The 13 best boutique hotels in Melbourne

Converting a former maximum security jail into a genial getaway spot is quite the ambitious undertaking, yet it's one that the Interlude undertakes with gusto. Five interconnected renovated cells make up my lavish lodgings. The room (one of the Interlude Sanctuary Suites) is long and narrow, with the raw bluestone walls left exposed and bars on the windows. However, this hideout is more plush than punishing. Rather than a simple hotel, the Interlude describes itself as “the world’s first experiential wellness retreat in a converted prison”. Far below lies a candlelit subterranean relaxation pool, which I’m told is set at a "therapeutic temperature”. The prison’s former mess hall is now home to North and Common, a hatted modern Australian restaurant well-suited for a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner. Cinephiles need not rely on your suite’s (admittedly ample) entertainment system. Instead, head to Olivine for small plates and wine, then amble over to Palace Pentridge next door to make the most of the big screen. 

Mood? Seductively brooding. 
Location perks? Feel like exploring further? The vibrant Sydney Road strip is just around the corner.
Budget range? Reasonably priced.

Zagame’s House features all the plusses that make a staycation worth it: plush king-sized beds, velour armchairs, a rainfall shower, a decked-out minibar and minimalist Scandi furnishings that seem straight out of a Pinterest collection. There’s also a chic wine bar Lord Lygon right on the ground floor. 

Mood? Sophisticated yet fun.  
Location perks? A nine-minute walk from Melbourne Central Station. 
Budget range? Conveniently low-cost. 

The Olsen is not just a hotel, it’s a living showcase of its titular artist. John Olsen’s work adorns every room, which explains why the decorations are otherwise on the clean, stylish and white side – they’re never going to compete with the works on display. The rooms are large and beautiful and the South Yarra location is oh-so-chic. If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a luxury art gallery, this is as close as you're gonna get.

Mood? Tastefully artistic.  
Location perks? A short walk from the entertainment and shopping area of Chapel street. 
Budget range? Pretty affordable. 

Since opening in 2016, QT Melbourne has made quite a splash in the city. Its 188 rooms can be hard to come by, so if you’ve got your heart set on staying, book in advance. Rooms have a schmick Wall Street vibe, with timber floorboards, glamorous en suites and QT’s can't-get-out-of-bed gel-topped mattresses. Imagine a millennial Patrick Bateman's apartment, without the hidden bodies. Book into a suite and you could find yourself in a freestanding bathtub, set on an enclosed pavilion overlooking one of Melbourne’s hipper rooftop bars.

Mood? Modern melodrama.   
Location perks? In the heart of Melbourne, a short walk from Federation Square. 
Budget range? Slightly above mid-range. 

Walking down narrow Crossley Street you might be surprised to learn that a four-star hotel remains tucked away, neighbouring grungy, Mexican-inspired venue Bodega Underground. A plush, rust-coloured carpet greets you to imitate the feeling of walking down a red carpet, so it should come as no surprise that the overarching theme of the hotel is the theatre. The sunlit rooftop is a highlight and has views of neighbouring apartment buildings. It’s no forty-level skyscraper, but its level-five views aren’t disrupted either. Lounge on the beachy daybeds or warm up by the contemporary fire pit. 

Mood? Edgy and seductive. 
Location perks? Close to State Library Victoria and Melbourne Central Station. 
Budget range? Pretty average. 

With only 34 rooms, this unique hotel in Melbourne CBD can afford to be a little playful in design. Kitschy lamps, furry rugs and not-very-functional-but-still-cute couches line the corners of the Adelphi's rooms, with the centrepiece king-size bed a comfy standout. The brightly hued rooms also come with 40-inch flat screens (with unlimited movies), spacious bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and minibars full of free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the rooftop; The Adelphi’s rooftop pool is probably one of the most photographed pools in Melbourne, thanks to its cantilevering glass bottom, which juts out over Flinders Lane. 

Mood? Funky Art Deco.  
Location perks? In Melbourne CBD, within five minutes of Federation Square. 
Budget range? A little over average. 

