Top 15 Cool and Unique Hotels in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that doesn’t even have to try to be hip, it just is, it also has quite a collection of increasingly creative places to stay! From trendy boutiques to modern and sleek, here are my favorite places to stay in this funky city…

1. Notel

This collection of six luxury 1970s chrome Airstream caravans sitting high up in the city center (in the Central Business District) totally wowed me! 

With spacious interiors offering clean, curved lines and a calming retro aesthetic, these hip caravans are anything less than ordinary – and they also reside on a rooftop so the incredible city views were a huge bonus! 

The exceptionally rated Notel (not a hotel get it?) is the brainchild of James Fry, who owns the car park below, this initially crazy-sounding idea actually works pretty well.

Here you’ll get cozy, air-conditioned luxury living spaces with private furniture adorned decks, en-suite bathrooms, iPads, WiFi, complimentary minibars views over the city streets below, and the chance to be slap bang in the heart of Australia’s most popular city. I would highly recommend opting for an upgrade so you can also get to relax in a hot tub! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Notel Hotel

2. Adelphi Hotel

The original and still the best, this place was the city’s first design hotel and is still a major contender in the incredible interior stakes!

Famous for its desert themes, you can find bowls of sweets scattered throughout the Art Deco-style interiors, and the Om Nom restaurant is fully geared up to cater for even the sweetest tooth.

Beyond the sugary gimmick, it offers stunning conceptual design, including a horse and carriage sculpture that doubles as a reception desk, a cantilevered swimming pool, industrial bathrooms, and – my personal favourite – a fabulous rooftop pool and deck.

The swish bedrooms are once again designed for sweetie lovers, and the mini-bar offers a refreshing range of non-alcoholic drinks instead of the usual overpriced booze.

Fun and fabulously designed the Adelphi is a great choice for travelers who can’t abide sterile chain hotels but still love a bit of luxury!

• To book, check prices or availability for Adelphi Hotel

3. Pan Pacific

This gorgeous upscale gem offers sleek and sexy accommodation in the city. The Pan Pacific is filled with sleek and trendy modern decor, but one of the biggest draws is the views.

Depending on which room you choose, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city, Port Phillip Bay or Yarra River via their wonderful floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Linked to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, other highlights include 24-hour room service, access to a private lounge (on club-level rooms), some rooms feature kitchenettes, and children aged 11 and under stay at no additional charge. 

• To book, check prices or availability for Pan Pacific

4. QT Hotel

In my opinion, this is one of the hippest hotels in the city (and with the competition, that’s saying something!); this place takes inspiration from the fashion trade that once dominated the Flinders Street area.

Featuring neon sculptures, talking lifts, and video wall art, this trendy Melbourne hotel is quite unlike any other.

Bedrooms at this beautiful boutique hotel offer 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. Opt for an upgrade; you’ll find free-standing tubs and superb city views. 

The relaxed lobby cafe, The Cake Shop, serves snacks and coffee, while the Pascale Bar & Grill is a competent modern bistro. I highly recommend visiting the trendy Rooftop Bar with views over the city and the Hot Sauce Asian Bar, which is just wonderful! There’s also a chic Sydney version.

• To book, check prices or availability for QT Hotel

5. W Hotel

The design here is a playful luxury inspired by the city’s laneway culture with street art, cafes, bars and boutiques, and the wonderful natural world and local flora and fauna. I love that the location on Flinders Street in the central business district puts you close to everything.

The rooms have endearing names ranging from Cozy, Wonderful, and Fabulous to Marvelous, WOW, and Extreme WOW, and they are all of those things. The decor is inspired by 1969-style newspaper kiosks, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer skyline views.

The quirky artwork took me on a trip through the city’s culture and history, and the spacious layout makes for a comfortable stay.

Guests have several dining choices, including Lollo by chef Adam D’Sylva, the signature Japanese restaurant WARABI, the Curious bar with its dazzling design, and the Culprit bar and cafe. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center and a heated indoor swimming pool with a gold ceiling and a poolside bar.

• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel

6. Ink Hotel

This place is located next to the city’s trendy waterfront, which has hip vibes and youthful residents. It is within reach of many attractions and in a fantastic position for guests to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

It has a fun, urban vibe with vivid street art and graffiti adorning the walls. Bedrooms have contemporary-kitsch decor and white-tiled minimalist bathrooms.

With its relaxed atmosphere, the funky Melbourne hotel is great for enjoying food and drink. In the hotel lobby, there’s a hipster-friendly, kitschy bar serving local beers, snacks, meals, and light breakfast bites every morning.

• To book, check prices or availability for Ink Hotel

7. Ovolo Laneways 

This place occupies a super central location in the city (a 5-minute walk from Parliament train station), complete with sleek and modern accommodation.

Hip and trendy but never dull, the funky spot features bespoke wall art inspired by the local laneways and the penthouse suites, complete with a rooftop Jacuzzi.

The guestrooms at this beautiful boutique hotel are vibrant and come with all mod cons and suites, and premium suites come with quirky touches like jukeboxes, games consoles, and punchbags complete with boxing gloves as well as whirlpool tubs and terraces with city views. 

There is no bar or restaurant on-site, but being located in the Laneways, you are right on top of some of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife.

• To book, check prices or availability for Overlo Laneways

8. voco Central

This spot is ideally located in the city’s heart, close to all the best laneways, restaurants, and shopping. Minimalist lines, light-filled interiors, and stunning city views create a space to relax while being in the center.

