The Riversleigh

Affordable accommodation in Victoria doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality or location. This region offers a variety of budget-friendly hotels, from sleek city options in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD to the seaside vibes of St Kilda. Choose from hotels boasting stylish decor, great amenities and convenient locations, or more relaxed rural retreats with gorgeous grounds and stunning views. Whether you’re after a city base, a country idyll or a beach escape, a visit to Victoria needn't break the bank.

For a city escape

Brady Hotel Jones Lane

  • Brady Hotel Jones Lane offers a reasonably-priced and stylish stay in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Rooms here are sleek and contemporary, including some studio apartments with kitchenettes. There's shared access to a good gym, plus guests can catch a performance at the Princess Theatre, just 500 metres from the hotel.
  • Racing fans will love Middle Park Hotel as it's just across the road from Melbourne's Grand Prix track. Well-priced rooms are simple and fuss-free, plus it offers a cool restaurant-pub with happy hour, trivia nights and lively Sunday roasts. There's also a tram stop just outside, taking you straight to the CBD and Melbourne's beaches.
  • The Larwill Studio is an arty pick inspired by the art of David Larwill, whose bright paintings create a playful atmosphere. Situated in central Melbourne, it offers chic Scandi-style guest rooms right next to Royal Park and a lovely laidback restaurant. Great value for a city break.

For a cool roof terrace

The StandardX, Melbourne

  • You get a lot for your money at The StandardX, Melbourne. Stay in slick and stylish rooms, savour Thai-inspired flavours at the restaurant, and enjoy Mexican cocktails on the roof terrace with fabulous views. It's situated in the creative Fitzroy district, which is crammed with fantastic evening spots, including lively bars and restaurants within walking distance.
  • Art Series — The Chen is an another affordable choice in Melbourne with a great roof terrace and pool. This high-rise hotel showcases the bold, animated works of Chinese-born Australian artist Zhong Chen. It boasts a superb dim sum restaurant and is well-placed for exploring the eastern suburbs.
  • Set on Chapel Street in South Yarra, The Olsen is in a top spot for keen shoppers, as Melbourne's best stores are within reach. Its restaurant highlights superb regional produce and guests can enjoy a glass-bottom swimming pool plus a hot tub on the roof terrace with fantastic city views. With a spa and gym, it's a wallet-friendly option.

For character and charm

Craig's Royal Hotel

  • Dating back to the 1850s, Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat is a classic heritage choice. Great value for a central stay, it offers character in spades — think patterned wallpapers, carved wooden beds (some four-posters) and rich textiles. A wonderful step back in time.
  • A Loft In The Mill offers four characterful suites within a replica 19th-century mill in Olinda. Expect carved four-posters, embroidered textiles, crackling fireplaces and soaking tubs — most have private terraces, plus kitchenettes and sitting rooms. Special rates are available if you book all the suites for a lovely group getaway. 
  • Set in the heart of Bairnsdale, The Riversleigh is a charming pick offering a wonderful mix of modern rooms and suites with period features, high ceilings and characterful fireplaces. This well-priced property has a lively bar and is in a lovely spot overlooking the Mitchell River.

For a lively stay

Laneways by Ovolo

  • The Prince, in the seaside suburb of St Kilda, offers great amenities such as a sauna and steam room at a great price. This is a lively little hotel with a fun vibe for groups and a popular live music venue for big nights out. Its hip wine bar and Mediterranean restaurant and pub are ideal for keen foodies and wine lovers.
  • Situated in the heart of Melbourne's bustling CBD close to the city's best bars, cafes and restaurants, Laneways by Ovolo is a cool choice for the budget-conscious traveller. Bold, Memphis-inspired interiors give a contemporary feel and complimentary breakfast is included.

For a family-friendly base

Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy

  • Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy offer families great value with two- and three-bedroom apartments featuring well-equipped kitchens, comfortable sitting rooms and private balconies. Brilliantly positioned for exploring the lively Fitzroy neighbourhood.
  • Babysitting services, free pram hire and family suites make The Cullen a good budget-friendly option for families. Located opposite Melbourne's bustling Prahran Market and Chapel Street, this quirky looking hotel has 119 rooms — the largest suites come with a fully-equipped kitchenette. It's within walking distance of the city's main attractions and you can hop aboard the tram to St Kilda for an afternoon at the beach.