Whether you’re staying in the cosy studio or splurging on a penthouse suite, fun is front and centre at this hip hotel inspired by Melbourne’s laneway culture. With interesting touches like chalkboards, pinball machines and colourful murals throughout the property, there is nothing generic about this hotel, which is well-suited to travellers who want to make the most of the enviable location. Of all the extras on offer, the free minibar is the obvious winner.

Mood? 70s retro. 
Location perks? Right in the thick of it on Little Bourke Street.
Budget range? Mid-range. 

Since opening its doors in 1989, the Como Hotel has become one of the best luxury hotels in Melbourne, and in turn a hotspot for celebs – also thanks to its location next to Channel Ten. This five-star hotel features 111 rooms that blend chic, minimalist design with living spaces bathed in natural light, and guests also get access to the hotel's rooftop pool, sun deck, gymnasium and sauna. If you really want to splurge, book one of the three penthouses on offer. The loft-style Gem and Pearl penthouses feature spiral staircases that lead you up to a large spa bath and private sauna, while the opulent Gold penthouse has a balcony with a garden view and sumptuous decor in black and gold. They'll cost you, but it's worth it. 

Mood? Clean and contemporary. 
Location perks? A prime eating-drinking-shopping location on Chapel Street.
Budget range? Mid-range. 

This Hilton hotel is a short walk to some of Melbourne’s most notable laneways and best bars, restaurants and boutiques. That said, make sure you save some time to experience everything DoubleTree has to offer, including cocktails in the Lobby Bar and grass-fed steak at the in-house eatery, Platform 270. In 2019, the hotel completely revamped its 14th floor, creating seven spacious rooms with some of the best views you can get of the city.

Mood? Sleek and sexy.  
Location perks? Adjacent to Flinders Street Station.
Budget range? One of the cheaper options. 

The Cullen was the first creation by the Art Series Hotel Group, whose hotels blend the visions of some of Australia’s most influential modern and contemporary artists with clever design and seamless service. Every room of the hotel, from the compact studio suite to the sprawling penthouse, pays tribute to Sydney artist Adam Cullen, thanks to a large private collection of his work. The option of hiring a Smart Car, bicycle, pram or scooter makes getting around easy, whether you’re exploring Melbourne’s trendy inner south or venturing further afield. 

Mood? Trendy as anything.  
Location perks? Located a two-minute walk from buzzing Chapel Street.
Budget range? Super affordable. 

If you have ventured down Flinders Lane and wondered what those vintage caravans on a city rooftop were, we have the answer. The six vintage 1970s Airstream caravans form Notel, the "No Hotel" plonked on top of a CBD carpark. The pink-and-white interiors of the Airstreams are all curves and clean lines, and the caravans are very much a vision of the future. The queen-size bed is extremely comfortable, and there's plenty of space to move around. There are little touches throughout, including a rainfall showerhead (10/10 water pressure), luxe bath products from the likes of Malin + Goetz and Bar None, and the biggest perk of all: a free mini-bar stocked with local drinks and snacks.

Mood? Quirky and laid-back.  
Location perks? 10 minutes from Federation Square and only accessible via a secret speakeasy entrance. 
Budget range? Pretty spenny. 

This designer boutique hotel is housed in a building that was once a prestige car showroom. While the modern fit-out hits all the right notes, the Royce still carries an understated historical elegance, with a grand staircase, ornate ceilings and statement chandelier evoking a sense of theatrical drama in the lobby. Whether staying in the Standard Room or the Royal Suite, guests are assured five-star service every step of the way.

Mood? Flamboyant golden era-inspired.  
Location perks? Sat on Melbourne's grand boulevard, inbetween luxury shopping on Collins Street and world-class galleries and gardens. 
Budget range? Above average. 

This stylish boutique hotel offers four-star accommodation in Melbourne CBD. Guests will also have free access to the Melbourne City Bath's fitness centre – including gym classes – and the hotel's sauna and swimming pool. If you get peckish, Jasper Kitchen offers indoor and outdoor dining as well as all-day in-room service. The restaurant serves modern cuisine featuring local produce from the Queen Victoria market, as well as a selection of wines and beers. 

Mood? Slick and functional.  
Location perks? In the heart of the Market Precinct, just 450 metres from Queen Victoria Market.
Budget range? More affordable than most.