The best airport hotels in Melbourne

Given its corporate vibe, the Parkroyal seems geared for businesspeople coming in and out of Melbourne. It’s certainly a super-convenient choice, just two minutes walk from the departures and arrivals lounges, and connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. Each room has free Wi-Fi and tea, coffee and ironing facilities. There’s also a pool, spa pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre. Some of the rooms have views of Melbourne’s skyline; others of the wider Macedon Ranges. Just enquire when you book – it can’t hurt to ask!

Tullamarine Airport’s branch of the Holiday Inn chain remains a solid mid-range go-to – all rooms come with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities and 24-hour room service. A free 24/7 shuttle bus will take you on the 800-metre journey to the terminal. Fancy improving your swing? The Keilor Golf Course is just a 15-minute drive away.

This is the budget option at Melbourne Airport. It’s cheerfully decorated, and rooms are all air-conditioned – and alongside the continental breakfast, which is included in the room price, there are vending machines filled with snacks. It's a good one for a youngish crowd doing Melbourne on a shoestring. It’s just over a kilometre away from the airport proper.

Ciloms Airport Lodge is a vaguely quirky little hotel just a few minutes' drive out of the airport. It’s fairly anonymous from the outside, but the timber-frame decor gives it a homely, roughspun feel inside. Each room contains a refrigerator and an en suite bathroom. Elsewhere, you’ll find a pool with a hot tub, a fitness centre and a bistro. Sweating in that scorching Aussie heat? Take your clothes to the front desk – they’ll arrange dry cleaning for you.

A chic addition to Melbourne Airport’s hotel scene, the Mantra Tullamarine is just under a ten minute drive out of the airport. We think it’s worth the journey: rooms here are modern and stylishly decorated. There’s also a pool, an indoor sauna and a restaurant serving Australian and European dishes. This is another one where it’s worth leaving an enquiry when you book – ask about booking one of the rooms that come with a spa bath!