Thanks to Zendaya and her two “little white boys” (her words, not ours), this summer saw a substantial rise of interest in all things tennis. The sport that we have loved for such a long time now gained even more recognition, bringing to light the lack of new-user-friendly guides that could be of help when diving into this exciting world.
Australian Open 2025 is right around the corner, and even if you’re a veteran spectator, the question of accommodation in Melbourne for this tournament is getting more and more pressing. But fret no more! We are here to impart our thoroughly researched and rigorously tested wisdom on all things surrounding the concern of where to stay for the Australian Open.
Make sure that you choose a hotel worthy of a Grand Slam!
Article contents
- When does the Australian Open 2025 start?
- Best areas of Melbourne to stay at
- 13 hotels near Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Park
- 6 best non-central hotels for the AO
When does the Australian Open 2025 start?
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If you as die-hard a fan of tennis as we are, you’re bound to have the answer to this question engraved in your mind space for weeks already!
However, there’s no need to be so dramatic and intense, as the details of the upcoming event are not a secret even for the first-time AO goer:
- Australian Open 2025 dates: January 12 to January 26 (before the main-draw tournament, there’s an entire week that starts January 6 and includes qualifying and exhibition matches).
- The tickets for the Australian Open usually go on sale in the middle of October of the prior year, but this time the things were a little bit different! AO25 packages did go live on October 10, but there was an exciting opportunity to get them even earlier. Thanks to a Mastercard presale, the cardholders (us included!) were able to snag the tickets starting as early as October 1st!
- Australian Open 2025 tickets are usually purchased through Ticketmaster. Their price varies depending on the package you choose and the day of the tournament (Ground Passes get cheaper as the event goes on, while Arena Tickets get exponentially more expensive the closer to the finals it gets). For a more detailed breakdown of the prices (as well as a thorough walk-through of the tournament’s main pitfalls and tricks), make sure to read our Australian Open tennis guide.
Where do the players stay for the Australian Open?
Though not a necessary fact, it is always kind of exciting to do some snooping in hopes of “accidentally” running into a tennis top player in a hotel that you’re also staying in! However, know that rumors and whispers of those “in-the-know” are not a guarantee, so don’t go around knocking any of the hotel doors pretending to be room service…
Now that we’ve warned you and cleansed our conscience somewhat, here’s everything we know about the players’ Australian Open accommodation:
- The players are usually given a list of 5 hotels to choose from, and the tennis pros are equally divided between the highlighted accommodations (we wonder if there were cases of all the top players sharing a hotel floor? the general public will never know!).
- If a player loses in a qualifying match, they have 2 days to get their affairs in order and move out. In the main draw, the losers have extra 5 days in the hotel of their choosing (we believe it’s a great opportunity to see the rest of Melbourne and get to know Australia as the exciting destination it is! It would be better if not for the loss, but oh well).
- When it comes to the financial side, there is a limit of $350/night that a player can spend on a hotel room (pretty generous, if we say so ourselves; it covers many of the top-rated options we will get into further down in the article). Plus, the flights are also covered by the tournament: Each AO player gets AU$5,000 (around $3,300) for the round-trip tickets to Australia.
Side note: Thanks to a guest review, we have one confirmed hotel where a certain top player was seen staying during AO23. Keep reading to learn which one it was (maybe they’ll stay there during AO25 as well!)
Where to stay in Melbourne for the Australian Open?
Let’s cover the main talking points before our classifieds-style breakdown of the hotels of our choosing.
The Australian Open is held in Melbourne Park’s arenas (Rod Laver Arena being the main show-court). The closest and most convenient neighborhoods in relation to the park are Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank areas. If you stay in one of these neighborhoods, you will have great public transport connection to the ground’s three entrances. But that’s not all there is to it: You will also be within walking distance (!) of the arenas. Evening matches can last into the wee hours of the morning, when all the public transport seizes to operate for the night.
Melbourne Park has three main entry points for the Australian Open: City Entrance (the most popular, thus the most crowded), Garden Square Entrance (a tad more remote, but conveniently located near a tram stop), and Grand Slam Oval Entrance (the least known of the bunch; it is rarely the most obvious option, unless your hotel is located closer to this side of the park).
