Top 15 Cool and Unique Hotels in Melbourne

Melbourne has always been one of my favourite cities to visit – effortlessly hip, endlessly creative, and full of personality around every corner! Over my many trips here, I’ve discovered many hotels that are just as imaginative as the city itself, here are the places I’ve personally loved the most…

1. Notel

I found that this collection of six Airstream caravans sitting high up in the city center (in the Central Business District) were seriously Insta-worthy! This place stood out because it was is an entirely novel lodging experience – chrome 1970s Airstreams reimagined as luxe, private retreats! It felt playful, and very “Melbourne” which I loved! 

My trailer came with a queen-size bed with ECOSA organic bamboo linens, an ensuite with full-height shower and Abey toiletries, a free minibar, Wi-Fi, an iPad Pro with an iPad “virtual concierge” Netflix, and an HP Sprocket photo printer! My favorite part though was that they were located on a rooftop which had incredible city views! 

I loved that there was no lobby—checking in felt delightfully seamless with just a simple code. The iPad-guided “virtual concierge” helped me uncover Melbourne’s hidden gems, and the rooftop shared-space, with drinks on tap and lounging areas, was pure dopamine décor – it was honestly hard to leave this quirky “not-a-hotel!” 

• To book, check prices or availability for Notel Hotel

My favorite highlights… 

• I really liked how we could access the rooftop trailers via a secret ‘speakeasy’ style entrance! 

2. Adelphi Hotel

I found out that this was the city’s first design hotel and I thought it deserved a place on this list because of its sleek, design-driven dessert-themed décor and rooftop pool!

I saw bold, modern interiors which mixed rich jewel tones, statement lighting, and dessert-inspired pops of color and a stylish yet cheeky vibe — a luxe city escape with a sense of humor! I even found bowls of sweets scattered throughout the Art Deco-style interiors. 

My guest came with an upscale queen bed with a pillow menu, rainfall shower and designer toiletries, a complimentary minibar, espresso maker, 40‑inch LED TV with first‑run movies, and free Wi‑Fi. I especially liked the quirky oversized jellybean chairs, liquorice-striped carpets, and chocolate-block headboards! 

I gazed in awe at the horse-and-carriage sculpture that doubled as the reception desk, took a dip in the glass-bottomed cantilevered pool, and sipped a cocktail on the fabulous rooftop deck while watching the laneway bustle below all in a central Flinders Lane location, near Federation Square, boutique shopping, and Melbourne’s famous laneways!

• To book, check prices or availability for Adelphi Hotel

My highlights… 

• I loved how the mini-bar offered a refreshing range of non-alcoholic drinks including sparkling yuzu soda, hibiscus kombucha, iced matcha oat-milk latte instead of the usual overpriced alcoholic drinks!

3. Pan Pacific

I found this polished 5-star waterfront high-rise was a stunner for its soaring floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted Yarra River, Port Phillip Bay, and Insta-worthy skyline views from almost every angle!

Inside I found contemporary-Australian elegance with warm timber paneling, soft earth-tone textiles, polished stone accents, and dramatic glass walls that flood spaces with light and a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe.

My guest room was a glamor pad had a pacific bedding with a pillow menu, a 55-inch TV, blackout curtains, floor-to-ceiling windows which made it feel so light, a deep-soaking tub, and I had corner suite so mine had a wraparound wall of glass so I could watch the sun rise over the Yarra without leaving my bed! 

I sipped on a glass of Pinot on the Pacific Club Lounge’s terrace while the floating wine gantry glowed in the background at Dock 37, and I liked that the hotel was linked to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, its 24-hour room service, and access to a private lounge for club-level rooms.

I was also a big fan of the location —it was right on the Yarra River in South Wharf, with the iconic promenade just outside and Docklands & Waterfront City was an easy riverside stroll away.

• To book, check prices or availability for Pan Pacific

My personal highlights… 

• Their eclectically trendy cocktail lounge bar, especially their Hibiscus Gin Sour and their gluten-free craft beers!   

4. QT Hotel

I really liked how this bold and playful 5-star design hotel took inspiration from the fashion trade that once dominated its Flinders Street!

Its inside avant-garde interiors fuse high-fashion edge with irreverent art, was an Instagrammer’s dream with neon sculptures, talking lifts, and video wall art, raw concrete ceilings, black steel frames, moody jewel-toned velvets, statement lighting, and provocative contemporary art! It felt chic, cheeky, and buzzing with creative energy!

My bedroom industrial concrete ceilings, wallpaper-lined wardrobes, graffiti rugs, and gel beds to complement the hotel’s quirky design style. Even the minibar is fully stocked with artisanal snacks and craft beer. O free-standing tubs and superb city views. 