Relax in the spacious rooms with large, comfortable beds, quirky artwork highlighting local flora and fauna, Chromecast and sustainable coffee pod machines. This is a great place to stay in the city, especially if you get a room with a freestanding bathtub and skyline views.

You can step out the front door for the finest dining experiences in Melbourne or get a delicious rotisserie meal with regional wines at Blacksmith Brasserie and Bar. There’s also a fitness center with top-notch equipment and a rooftop plunge pool.

• To book, check prices or availability for voco Central

9. Ovolo South Yarra 

The hip, cosmopolitan South Yarra neighborhood is the perfect setting for this retro-chic hotel with its bold pop art and disco-inspired decor. It’s close to the shops, restaurants, and tram stop, so whether you’re traveling for work or play, you can get anywhere you need.

The plush rooms and suites have names like Boogie and Rockstar, retro styling, pop art, chrome accents and a complimentary minibar. Perks include access to the fitness center, complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks, goody bags, self-service laundry, and a free sundowner drink during social hours every evening.

The Lona Misa restaurant by master chefs Shannon Martinez and Ian Curley serves Latin-inspired food and drinks, and the Backroom bar is worth a visit. With all of this, plus the friendly staff and service in my opinion this place is a gem! 

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

10. Next Hotel

The sophisticated style of Next Hotel matches the Collins Street vibe, which is the place to work, play, and shop. High fashion, world travel and the city’s historic China Town and Horse Bazaar neighbourhoods inspire the decor with understated elegance and eclectic touches.

The sumptuous, light-filled rooms have Dreamweaver Beds, French linens, artwork by Australian artist Jonny Niesche and curated mini-bars with spirits and signature cocktails. Many rooms and suites have city views.

There’s a fitness center to keep you in shape while traveling, and there are innovative menus from master chefs at La Madonna Restaurant & Bar. Ingresso serves coffee, drinks and light snacks, and The Club offers a sophisticated retreat. I would suggest taking time to savor the barrel-aged drinks at The Barrel Room.

• To book, check prices or availability for Next Hotel

11. Art Series The Cullen 

Located just two minutes from the vibrant Chapel Street, the 5-star, exceptionally rated Cullen Hotel was the first of the acclaimed Art Series Hotel Group properties to be established in the city.

Bold, daring, and visually inspiring, this funky place in the hipster district of Prahran pays tribute to the Australian artist Adam Cullen. The chic bedrooms offer stunning views of the Melbourne skyline and feature original paintings and prints from the late artist himself.

The Gramercy Social serves up American-style comfort food, while the HuTong Dumpling Bar is a Chinese restaurant with a twist.

With a state-of-the-art fitness room, a small spa, Smart Car hire, and Lekker bicycle hire, the Cullen is an intriguing and beguiling city center hotel! 

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

12. Jazz Corner Hotel

If you like jazz, I promise you will love this place! Situated opposite Flagstaff Gardens, it’s within easy walking distance of the city’s best, including fabulous shopping, vibrant nightlife, and the world-class live music venue Bird’s Basement.

Designed to attract finger-snapping, cool cats looking for a comfortable place to crash, the stylish interiors are funky and bright and, unsurprisingly, full of jazz-themed decorations, including record covers, instruments, and posters.

Guests can eat at the Jazz Corner Cafe, which serves great coffee and light dishes, or enjoy a pizza and a beer at the aptly named Beer, Wine, and Calzone restaurant. Live music is regularly played in the basement, and the hotel has a fresh, vibrant feeling, which I was a big fan of! 

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

13. Porter Club, The Kinson

St. Kilda Road is one of the most desirable addresses in the city suburbs, and that’s where you’ll find this new neighborhood hotel, surrounded by parks and gardens.

You’re close to some of Australia’s cultural capital’s best dining, shopping, cafes, bars and art galleries. Travelers can choose from various rooms, studios and suites, many of which have balconies and sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay.

You’ll find a relaxing retro decor with vintage artwork from Vogue, designer furniture, and luxury toiletries. Some studios and suites have kitchenettes for more extended stays.

The area has a variety of restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and food markets, offering Asian, Mediterranean, and contemporary Australian cuisine to sample.

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

14. Coppersmith Hotel

I felt this place had a traditional-style hotel with a warm and familiar atmosphere. Offering Australian hospitality at its finest, visitors can find respite from the busy city streets in the smart and trendy bar that serves craft beer and premium Australian wines, the wood-paneled bistro offering seasonal offerings from the surrounding areas or the fantastic rooftop terrace which offers superb views of the city.

The bedrooms at this gorgeous boutique are calm, peaceful, and resplendent, with muted tones, designer furniture, and soft, comfortable beds.

Within walking distance of Albert Park, the centrally located Coppersmith is just a tram ride along Clarendon Street to visit the city’s biggest attractions.

• To book, check prices or availability for Coppersmith Hotel

15. Zagame’s House

This genuinely unique, creative, and delicious hotel is located in the heart of historic Carlton, one of the city’s oldest towns.

97 trendy guest rooms showcase the best in modern interior design, luxurious amenities, and sustainable architecture alongside house restaurants serving some of the finest fresh Australian cuisine and top wines. Every inch of Zagame’s House has been designed to inspire the visitor, from the art of the interiors to the menu.

The hotel is next to Carlton Park, which has an exhibition building and museums and is surrounded by bustling streets of shops and restaurants. I love that it is a haven of design with clean lines and subtle, deep colours that give it a relaxing, funky vibe.

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