- When it comes to public transportation, there is one important fact you need to have at your disposal: There is a free tram for AO ticket holders that operates between the D6-Flinders Street West station and 7C MCG 4-7/John Cain Arena stop.
Note that when you ride the train, it is best to get off at Rod Laver, second to last tram stop, as the final one won’t be in service during the actual tournament. Many of the hotels we’re about to mention are set closer to the Flinders Street Railway Station and Fed Square, so look for the tram stop close to these well-known Melbourne locations.
Hotels near Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Park
Now that you know the basics that will help you make a well-thought-out decision, we present you with our list of closest hotels to the Australian Open arenas in Melbourne. Don’t go off the metrics alone, but take the general vibes and a roster of exciting amenities into account as well!
Here we go:
3* City Square Motel (from $70/night) — a great accommodation option in Melbourne if you do not plan to spend a lot of time inside the room (and are not fussy about amenities). With a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” design ethos — the rooms’ overall look is unmemorable and uninspired — you get exactly what you’d expect from any other run-of-the-mill motel. City Square Motel’s a tough cookie, so weigh all the pros and cons of staying here before booking a room:
+ great location! Set right in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s city center, it has great connections to the attractions close and far. The motel is only a 3-minute walk from Flinders Street, where you can take the free tram to the Australian Open grounds.
+ price! One of the cheapest options of a stay in Melbourne for the period of the Australian Open. It is also one of the few hotels that intentionally doesn’t hike up the prices for the AO.
– overall state of the rooms. You know how they say “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”? Well, apparently, City Square Motel didn’t get the memo. If you’re not very particular on your living space being spotless (and are not expecting to spend too much time in the room), then you’ll be okay!
– no food options offered by the hotel itself. What would be a deal breaker in a more remote neighborhood in Melbourne, here it is no biggie whatsoever! The central location of the motel means that there are tons of eateries within walking distance (we chose to get our morning brews at Dukes Coffee Roasters, and we definitely encourage you to do the same).
– no on-site parking. There’s a paid parking lot (Wilson Parking) not too far though.
Photo from the official gallery on the hotel’s website
5* Stamford Plaza Melbourne (from $300/night) — a five-star hotel with design rooted in tradition, Stamford Plaza is like a very (very, very) distant cousin of New York’s Plaza Hotel. However, it gets the job done: The hotel’s facilities are exactly on par with its star status, even if the qualifications are that of five-star hotels of decades past. Still, there are more points in the “pro” column that will encourage you to book a room here asap:
+ pricing code! Stamford Plaza is the cheapest five-star lodging option (with a breakfast included) out of all the hotels near the Australian Open’s Melbourne Park.
+ amazing location! You will reach Melbourne Park’s City Entrance within a few minutes after leaving your hotel room. Or you can catch a free tram ride from a stop that is also super close to the Stamford Plaza.
+ top-notch leisure facilities! A fully equipped gym, heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and a sauna.. should we continue?
+ dining opportunities! The hotel’s Harry’s Restaurant & Bar does one thing outrageously right — Melbourne High Tea. You don’t think that tennis goes with High Tea? Well, you should try having a lovely finger sandwich and a scrumptious scone before venturing out for your next evening match — we guarantee you’ll change your mind!
– highly priced for an average traveler. AO25 tickets, especially the ones for semi-finals and finals, are costly enough as they are, racking up a substantial divot in your travel budget even without the hotel charge. If the fancy add-ons are an absolute necessity for you, then save up and treat yourself to a suite at the (Stamford) Plaza!
– outdated design and lack of natural light. Some rooms definitely look like they are from the 90s: All the warm tones and plush furniture add a certain je ne sais quoi to the overall look. And the lighting fixtures only support the image: The hotel is surrounded by skyscrapers, losing out on all the natural light Melbourne is so famous for.
4* Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Flinders Street (from $400/night) — a perfect choice for homebodies who love to feel all the familiar creatures of comfort even miles away from their place of residence. Why choose the aparthotel in Melbourne over the regular hotel room dwellings? Well, we have a few reasons that will help you make a final decision:
+ fully equipped apartments for rooms! A working kitchen is a must to save money and time. Plus, the sheer size of the apartments will always come on top of your average hotel room: There’s enough room to swing a proverbial cat in Adina Apartment Hotel.
