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Where to Stay in Victoria

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria Australia Travel Guide

Accommodation Categories

Urban & Budget Options

  • Hostels

    Popular for budget travelers and solo adventurers, with dorms or private rooms. Common in Melbourne CBD, St Kilda, and major regional towns. Communal kitchens and social areas are frequent features. Find hostels on Hostelworld.

  • Hotels

    From budget chains to luxury brands, hotels have private rooms, en-suite baths, and a range of services. Widely available in Melbourne and regional centers. Book hotels on Booking.com or Agoda. Consider IHG Hotels for global brands.

  • Apartment Hotels/Serviced Apartments

    Self-contained units with kitchens, separate living areas, good for longer stays, families, or groups. Many are located in Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Private homes or apartments through platforms like Vrbo. A local experience for groups or families seeking self-catering capabilities.

Unique & Rural Stays

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) and Guesthouses

    Common in regional Victoria and charming city suburbs. They offer personalized stays with breakfast and local insights.

  • Farm Stays

    In agricultural areas of regional Victoria, these stays offer an immersive rural experience, at times with farm activities. Popular for families.

  • Glamping & Camping

    National parks and private campsites. Camping ranges from basic bush sites to powered sites. Glamping provides luxurious camping featuring comfortable beds. Also consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

  • Considerations

    Look for reputable chains or high ratings for cleanliness and safety, especially with hostels.

Neighborhood Guide Melbourne

Each area of Melbourne a distinct character, making it appealing to different preferences.

Melbourne CBD

Pros
  • Central location with excellent public transport (Free Tram Zone).
  • Walking distance to major attractions (Federation Square, Flinders Street Station).
  • Vast array of eating and shopping choices.
  • Unbeatable access to city attractions.
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends and evenings.
  • Accommodation prices are often the highest.
  • Less residential, limited green space.
  • Caution late at night in quieter laneways.

Southbank

Pros
  • Scenic waterway views.
  • Immediate proximity to the CBD.
  • Easy access to entertainment and cultural venues.
  • More open, waterfront feel.
Cons
  • Can be expensive for accommodation and dining.
  • Very tourist-oriented.
  • Lively, especially around the casino and promenade.

St Kilda

Pros
  • Bohemian, beachfront suburb with lively nightlife.
  • Numerous cafes, Luna Green space amusement park, and a famous pier.
  • Sunsets over Port Phillip Bay.
  • Chance to see little penguins at the pier.
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekend nights.
  • Certain areas could feel a bit grittier.
  • Caution is advisable late at night around bars.

Other Melbourne Suburbs

Fitzroy/Collingwood:

Hip, artistic, independent vibe. Unique boutiques, street art, live music, trendy eateries and bars. Great for a local experience.

South Yarra/Prahran:

Upscale, fashionable, and leafy inner-south suburbs. High-end boutiques, designer stores along Chapel Street, trendy bars, and beautiful residential streets.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies make it easier to secure suitable accommodation at favorable rates.

Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Dec-Feb & Major Events): Book several months in advance (3-6 months) for best availability and pricing.
  • Shoulder Seasons (Mar-May & Sep-Nov): 1-2 months in advance generally finds good options.
  • Low Season (Jun-Aug): More flexibility, possible last-minute deals, but a few weeks ahead is advisable.
  • Online Travel Agencies: Use Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda for wide selections. For rentals, Airbnb and Stayz (local Australian platform) are popular. Hostelworld for backpacker lodgings.

Additional Tips

  • Direct Bookings: Sometimes hotel websites offer loyalty perks, better cancellation policies, or special rates.
  • Negotiation: Not common for established hotels. Possible for small independent guesthouses in regional areas during off-peak times.
  • Policies: Always read deposit and cancellation policies carefully. They vary by property and platform.
  • Price Fluctuations: Prices are notably higher during peak seasons, major city events, and school holidays. Staying in shoulder or low seasons can offer savings.

Considerations

Melbourne Events
  • Australian Open (January)
  • Melbourne Cup Carnival (November)
  • School holidays
  • Other major city events
Regional Victoria
  • Smaller guesthouses
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Farm stays
  • Camping options

Important Note on Pricing

Peak Season

Expect significantly higher rates due to high demand.

Off-Peak Season

More competitive pricing and more choices available.

Event Periods

Book well in advance for events, as rooms fill up quickly.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here is a general guide to accommodation types and their suitability, with approximate nightly rates for a double room.

Budget & Mid-Range

Hostel

AUD 30-50 (dorm) / 80-150 (private)

  • Ideal For: Solo, Budget travelers.
  • Notes: Social atmosphere, shared facilities often available.
Hotel 3-4 star

AUD 150-300

  • Ideal For: Couples, Families.
  • Notes: Standard amenities, good value, often central.

Mid-Range & Upscale

Serviced Apartment

AUD 180-400

  • Ideal For: Families, Longer Stays.
  • Notes: Kitchenette, more space than a hotel room.
B&B/Guesthouse

AUD 120-250

  • Ideal For: Couples, Rural Escapes.
  • Notes: Personalized service, often charming, includes breakfast.

Luxury & Group Stays

  • Hotel (5-star)

    AUD 300-800+. Ideal For: Luxury, Business. Notes: Premium services, facilities, prime location.

  • Vacation Rental

    AUD 100-300+ (budget), 150-500+ (mid-range), 400-1000+ (luxury). Ideal For: Families, Groups. Notes: Full home/apartment, varied amenities, local experience.

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Serviced apartments, hotels with pools/kid amenities, vacation rentals in quieter suburbs.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels for social opportunities and budget choices.

Special Considerations

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments, vacation rentals, and long-term hostel rates are most practical for extended visits.

  • Cultural/Historical Significance

    Look for boutique hotels in historic CBD buildings or charming guesthouses in gold rush towns like Ballarat or Bendigo.

  • Glamping

    Popular in scenic areas like the Mornington Peninsula or near national parks.

  • Visual Inspiration

Price Considerations by Accommodation Type

General Pricing

Approximate nightly rates for a double room can vary significantly based on season, location, and specific property features.

  • Backpackers' hostels provide the lowest per-person rates.
  • Luxury hotels and larger vacation rentals are at the higher end.
  • Serviced apartments and B&Bs fall in the mid-range.
  • Always check current prices for your specific travel dates.
Booking Platforms

Using reputable platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld generally provides competitive rates and wide selections.

  • Direct bookings can sometimes include exclusive perks.
  • Price comparison across different sites is always a good practice.
  • Be aware of cancellation policies before confirming.

Choose Your Stay

City Exploration

For urban adventures, consider CBD hotels or serviced flats for convenient access to attractions and transport.

Coastal Retreat

Coastal areas offer charming guesthouses and holiday rentals with ocean views.

Rural Getaway

Farm stays or B&Bs are good for countryside tranquility and local experiences.