The most romantic hotels in Melbourne

The Grand Hyatt feels a bit Midas touched. The Hyatt name brings certain expectations – like that there will be complimentary, fluffy white robes (there are). But despite the little extravagances a night at the Grand Hyatt doesn’t cost as much as you’d think, and it is well worth the price if you’re looking to treat yourself (or someone else). The rooms themselves feel very private. The walls are thick and there are no awkward noises audible from your neighbours – or from you to them. The king-sized beds are soft but not the oversoft bedding black holes that some hotels are guilty of, and the thick curtains means your sleep will not be disturbed by the peeping sun. In the morning opt for the Hyatt’s buffet breakfast and you won't regret it. 

Time Out tip: if you're celebrating a special event – be that a birthday, anniversary or (gasp) an engagement – the Grand Hyatt can happily arrange for amenities such as a bottle of wine, flowers or chocolates to placed in the room prior to your arrival.

Dripping in old-world charm and the glamour of a bygone era, this grand dame is really something special. The décor here is understated and refined, with tasteful furnishings, soaring ceilings and pretty leadlight accents rather than the cold and tacky flashiness of some 'luxury' hotels. The staff are warm and attentive, happy to help with everything from nearby bar recommendations to forgotten toothbrushes. If you really want to splash out, the 122-square-metre Victorian Suite is grand and elegant, with a dining room, separate lounge and second bedroom. Modern amenities like two LCD televisions, excellent water pressure and luxury bath products don't interfere with the 19th-century vibe, but they will make your stay extremely comfortable.

Time Out tip: Even if you don't want to stay at the Windsor, do make sure you drop in for afternoon tea, which is served every day of the week.

Located within a hulking 1938 building on the busy CBD hotspot that is Flinders Lane, the Adelphi Hotel is a nice landing spot for those who value edgy design, location and first-rate service. The hotel might not be as sophisticated as its neighbouring Westin Hotel, but that lack of stuffiness works to the Adelphi’s advantage, especially considering you’re sharing walls with some of the city’s hottest restaurants. The brightly hued rooms also come with 40-inch flat screens (with unlimited movies), spacious bathrooms with rainfall shower heads and minibars full of free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. The Adelphi also boasts a rooftop pool with a cantilevering glass-bottom that juts out over Flinders Lane.

Time Out tip: Do keep in mind that you are on a bustling CBD street and noise travels remarkably well up those cobblestone laneways. Bring your earplugs if you want a solid night's sleep.

Like the best romances, you have to know where to look to find Next Hotel, a grand, 255-room luxury hotel that has minimal street presence and an air of sophistication in every space. The rooms are luxuriously appointed, with luxe quality extras like Hunter Lab bath and body products, Dyson Supersonic hairdryers, espresso machines and supersoft bedding that all but guarantees a good night's sleep. For pre-dinner drinks, there are bottled versions of the hotel's housemade cocktails available in room. The hotel's restaurant, La Madonna, has a constantly changing menu that includes snacks, pasta, larger dishes and desserts.

Time Out tip: The La Madonna bar is a Willy Wonka's paradise for those who love their booze, with wooden barrels and glass bottles ageing various cocktails, tinctures and spirits.

The Langham is the definition of the classic luxury hotel experience. If you can shell out for the executive rooms, absolutely go for it. You’ll get a stunning bird’s eye view of Melbourne’s famous skyline, the bustling rail lines of Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River. Riverside bars and restaurants are just a short walk away, as are tram and train lines around Melbourne, but if you prefer to embrace the luxury experience, guests to the executive rooms have access to Langham Club privileges which includes access to an exclusive lounge on the 24th floor where you can enjoy a continental breakfast, a classic afternoon tea and drinks before dinner. Stick around for a meal at the Melba, the Langham’s fine dining buffet restaurant, where you can feast on fresh seafood to start and finish with the impressive dessert range. Before you check out, take a dip in the indoor 15-metre pool inside the Langham’s blissful Chuan Spa.

Time Out tip: Tea sommeliers are most definitely a thing – and you’ll meet them at the Langham’s elegant high tea, where house-made pastries are served on Wedgewood teaware. Plus, guests with club privileges should make the most of the butler service – including complimentary shoe shining and garment pressing for when you need to look on point for date night.

If you're a chocolate-lover, look no further: this hotel offers a daily chocolate happy hour for guests to indulge in complimentary treats like chocolate petit fours, churros and mini ice cream cones and sandwiches. It also offers a 25-metre swimming pool, a heated pool with jets and a sauna. Bonus: the pool stays open until 10pm if you're keen on a romantic, late-night swim. The rooms exude an understated elegance, with marbled black and white floors and countertops accentuated by vibrant pops of turquoise, orange and purple via throw pillows and couches. For those planning a romantic staycation, be sure to book the suite: the bathroom features a massive free-standing tub coupled with a small table, perfect for a soak paired with a bottle of vino. Afterwards, it's time to chuck on the plush robes, recline on the comfortable sofa or on your bed made with premium linen and turn on the massive flat-screen TV.

Time Out tip: While the free chocolate hour is only for hotel guests, if you’re in the area you can still rock up to purchase an indulgent Mövenpick ice cream parfait. It’s $20 and the perfect size for two lovebirds to share.