9 Family-Friendly Hotels in Melbourne
A bustling, artsy city with a plethora of world-class museums, big green spaces and laid-back cafés, Melbourne is a brilliant destination for a family holiday. The city plays host to an impressive programme of cultural events, too, with food and music festivals, live gigs and performances in the buzzy theatre district. Expect to take little ones to the Melbourne Zoo or the Melbourne Aquarium, and older kids to the acclaimed Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria. The city's distinctive neighbourhoods — from trendy Fitzroy to riverside South Yarra — brim with family-owned eateries, pubs, shops and galleries, to be explored on foot or by bicycle. Take scenic boat trips on the Yarra River, or catch a cricket match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The best family-friendly hotels in Melbourne are the perfect springboard for discovering this vibrant Australian city. Our pick of the properties includes affordable stays for those on a budget, apartment style accommodation and five star luxury.
For Simple Style
- Art Series - The Chen is based around the bright paintings of Chinese-born Australian artist Zhong Chen. This playful hotel offers flexible accommodation for families in rooms with pink and blue accents. Small kitchenettes are ideal when travelling with little ones. The rooftop pool is a great perk, and the Golden Lily Chinese Restaurant serves sensational fare.
- The Olsen is an affordable city hotel with two-bedroom suites for families. Enjoy the central location for exploring Melbourne with ease, and return to the swimming pool for refreshing swims. Admire artwork by John Olsen on the walls, and gather as a family for delicious dinners at Spoonbill Restaurant & Bar.
For a Chic Apartment
- Laneways by Ovolo, tucked along one of the famous laneways of Melbourne's CBD, is a bright, playful hotel for families or groups. Two-bedroom suites are effectively small apartments, with dining tables, kitchens and seating areas. Pastel shades of green, yellow and blue feel fresh and funky — the table football is a fun addition.
- The Como, on bustling Chapel Street, is close to art galleries, restaurants and boutiques aplenty. The two-bedroom apartments have sitting rooms and kitchens, perfect for family holidays. Take the whole family to the pool, work out at the gym or catch an arthouse screening at the neighbouring Como Cinema.
- Tyrian Service Apartments Fitzroy is a collection of two- to three-bedroom apartments with well-equipped kitchens in trendy Fitzroy. The neighbourhood will delight curious families, with its cafes, independent shops, markets and interactive museums. Minimalist modern interiors are great for those seeking additional privacy, or planning a longer stay.
For Absolute Luxury
- Pan Pacific Melbourne, set alongside the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, offers expansive Yarra River views from spacious, contemporary suites with pale wood and crisp white linens. The restaurant-bar is a great spot for a sundowner. Free entry to the Polly Woodside ship is a family highlight — as are the two-bedroom suites.
- Treasury on Collins is a beautiful boutique hotel in an 1876-built former Bank of Australia building. Families and groups of friends can book suites with space for up to five guests, featuring well-equipped kitchenettes. Savour classic pub fare at The Bank on Collins after trips to the zoo, the aquarium or nearby museums. Heritage luxury.
- Crown Metropol Melbourne has slick, minimalist interiors, an indoor pool and a terrific selection of lively eateries, games and entertainment spaces. The bowling alley, karaoke bar and mini golf are brilliant for families; teenagers will also adore the live music and DJ nights. Very cool.
For a Country Hotel
- Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park sits just 30 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. Set within 30 acres of parkland, this is a wonderful choice for families eager to explore the best of the city whilst staying in a spacious countryside setting. Pool swims, garden games, rounds of billiards and mouth-watering cuisine await.
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.
