Lancemore Crossley St

Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant culture, and those on a budget will be pleased to know there are plenty of affordable hotel options that don't skimp on comfort or style. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the CBD or prefer a seaside suburb, our experts have highlighted a selection of Melbourne hotels that offer a range of amenities from complimentary breakfasts to spoiling spas and a rooftop pool — and all without breaking the bank.

For a central hotel

Brady Hotel Jones Lane

  • Brady Hotel Jones Lane is a striking 20-floor tower in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. It offers 53 slick, modern rooms, including some studio apartments with kitchenettes which help to keep costs down if you decide to eat in rather than out. Guests also share access to a great gym.
  • Set on Chapel Street in South Yarra, The Olsen is in a top spot for keen shoppers with Melbourne's best stores nearby. It boasts a glass-bottom swimming pool, spa and gym, so you're getting a lot for your money here. Hop aboard the hotel's bicycles and zip around the area on two wheels.
  • Laneways by Ovolo is situated in the heart of the bustling CBD close to the city's best bars, cafes and restaurants. The reasonably-priced rooms boast bold, Memphis-inspired interiors and a complimentary breakfast is included in the rates. Catch a show at the Comedy Theatre or Her Majesty's Theatre, both just around the corner.

For a rooftop pool

Art Series — The Chen

  • Art Series — The Chen is an affordable high-rise centred on the bright paintings of Chinese-born Australian artist Zhong Chen. Sleek rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light, there's a superb dim sum restaurant and the rooftop pool is a real showstopper.

For a hip stay

The StandardX, Melbourne

  • The StandardX, Melbourne is a cool choice for a good value stay in the creative Fitzroy district. The 125 rooms are slick and stylish, and there's a Thai-inspired restaurant. It's also a brilliant base for discovering the shops, galleries, eateries and markets in this vibrant neighbourhood.
  • The Larwill Studio offers chic Scandi-style rooms right next to Royal Park, all at very reasonable rates. The interiors are inspired by the art of David Larwill, whose bright paintings create a playful atmosphere, and a health thread runs through the property with designated snacks, meditation and yoga mats offered in room. 
  • Another well-priced arty pick is The Cullen, with artwork of the late Australian artist Adam Cullen displayed and for sale in the hotel. Large suites come with a fully-equipped kitchenette, plus there are babysitting services and free pram hire, so it's a good choice for families looking for a fun and quirky stay.
  • The Prince is a hip boutique hotel in the seaside suburb of St Kilda. With a trendy wine bar, Mediterranean restaurant and pub, it's perfect for keen foodies and wine lovers, plus The Prince Band Room hosts international rock acts and DJs for a memorable Melbourne night. Great value for city living by the ocean.

For foodies

Naughtons Hotel

  • Looking for a relaxed stay that won't break the bank? Naughtons Hotel, just opposite Melbourne University, offers 15 stylish rooms, plus a warm and welcoming restaurant and pub which prides itself on its seasonal fare and sustainable cooking ethos.
  • Coppersmith Hotel is a well-priced hip boutique choice in South Melbourne. There are 15 minimalist and stylish rooms here but the big draws are the buzzy bistro — specialising in seasonal European cuisine — and the relaxed rooftop terrace. 

For a family getaway 

Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy

  • Bordering Chinatown and the theatre district, Lancemore Crossley St is a stylish and good value choice for families with its two-bedroom suites and cool roof terrace. Breakfasts are served in the lobby each morning, and Melbourne's hip restaurant scene is on your doorstep.
  • Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy is ideal for families on a budget with its two to three bedroom options. Expect fresh, contemporary interiors and private balconies. Brilliant for exploring lively Fitzroy on foot and living like a local with the flexibility of your own kitchen and sitting room.

For Grand Prix fans

Middle Park Hotel

  • Situated opposite the Albert Park Australia Grand Prix track, means Middle Park Hotel is a must for racing fans looking for a reasonably-priced stay. Rooms are decorated in a fuss-free style and there's a lively brasserie. There's also a tram stop just outside taking you straight to the CBD and Melbourne's beaches.

Still not sure? 

13 Affordable Hotels in Melbourne

Laneways by Ovolo

Melbourne (Australia)

Tucked away on one of Melbourne's famous laneways, this hotel is situated in the heart of the bustling CBD close to the city's best bars, cafes and restaurants. Complimentary breakfast is also included.

