Trendy Melbourne holiday rentals for a convenient and comfy city break

Take a moment to admire the glossy, glass-and-steel facade of Punthill Northbank as you approach – its cool, alternating-angled windows stand out between historic hotels and minimalist condo blocks. Inside, state-of-the-art studios and stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments match the building’s modern exterior.

Complete with a fully-equipped kitchen and a sleek en-suite bathroom, each self-contained apartment is neutrally decorated with clean lines and light wood furniture. Pops of colour add character to fresh, Scandinavian-inspired interiors. The on-site café and bar serve as a hub for grabbing a long black on your way out to explore, or for a classic dry martini (three olives, please) on your way back in. Decked out with burnished, dark wood panelling and geometric black-and-white tile flooring, the bar holds its own among Melbourne’s multitude of cool cocktail spots.

Being set firmly in the busy Central Business District (CBD) means the city’s best offerings of restaurants, bars and shops are right at your doorstep. But perhaps the crowning jewels of this hotel are the windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, proudly showcasing a panoramic view of Melbourne’s skyline and the Yarra River – a grand scene to greet you at any time of the day or night.

Foodies rejoice: the Oak & Vine restaurant at Oaks on Market prides itself on its invigorating meals prepared with locally sourced produce, as well as a curated drinks list featuring award-winning ciders and small-batch whiskeys. Romantic dinners for two are catered to with a menu of elegantly-plated European and Asian-inspired dishes. You won’t want to skip on appetisers, either, with mouth-watering temptations like pan-seared scallops served with sweet corn fondue and chorizo or asparagus topped with toasted almonds and ricotta. Come morning, guests of the hotel can begin the day with a hot and cold breakfast buffet, where options range from Bircher muesli to congee and dumplings.

In terms of rooms, this short-stay apartment hotel adds sumptuous comfort to modern décor. Its generous living spaces (from self-contained studios to two-bedroom apartments) are furnished with smooth, muted grey furniture complemented by clean lines and minimalist touches like miniature succulent plants.

With the prestigious Collins Street (the city’s ‘most desired address’) steps away from your front door, your stay at Oaks on Market demands a stroll amid classical heritage buildings and high-end boutiques. When you’re tired of walking, refresh with a dip in the hotel pool or sweat out the day in the on-site sauna.

This riverfront apartment hotel’s striking exterior immediately captures guests’ attention. Inspired by Melbourne’s Art Centre and Beijing’s Bird Nest Olympic Stadium, the Oaks WRAP on Southbank’s crisscrossed geometric frame makes a dramatic impact against the city skyline.

To further the excitement, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Crown Casino Entertainment Complex, one of the best live theatre venues in Melbourne and a popular choice for big-ticket concerts. Back at the hotel, the complimentary sauna room, indoor pool and gym make for welcome wind-downs after a heart-thumping show. Should your post-show fix be more of the alcoholic variety, the on-site marble and brick bar is a cool but classy venue for knocking back one last icy gin and tonic.

Every apartment in this quirky complex includes a separate lounge and dining area and a full kitchen, providing you with plenty of space to make yourself at home. Classical art prints in ornate frames create delightfully clashing juxtapositions against cool-toned contemporary furnishings. Rooms here range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, though our top pick for couples is one of the many one-bedrooms that offer a private balcony.

Nestled in the heart of the city, this award-winning apartment hotel is ideally placed for on-the-go couples raring to capitalise on Melbourne’s cool-kid status. Citadines on Bourke’s prime location means you are right next to the city’s CBD and shopping destinations. Catch a hot-ticket play or admire famous art pieces at the numerous theatres and galleries within walking distance.

Be it a deluxe studio or an executive one-bedroom suite, your holiday home will serve as a comfortable conclusion to long days of culture chasing. Each airy space features independent living and dining areas, equipped kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. White walls and pale grey accents enhance the spaciousness of the rooms, while details like bold art prints and dressed shelves add a touch of unique style. Fresh-cut greenery and fragrant bouquets in sculptural ceramic vases make the rooms feel more like a friend’s stylish home than a hotel.

