Melbourne’s downtown Central Business District is a very walkable, vibrant, cultural district, with the constant friendly ding of the trams, the many shoppers and business folk going about their day. At night, the Chinatown area is a fantastic foodie haven, and the many hidden / rooftop bars and alley ways are worthy of hours of exploring and sampling. It’s a great area of Melbourne to stay, enjoy and to base your trip in.
QT Melbourne
QT is the top hotel in Melbourne CBD as rated by guests. It gets a particularly high rating in vibe (9.7) and location (9.4). This 5-star hotel offers comfort and convenience whether you’re on business or holiday. Wifi is complimentary and is well-rated by guests.
Rooms are designed to provide a high level of comfort with attractive decor. There is a range of options to choose from, ranging from the QT King, Twin, Accessible King, Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin, Executive King, Corner King and Loft King. The rooms feature designer furnishings and wooden/parqueted flooring. There is an also onsite gym for added convenience. If that’s not your thing, get into those in-room freebies – movies, high-speed internet, coffee pods and Tippity Tea.
There are a few very trendy bars and restaurants at QT, as well as an amazing rooftop bar. Restaurants/bars include:
Pascale Bar and Grill – If you want glamour and glitz then this is your restaurant! It’s open-plan dining with an opulent European twist. From entrees to mains, the fabulous meals are styled by Executive Chef Paul Griffiths. He takes you straight to the Australian source. Ingredients are locally grown as close to the garden as possible.
Hot Sauce Laneway -If you’re looking to venture into one of Melbourne’s Laneways for an event space or your own private bar, Hot Sauce Laneway is for you. You’ll find Hot Sauce Laneway tucked away in an alley in the QT Melbourne complex. With an assortment of impressive cocktails and tight tunes, this space is ideal for the late-night drinking crowd. If you’re looking for a venue, Hot Sauce Laneway can host up to 70 guests for private cocktail-style events.
Rooftop at QT – If you’re interested in panoramic views of the glowing Melbourne skyline, take a lift to the rooftop at QT. Rooftop at QT is a place for decadent drinks in the city. Its cosy awnings in winter serve to make this a fabulous all seasons experience.
Bar 133 – Tucked alongside Pascale on level 1, you’ll find Bar 133, a cocktail bar with a moody interior that’s refined without being fussy. The team works with local producers and the cocktail list is crafted around seasonal produce and botanicals. There are plenty of straight drinks on offer here too. A great choice of above-par bar snacks echoes this seasonal approach and they are the perfect accompaniment to their drinks.
Indicative price: We found the QT King Room $333 but this may fluctuate up or down depending on dates.
Next up is The Langham Melbourne. It has very high ratings in both location (9.4) and service (9). The location is paramount here. It’s on the banks of the Yarra River and is 450 metres from Flinders Street Station. Melbourne is home to many activities from sports, theatre, art, fashion and food. The Langham is surrounded by many must-sees which makes it a great base for adventuring around the city. It’s walkable to some of Melbourne’s attractions, including Eureka Tower, Melbourne Arts Centre and Federation Square.
There are several room options available. The rooms have been decorated and styled so that opulence and luxury are apparent in all of them. From marble bathrooms and exquisite fabrics to beautiful views you will find a room to suit your needs. Options are – The Superior Room (king or twin bed, 32m²), Deluxe River Room (king or twin beds, 32m²), Deluxe River Corner Room (king bed, 38m²), Deluxe Balcony Room (king bed, 32m²), Executive Terrace Room (king bed, 38m²), Executive Room (king or twin beds, 32m²), One Bedroom Suite (king bed, 74m²), The Residence by Kerrie Hess (2 king beds, 134m²), Chairman Suite (2 king beds, a huge 161m²!).
There is also a spa (Chuan Spa), fitness studio and swimming pool available.
Dine with style at one of the restaurants on offer. The Langham features-
Melba Restaurant – an award-winning international buffet-styled restaurant with breakfast lunch and dinner menus. With over 40 dishes from around the globe on offer there is bound to be plenty to impress every taste palette here! Melba Restaurant showcases breathtaking views of the Yarra River and Melbourne’s city skyline.
Aria Bar and Lounge – Overlooking the hotel’s grand marble staircase and crystal chandeliers, Aria Bar & Lounge feels luxurious. From coffee to nightcaps, come and relax here.
The Langham Afternoon Tea – The Langham in London began serving opulent afternoon tea to hotel guests in 1865. That innovative service quickly turned into a time-honoured custom. The Langham, Melbourne continues this custom today. The chefs at The Langham, Melbourne have upgraded this popular afternoon custom, and it is served with premium tea from the British tea company JING.
Indicative Price We found the Superior King Room for $300 but this may fluctuate up or down depending on dates.
Top Tip For a full pampering experience you can combine a choice of either a signature massage or facial treatment at Chuan Spa followed by The Langham Afternoon Tea at Aria Bar & Lounge.
