City Hotels You’ll Love: Melbourne & Sydney Edition

You don’t have to leave Australia’s big cities to enjoy a relaxing and fun break.

Here’s some of our favourite hotels for the ultimate city break in Melbourne and Sydney.

Where: This elegant French-luxury hotel aptly sits at the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. A stay here gives you unrivalled access to events year round – you can walk to the MCG stadium, and wander to Rod Laver Arena, where the Australian Open tennis is held every January.

You’re within easy reach of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens, just over the Yarra River. Not to mention entertainment venues like The Princess Theatre, where you can enjoy the latest and greatest shows and musicals, and a host of upscale boutiques.    

Why: Back in your luxury hotel, get set to be dazzled by incredible views over the city you’ve just explored. Rooms and suites come adorned with local artwork and furnishings with jewel-coloured accents, while on the 35th floor you’ll find No35 Restaurant and The Atrium on 35, both offering incredible views across the city.

The former is an elegant, airy dining room where you can enjoy everything from a lavish breakfast and high tea to degustation dinners. The latter, meanwhile, is a moodily lit bar where you can settle in for champagne and creative cocktails while watching the lights glitter over Melbourne.

Where: Retail therapy is on your doorstep when you stay at this sleek property in Malvern East in eastern Melbourne – you’re literally a few metres from one of Australia’s top shopping malls.

It’s also Australia’s largest mall, packed with fashion, dining and entertainment venues. If you’re checking in with kids (or if you’re a kid at heart), you’ll be in heaven thanks to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.  

What: After an epic day of retail therapy, return back to your French-styled cocoon for an indulgent high tea. You may also wish to savour a cocktail or two in Altus, the rooftop bar, or a farm-to-table meal in Pastore.

Of course, the ultimate way to ease shopping-weary limbs is in Holsim Retreat Melbourne Day Spa, where you can relax in the rooftop pool, or book in for a massage, facial, meditation or even wellness light therapy.

Then retire to your room, boasting views of the Melbourne skyline (just 17km away), Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges.

Where: As this hotel’s name suggests, ibis Melbourne Central is extremely central, smack bang in the middle of Melbourne’s CBD near shopping meccas Melbourne Central and Emporium.

If you’re a foodie, the location is also a dream. You can walk to the Queen Victoria Market, operating since 1878 and packed with stalls selling everything from artisanal cheese and bread to fresh fruit and souvenirs. 

You’re also within easy reach of Chinatown, home to a plethora of tasty restaurants specialising in regional Chinese cuisine. And then there are the applauded cafes, restaurants and bars in the art-filled alleys that surround your hotel.

If you don’t feel like walking, you have amazing access to public transport, including a free tram that rings the city as well as trains to zip you off on a day trip to Melbourne’s eclectic suburbs – or further afield.  

What: This light filled hotel is fun, from its eye-popping art to its impressive in-room technologies. Think large TVs, chromecast and free wi-fi. You’re surrounded by some of Melbourne’s best eateries. But if you don’t want to wander too far, there’s also an on-site café, restaurant and bar. You also have access to the facilities of the Novotel Melbourne Central, including the pool. 

Where: It’s hard to beat the central location of this hotel, within easy reach of The Rocks neighbourhood, Barangaroo, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.

Surrounding you are shops and some of the city’s best restaurants, which you can walk to with ease. Or, jump on public transport – Wynyard Train Station is steps away, as is the light rail along George Street. There are also plenty of buses, giving you direct access to trendy inner-city suburbs like Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.   

What: If you’re checking in with your family or friends, you’ll love the one- to three-bedroom apartments at the Mantra 2 Bond St (there are also studios). Each is fully self-contained with a kitchen and living space, and is stylishly designed with leather and wood, designer lighting and artwork.

There’s an on-site restaurant, if you can’t bear to leave. And a shimmering heated rooftop pool offering stellar views over the city. 

Where: Shopaholics, rejoice! When you stay at the Swissôtel Sydney, you’re part of the retail action – quite literally. The hotel towers over the city’s Westfield shopping complex, an enormous mall packed with boutiques, restaurants and entertainment outlets.

It’s also a short stroll from the historic QVB, a beautiful Romanesque arcade home to upscale shops and dining, as well as an underground train station, should you wish to explore more.

Swissôtel sits directly opposite the State Theatre, which comes with a sensational program of shows and events. You’re also within walking distance of Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, to round out your cultural stay. 

What: The luxurious rooms at this hotel are modern and inviting, offering breathtaking views over Sydney’s CBD all the way to the Blue Mountains. Design is smart, bright and contemporary, complementing the architectural eye candy outside.

There are multiple on-site venues to wine and dine, including applauded Ten Stories and Arches. Alternatively, the concierge team will happily get you a table at the many restaurants and bars that surround. There are plenty to choose from.

You’ll also want to make time to lounge beside the outdoor, Mediterranean-style heated pool, soaking up the Sydney sunshine while surrounded by skyscrapers. It’s not every day you get to do just that….

Where: Located in central Sydney, this boutique hotel puts you in the heart of the city while its stylish heritage-meets-modern interiors provide a relaxing reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. 

When you stay at Hotel Morris, you're just a few minutes' walk from Central Station and transport links to connect with Sydney's major attractions including Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. You're walking distance to the famed eats of Sydney's Chinatown and Thai Town.

The small bars, restaurants, and shopping of Surry Hills are also on your doorstep. If you're eager to catch a show, you're just around the corner from the heritage-listed Capitol Theatre.

What: Step off the busy street and into warm embrace of Bar Morris. Located on the ground floor of Hotel Morris, here you can check in for your stay, and wine and dine in the intimate Italian-inspired surrounds.

Located in a building that first opened in 1929, Hotel Morris delivers heritage charm paired with luxurious, contemporary finishes. The building's facade pays homage to days gone by, while art-deco inspired modern interiors provide a comfortable and stylish ambience.