After having recently spoken to you about Melbourne and having given you all my advice for visiting the city, let's return to the capital of the state of Victoria to, this time, talk about accommodation and try to answer this famous question: Where to sleep in Melbourne?
For information, you can find all my advice for visiting Melbourne by going to my last article. Melbourne is a city that I highly recommend, I particularly appreciated it even if, during my visit, the good weather was not there. In this article I give you all my advice for choosing the right place to stay during your stay in Melbourne. Description of the different districts of the city but also the best places to stay in melbourne.
Summary:
> What are the main areas to sleep in Melbourne?
> The best hostels in Melbourne
> 4 nice and cheap places to stay in Melbourne
> The most beautiful places to sleep in Melbourne
What are the main areas to sleep in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a relatively large city that extends over several tens of kilometers. Many neighborhoods are present in the city, each with their own particularity. Let's review the main areas to stay in Melbourne.
> Central Melbourne: CBD> Fitzroy and Carlton
> Docklands district
> Southbank
> St Kilda
> Central Melbourne: CBD
Let's start with Melbourne's most central district, the CBD or Central Business District. The business district is also the central district of the city, it is located north of the Yarra rivers which divides the city in two. . It is here that a large part of the activities of Melbourne are concentrated, as evidenced by Federation Square, the liveliest place in the city. There are new things happening at Federation Square every day. It is also in this district that you will find many historical monuments such as the incredible library: State Library of Victoria or Melbourne City Hall. You can walk along these main avenues like Bourke Street or Collins Street. Do not forget to take a walk on Victoria Street to discover the Queen Victoria Market, a place not to be missed under any circumstances.
The CBD will be a prime venue where to stay in melbourne. The area has many hotels of all kinds.
Note that in a large part of this district tram travel will be free. This one makes, approximately, the turn of the central district.
> Fitzroy and Carlton
Fitzroy and Carlton are two neighborhoods located north of the CBD and will also make excellent areas to stay in Melbourne. These neighborhoods are constantly in activity. Fitzroy is the bohemian, trendy district of Melbourne. You will find many restaurants, trendy and original bars or trendy cafes. It is in this district that the must-see Melbourne Museum is located, which traces the history of the country, addressing the themes of local culture, fauna and flora.
In these districts you will find a little less hotels but hostels or apartments for rent.
> Docklands district
The Docklands district is none other than Melbourne's old docks district. It is located southeast of the CBD, north of the Yarra river. This district was completely rehabilitated several years ago to go from a disused district to a completely new, modern district with buildings hosting many hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes. It is served by the circle tram, Melbourne's free tram. You will find, at the entrance, the new Etihad Stadium, a little further on is a shopping center with many restaurants and shops and finally one of Melbourne's star attractions, the Melbourne Star, the Melbourne Ferris wheel. It was in this area of Melbourne that I stayed during my trip to the city.
> Southbank
Southbank is another neighboring district of the CBD, it is located south of the latter, just below the Yarra river. This district has many places of interest such as the art center of Melbourne, the art gallery of Melbourne, the center of contemporary art but also the casino of Melbourne. To the east of this district is a huge sports complex with the mythical Melbourne cricket stadium, the MCG, Melbourne Cricket Ground but also the tennis facilities with the Rod Laver Arena which hosts the famous Australian Open every year as well as a large park. This district has a little less place to sleep but nevertheless offers very good quality accommodation.
> St Kilda
Now let's move on to the last area to sleep in Melbourne. We will not mention the neighborhoods of Richmond, located east of the CBD, or South Melbourne, south of Southbank which are, for me, neighborhoods a little less suitable for accommodation in Melbourne. Few points of interest, a little out of the way, these neighborhoods are not ideal for staying in Melbourne.
The last district will therefore be Saint Kilda. This district is also a little out of the way since it is located to the south of the South Melbourne district. Why stay in the St Kilda district of Melbourne? Quite simply because this area is none other than Melbourne's “beach”. A long beach lined with restaurants, bars and cafes. You'll also find Melbourne's famous Luna Park here. An ideal area to sleep in Melbourne, especially in summer (the area is a bit deserted in winter). You will be able to enjoy the magnificent beach of Melbourne not far from your accommodation.