  • Business meetings - Set in Melbourne's CBD, this is a lively spot for business travellers eager to stay somewhere hip and central
  • Great walks - Stroll through the Parliament Gardens, Treasury Gardens or Fitzroy Gardens, all just a short walk away
  • Theatre - Catch a show at the Comedy Theatre or Her Majesty's Theatre, both just around the corner
  • Families - Families will appreciate the two-bedroom suites and playful feel of the hotel
from £111 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Olsen

Melbourne (South Yarra, Australia)

Contemporary hotel with a central location in South Yarra offering good amenities and comfortable rooms. Boasts a glass-bottom swimming pool, spa and gym, and all within easy reach of nearby restaurants.

  • Designer Shopping - Set on Chapel Street in South Yarra, this is a top spot for keen shoppers, you'll find Melbourne's best stores within reach
  • Great walks - Guided walking tours of South Yarra are a great way to get a sense of this bustling neighbourhood
  • Families - Two bedroom suites are ideal for families, who will also appreciate the refreshing swimming pool
  • Local exploring - Well situated for exploring Chapel Street and the thriving community of South Yarra
from £92 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Cullen

Melbourne (Australia)

Located opposite the bustling Prahran Market and Chapel St, this quirky looking hotel doesn't disappoint with lashings of artwork by Adam Cullen. Large suites come with a fully equipped kitchenette. Babysitting services, free pram hire and family suites available.

  • Local markets - Taste gourmet specialities at the Prahran Market, which hosts foodie events and festivals throughout the year
  • Artworks - Centre around the artwork of the late Australian artist Adam Cullen, whose prints are for sale in the hotel
  • Business meetings - Three meeting venues, including the 120 square metre rooftop, perfect for business trips to the city
  • Theatre - Catch a show at the Chapel Off Chapel performance space
from £103 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Prince

Melbourne (Australia)

A hard to beat location in the seaside suburb of St Kilda, offering the best of city living by the ocean. This hip boutique hotel boasts tasteful decor and great amenities, including a sauna and steam room to unwind in after a hard day at the beach. The wine bar and live music space are sensational.

  • Foodies - A hip wine bar, Mediterranean restaurant & pub, perfect for keen foodies & wine lovers eager to taste the region's produce
  • Groups - A lively little hotel with a great vibe for groups and a popular live music venue for big nights out
  • Hotel Entertainment - Prince Band Room hosts international rock acts and DJs - a hip venue for a memorable Melbourne night
  • Great walks - Guided walking tours of Melbourne's city centre are a great way to get a sense of place
from £108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Middle Park Hotel

Melbourne (Victoria, Australia)

A period building opposite the Albert Park Australian Grand Prix - a must for racing fans! Guests can enjoy meals in the Brasserie restaurant with a side of Ozzie charm. Rooms are decorated in a fuss free 'loft' style in greys and accent reds. Dramatic, dark tiled bathrooms feature roll top baths.

  • Local markets - The largest open air market in the southern hemisphere, The Queen Victoria Market is a fabulous place to go shopping
  • Value chic - A great value choice for stays in the city, well-suited to budget-conscious solo travellers, couples and groups
  • Hotel Entertainment - Gather for happy hour, trivia nights and lively Sunday roasts in the hotel's hip restaurant-pub
  • City Style - Slick, stylish guest rooms in the heart of Melbourne, this is a top city pick
from £87 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Larwill Studio

Melbourne (North Melbourne, Australia)

An art centric hotel boasting an excellent central location. Contemporary rooms are clean in design with soft hues and plenty of glass offset by vibrant modern artworks. A health thread runs through the property with designated snacks, meditation and yoga mats offered in room. Modern living defined.

  • Learning - Take a guided art tour of the hotel's collection, or borrow art utensils and art books to fuel your creativity
  • City Style - A stylish city spot inspired by the art of David Larwill, whose bright paintings create a playful atmosphere
  • Value chic - Offering chic Scandi-style guest rooms right next to Royal Park, all at very reasonable rates
  • Cycling - Hire one of the hotel's bright orange bicycles to discover the city on two wheels
from £98 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Lancemore Crossley St

Melbourne (Victoria)

Bordering Chinatown & the theatre district, this sleek city hotel promises crisp linens in white-on-white rooms with clean lines, all the mod-cons & city views. Two-bedroom suites are ideal for families or groups. The roof terrace is fabulous, as are the theatres & restaurants which await nearby.

  • Theatre - Catch a performance at the atmospheric Princess Theatre, just around the corner, or at Her Majesty’s Theatre
  • City Style - A stylish city pad with crisp contemporary interiors and a central location for a city break
  • Families - Families will appreciate the two-bedroom suites, and the proximity to the theatres and parks
  • Designer - The interiors were designed by Melbourne-based Carr Design Group
from £131 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Coppersmith Hotel

Melbourne (Victoria)

A hip boutique hotel in up-and-coming South Melbourne with chic, minimalist rooms hidden behind an 1860s façade. Airy, understated interiors have big beds, desks & all the mod-cons. The big draws are the buzzy bistro — specialising in seasonal European cuisine — and the relaxed rooftop terrace.

