Luxury Stays: The Best Boutique Accommodation in Melbourne

After a day of sipping seriously good coffee, eating and exploring Melbourne’s many laneways, there’s nothing better than donning a fluffy robe and flopping on a freshly turned-down bed.

And it’s even better when that bed is nestled inside a beautiful boutique hotel. Melbourne and its surrounding regions are home to a range of luxury hotels, from stylish inner-city pads to oases on the outskirts.

Here’s Sitchu’s selection of the best boutique accommodation in -and around - Melbourne – room service, anyone?

Henry Home. Image credit: Parker Blain 

Henry Home

Sitting pretty above Henry Sugar, Rathdowne Street's friendly neighbourhood restaurant and bar is Henry Home, a beautifully self-contained 3-bedroom apartment that's been lovingly restored to give an experience both elevated and homely, modern and vintage.

The building itself was built in 1881, with all iconic Victorian bones renovated to blend effortlessly with the style of the building. A stylist's touch is readily apparent, with vintage furniture and bespoke décor sourced right here in Melbourne, as well as commissioned art painted especially for the apartment.

A stone's throw from the CBD and immersed in leafy green Rathdowne Village, it's a true Melbourne experience and one of the most beautiful boutique stays. 

296-298 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

United Places

Design buffs looking for a home away from home will fall in love with United Places, a nest of 12 suites across the road from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Each suite is utterly contemporary yet breezily inviting, with plenty of space for living in and top-of-the-range touches like Le Labo toiletries.

Meanwhile, a 24/7 butler will attend to everything you need, from valet laundry services to private picnic set-up. Best of all, Scott Pickett’s acclaimed restaurant Matilda 159 is just downstairs – and they do in-suite dining.

157 Domain Road, South Yarra

Lon Retreat and Spa

When you want to spoil yourself silly, head to Lon Retreat and Spa. This hilltop sanctuary in the Bellarine Peninsula boasts panoramic views of the bay and a mineral spa to soak away your worldly cares.

Book into one of seven luxurious retreats, each individually designed to mirror its spectacular natural surroundings, dressed in earthy tones and sporting spectacular vistas to boot.

Lose yourself in sandy seaside days (thanks to private beach access), evenings with delicious in-suite dining and replenishing treatments at the in-house spa.

25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale

Zagame’s House

 A labour of love by brothers Victor and Robert Zagame have turned a once nondescript motel into a flashy boutique hotel in Carlton.

Zagame’s House's sleek rooms are designed in marble, brass and dark woods, featuring all the creature comforts that make your stay a joy. Eye-catching artworks adorn every room, and you’ll find high-tech appliances like Muk hair straighteners and mirrors with adjustable lights.

Downstairs is Lord Lygon, an elegant wine bar offering a 280-strong list and food from an ex-Vue de Monde chef. As far as the boutique accommodation in Melbourne goes - this is hard to beat.

66 Lygon Street, Carlton

The Royce

The Royce has recently reopened after a top-to-toe refurbishment and it’s dripping with Art Deco glamour. Inspired by the golden age of hospitality, here you’ll find everything from grand chandeliers to a curved marble fireplace rising 14 metres high.

The rooms within are equally splendid, with spacious suites and two-storey lofts providing an unforgettable stay. While you’re here you can indulge in Champagne breakfasts in the leafy, French-inspired Conservatory, or enjoy late-night nibbles and drinks in the glitzy Showroom Bar.

379 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Portarlington Grand Hotel

Pay witness to The Portarlington Grand Hotel’s transformation into a luxurious boutique hotel, where they’ve lovingly preserved all of its historic grandeur.

Each room is a vision of quiet elegance, with neutral palettes accented with gold and blue-green detailing, and original fireplaces reborn with a lick of paint.

Spend the day exploring the region’s spectacular beaches and wineries, then head back to the hotel’s bistro for a pot of Portarlington’s famed mussels.

76 Newcombe Street, Portarlington

The Motley

The Motley is one of Melbourne’s newest, and most eclectic, hotels. Situated within walking distance of Richmond’s many sporting and dining delights, here you’ll find 80 stylish rooms behind a heritage Federation-style facade.

Championing creative expression, you’ll see local art throughout the hotel including a vibrant purple tiger mural that pays homage to the suburbs footy team.

For an extra special stay book one of their heritage rooms  – each comes in a quirky, themed design.

