I have many friends and blog readers ask me where I recommend staying in the centre of Melbourne (especially the CBD area.)*Central Business District.
Most people who ask have enjoyed my Japan with kids recommendations and also want some additional hand-holding while holidaying in Melbourne.
Please note that I only speak of hotels we have enjoyed AND hotels we have tried personally.
This is a list that I am constantly adding to. (either as I stay at new places or just as I get time to add my personal write up and my photos.)
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Crown Metropol Melbourne
We have stayed here a few times. The customer service here is fabulous. The pool is an indoor pool but still makes a weekend in the city feel a bit more special.
There is all the room service and restaurants you need (in the hotel and you’re also connected to all 24 hour options at the casino- fancy and food court options.) There is also an IGA supermarket just across the road from the hotel entrance.
There is an indoor pool in the hotel (busy on hot days and weekends.)
W Melbourne
We have stayed here as a family for a staycation. The rooms are quite dark but the pool area here is so so lovely.
Marriot Docklands
This is not technically in the CBD but it is in Docklands. I love staying here for a special staycation with my children in Melbourne.
This hotel is within the Docklands Complex – which means that you have a supermarket, cinema, restaurants, games arcade and ice-skating rink just outside of the hotel door.
The rooms here are more spacious than many city centre hotels. We also love the rooftop pool and jacuzzi here.
These guys also do an adorable welcome mini-pack for kids.
I love the Spudbar (baked potato) shop at Docklands just a few mins walk from the hotel. Upstairs there is also an okonomiyaki and a korean barbeque restaurant. The Urban Alley Brew Pub is also super family-friendly.
The top floor of the Docklands has a kids cafe and playcentre called Chipmunks. Kids up til 11 years old are welcome to play here (must be supervised at all times.)
Vibe Hotel Docklands
This is also part of the Docklands. I really like this area for shopping and easy access to the city – without being in the city centre (which can often be busy in the mornings and evenings and I find, since covid, the amount of weirdos/scary people in the city is on the up and the clean, family-friendly spots and restaurants going down.)
As with the Marriott Docklands, Hoyts Cinema, the shopping mall, the restaurants etc are right on the hotel door step – as is the tram to the city. There is also the Docklands iceskating rink “O’Brien Icehouse” just a few 1oo metres away.
The restaurants in this area all close around 8-9pm so don’t plan on eating late.
The Vibe Hotel has a decent 24 hour room service menu. The room tvs also have local tv but also a Google Chromecast option to connect your own streaming apps to the telly.
This hotel has a gym, steam room, pool, spa and bar.
Room types are for 2,3 or 4 people . For larger families, you can also ask about connecting rooms.
Many airlines use this hotel for their cabin crew while in Melbourne.
As well as District Docklands across the road, there is also a convenience store Xpress (that also specializes in American Candy) Open 10am-10:30pm.
Just across the road from Vibe Hotel is my favourite shop to buy Melbourne souvenirs. It’s called Souvenirs Direct, Docklands. They sell puzzles, toys, boardgames, aussie made honey etc.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