  • Local exploring - A hip choice for a South Melbourne stay, offering the chance to get a sense of one of the city's coolest emerging neighbourhoods
  • Local markets - Savour fresh produce from fabulous stalls showcasing local growers and makers at the famous South Melbourne Market
  • Foodies - Laid-back foodies will love the 18 beers on tap and the modern European cuisine of the cosy bistro
  • Restaurant - Welcoming bistro specialising in seasonal dishes — a neighbourhood favourite
from £127 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Naughtons Hotel

Melbourne (Victoria)

A warm & welcoming restaurant with rooms set in a 150-year-old building just opposite Melbourne University. Airy, light-filled guest rooms sit above a convivial, green-painted pub which prides itself on its seasonal fare & sustainable approach to modern cooking. A relaxed neighbourhood favourite.

  • Foodies - A foodie favourite, with hearty pub fare, seasonal ingredients & a strong sustainable cooking ethos
  • Weddings - Book the whole hotel for a fabulous pub wedding, complete with fantastic food & heaps of character
  • Restaurant - A fabulous pub championing seasonal produce and local farmers, as well as making their own bread & pasta and more
  • Local markets - Fill your bags with fresh produce from the bustling Victoria Markets, one of the city's iconic hotspots
from £97 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Art Series — The Chen

Melbourne (Victoria)

An affordable high-rise hotel centred on the bright paintings of Chinese-born Australian artist Zhong Chen. Smart yet playful, this is a place of sleek rooms with bold pink & blue accents, floor-to-ceiling windows & lots of light. A cool rooftop pool & superb dim sum restaurant complete the picture.

  • Learning - Take a guided tour of the hotel's art collection with the in-house curator and expert guides to delve into Zhong Chen's work
  • Local exploring - Brilliant for exploring Melbourne's eastern suburbs, with many of its university campuses & a great east Asian food scene
  • Families - Spacious suites with two double beds are ideal for families with older children, who will also love the pool
  • Cycling - Hire the hotel's Lekker bikes to zip around Box Hill, an up-and-coming part of eastern Melbourne
from £90 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Brady Hotel Jones Lane

Melbourne (Victoria)

A 20-floor tower in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, this slick yet affordable hotel has contemporary interiors with crisp white linens, city views & lots of light. Business rooms come with desks; studio apartments have kitchenettes & guests share access to a great gym. Super central, simple & stylish.

  • Business meetings - Dedicated business rooms are great for those looking to work, with an in-room desk, as is the location and reasonable pricing
  • Other Activities - See a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and delve into the city's sporting history at the National Sports Museum
  • Local markets - The Sunday crafts market on the Southbank promenade is brilliant for creative types looking to pick up souvenirs
  • Value chic - A central, affordable hotel with slick modern rooms in the lively theatre district
from £79 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy

Melbourne (Victoria)

A collection of fresh, contemporary serviced apartments in the hip Fitzroy neighbourhood. Spaces have a minimalist feel with white and grey interiors, well-equipped kitchens & comfortable sitting rooms. Boasting one, two- or three-bedrooms, these are ideal for longer stays in an artsy part of town.

  • Local exploring - Brilliant for exploring lively Fitzroy on foot & living like a local with the flexibility of your own kitchen & sitting room
  • Groups - Two- to three-bedroom apartments are perfect for groups of friends or families
  • Local markets - Fitzroy Mills Market & the Rose Street Artists' Market are wonderful for perusing craft pieces at weekends
  • Sights nearby
from £109 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The StandardX, Melbourne

Melbourne (Fitzroy)

A hip addition to Melbourne's creative Fitzroy district, The Standard Group's first opening in Australia is superb. The 125 rooms are slick & stylish, with crisp white linens, striped blue & white carpets & cosy armchairs. Expect flavoursome Thai-inspired fare at BANG. A seriously cool party pad.

  • Local exploring - A brilliant base for discovering the shops, galleries, eateries & markets of Fitzroy, one of Melbourne's top neighbourhoods
  • City Style - A hip city hotel with a lively buzz, a youthful feel and stacks of style in trendy Fitzroy
  • Local markets - The Rose Street Artists’ Market & Fitzroy Markets are steps away, perfect for savouring local produce, crafts & live music
  • Restaurant - Savour Thai-inspired flavours with Chef Justin at BANG, and Mexican cocktails, tacos & ceviche at The Roof
from £88 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Jan Gooderham

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.