The 6 Most Romantic Hotels in Melbourne

Melbourne has long been amongst Australia's most popular city break destinations — and deservedly so. The city is bursting with long, lazy brunch spots, quirky galleries, chic boutiques and lively bars and restaurants. Explore friendly neighbourhoods on foot or by bicycle, discovering hidden family-owned eateries, farmers' markets and vintage shops. Romantic walking trails, along the scenic Yarra River or through the Botanic Gardens, abound, as do world-class museums. Whether you're travelling to town for a foodie festival, a shopping trip or a glitzy urban honeymoon, Melbourne also offers some magical places to stay. We think that the most romantic hotels in Melbourne are scattered throughout the city, with intimate hideaways, elegant boutique townhouses and some striking five-star spots featuring soothing spas and glamorous restaurants. Melbourne is nothing short of marvellous — as are its hotels.

For Boutique Elegance

• The Lyall Hotel oozes classic elegance, with guest rooms clad in soothing grey, cream and burnt orange. Indulgent marble bathrooms and tree-facing terraces are lovely additions to serene private spaces. Treat yourself to hydrotherapy and relaxation treatments at the Lyall Spa before tucking into seasonal specialities at the buzzy bistro. A boutique gem for romantics in upmarket South Yarra.
• The Royce Hotel aims to dazzle and delight, with glittering chandeliers, chrome accents and lots of glass in glamorous bar and restaurant spaces. Formerly the city's first luxury automobile showroom, this hotel has a seriously cool 1920s feel, with slick guest rooms, and a fabulous cocktail menu. Gorgeous.
• Zagame's House packs a punch when it comes to food and design. Serene, understated rooms and suites are decorated in deep blue, white and grey tones, with clean lines and a real sense of conscious design. The Lygon Street setting will thrill foodies, who find themselves on the edge of Little Italy. Start your morning at in-house 1851 Coffee + Kitchen and round off evenings of exploring at the well-stocked Lord Lygon Wine Bar. One for hip couples.

For an Intimate Hideaway

• United Places Botanic Gardens is a collection of 12 superb, design-led suites set just opposite the city's beautiful Botanic Gardens. Tranquil and intimate, these spaces feature velvet-upholstered sofas, big cosy beds, private balconies for aromatic morning coffees and verdant views. Breakfasts are served in-suite by private butlers each morning, and sister restaurant Matilda 159's innovative Australian cuisine is the stuff of dreams. Bliss.

For High-Rise Luxury

• Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is a chic, high-rise hotel with 363 French-inspired rooms and suites on lively Collins Street. Big cosy beds are topped with crisp white linens, set opposite blue velvet armchairs and glass side tables. French shutters open to reveal city views, whilst sensational seasonal fare is served at No.35. With sixteen major exhibitions held each year in the hotel’s public spaces, this is a luxurious choice for romantic creatives in the city.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne offers all that one might expect from this exceptional luxury hotel group. Well-heeled holidaymakers and honeymooners will adore the sleek, sophisticated rooms and suites with panoramic city views and slick brass details. Unwind at the serene spa, sink into the indoor pool, or sip cocktails at Cameo, the city skyline glittering in the background.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Melbourne.
• Alternatively, check out our list of 9 Top Foodie Hotels in Melbourne.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • The Lyall Hotel Melbourne (South Yarra) 49 rooms from AU$470

    
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    Local markets  -  Foodies will adore Prahran Market's plentiful stalls showcasing growers and makers from around Victoria

    Cycling  -  Hop aboard the hotel's bicycles to discover South Yarra's cafes, boutiques and galleries on two wheels

    Local exploring  -  In upmarket South Yarra, a wonderful neighbourhood to explore on foot or on two wheels

    Romantic Break  -  A romantic luxury hotel, perfect for elegant Melbourne holidays as a couple

    

    A beautiful hotel in upmarket South Yarra, with elegant rooms & suites featuring indulgent marble bathrooms & soothing colour schemes. Each room has a private balcony or terrace, and there's a superb spa for unwinding. Sip a cold glass of wine at the bistro, which showcases top-notch seasonal fare. See More

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  • The Royce Hotel Melbourne (CBD) 100 rooms from AU$278