The Park Hyatt has a wide range of perks on offer. It’s highest rated in wellness (9.5) and the bar (9.4). The Park Hyatt Melbourne provides upscale, exclusive accommodation in the centre of the city with views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fitzroy Gardens, and a blend of Victorian and modern buildings. The strategically located, five-star hotel in Melbourne’s CBD has 245 bedrooms and suites, the most in the entire city. A welcoming atmosphere, exceptional levels of individualised service, opulent amenities, and stunning surroundings offer visitors a private refuge in the middle of the city.
There is a large variety of both rooms and suites on offer at the Park Hyatt. The smallest starts at 48 square metres and the largest (The Presidential Suite) is a whopping 240 square metres! The hotel’s exceptional service as well as magnificent furnishings and sophisticated finishes, come together to create a haven of luxury that awaits your arrival.
The Park Club Health and Day Spa has many services on offer, ranging from massage treatments to a gym, sauna, spa and salon.
Park Hyatt Melbourne’s dining experiences include-
Radii Restaurant & Bar- is set in cascading levels of magnificent Art Deco-inspired surroundings. Both residents and visitors can enjoy a quality dining experience at the warm and pleasant restaurant & bar.
Our culinary crew celebrates farm to fork, embracing fresh, local products obtained sustainably, and has a creative flare and interpretation of food that has no bounds.
Tea Lounge- Tea Lounge is located in the centre of the hotel and offers breathtaking views of the lovely outside Trilogy Gardens. Here, you may enjoy casual all-day eating or a drink while observing the hotel bustle.
Trilogy Garden (in the summer months) and our In-Room Dining service.
Indicative Price We found the Standard Room for $415 but this may fluctuate up or down depending on dates.
Top Tip If visiting in the summer months make use of the Trilogy Garden dining experience.
The Westin Melbourne is highly rated on location (9.6) and vibe (9.2). From the hotel’s doorstep, you can access Melbourne’s major attractions, enjoy the best dining and shopping experiences, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The Westin Melbourne is well situated in the Melbourne Central Business District near to the Regent Theatre, just a short stroll from Federation Square, Flinders Street, and Bourke Street Mall, and 20 minutes’ walk from both the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena.
Room and suites range from the Westin Standard (38 sqm) to the Regent (91 sqm). Immerse yourself every night in a restorative hideaway that includes a bathtub, new trademark linens, and a plush Heavenly® Bed.
Modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, and a staff committed to making your stay effortless. Rooms are designed with peace in mind and showcase attractive decor and furnishings.
Facilities include a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Centre, a serene Wellness Centre with a 20-metre lap pool, sauna and steam room.
Dining options are-
Allegro Restaurant is The Westin’s main restaurant and offers the ideal environment for a healthy breakfast thanks to its open kitchen, upscale decor, and large outdoor patio among the treetops on Collins Street.
Lobby Lounge- Enjoy one of Melbourne’s best high tea experiences while sipping on a custom cocktail by the open fire in the exquisite surroundings of the Lobby Lounge.
Eat Well menu (room service)- Boost your energy with healthy juices, barista coffee, and an exceptional breakfast buffet, or just stay in, unwind, and feel well taken care of with our Eat Well menu.
Indicative Price We found the Standard Room for $445 but this may fluctuate up or down depending on the dates.
Top Tip Be sure to make use of The Westin’s beautiful, indoor heated pool.
The Pan Pacific Melbourne is our fifth hotel in Melbourne, as rated by guests. It scores well in location (9.4) and service (8.8). The Pan Pacific Melbourne is situated in the renowned South Wharf district, a prominent metropolitan location.
With a stop just five minutes’ walk away, the free tram makes it simple to go from the hotel to the CBD. There are many tourist destinations very close to the hotel including Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) South Wharf, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Skydeck, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Casino and Entertainment Complex.
There are a variety of rooms and suites with some rooms being available to you (with added perks and a small discount) if you are part of the Pacific Club. The smallest room, The Deluxe Room is 38sqm and the largest suite, Two Bedroom Bay View Suite is 76sqm.
There are two restaurants at the Pan Pacific, as well as room service.
Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen- The award-winning Deepak Mishra, Director of Food, Beverage, and Culinary Operations, crafted Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen to pay respect to outstanding Australian food in a casual setting. Enjoy recipes that demonstrate a dedication to seasonality and region and use the best native and homegrown ingredients from Australia. The menu is routinely updated to include recipes that have been newly produced, and it is inspired by the local farmers, fishermen, and foragers who provide fresh produce. A carefully tailored experience awaits you, from imaginative meals to the special walk-through wine gantry, which features a premium wine collection.
Cafe Orr- savour freshly made coffee, a variety of delectable pastries, sandwiches, and revitalising drinks. The contemporary and fashionable settings make it the perfect place for informal gatherings or to grab a quick snack before exploring the city. Grab breakfast to go or sit back and enjoy the freshly baked goods, with a focus on local and native Australian products.
Indicative Price We found the Deluxe King Room for $249 but this may fluctuate up or down depending on dates.
Top Tip Check out their Discovery membership program to see if it’s right for you.