205 Bridge Road, Richmond

Laneways by Ovolo

To mingle with movers, shakers and the style set, book a revamped room at Laneways by Ovolo. One of Melbourne’s hippest hangouts, the hotel is a colourful nod to the city's vibrant laneways and eclectic offerings, with original artwork, chic furniture and graphic design elements in every room.

With the new look, expect personalised experiences, reimagined spaces and rooms by Australian interior designer Luchetti Krelle - including very special room 303, which has been styled by design powerhouse Neale Whitaker!

The hotel's signature restaurant Amphlett House is a worthy dining accompaniment to your hotel stay, an elevated taphouse with an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. 

19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Jackalope

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and make your way to wine country in the Mornington Peninsula. Once there, check into Jackalope, a stunning spot set on the Willow Creek Vineyard.

The hotel itself is made up of 46 striking rooms (from Terraces to ‘Lairs’) with floor-to-ceiling windows, original artworks, private decks and black Japanese bathtubs. Jackalope also has a 30-metre infinity pool, spa, restaurant and cellar door.

166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North

The Estate Trentham

After your own countryside cottage complete with a stylist’s touch? The Estate in Trentham is a boutique getaway in a 1900s Federation house that has been impeccably restored and beautifully styled by interior stylist, Lynda Gardener.

Our advice? Do the Lynda Gardener trail and stay at all three of her properties for the complete experience; The White House in Daylesford and The Apartment in St Kilda.

17 Falls Road, Trentham

Brae

Brae, located in Victoria’s Otway hinterland region, is one of the best foodie boutique getaways in Melbourne. Sitting pretty on 30 acres, Brae’s farm-to-plate ethos is supported by their vegetable plots and established grove of 100 trees that produce seasonal vegetables, stone fruits, citrus, nuts, berries and olives.

Most of your time will be spent eating, but when in need of a rest, the luxury eco-friendly suites on-site round out the experience nicely.

4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra

Adelphi

In the heart of the buzzing Flinders Lane district, Adelphi is a sweet place to stay – and we mean that literally. This whimsical hotel features dreamy design touches like cherry-inspired lamps, liquorice stools and enchanting swinging couches and houses an eatery serving up zany high tea.

Its glass-bottomed rooftop pool is the definition of inner-city luxe, as are the rooms, which are modern and monochrome with pops of colour, making this a top pick for the best boutique accommodation in Melbourne if you like things a little quirky.

 187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

The Cullen

Bold and bright with the right amount of quirk, The Cullen showcases the work of Aussie artist Adam Cullen. It’s an ideal inner-city escape in Prahran, just steps away from the shops, cafes and bars that make up Melbourne’s market district.

The rooms are vibrant and impeccably designed, and those with balconies look over the streetscape below. There are a couple of on-site restaurants, but if you only have time for one, make it Hutong.

164 Commercial Road, Prahran

Coppersmith

Sitting pretty on the leafy streets of South Melbourne, this boutique hotel has plenty to brag about. It has won awards for its minimalistic, all-white design featuring designer accents, tech gadgets and beds just begging to be sunk into.

With just 15 rooms, Coppersmith is intimate and homely, and its rooftop bar is the perfect place to retreat to after a stroll in nearby Albert Park or a day shopping in the CBD.

This is the perfect option for luxury, boutique accommodation just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city grid.

435 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Larwill Studio

There are Art Series hotels scattered around Melbourne, and Larwill Studio, named after contemporary painter David Larwill, is a shining star.

The interiors blend Scandinavian-style subtlety and bold modernity for a beautiful result – think floor-to-ceiling windows, chic furniture, mirrors, quirky decorative accents and bright artwork adorning the walls.

If you’re planning to venture further than Parkville, fuel up at The Farmacy before hiring a bike or smart car.

48 Flemington Road, Parkville

Lake House

Treat yourself to a luxury stay at the  Lake House in Daylesford, a town known for its lush surrounds, mineral springs and respected restaurant scene.

Lake House is itself a fine dining destination, but there’s plenty else to do during your stay at some of the best boutique accommodation in Melbourne. Spend your days exploring the library, private cellar and tasting room, and relaxing in the on-site spa.

4 King Street, Daylesford

Looking for more holiday inspiration? We’ve got your back with the most luxurious accommodation in the Mornington Peninsula, along with our favourite tiny cabins for a secluded escape.