    
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    Designer Shopping  -  Enjoy the city’s finest luxury shopping at the boutiques of Collins Street, just steps from the hotel

    Romantic Break  -  Sumptuous suites invite romantic couples to unwind before sipping cocktails at the hip Showroom Bar

    City Style  -  A hugely glamorous city hotel, inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, with chrome, glass & marble

    Local markets  -  The Queen Victoria Market is the stuff of legend — and perfect for keen foodies

    

    The Royce promises all the dazzling glitz & glamour of the 1920s, with sleek marble & chrome interiors in what was once Melbourne's first luxury automobile showroom. This restored city landmark now boasts slick guest rooms, gourmet eateries & a sensational cocktail bar. Gorgeous & great fun. See More

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  • Zagame's House Melbourne (CBD) 88 rooms from AU$242

    
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    Local markets  -  Pick up delectable fresh produce & souvenirs from the buzzy Queen Victoria Market, just a short walk from the hotel

    Local exploring  -  Discover Melbourne's hip Little Italy, with superb food, coffee & street art straight outside your door

    Romantic Break  -  Well-heeled couples will adore the chic guestrooms — and a tipple or two at the wine bar!

    Restaurant  -  Sip cracking coffee at 1851 Coffee + Kitchen over brunch, or Italian dishes at the glamourous Lord Lygon Wine Shop

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A hip hotel on Lygon Street, this spot packs a punch when it comes to food & design. Slick rooms & suites feature a grown-up grey & white palette with playful touches; shared spaces are clad in moody blues & dark tones. Expect cracking coffee & brunch, plus an atmospheric wine bar. Very glamorous. See More

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  • United Places Botanic Gardens Melbourne (South Yarra) 12 rooms from AU$513

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Romantic, design-led suites will delight hip couples, who will adore in-suite breakfasts, garden views & Matilda 159 dinners

    Foodies  -  Foodies will adore innovative seasonal dishes by award-winning Chef Scott Pickett at the Matilda 159 restaurant

    Great walks  -  Step from Domain Road into the gorgeous 36-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens for a scenic stroll

    Restaurant  -  Complimentary breakfasts are served in-suite & guests get priority seating at acclaimed sister restaurant Matilda 159

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Kiwi Collection

    Twelve design-led suites overlooking Melbourne's gorgeous Botanic Gardens. Think swish, minimalist interiors with understated kitchens, cosy beds & black marble soaking tubs. In-suite breakfasts are a delight, whilst acclaimed sister restaurant Matilda 159 is mere steps away. Seriously cool. See More

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  • Sofitel Melbourne On Collins Melbourne (CBD) 363 rooms from AU$338

    
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    City Style  -  A chic city hotel, with French-inspired interiors, a fabulous programme of art exhibitions, and slick bar & restaurant spaces

    Designer Shopping  -  The Collins Street Precinct is fabulous for designer shopping, with international brands and Australian boutiques aplenty

    Hotel Entertainment  -  Take a guided tour of the hotel's regular art exhibitions for an insight into Melbourne's thriving arts scene

    Business meetings  -  A brilliant business hotel, with multiple event spaces for meetings, conferences & parties

    

    A chic, French-inspired hotel with 363 striking rooms & suites on lively Collins Street. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame city views & interiors feature cream tones, big beds with crisp white linens, blue velvet armchairs & smart marble bathrooms. Expect a stylish bar, restaurant & event spaces, too. See More

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  • The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne Melbourne (CBD) 257 rooms from AU$530

    
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    Honeymoons  -  A hugely indulgent honeymoon escape for well-heeled travellers in the heart of Melbourne

    City Style  -  An opulent city hotel with all the luxuries one might expect from the Ritz-Carlton

    Great walks  -  Guided walking tours of central Melbourne are a mavellous way to immerse yourself in the art, history & culture of the city

    Local markets  -  The Victoria Markets are the largest in the southern hemisphere, and fantastic for tasting produce & choosing souvenirs

    

    A glitzy high-rise hotel in central Melbourne, this luxurious city pad offers all the swish style & facilities that have become synonymous with the Ritz-Carlton group. Expect slick rooms & suites with panoramic views, deluxe bathrooms & clean lines. A serene spa & chic eateries complete the picture. See More

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Written by Saskia Walker

posted Wednesday, 10th April 2024