I started my morning with a bagel at the relaxed, cake-shop-style café (which had an old-school deli vibe), enjoyed European and Modern Australian dishes at the modern Pascale Bar & Grill, then ended the night with an Espresso Martini and fine city views at Rooftop Bar and Steamed Shiitake & Bok Choy Dumplings at the Hot Sauce Asian Bar.

It was also perfectly placed on Russell Street, so I was very near designer boutiques, laneway bars, and the city’s top theatres and staff told me there was a chic Sydney version too!

• To book, check prices or availability for QT Hotel

My favorite highlights… 

• I loved how the minibar was fully stocked with artisanal snacks including heavenly Pana Organic chocolate and craft beer such as Moon Dog Pale Ale!

5. W Hotel

This party-focus 5-star luxury lifestyle hotel stood out to me for its Insta-worthy design is infused with Melbourne’s laneway culture, blending graffiti-inspired art, moody lighting, and high-fashion finishes.

I loved its eclectic urban-glam decor where I wowed by the jewel-toned velvets, metallic accents, bold murals, mosaic tiling, and playful nods to the city’s street art scene such as the Graffiti-inspired murals and neon signs! I loved its high-energy, fashion-forward, and unapologetically fun vibe!

My guest room came with a signature W bed with a pillow-top mattress, floor-to-ceiling windows, a gold-accented marble bathroom with rainfall shower, a Bluetooth sound system, and a gourmet mini-bar stocked with boutique Aussie snacks. I especially loved free-standing marble tub which was framed by city-view windows!

I cooled off in the heated indoor pool beneath its gleaming gold ceiling before an Laneway Negroni at the cocoon-like Curious bar, and then enjoying dining at Lollo, WARABI, and the relaxed Culprit café, before burning it off at the state-of-the-art gym! I couldn’t have asked for a better spot on Flinders Lane—stepping out each morning into a maze of street art laneways, cool cafés, and hidden cocktail bars!

• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel

My personal highlights… 

• The mid-week martini happy hour with The Botanist Gin, especially the aromatic lavender lemon martinis served in frosted coupes topped with fresh lavender!

6. Ink Hotel

I thought this lively, design-led boutique hotel was a unique gem because it doubled as a gallery, featuring custom murals by Australian artists like Brolga and Blender Studio that turned every hallway and lounge into an Instagram moment!

I loved the decor which was contemporary-kitsch mixed in with street-art chic, with bold muraled walls, bright geometric prints on throws, sculptural lounge bits, and New‑York‑edgy art pieces. It felt urban-cool, youthful, and relaxed yet quirky! 

My room featured a super-comfy pillowtop bed dressed in Egyptian cotton linens, a sleek desk, 48-inch TV, mini-fridge, electric kettle, designer toiletries, and laptop-ready workspace—all wrapped in a splash of quirky art. I particularly liked the photogenic oversized muraled feature wall by Brolga!

I started my mornings downstairs with a silky flat white from the lobby café—brewed with Streat coffee so every cup helped support disadvantaged youth—and later swinging back for a toasted sourdough sandwich and a cheeky local craft beer from the same counter-turned-bar all in an fun location in Southbank—just steps from Crown, trams, riverside cafés, and creative laneways!

• To book, check prices or availability for Ink Hotel

My highlights…

• I loved that it had both standard and unique breakfast choices especially the Aloo Paratha which was soft glazed bread stuffed with mashed potatoes and potent Indian spices! 

7. Ovolo Laneways 

After my stay I decided this art-splashed boutique hotel deserved a place on this list for eye-catching trendy design and also its abundance of complimentary perks – minibar, breakfast, snacks, and self-service laundry! 

I loved the trendy design and decor which consisted of pop-art chic with graffiti-inspired feature walls (including metallic-silver globule motifs floating in the lobby) neon signage, graphic rugs, and quirky sculptures scattered through the lobby and corridors. The whole place was a vibe – it felt fun, effortlessly social with a splash of cheeky irreverence!

My guest room had a super-comfy king bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, a playful mural headboard, bespoke wall art inspired by the local laneways, a trendy espresso machine, Apple TV, blackout curtains, a well‑stocked minibar (on the house), a goodie‑bag of snacks, a sleek black-tiled bathroom with Appelles Apothecary toiletries and a rainshower! I especially liked the rooftop terrace!

I loved starting my mornings with the free lobby breakfast of fresh pastries, fruit, and barista coffee, then later grabbing a drink at the Wonder Bar – an honesty-based spot where I could pour myself a glass of wine and just sink into the relaxed vibe.

There was no bar or restaurant on-site, but I liked how I could just step out into Melbourne’s hidden laneway labyrinth each day – just steps away from hidden cafés, street art, Chinatown, and buzzy nightlife!

• To book, check prices or availability for Overlo Laneways

My personal highlights… 

• I loved the cool little details including the onsite candy bar which was filled with locally inspired treats including Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas and coconut and jam based Lamingtons.