+ great views! There are all kinds of panoramas opening up from the apartments. If you have the money to spend, we would recommend getting an apartment on the top floors: Three-Bedroom Apartments and Penthouses offer stunning vistas of AO arenas and skyscrapers.
+ a popular stay for AO! According to the number of reviews, Adina Apartment Hotel is one of the top choices of a stay for Australian Open guests, so it’s the perfect place to meet new friends with the same passions as yourself. Plus, it’s location near the free tram stop is perfect for getting to the Garden Square Entrance fuss-free.
+ on-site parking! Even though it’s paid ($20 a day), it is still a rarity in Melbourne’s CBD area.
+ great coffee and food scene! You will have no problems grabbing a quick bite when staying in the area. Adina Apartment Hotel is set right next to Vacation Coffee CBD — one of our favorite coffee spots in Melbourne.
– price. Even their normal prices are high, but when the Australian Open rolls around, the rooms see a two-times price increase in January.
Photo from the official gallery on the hotel’s website
4* Mantra on Jolimont Melbourne (from $340/night) — a unique option of a stay in very green-forward East Melbourne; the modern rooms of Mantra are extremely well-appointed and suit a wide variety of travelers. The particular location controls the list of the hotel’s pros and cons:
+ Melbourne Park location! You could say that it is set right inside the park, and you wouldn’t be *that* wrong. The only thing that separates the hotel and the Garden Square Entrance is the railway, so you can be inside the AO grounds in mere minutes.
+ breakfast included! Though a standard for many hotels, this perk is always the one that warms the heart. It means not having to venture out into the wild, wide-eyed and uncaffeinated — a scary thought for all breakfast lovers!
+ outdoor pool! Even though your focus will be on watching the tennis ball fly back and forth between professional players, no-one could stop you from enjoying a refreshing morning swim in a beautiful outdoor hotel pool.
– lack of food options. You cannot get lunch or dinner on-site, and there’s limited culinary scene in the area. Thankfully, most of the rooms come with fully-equipped kitchenettes.
– noise. We have noticed a few complaints about the train noise that usually disturbs guests during the night.
– extremely limited parking. The on-site parking is paid ($50 a night), but even then, a parking spot in not guaranteed.
4* Mercure Welcome Melbourne ($180/night) — located in Melbourne’s Chinatown, which is still in CBD and close to all the central landmarks, this hotel boasts a particular design choice. Some (not all) rooms have a very Patrick Bateman-ey vibe, with a dominant black and white color scheme that would look psycho if not for the homey feel. What else can you expect from Mercure Welcome (their reviews are mercurial, to say the least):
+ central location! From great coffee (we frequented Brother Baba Budan — amazing little coffee shop with great brews) to local-favorite dining places — you will not be hungry when staying here.
+ easy access to Melbourne Park! It’s a 15-minute walk to the park’s City Entrance, which is just enough time to drink your morning beverage, fueling up for the day packed with tennis highlights.
– no on-site parking.
– dimly lit rooms. Some rooms are facing another tall building, so you can expect zero views and limited natural light. However, you can expect to get absolutely burned while out and about between the tennis arenas, so the lack of direct sunlight in the rooms can be taken like a blessing in disguise!
– the size that matters. Mercure Welcome’s rooms are on a smaller side, so do not plan on practicing your racket swings inside your suite.
Photo from the official gallery on the hotel’s website
5* Park Hyatt Melbourne (from $750/night) — ensconced by gardens on all sides, this is the crème de la crème of Melbourne’s already savvy and invigorated hotel scene. Staying here is definitely worth the money if you have it to spend; the experience is truly one-of-a-kind, with just the right amount of luxury and class. It is no surprise that there are more upsides to staying here than downsides:
+ five-star overall experience! Top-notch service, mind-spinningly beautiful amenities (Italian marble baths are a true work of art), and the atmosphere of constant pampering and indulgence (Le Labo toiletries are take-home worthy!)
+ great central location! Melbourne Park’s City Entrance is a leisurely 15-minute walk away; a free tram stop even closer.
+ every creature of comfort at your fingertips! Park Hyatt has no shortage of state-of-the-art facilities: A heated indoor pool, a steam room, a spa and wellness center, a decked-out gym, an award-winning restaurant.
