Best boutique hotels in Melbourne

1. The Como, South Yarra

Big-branded by name, but boutique in nature, The Como has been a star of Melbourne’s hotel scene for well over a decade. From the hallways to the well-appointed rooms and exceptionally friendly staff, this property has stood the test of time as not just one of Melbourne’s best romantic getaways, but perhaps too, one of Australia’s. Make sure you sleep in and order room service for breakfast and if you want to be a tad cheeky, ask for an upgrade, request the rooms with a quaint Japanese garden.

2. The Lyall, South Yarra

It may be one of the city’s top boutique hotels, but let’s forget about the boutique thing for a minute, because staying at The Lyall is more like living in a luxurious apartment block with service akin to a Manhattan 5-star hotel. In our books, that’s above boutique and well into a category of its own, thanks to hoteliers Peter and Rowena Thomas and their leafy South Yarra creation. Add a hip little bar, day spa and bistro and you have all the ingredients you need for a cheeky mini break.

3. The Olsen, South Yarra

Is it an art gallery or a hotel? After resting the head here on a number of occasions, we’re still unsure about what is the best part of staying at the Olsen – the contemporary and spacious rooms, or the seemingly never-ending artworks of the artist himself, John Olsen. Ask nicely, and you could even take an artwork or two home with you. There’s a lot of white in the hotel and it sets the scene for Olsen’s colour and creativity to truly take over the hotel, seemingly well, as an art gallery in its own right.

4. Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park

Formerly a traditional booze house that been a modern makeover, the Middle Park Hotel is ruffling the feathers of the city’s boutique hotel scene because until now, many of Melbourne’s leading intimate establishments have been located in their own digs – and as not part of a pub. But with so many great pubs in the city, it’s good to see that the Middle Park Hotel – alongside The Prince in St Kilda of course – pushing the pub stay revolution.

5. Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne

It's iconic neon has lit-up the city’s skyline for years, but there’s a lot more to Hotel Lindrum than just a great sign. Underneath is 59 rooms of contemporary accommodation complete with wood furnishings, polished floors and super-comfortable Sealy beds. Junior Suites are the pick of the digs, while the 24-hour room service menu is essential for a 3am snack after sampling the great range of cocktail bars within a couple of blocks.

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