8. voco Central

I discovered that sleek, modern high-rise hotel had a boutique feel, an Insta-worthy heated rooftop plunge pool which had incredible views of the city skyline! 

I really liked its contemporary but elegant decor with warm timber accents, soft neutral palettes layered with deep teal and mustard pops, geometric-patterned carpets, gold and matte-black fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling glass flooding spaces which flooded the hotel with natural light.

My spacious room had a signature voco king bed with luxury white linens, quirky local flora-and-fauna artwork, an Nespresso coffee pod machine with sustainable coffee pods from Urban Brew, smart TV, and Antipodes toiletries, but the highlight for me was soaking in the freestanding tub while gazing at the skyline from the window chaise!

I loved ending my day at the Blacksmith Bar & Grill over fire-grilled plates and a Yarra Valley Pinot Noir with a skyline backdrop, then slipping into the rooftop plunge pool under the stars before stepping out into the buzzy Central Business District! It was an awesome!

• To book, check prices or availability for voco Central

My highlights… 

• I loved that was bed was adorned with sustainable bedding from Vision Linens was made from 100% recycled materials (the staff told me it was repurposed plastic bottles turned into the super soft microfibre fill!)

9. Ovolo South Yarra 

This retro-glam boutique hotel wowed me with 1970s-inspired interiors mix disco-era decadence with playful pop-art details!

The decor consisted of bold retro colour-blocking, psychedelic patterned carpets, metallic gold accents, velvet seating, neon signs, and framed vintage album covers. It felt funky, flamboyant, and full of personality, with a fun, anything-goes vibe!

My plush ‘Boogie’ room came with a vibrant geometric headboard behind the king bed, a retro-style armchair, pop art and chrome accents, quirky mood lighting, a smart TV, eco-friendly toiletries, and a complimentary minibar stocked with snacks. I especially loved my mirrored ceilings above the bed or disco balls hanging in the lounge area!

• To book, check prices or availability for Ovolo South Yarra

My highlights… 

• Dining at their onsite plant-based Latin inspired Lona Misa restaurant – I especially loved their incredible fried olives and blue oyster mushrooms which came with a very tasty smoked corn puree.

10. Next Hotel

I loved how this sophisticated style of Next Hotel matched the Collins Street vibe – refined, cosmopolitan, and slightly old-world glamorous vibe! 

I thought its interiors were impressive, paying homage to Melbourne’s textile and fashion heritage with bespoke art, handwoven textiles, and sculptural lighting, all blended with modern luxury and wrapped in warm timber, marble, custom leather seating, and muted earthy tones. It felt sophisticated, calm, and quietly luxurious. 

My light-filled guest room featured a Dreamweaver king bed with Italian Frette linens, Jonny Niesche artwork, locally crafted furniture, a marble rainfall-shower bathroom with Hunter Lab amenities, a Lavazza espresso machine, and a minibar with premium spirits and signature cocktails. My favorite feature though was the Japanese-style soaking tub!

I loved unwinding in the Club Lounge with canapés and Yarra Valley pinot, grabbing coffee at Ingresso, dining at La Madonna, ending the night with a barrel-aged cocktail in The Barrel Room, and keeping fit in the gym. I also really appreciated being in the heart of the 80 Collins dining and fashion precinct. 

• To book, check prices or availability for Next Hotel

My favorite highlights… 

• I especially loved the little details, like the Dyson hairdryer in my room and the unique minibar which was stocked with pre-batched house cocktails — the Aged Negronis and Old Fashioneds were my favorites!

11. Art Series The Cullen 

I found this bold, art-inspired boutique hotel in Prahran dedicated to Australian artist Adam Cullen to be a real gem! I loved the modern, edgy decor with polished concrete, bold furniture, and over 450 Adam Cullen works—from giant lobby murals to in-room prints—making it feel like a live-in gallery. It felt creative, daring, and a little rebellious, with a playful edge that wonderfully reflected Cullen’s style!

My chic bedroom had stunning Melbourne skyline views, original paintings and prints by the late artist, a luxury Art Series bed, kitchenette with microwave and minibar, custom furniture, bold Adam Cullen artwork, and a sleek bathroom with EVO amenities.

I borrowed a Lekker bike to explore Prahran, then returned for a cocktail in the lobby surrounded by Adam Cullen originals, with onsite dining at The Gramercy Social and HuTong Dumpling Bar, and found a gym, small spa, and Smart Car hire.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Cullen Hotel

My personal highlights… 

• Going on a street art tour organized by the hotel – it was awesome to see the famous street art Hosier Lane, the murals of AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place and the densely packed graffiti of Union Lane.

12. Jazz Corner Hotel

This music-themed boutique hotel stood out for its celebration of jazz culture, with rooms and public spaces filled with memorabilia, vinyl records, and music-inspired art, plus live performances at its in-house club.