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Art Series — The Chen Melbourne (Victoria) 101 rooms from £90
Learning - Take a guided tour of the hotel's art collection with the in-house curator and expert guides to delve into Zhong Chen's workLocal exploring - Brilliant for exploring Melbourne's eastern suburbs, with many of its university campuses & a great east Asian food sceneFamilies - Spacious suites with two double beds are ideal for families with older children, who will also love the poolCycling - Hire the hotel's Lekker bikes to zip around Box Hill, an up-and-coming part of eastern MelbourneAn affordable high-rise hotel centred on the bright paintings of Chinese-born Australian artist Zhong Chen. Smart yet playful, this is a place of sleek rooms with bold pink & blue accents, floor-to-ceiling windows & lots of light. A cool rooftop pool & superb dim sum restaurant complete the picture. See More
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The Olsen Melbourne (South Yarra, Australia) 229 rooms from £92
Designer Shopping - Set on Chapel Street in South Yarra, this is a top spot for keen shoppers, you'll find Melbourne's best stores within reachGreat walks - Guided walking tours of South Yarra are a great way to get a sense of this bustling neighbourhoodFamilies - Two bedroom suites are ideal for families, who will also appreciate the refreshing swimming poolLocal exploring - Well situated for exploring Chapel Street and the thriving community of South YarraContemporary hotel with a central location in South Yarra offering good amenities and comfortable rooms. Boasts a glass-bottom swimming pool, spa and gym, and all within easy reach of nearby restaurants. See More
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Laneways by Ovolo Melbourne (Australia) 107 rooms from £111
Business meetings - Set in Melbourne's CBD, this is a lively spot for business travellers eager to stay somewhere hip and centralGreat walks - Stroll through the Parliament Gardens, Treasury Gardens or Fitzroy Gardens, all just a short walk awayTheatre - Catch a show at the Comedy Theatre or Her Majesty's Theatre, both just around the cornerFamilies - Families will appreciate the two-bedroom suites and playful feel of the hotelRecommended by - TabletTucked away on one of Melbourne's famous laneways, this hotel is situated in the heart of the bustling CBD close to the city's best bars, cafes and restaurants. Complimentary breakfast is also included. See More
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The Como Melbourne (Australia) 107 rooms from £149
Business meetings - A stylish pad in the CBD, perfect for business travellers who can also host meetings at the hotelCycling - Hire bicycles to explore South Yarra and Melbourne's central landmarks at your own paceOther Activities - Catch an arthouse screening at the atmospheric Como Cinema, just alongside the hotelFamilies - Families will appreciate the two-bedroom apartments with sitting rooms & kitchensLuxury hotel at the heart of Melbourne's bustling Chapel St. Near to all the attractions, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Family friendly suites available, with top-notch facilities including a gym, swimming pool and BBQ area. See More
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Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy Melbourne (Victoria) 36 rooms from £109
Local exploring - Brilliant for exploring lively Fitzroy on foot & living like a local with the flexibility of your own kitchen & sitting roomGroups - Two- to three-bedroom apartments are perfect for groups of friends or familiesLocal markets - Fitzroy Mills Market & the Rose Street Artists' Market are wonderful for perusing craft pieces at weekendsLively area - In the thick of the action.A collection of fresh, contemporary serviced apartments in the hip Fitzroy neighbourhood. Spaces have a minimalist feel with white and grey interiors, well-equipped kitchens & comfortable sitting rooms. Boasting one, two- or three-bedrooms, these are ideal for longer stays in an artsy part of town. See More
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Pan Pacific Melbourne Melbourne (Victoria) 353 rooms from £168
Business meetings - Private meeting rooms and event spaces — as well as connection to the conference centre — make this a great business trip choiceFamilies - Families will appreciate the two-bedroom suites, which also have kitchenettes, and entry to the Polly Woodside shipRestaurant - Dock 37 Bar & Kitchen specialises in quality produce, including good cuts of meat & fresh fish; Cafe Orr is great for pastriesSights nearby - Take a scenic boat ride along the Yarra River, admiring Melbourne's skyline and green spaces from the waterSet alongside the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, this swish hotel promises marvellous Yarra River views from contemporary rooms & suites. Think crisp white linens, floor-to-ceiling windows & earthy tones. There's a lively restaurant-bar, gym and meeting spaces aplenty. Smart & stylish. See More
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Treasury on Collins Melbourne (Australia) 95 rooms from £155
Other Activities - Catch a test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or one of the city's foodie and cultural festivals whilst you're in townGroups - Small groups of friends will appreciate the sense of independence which comes with the apartments, and the central locationFamilies - Flexible accommodation options offer space for up to 5 guests, and have plus kitchenettes and laundry facilitiesMuseums - Just a short walk away, the Immigration Museum offers fascinating insights into Melbourne's history and cultureTreasury on Collins is an award winning boutique hotel located in a heritage building and offers chic accommodation with suites and apartments in the heart of the city. All rooms benefit from a kitchenette and washer/dryer - ideal for families! See More
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Crown Metropol Melbourne Melbourne (Victoria) 570 rooms from £132
Hotel Entertainment - The bowling alley, karaoke bar, mini golf at Holey Moley & live music of the Crown Precinct are brilliant for guests of all agesCity Style - The ultimate city hotel experience with smart rooms & suites in a skycraper & an array of bars, eateries & entertainment optionsGroups - A great hotel for groups of friends, who will adore the shared spaces and lively restaurants, games & entertainment spacesClose to nightlife - Head to the Crown Entertainment Complex for buzzing casino & club nights as well as live gigs from international bandsA modern high-rise hotel alongside the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne's CBD. White & grey-clad rooms & suites are smart and minimalist, with chic bathrooms & city views. The indoor pool is spectacular, as is the access to the restaurants, bars, casino & games spaces of the Crown site. See More
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Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park Melbourne (Werribee Park, Australia) from £180
Families - The two-bedroom family suite is great for those travelling with little ones, who will love the pool and 10 acres of gardensCountry Escape - A gorgeous country escape, perfect for honeymoons or big events - including stunning weddingsSights nearby - Explore nearby Werribee Mansion, close to Victoria State Rose GardenWildlife Area - Take the kids to see the animals at the Werribee Open Range ZooEscape to the country with a stay in this luxurious hotel and spa surrounded by ten acres of extensive parkland only thirty minutes from Melbourne's CBD. Tasteful decor matches the stunning 1870s Italianate Werribee Mansion setting. See More