Hip Apartments in Melbourne You'll Want to Call Home

The nod to Manhattan in these hotel holiday apartments in Melbourne is deliberate: think sleek unfussy decor, roof-top swimming pool and concrete-heavy balconies overlooking Collins Street, the city’s most illustrious shopping epicentre. The street starts with 19th-century heritage architecture at the ‘Paris end’ and morphs into the modern Docklands known as the ‘New York end’. Thankfully though, the representation of these great cities doesn’t extend to the average number of square feet per downtown apartment – here, you’ll have more than enough space whether you rent a shiny executive studio suite or a sweeping rooftop pad.

Imagine waking up to incredible views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows in your own private sunroom 50 floors up. Well, you won’t need to imagine if you stay at this holiday apartment in Melbourne: a soaring hotel that’s brimming with luxe facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a gym. Don’t be fooled – it’s not actually a lighthouse – but the steel-and-glass tower is hard to miss when making your way back from nearby landmarks like Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown, Bourke Street Mall and Flagstaff Gardens. Weekly or monthly rates are available, with all hotel facilities and weekly housekeeping included.

A modern aparthotel not far from the river, WRAP on Southbank puts you within a short walk of Melbourne’s top sights and attractions. Book tickets to a show at the nearby Malthouse theatre or to a classical music concert at the state-of-the-art Melbourne Recital Centre. The lively riverside promenade is the perfect spot for al fresco dining before checking out the cargo sheds that have been turned into craft-beer bars for a few brewskis before bed.

On a budget but don’t want to scrimp on style? This swanky collection of serviced one- and two-bed holiday apartments in Melbourne is located across the river from Southbank and the Crown Casino entertainment complex. Each one features a private bathroom, a full-size kitchen, a smart TV and speaker system, plus a balcony overlooking the Yarra River and Melbourne CBD. If you want to explore further afield, Southern Cross Railway Station is a short stroll away, and the apartments sit within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone so getting around is easy.

This award-winning aparthotel sums up Melbourne’s vibrant, 21st-century spirit – and fondness for man’s best friend. The pet-friendly serviced apartments include a pet bed, dog food, water bowls and access to the rooftop courtyard for emergency walkies. Each large unit is equipped with a kitchenette, has separate living and dining areas, plus bathrooms with a deep tub and a walk-in shower. Pound the pavements with your pooch then relax on the outdoor sundeck – the friendly staff will lavish your four-legged friend with attention so you don’t have to.

Foodies will be in prime position at these holiday apartments, with a smattering of top restaurants and cute cafes, plus Melbourne’s heritage-listed Queen Victoria Market – dating back to 1878 – right on the doorstep. Arrive there just before 10am on a Friday or Saturday, and join the Ultimate Foodie Tour, a guided two-hour walk-through of the building. You’ll taste fresh produce and hot bites, and learn a few take-home tips to put into practice later in your luxurious apartment. Some units have city views, while all feature bluetooth speakers in comfy living spaces, plus access to an on-site gym and games room with a pool table.

For seven years straight, Melbourne was ranked the world’s most livable city – so living like a local is arguably the best way to experience it. At the Pegasus Apart’Hotel, you’ll have hotel-standard facilities such as a spa, a gym, a restaurant, bar, cafe, and one of Melbourne’s largest indoor hotel pools. All travellers are catered for here: the two-bed family suites, for example, feature interactive entertainment systems and a themed bedroom for kids – think jungle, circus and Formula 1 racing – while those on business can work quietly in the workspace-optimised SoHo suites.