The stylish interiors were funky and bright, with contemporary apartment-style touches accented by saxophone sculptures, framed jazz photography, record covers, instruments, posters, and bold pops of brass and deep blue. I loved its vibe which was cool, soulful, and laid-back with a creative, muso-friendly edge.

My room contained a king bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully equipped kitchenette, smart TV, work desk, and jazz-themed artwork. I thought the feature full wall murals of jazz legends was a really Insta-worthy aspect!

I caught a live gig downstairs at Bird’s Basement, grabbed a late-night pizza and craft beer at Beer, Wine & Calzone, and the next morning enjoyed great coffee and light bites at the Jazz Corner Café before heading back to my room with the city lights twinkling through the windows.

• To book, check prices or availability for Jazz Corner Hotel

My favorite highlights…

• Watching legendary American jazz bassist John Patitucci perform live in their intimate, dimly lit Bird’s Basement venue – while sipping a glass of rich shiraz at a candlelit table! 

13. Porter Club, The Kinson

This sophisticated boutique hotel located on leafy St Kilda Road within the Porter Club collection was a classy gem! I really admired how it seamlessly mixed historic charm—with its roots in the Airlie Mansion—and modern Vogue-Australia fashion photography! 

I found decor with soft neutral tones, warm textures, and curated fashion art prints that add quiet elegance to its contemporary interiors. It felt calm, curated, and cosmopolitan!

My roomy studio came with a king bed, and kitchenette, smart TV, fast Wi‑Fi, vintage artwork from Vogue, designer furniture, and sitting area. I really enjoyed sitting on my spacious balcony enjoying a Nitro Cold Brew while gazing at Port Phillip Bay each morning!

It was also a bonus to have secure parking, pet-friendly options, the convenience of room service from nearby restaurants, access to a local gym and a leafy, upscale area St Kilda Road location where I was close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and the funky Arts Precinct.

• To book, check prices or availability for Porter Club – The Kinson

My personal highlights… 

• Sipping on a hand-crafted Spiced Pear Martini in the rooftop bar while gazing at the Central Business District Skyline, the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay! 

14. Coppersmith Hotel

This small boutique design hotel won me over with its intimate size, its award-winning gastropub, and personalised service which made it it feel like a stylish home-away-from-home!

The decor was chic and contemporary with charcoal and cream tones, lashings of wood, bespoke lighting, and touches of copper (in homage to its name)! It felt relaxed, welcoming, and quietly sophisticated! 

My calm, peaceful guest room featured muted tones, designer furniture, a plush king bed with premium linens, a rainfall shower with Appelles Apothecary toiletries, a minibar stocked with local craft drinks, a Nespresso machine, and large windows that filled the space with natural light. My favorite feature was the small private balconies which overlooked the leafy neighbourhood streets below.

I unwound over a glass of Victorian pinot in the cosy, copper-accented gastropub, enjoying seasonal dishes in the wood-panelled bistro before heading to the rooftop terrace for city views, or sampling craft beers and premium Australian wines at the trendy bar.

I also couldn’t have asked for a better spot—right on Clarendon Street, just steps from South Melbourne Market and St. Ali Coffee, within walking distance of Albert Park, and only a quick tram ride to the CBD and the city’s biggest attractions.

• To book, check prices or availability for Coppersmith Hotel

My highlights… 

• I loved all the classy stylish design details including the champagne bucket embedded in the middle of the table and the gorgeous living green wall on the rooftop terrace!

15. Zagame’s House

This trendy design-led boutique hotel on Melbourne’s trendy Lygon Street stood out to me for its eclectic interiors combined with street art flair and strong focus on sustainability. 

Inside found urban-chic decor featuring rich jewel tones, neon signs, bespoke murals, leather accents, and moody lighting with lashings of velvet and brass details. It felt playful yet refined, with a cool, creative energy that felt distinctly Melbourne!

In my guest I discovered a custom-made king bed with a pillow menu, Italian linens, Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, Grown Alchemist amenities, a locally stocked minibar, and smart tech including Chromecast. I especially loved the striking floor-to-ceiling murals by local artists!

I sipped on a perfectly mixed negroni in Lord Lygon Wine Shop & Bar before enjoying locally sourced dishes at 1989 Restaurant & Bar, with the bonus of pet-friendly rooms and eco-minded touches throughout my stay.

I was a big fan of its Lygon Street location —surrounded by some of Melbourne’s best Italian restaurants, quirky cafés, and wine bars, and just a short tram ride into the CBD!

• To book, check prices or availability for Zagame’s House

My highlights… 

• Starting the day with a gourmet coffee from the local Mansfield Coffee Merchants and a divine French Toast with berries and salted caramel mint at the stylish onsite 1851 Coffee + Kitchen.