For a hip getaway

The Daylesford Art Motel

  • For a good value and trendy take on a small-town motel, The Daylesford Art Motel fits the bill. It has 10 retro-chic rooms with big cosy beds, eclectic artwork, smart bathrooms and compact terraces. Set in a lively and artsy Victoria hub, it's perfectly placed for exploring.

For a rural retreat

Oscar’s on the Yarra

  • Set in 12 rolling acres on the banks of the river, Oscar’s on the Yarra makes for a relaxed option at a good price. It offers comfy garden-view rooms, cosy lounges with fireplaces and a billiards table. The perfect spot for hiking, cycling and fishing excursions.
  • Yarra Valley Lodge is another reasonably-priced rural delight. Overlooking the Heritage Golf & Country Club, it has 102 stylish rooms, a spoiling spa and a restaurant-bar. Follow scenic walking and hiking trails along the Yarra River, through the vineyards and fields or up Mount Lofty.  

For a quaint B&B

Athelstane House

  • Dating back to 1860, Athelstane House is Queenscliff's oldest operating guesthouse. There are nine well-priced rooms, a cosy lounge and charming terrace, plus home-cooked breakfasts are served in the breakfast room each morning. A top spot for exploring the area's highlights on foot or by bicycle.

For a chic boutique

Hotel Frangos

  • Set in the heart of DaylesfordHotel Frangos is big on style and amenities. This lovely, characterful little hotel offers plenty of personality at great prices. Rooms are stylish and chic, there's a choice of two lively restaurants and the Endota Day Spa is the perfect spot to unwind.  A charming adults-only stay.
  • Oscar's Hotel and Cafe Bar in Ballarat is a simple, good value little property with just 13 guest rooms and a friendly feel. The restaurant serves modern Australian fare and there's a cute bar and terrace. Dating back to the gold rush era, it's in a great central spot to explore the town's history.
  • Naughtons Hotel is a warm and welcoming restaurant-with-rooms set in a 150-year-old building just opposite Melbourne University. This is a foodie favourite with hearty pub fare, seasonal ingredients and a strong sustainable cooking ethos. A relaxed option that won't break the bank.

Still not sure?

20 Affordable Hotels in Victoria

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

Hotel Frangos

Daylesford (Australia)

Set in the heart of Daylesford, this hotel has a lot to offer. Fabulously designed bedrooms, a choice of two lively restaurants and the Endota Day Spa. The owners have poured their passions into Frangos to make it truly welcoming and completely unique. Unwind in this stylish hotel.

  • Museums - The Daylesford Museum and Cultural Centre is fantastic for those seeking to delve into the history of the region
  • Foodies - Showcasing regional produce, the restaurant & wine bar are a destination in themselves
  • Great walks - Take a scenic stroll through Daylesford, or up to the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens
  • Value chic - A lovely, characterful little hotel offering plenty of personality at great prices
from £95 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

The Daylesford Art Motel

Daylesford (Victoria)

A hip, contemporary take on a small-town motel in trendy Daylesford. 10 retro-chic rooms with big cosy beds, eclectic artwork, smart bathrooms & compact terraces sit opposite the acclaimed Farmers Arms eatery. Cross the street for craft beers, seasonal fare & a lively buzz in an artsy Victoria hub.

  • Local exploring - Central and perfectly placed for exploring bustling Daylesford's boutiques, galleries and eateries
  • Groups - A great base for a group holiday in Daylesford, close to the lively hub that is the Farmers Arms
  • Great walks - Scenic hikes through the Lederderg State Park, Mt Franklin’s volcanic crater or Wombat State Forest are excellent
  • Local markets - Join locals at the buzzy Daylesford Sunday Market, where you can pick up fresh produce and artisanal crafts
from £102 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

Yarra Valley Lodge

Victoria (Victoria)

A smart wine country lodge overlooking the Heritage Golf & Country Club in the Yarra Valley. Rooms & suites face the golf course & gardens, with grown-up grey & merlot-red interiors, and beds topped with crisp white linens. Plus there are two golf courses, a soothing spa & restaurant-bar on site.

  • Golf - The lodge is part of the Heritage Golf & Country Club, perfectly placed for a round or two on the Heritage or St John courses
  • Wine tasting - 80 sensational cellar doors, craft breweries and spirits distilleries await in the Yarra Valley
  • Weddings - A great venue for a stunning country wedding within easy reach of Melbourne
  • Active Holiday - Keen golfers will adore the lodge's location
from £130 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

Oscar's Hotel and Cafe Bar

Ballarat (Victoria)

A laid-back historic hotel in the centre of town, with 13 simple rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, antique furniture & modern bathrooms. A local landmark dating back to the gold rush-era heritage, with updated events spaces for weddings, parties & seasonal Australian dining. Great value.