Beyond your self-contained apartment, the hotel also features an extensive gym and indoor saltwater pool (heated!) so you can maintain your workout routine or opt for a well-earned rest in the sauna or outdoor sundeck.

Having undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2017, Mantra on Southbank presents ultra-modern apartments with ample space, plush new mattresses and bold interior design. Striking black furniture with hot pink accents makes a statement against pristine white walls and gleaming modern surfaces. Larger-than-life photo mural feature walls bring life to many rooms as an enthusiastic nod to the city’s street-art roots.

Situated on Melbourne’s Southbank, the hotel is right next to The Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct. One of the city’s main entertainment areas, here you’ll find a thrilling mix of shops, restaurants and cafés. Take a stroll along the Yarra River and end up at cultural must-sees like the Arts Centre Melbourne and Federation Square.

Rooms back at the hotel are serviced daily, meaning you’ll have a clean, inviting homecoming when you return at the end of the day. Even with the freedom of an apartment, guests have access to hotel-style amenities like an indoor heated pool, a spa and a fully-equipped gym. Those not in the mood to cook can sample tapas-style dishes like wild mushroom crostinis or king prawns with tarragon at the on-site Spire restaurant and bar, which specialises in tastes of the Mediterranean made for sharing.

Exuding style and sophistication, Tyrian Serviced Apartments offers a truly upscale experience that never compromises on comfort. All rooms feature luxurious queen or king-sized beds, well-equipped kitchenettes or full kitchens and Scandi-chic furniture. Cool-toned colour palettes are livened up by the likes of vibrant purple armchairs and silver accent cushions. High ceilings and minimalist décor maximise each space. And should you want even more breathing room, private balconies set with black-and-chrome seating areas will take you out of the house and into the air.

Being in Fitzroy means you can fully experience Melbourne ‘coolness’. One of the first inner-city suburbs, Fitzroy has retained its reputation as a creative epicentre and home to a buzzing art scene. Step out onto streets brimming with independent boutiques, vintage clothing shops, secondhand bookstores and quirky little eateries. The hotel is only a few kilometres from attractions like Rose Street Artists’ Market, Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens, all fun date spots or for days of exploring.

This freshly renovated Melbourne apartment hotel offers a relaxing base in the middle of the busy CBD. Only a few minutes from shopping sites like Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central, Emporium and Chinatown, you’ll be able to delve into Melbourne’s wealth of attractions with ease. Should home amenities be more your cup of tea, Adina Apartment Hotel is home to rejuvenation facilities like an indoor pool, fitness centre, spa and sauna.

Couples can enjoy cosy comfort in a studio, opt for a breezy one-bedroom or go full glam with a two-storey loft-style penthouse. The triumphs of all the apartments are the stately floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the rooms in natural light. Eccentric art prints decorate the walls, and each apartment sparkles with an urban mix of burnished metal and pristine white furniture. If you are simply feeling too at home to go out, in-room spa options and grocery services are available, delivering pampering treatments and fresh food supplies straight to your door.

The short stay apartments at Quest Southbank combine comfortable convenience with plenty of living space. An understated monochromatic colour palette, wooden furniture, subtle wall prints and streaming natural light create an airy ambience. With its separate bedroom and lounge areas, the standard one-bedroom choice will suit couples looking for a home away from home. For those after something a little more luxe, Executive Apartments come with private, sunlit balconies for taking in the city or savouring supplied Nespresso coffees and specialty teas at the start of the day.

Southbank’s renowned restaurants are a short walk away, but you may prefer to whip up dinner for two with the help of Quest’s grocery delivery service and your own fully-equipped kitchen. Guests can also make use of the gym, daily housekeeping services and in-house breakfast and restaurant options.

Located near the Yarra River, Quest Southbank is close to the National Gallery of Victoria and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Use the riverboat service for a scenic route to Federation Square, a popular venue for major cultural events.