The best new hotels in Melbourne

A city break is essential. Check into one of these luxurious new staycation spots for the ultimate Melbourne holiday.

Five-star resort – Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands

The Marriott Hotel Docklands promises luxury resort style for your next staycation. It’s the first five-star hotel in New Quay, so you can expect deluxe amenities all the way. Think French Riviera ambience. From the rooftop infinity pool and bar, there are panoramic views across the waterfront. In a perfect match, the hotel’s fluid architecture takes its cues from the yachts bobbing in the harbour.

Art escape – The Dorsett Melbourne

A chic new hotel is breathing creativity into West Side Place. The walls of The Dorsett Melbourne are brought to life with curated pieces from local artists. Glimpse city scenes captured in black and white photography. And spot the Diva Garden, a vibrant and playful large-scale installation. Unwind with a soak in the heated indoor pool and spa. Then cap off your night with cocktails in the gilded surrounds of the Jin Bar.

Luxury lifestyle – W Melbourne

The new hotel on everyone’s must-stay list is W Melbourne on Flinders Lane. From the lobby to the indulgent suites, the vibe is boldly design-conscious. Sip drinks at the poolside bar under a sparkling gold roof. Savour east-meets-west dishes at in-house restaurant Lollo. Before retiring for the night, settle in for a nightcap at the W’s hidden cocktail bar, Curious. You can even do Pilates poolside!

Sustainable style – Voco Melbourne Central

Melbourne's golden age is on show at laneway gem Voco Melbourne Central. The luxe new hotel boasts stunning views from every room. Sustainability is at Voco's core, with bedding made from recycled materials and windows that open in every room to reduce energy consumption. Head up to the seventh floor terrace to find a mini oasis. Take a dip in the rooftop plunge pool beneath a soaring vertical garden. And look out over the sparkling city skyline.

Laneway makeover – Laneways By Ovolo

Melbourne’s iconic laneways are filled with hidden treasures, as is Laneways by Ovolo. Filled with bespoke art, Ovolo’s rooms are sleek and spacious. And like our quirky laneways, this hotel is small but big on personality. The hotel recently reopened with a new look inspired by '80s Memphis design. Make a pit stop for elevated pub grub and craft beers on tap at Amphlett House. For the cosiest stay, book the Hygge package. You'll save 25 per cent on a two night stay and enjoy warming winter cocktails.

Modern mid-century – Le Méridien Hotel

Le Méridien Melbourne is a show-stopping, Art Deco-inspired 5-star hotel. The chic interiors are dotted with local art. Suites welcome guests with bottled cocktails, a vinyl record collection and a sweet signature scent. Lounge on the rooftop pool deck by day with stellar views of Parliament House and uptown Melbourne. By night, head underground to the moody subterranean restaurant Dolly for Euro dishes and cocktails.

Chocolate lover's delight – Movenpick

Stay at the Movenpick and indulge in Melbourne's only 'chocolate hour': a complimentary cocoa feast featuring ice cream parfait, chocolate cocktails and a rotating roster of special menu items. After-hours, don't skip a dip in the neon-lit pool. Sink into a poolside chaise lounge with a good book, or robe up and recharge in the dry cedar sauna room.

Hidden laneway – Lancemore Crossley St

Stay at the Lancemore and walk the city from your comfortable digs. Chinatown restaurants (like Longrain) are down the lane, and Crossley Street’s boutiques are mere steps away. Admire the lobby chandelier, which is an original hanging piece from '60s shopping sensation Georges Melbourne. Don't skip a post-dinner drink upstairs on the rooftop terrace among stunning city views.

Reimagining glamour – The Royce Hotel

Rich in character and 1920s glamour, this boutique hotel has reopened its doors following a two-year refurbishment. From the lavish two-storey loft suites to the sparkling chandeliers, the Art Deco styling of The Royce fits the heritage-listed building to a T. Start your day right with a Champagne breakfast among the botanicals in The Conservatory. Then meet for pre-dinner cocktails in the Gatsby-era Showroom Bar.

Vintage reinvention – Hilton Little Queen Street

Melbourne’s Art Deco architecture has been respected at Hilton Little Queen Street. But with a contemporary twist. Like the vibrant murals commissioned by street art collaborative Juddy Roller. The former grand hall is now home to Italian restaurant Luci. Come here for all-day dining from breakfast to supper. Next door, the intimate Douglas Club cocktail bar is pure 1930s glamour. The hotel is ideally located, a short stroll from Hardware Lane and Bourke Street Mall.

Southeast Asian style – Quincy Hotel Melbourne

The first Australian outpost of Singapore’s Quincy Hotel chain opened its doors in May, adding a dash of colour and zest to Melbourne. Up on Level 28, The Q Melbourne offers hawker snacks and cocktails next to the rooftop pool. Down on the ground floor, SingSong serves bubble tea and banh mi. On Level 1, Salted Egg specialises in Thai cuisine. The Quincy is in Flinders Lane, two minutes’ walk from the aquarium and a bridge away from Crown.

Sophisticated sanctuary – Next Hotel Melbourne

The Next Hotel is a linchpin in the 80 Collins hospitality precinct. It’s tailor-made for a luxury escape. The hotel’s elegantly understated design morphs Melbourne with Manhattan. Here, your in-room martini is made from Next’s own in-house aged spirits. Then there’s La Madonna, the hotel’s must-visit dining venue, serving Sicilian and Asian-inspired food. Outside your door are Nick & Nora’s cocktail bar and farm-to-table dining at Farmer’s Daughters.

Old-world romance – Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Rekindle your love for travel and luxury with a stay at the grand Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne. Built in 1913 and newly refurbished, this is one of Australia’s most historic hotels. Inside the ornate Edwardian Baroque building the charm continues. The heritage-style rooms have all the modern comforts while maintaining an air of old-world glamour. Linger over a cocktail in the Traveller's Bar or sip Champagne at high tea in the Heritage Lounge.

Leafy park-side location - Marriott Courtyard

Inspired by neighbouring Flagstaff Gardens, the new Marriott Courtyard is barely six months old. Perfectly positioned near the Queen Vic Market and the glorious Carlton Gardens, it's the ideal launch-pad for all your Melbourne adventures. Recharge in chic Scandi-style rooms before heading to on-site cafe, Level Grounds, for a foodie boost.

City vistas – Vibe Hotel Melbourne

With views this good, you might never leave the room. A contemporary glass tower rising 24 storeys above a heritage facade, Vibe Hotel Melbourne has prime position on the corner of Queen and Flinders Street. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms boast stunning views of the Melbourne skyline, all the way to Port Phillip Bay. Wake up to the sun rising over the Yarra River before taking a dip in the indoor pool. Then fuel your adventures with coffee or a meal from the modern Australian menu at St Marks Road Co.