+ tennis court! The hotel has its very own tennis court, so that you can channel the inspiration you get from watching the professionals play all day into a match with your friends.
+ Mr. Walker! The hotel’s very own dog (!) that can sometimes be seen at its post greeting the guests with a happy tail wag is exactly the charming and personable touch such a stately establishment needs.
– high price tag. There’s no beating around the Australian bush — a stay at Park Hyatt is not affordable by any means.
5* Lancemore Crossley St. Melbourne (from $260/night) — the most stylish boutique hotel in Melbourne that is set not too far from Park Hyatt, but costs a fraction of its aforementioned counterpart. However, the cache of perks here is not limited due to the more civil pricing:
+ amazing location! Not only are you within a short stroll away from Melbourne Park, but you’re also staying on the cusp of Melbourne’s bustling shopping scene, ritzy theater district, as well as crazy packed with experiences Chinatown.
+ a joyous flamboyance of design! Lancemore’s rooms are well-appointed and filled with art that will make you stop in your tracks when you see it.
+ lots of glamorous communal spaces! Whether it is the rooftop terrace (that has unparalleled sunset views) or a stately lobby bar (a drink and some good music never hurt after a long day of tennis matches) are great areas to mingle and chat the night away.
+ a chance to meet a top player in the hallway! Speaking of the people playing, it is no secret that Alexander Zverev stayed at Lancemore Crossley for AO23 (we watched him play during this tournament, see here how we could do it with a Ground Pass and a dream!). The hotel’s wonderful, so there’s high probability that some of the tennis behemoths will stay here for AO25.
– noise. Because the hotel is set right in the middle of all the action, one might have to sacrifice sound sleep to outside noise. However, a pair of earplugs and sheer exhaustion from being outside all day watching the Australian Open will be enough to make you sleep like a log.
4* CitiClub Hotel Melbourne (from $170/night) — a safe bet of a no-frills hotel that offers spick and span rooms and upstanding levels of service. There is a catch though — there’s a nightclub on site!
+ good location! Set just off the great and crazy Little Collins Street, CitiClub Hotel is right in the middle of all things “happening”: Restaurants, cafes (look out for Industry Beans Lt. Collins — our choice of a coffee shop in the area), shops, and even casinos are aplenty in its immediate surroundings. Plus, Melbourne Park is within walking distance: You can reach the main City Entrance in 15 minutes or less, depending on your pacing.
+ affordable pricing! It’s your usual run-of-the-mill hotel that knows its audience. You get the base minimum four-star treatment, and the prices reflect that 100%.
+ on-site parking! Though technically it’s a paid public parking lot, it’s set right around the corner, making it a no-brainer choice of where to leave your car in Melbourne’s CBD.
+ on-site nightclub! It’s open Friday and Saturday night, and the hotel guests get free entry.
– on-site nightclub. Even the thickest of walls wouldn’t prevent the entire building from vibrating with beats from the crazy DJ shows downstairs. If you want a good night’s rest, we would discourage you from staying here on Fridays and Saturdays.
3* ibis Budget – Melbourne CBD (from $120/night) — set closer to the high-end shopping enclave of Collins Street, this hotel is like Cinderella when she first came to the ball. Surrounded on all sides with sparkles and ritzy glamour (there’s literally a Rolex store in a mall a few meters away from ibis Budget), the budget hotel still remains steadfast in its affordability ethos to every kind of traveler. Is there a trick that will be revealed at midnight? Well, let’s see:
+ budget-friendly price tag! However, know that you’ll be getting exactly what you’ve signed up for — a budget experience.
+ short distance to Melbourne Park! Yes, you can walk to the oft crowded City Entrance in a matter of minutes, but you can also get on the free tram (a 10-minute stroll from the hotel) and reach the fan favorite Garden Square Entrance.
+ plenty of shopping opportunities! If you want to channel your inner Zendaya and pick up a new chic Challengers-esque outfit specifically for the tennis match, this is the place to stay! Here, you can commit to many rounds of retail therapy.
– small rooms. No cat-swinging in here either. The bathrooms are particularly tiny.
– the good old parking issue. Let’s face it, you won’t find a budget-friendly car park in all of CBD, so make do with what you’ve got: A separate public car park that charges $35 a day.