Melbourne's best hostels
There are many youth hostels in Melbourne. They will be ideal places to sleep in Melbourne. The latter have changed a lot in recent years to gradually move away from the "cheap" image that they conveyed. Today these inns are sometimes of high standing and offer services and a quality of accommodation that have nothing to envy to certain hotels. You will find dormitories there, of course, but also single or double rooms with sometimes private bathrooms.
United Backpackers
United Backpackers is by far the best located hostel in Melbourne. It enjoys a prime location just outside Federation Square and Melbourne Central Station. This hostel has been voted Melbourne's most popular hostel two years in a row by HostelWorld. The hostel offers dormitories for 4 to 12 people, some of which are reserved for women, but also private rooms.
from: 22€
Check availability
St Kilda Base
This hostel is located in the St Kilda area of Melbourne. A district located a few kilometers from downtown Melbourne known for its beautiful beach, bars and cafes. Base St Kilda is one of the 10 coolest hostels in the world by Lonely Planet. The hostel offers dormitories for 4 to 8 people, some of which are reserved for women, but also single and double rooms with private bathrooms. The St Kilda district is ideal for a stay in Melbourne in the summer.
from 23 €
Space Hotel Melbourne
Space Hostel Melbourne is located between the CBD and the Carlton area. Its location is therefore ideal for accommodation in Melbourne. Space is an upscale hostel offering many services such as a small cinema, a gym, a bar and a restaurant. The rooms are also very well equipped and have a modern style. The hostel also offers dormitories for 4 to 8 people, some of which are reserved for women. Space also offers single or double rooms with or without private bathroom.
from 25 €
Habitat HQ Melbourne
The second hostel in St Kilda, Habitat HQ Melbourne was awarded the 3rd best hostel in Australia a few years ago!
A prime location in the very lively (summer) area of St Kilda. The hostel offers all the services expected of a high-end hostel. You will find dormitories for 4 to 10 people, some reserved for women, as well as double rooms with private bathrooms.
from 22 €
Flinders Backpackers
Flinders Backpackers is one of Melbourne's most popular and best located hostels. Just like United Backpackers, this hostel is located a few dozen meters from the nerve center of Melbourne: Federation Square. The hostel offers a wide choice of accommodation with dormitories for 3 to 18 people! It also offers double and triple rooms.
from 20 €
4 good places to stay in Melbourne
Experience Bella Hotel Apartments
Located in the Southbank district, just 300m from the Casino and 600m from the Eureka Tower, the Experience Bella Hotel enjoys a prime location with many activities nearby as well as restaurants. A few minutes walk from the CBD, this aparthotel offers very spacious and luxurious fully equipped rooms. You will also be able to enjoy a magnificent view of Melbourne's CBD.
The Prince
The Prince is an upscale hotel with excellent value for money. It is located in the St Kilda area 5 minutes from the beach. The Prince will be an excellent place to stay in Melbourne with spacious and very well equipped rooms. You can also enjoy its spa, restaurant, cocktail bar or café. The hotel is totally in the spirit of boutique hotels, with a neat and cozy design.
The Sebel Melbourne
The Sebel Melbourne is a hotel based on the aparthotel model. This is where I had the chance to stay during my stay in Melbourne. If you want to know more, do not hesitate to read my article where I describe this accommodation. An ideal accommodation enjoying an excellent location in the Docklands district. The hotel offers a gym, a tennis court on the roof, an indoor swimming pool and also a spa.
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne
Another excellent hotel to stay in Melbourne, The Savoy Hotel is located on the west side of the CBD, not far from the Docklands area. The Circle tram, free in the center of Melbourne passes a few dozen meters from the hotel and will allow you to reach the majority of places of interest in the city in a few minutes. The hotel has a modern, refined style and offers very large rooms with all the comforts you could wish for.
The best places to stay in Melbourne
If you want to treat yourself during your stay in Melbourne and sleep in an exceptional place, here are 2 addresses that will perfectly meet this wish.
The Langham Melbourne
Located in the Southland district, just opposite the CBD, The Langham Melbourne is one of the most luxurious hotels to stay in Melbourne. The hotel has many suites overlooking the Yarra River which runs through Melbourne. A swimming pool and a gym will be at your disposal. A perfect hotel for a relaxing stay in the heart of the city of Melbourne.
Treasury on Collins
The Treasury on Collins also benefits from a very nice location a few steps from Federation Square and all the activities and must-sees of Melbourne.
This establishment offers very high-end lofts and apartments, some of which have a spa. This establishment is one of the best rated in the city.
