Melbourne Hotels Will Really Make Your Stay Whether you are a backpacker on a budget tour of Australia, a family enjoying the sun or you are embarking on a luxury trip Down Under, finding the best Melbourne hotels will be your first priority. Melbourne probably has more to offer in terms of hotels than any other city in the state of Victoria, but once you get there you might be so busy visiting the sights that you hardly see the inside of your hotel. But that is a good thing! After Sydney, Melbourne is the largest city in Australia. Situated on the southern coast in a bay called Port Phillip, the metropolis spreads inland from the Yarra River. Founded in 1835 by European settlers, Melbourne quickly grew into a hive of activity when gold was found and the city became one of the wealthiest in the country. Melbourne is now best known for its cafés, thriving arts and music scene as well as its educational and business prowess. If you are planning a trip to this city, then finding cheap Melbourne accommodation is going to be one of the things you will be most concerned about. With its world renowned travel system, led primarily by trams, trains and buses, staying in the central part of the city is ideal. From there you will have access to most of the major attractions plus all of the night life and beauty the city has to offer. If you can find hotels near Flinders St Station, then you are probably in the best spot in town. For those who are happy to pay just a little bit more for four or five stars, the Crowne Plaza Melbourne or Medina Executive in Flinders Street probably offer the best in luxury and executive accommodation. Both are situated close to the banks of the Yarra and across from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Lovers of sport can even indulge their passion as the hotels are within walking distance of Etihad Stadium. The Medina, meanwhile, has apartment-style accommodation that will offer you a home from home, which could come in handy if you are travelling with your family. If you want accommodation at the other end of the budget scale, your options in Melbourne are many. Australia is certainly one of the most popular destinations for backpackers from around the World and this is not lost on Melbourne. Backpackers are catered for at every turn. Among the quality accommodation options in the city centre are a number of hostels and budget hotels. Most of these are situated along Elizabeth, Russell and King Streets but are within walking distance of the station. One backpackers’ hostel on Flinders Street is Greenhouse. With the luxury of a rooftop garden and voted the Best Backpacker Accommodation in both 2004 and 2005, this hostel is something special. The Melbourne Metro YHA features a café, access to the Internet, movies and even parties for guests. Both of these hostels are right in the middle of the action when it comes to Melbourne nightlife and there is definitely plenty of options to choose from. For those hoping to indulge in their passion for live music, Melbourne has a number of internationally renowned venues. Central venues such as the Ding Dong Lounge and Pony offer late night entertainment and are great supporters of local music. The city also hosts a number of music events including the Falls Festival, which offers great music and New Year's Eve celebrations. Summer Dayze is designed to help you wake up on the first day of the year and also features local and international DJs and performers. Probably the most famous music festival in the area is the Big Day Out, which accommodates international acts and usually sells out well in advance. For those hoping for a family day out, Melbourne has more to offer than most. From the Melbourne Zoo to the beautiful botanical gardens, most attractions are just a tram ride away. The famous Queen Victoria Market is the best place to find cheap clothing and amazing local produce. The largest open air market in the southern hemisphere, this shopping area is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and the weekend and has been a part of Melbourne since 1878. Melbourne is certainly worth a visit and is not a city that will disappoint. From your amazing accommodation you can see the sights, enjoy the nightlife and simply breathe in the atmosphere. You won't be disappointed. |