways, Hotel Ovolo Laneways is a funky spot to base yourself during a weekend in Melbourne. Splash the cash on a couple of nights in the technicolour Penthouse Suite and start each day with a buttery breakfast of freshly baked pastries. Your pockets stuffed with complimentary snacks, take a 10-minute stroll up into Fitzroy for a wander around the fascinating Melbourne Museum. Carlton Gardens tends to beckon for a quiet half-hour in the sun, so find an empty bench and feast on the contents of your pockets before catching a tram south to Flinders Street for a spot of shopping.

Haul your wares back to the hotel, where the Jacuzzi on your very own terrace will welcome you ‘home’ for a decadent soak under the shadow of skyscrapers. Groups of friends can rustle up some friendly competition at the in-room pinball machine, then cheers the winner with a glass of something fizzy from the wine fridge. As the afternoon fades into evening, gather around the dining table on your rooftop patio to watch the city lights wink on, or pile in front of one of three flatscreen televisions for an epic movie marathon.

It’s a feast for the eyes at five-star Melbourne sleep spot, The Cullen. Inspired by the work of Aussie artist Adam Cullen—and peppered with some of his darkly comical pieces—this bold and daring hotel in the Prahran neighbourhood weaves colourful creativity into every stay.

For a truly immersive experience, book into one of the Street Art Suites, where personalised touches from different street artists add to the vibrancy of your break. Your sunny terrace will be just the spot for relishing a morning coffee while the city hums just storeys below.

After a thoroughly indulgent breakfast at on-site Gramercy Social—think chocolate babka French toast and a boozy breakfast Bellini—hire a hotel-branded Smart Car with its own unique paint job from reception and cruise around the city to tune into its vibes.

Stop off at the National Gallery of Victoria to see where your hotel’s namesake might have found his inspiration, then return your vehicle and hit the hotel gym to build up an appetite for the evening. It’s an easy stroll to next-door Hu Tong dumpling bar should you care to end your day with freshly steamed dim sum and a platter of crispy, crackly Peking duck.

Tucked away in the very heart of the city is Jasper Hotel. Feel yourself unwind amid the minimalist décor of a Premium Courtyard View room and soak up the peaceful ambience that comes from living above a sun-dappled courtyard. Rise early for an in-room dose of hot coffee and a quick refresh in your luxury bathroom, then find your way to Flagstaff Gardens (a 10-minute walk) for a meander through the gloriously green surrounds.

Call in an Amble Cafe for zingy lemon ricotta stuffed crepe, then wander down to the Immigration Museum for an insight into Melbourne’s past. If you’re in the city with your whole brood, take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary access to Melbourne City Baths—little ones can splash into a game of Marco Polo in the largest pool in the CBD.

When ready to refuel, grab a table at the hotel’s own Jasper Kitchen for prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast sourced right from the Queen Victoria Markets. You can toast the coming night with a glass of bubbly, then steal out to the courtyard to linger in the balmy twilight.

Saltwater lovers and sun-worshippers gravitate towards The Prince for unpretentious luxury right near the beach. Art Deco architecture and custom-made furniture instil a bougie vibe in this St Kilda hotel, while privately commissioned photography adds an element of class to every room.

Check into a light-flooded Boutique Room and make yourself at home with complimentary hot drinks and elegant Aspar bathroom products. After a quick round of fruit toast from West Bathers Beach Pavilion, you can hit the soft sands for a sunbathing session on Victoria’s most iconic beach.

Wander back to the hotel through Catani Gardens and enjoy a quiet half hour on your comfortable double bed—or in the concrete-backed soaking bath, for that matter—to prepare for a fun-packed evening. Once night falls, you’ll want to head to the Prince Dining Room for Flinders Island lamb with fermented chilli paired against a silky crimson Shiraz from the nearby Yarra Valley. Suitably satiated, migrate to on-site music venue The Prince Bandroom for an evening of soul-stirring music and an extra tipple or two.

From the creative genius of abstract artist Zhong Chen comes The Chen. In the 100 quirky suites, in-room art libraries and Art Series Signature beds are accented by custom bedecked walls. After waking up in your Deluxe Studio Balcony Suite, carry the breakfast you whipped up in your kitchenette onto your balcony for a morning meal alfresco. You can follow your feast with a dip in the rooftop pool, or jump into a galvanising workout in the on-site gym. EVO toiletries will help you wash off the sweat so you’re ready to head into the city centre.

You’ll want to block off some time to explore the art-studded laneways branching off bustling Flinders Street. This formerly gritty garment district now hosts secret bars and fashion-forward shops. Continue on past Parliament House to Fitzroy Gardens, where charming Cooks’ Cottage—the oldest building in Australia—provides a window to the past.

You’ll catch the day’s last rays back at the hotel’s entertainment deck, watching as the city comes to life at night. Dinner will be waiting at Whitehorse Chloe, the on-site fine dining spot with delectable bites like truffle risotto and black sesame panna cotta.

The four-star Treasury on Collins is close to the bustle of Federation Square and ideally placed for immersing yourself in Melbourne’s vibrant atmosphere. Sink easily into the plush surrounds of a teal-accented Heritage King Suite and greet the day with a sumptuous free buffet breakfast of perfectly scrambled eggs and fresh, flaky pastries. You’ll be energised to catch a stimulating exhibition at the ACMI, or just chill out with a stroll along the Yarra River with views over sun-soaked South Melbourne.

Join the hotel’s Afternoon Wine Down on the mezzanine between 4 and 6 p.m. for a glass of red or white on the house. If you’re not big on socialising, you can steal away for an hour of quiet time in the hotel library with an engaging title.

Freshen up briefly in your suite with Molton Brown amenities so you’re feeling good for a late dinner at The Bank on Collins on the ground floor. You’ll feast on red chilli and honey-glazed salmon and parmesan truffle fries, then test the bartender’s skills by ordering a round of pink gin daiquiris.