Overview
Melbourne’s hotel scene is having a moment, and Gourmet Traveller’s 2025 guide, Inside Melbourne’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels, captures it in all its finely detailed, design-forward glory. This carefully curated list reveals the city’s most exceptional places to stay—where no detail is spared, and every guest experience feels considered and elevated.
Whether tucked down a cobblestoned laneway or rising above the city skyline, these boutique and luxury hotels represent the best of Melbourne’s hospitality DNA. Expect bold architecture, plush interiors, art-filled lobbies, signature scents, and service that’s refined without ever feeling stuffy. Many of the featured hotels are home to destination restaurants, rooftop bars, wellness sanctuaries, or private art collections—making them destinations in their own right.
Each inclusion has been selected for its character and commitment to excellence. Some lean into Melbourne’s creative energy with edgy design and curated playlists, while others are timeless temples of elegance where marble bathrooms and turndown service come standard. But what they all have in common is a sense of place—these are hotels that embody the spirit of Melbourne, not just in aesthetics, but in atmosphere.
Perfect for romantic escapes, special celebrations, or simply treating yourself to the best, this guide is a love letter to luxurious living. It’s also a go-to for interstate guests, international travellers, and locals looking to see their city through a new lens.
For travellers who value authenticity, experience, and elevated comfort, Gourmet Traveller’s 2025 roundup is the key to Melbourne’s most inspiring stays—inside and out.
Last update August 2025