  • Weddings - Host your ceremony at the Atrium, sit-down dinner for up to 150 guests in the Garden Room
  • Value chic - A simple, great value little hotel with just 13 guest rooms and a friendly feel
  • Restaurant - Rleaxed restaurant serving modern Australian fare — as well as flavoursome pizzas
  • Great walks - Take a scenic 6km walk around lovely Lake Wendouree
from £90 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Craig's Royal Hotel

Ballarat (Victoria)

A classic heritage hotel dating back to the 1850s, this local landmark boasts 41 rooms & suites. Think patterned wallpapers, carved wooden beds — some four-posters — and rich burgundy, gold & white textiles. A popular restaurant & wine bar complete the picture. Great value in the centre of town.

  • Local exploring - A classic heritage hotel with a real sense of place, well-situated for discovering Ballarat & the gold rush
  • Weddings - Perfect for opulent weddings, the Grand Dining Room seats 110 guests with space for a dance floor
  • Local markets - Held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, the lively Ballarat Farmers' Market is brilliant for picking up fresh produce
  • Restaurant - Chef Ian Curley creates European-inspired cuisine using fresh local produce at The Atrium restaurant
from £79 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Athelstane House

Victoria (Victoria)

The oldest B&B in town, this Queenscliff landmark dates back to 1860. Nine airy, light-filled rooms are individually decorated, with bold art prints, patterned quilts & balconies or bath tubs. Home-cooked breakfasts are a highlight, and Queenscliff's many attractions are right on your doorstep.

  • Wine tasting - Follow the Bellarine Peninsula's taste trail, visting wineries, breweries & farm shops for tours & tastings
  • Local exploring - The oldest B&B in town, this is a top spot for exploring the area's highlights on foot or by bicycle
  • Value chic - A reasonably priced B&B with a long history and a friendly team, perfect for relaxed weekends away
  • Historic - Built in 1860, this is Queenscliff's oldest operating guesthouse
from £98 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Oscar’s on the Yarra

Victoria (Victoria)

A local landmark, Oscar's has been a laid-back little guesthouse since the 1920s. Refurbished interiors offer simple, comfortable garden-view rooms, a convivial lounge spaces with crackling fires & a popular billiards table. Feast on big breakfasts before exploring 12 acres of riverside grounds.

  • Groups - A relaxed spot for groups of friends, with flexible room options, large gardens and fun communal lounges with billiards
  • Wine tasting - Tour the acclaimed wineries of the Yarra Valley for expert-led tastings of top Victoria wines
  • Value chic - A simple, great-value base for hiking, cycling and fishing excursions in the Yarra Valley
  • Cycling - Cycling, hike or horse ride along the scenic 40km Lilydale — Warburton Rail Trail
from £115 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

A Loft In The Mill

Olinda (Victoria)

Four characterful suites sit within a replica 19th-century mill in lovely Olinda. Individually decorated interiors feature carved four-posters, embroidered textiles, crackling fireplaces & soaking tubs. Most have private terraces, plus kitchenettes & sitting rooms. A charming Dandenong Ranges base.

  • Groups - Special group rates encourage friends to stay together, booking out the four suites for a fun-filled rural escape
  • Great walks - Take a stroll through the beautiful National Rhododendron Garden or the William Ricketts Sanctuary
  • Romantic Break - A romantic retreat with opulent suites in charming Olinda, perfect for a couples' escape
  • Other Activities - Ride the iconic Puffing Billy, a historic steam train with lunch and dinner carriages
from £95 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Riversleigh

Victoria (Victoria)

Set in the heart of Bairnsdale, this pretty, 1886-built property houses modern rooms & suites with period features. High-ceilings & big windows create light-filled spaces, with cosy beds, fireplaces & garden views. The lively lounge bar has Victorian tiles & a great selection of local beer & wine.

  • Fishing - Fish on the Gippsland Lakes, at Lake Tyers or along the Ninety Mile Beach with an expert, or hire a day boat with friends
  • Families - Spacious rooms with additional beds are great for families, who will appreciate the area's myriad outdoor activities
  • Birdwatching - Spot sea eagles, swans, pelicans, kingfishers & more in the Lakes National Park and the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
  • Value chic - A well-priced property with lively bar, contemporary rooms and charming period features
from £101 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

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