– meh breakfasts. The food is not Michelin-star rated, of course. But even so, we were expecting more from a meal that is offered at $12 additional charge.
Photo from the official gallery on the hotel’s website
4* Mantra Southbank (from $260/night) — the only hotel on this list that is located in the Southbank area of Melbourne, it has some very prominent (and, might we add, high-brow) neighbors: Melbourne Arts Center and the Australian Ballet are right there when you look out of your hotel room window. National Gallery of Victoria is also a short walk away. What else can you expect from your stay in such an inspired neighborhood?
+ fully furnished apartments! You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay — a washer and dryer, fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave.
+ good value for a group stay! It’s a mid-range hotel with sizeable rooms, most of them easily fit 3–4 guests at a time without it feeling overwhelming.
+ unique location! It’s a 10-minute brisk walk to the Melbourne Park’s City Entrance. However, if you want to combine your route with some beautiful scenery (and don’t mind longer travel times), then make your way through Queen Victoria Gardens towards Grand Slam Oval Entrance.
+ on-site parking! Because we’re not in a packed CBD anymore, here you can easily park your car for an extra cost of $23 per day.
– not a lot of food options close by. Again, it’s not CBD — the restaurants in the immediate vicinity are few and far between. The hotel’s breakfast is rumored to be pretty mediocre, especially for the additional charge of $22.
– most of the apartments are pretty tired. That is not to say that they’re dirty or in bad condition. However, some much-needed light renos will probably be a good idea in the near future.
5* The Hotel Windsor (from $240/night) — speaking of hotels near Melbourne’s most iconic locations, Hotel Windsor takes the cake when it comes to its environment — Melbourne’s Parliament House is set right opposite of this already historic hotel. Promising celebrity treatment (almost royal, since the name is closely connected to the UK’s ruling family), Windsor leaves no desire unmet. Is it worth the extra coins? Decide for yourself:
+ a true cultural landmark! Both in historical importance (this hotel was here long before New York got the Plaza or London built the Savoy) and architectural value (Victorian, which means ornate and even whimsical embellishments), staying at Windsor Hotel is a true bucket list experience. It was established in 1883, for crying out loud! The hotel is oozing with culture.
+ charming interiors! It is not often that you stay at a hotel that could’ve easily been described as a stately castle. Coffered ceiling, exquisite amenities (marble bathroom is *the* moment), and luxe furniture will make you feel like you’re living as a true aristocrat.
+ amazing location! Staying at Windsor means being in the heart of all the action (entertainment, shopping, dining, — you name it!). It also means great access to the Australian Open arenas. It will take you around 15 minutes to reach the City Entrance of Melbourne Park, and only 8 minutes to get to the free tram stop.
+ legendary dining options! The hotel’s restaurant, One Eleven, serves the most delectable breakfast buffet we’ve ever seen. Plus, it is also the place to have your Afternoon Tea. The other dining establishment of the hotel is the Cricketers Bar — come here for a hearty pub meal and beer on tap (a sacrilegious idea in such a lavish building) after a busy day of back-to-back tennis matches; you can’t stay at the Windsor and not do it!
+ private on-site parking! This is one of those establishments that does valet parking. So, if you want to feel like you’re in a Bond movie, pay the extra $40 per day for the opportunity to proudly give your car rental keys to a well-dressed valet at the hotel entrance.
– the once upscale rooms now feel a little worn out. It is the case with most of the hotels dating back centuries, but with the high price tag comes responsibility of spotless upkeep.
– small bathrooms. Again, the bathrooms are the one thing that most Windsor guests find not on par with their expectations.
3* Knightsbridge Apartments (from $130/night) — set in East Melbourne, a little further away from the city’s central area, this budget accommodation option is great for travelers who enjoy peace and quiet first and foremost. And what else do you need after spending all day among cheering crowds and unforgiving Melbourne sun? Well, all guests have their own irks and preferences, so are Knightsbridge Apartments a great choice for you? Let’s see:
+ budget-friendly apartments! With how expensive AO tickets can get, it’s great to be able to be a little stingy on your lodging in the city.
+ it’s still very close to Melbourne Park! You will be coming from the other side, which is an advantage — you will miss all the City Entrance crowds and make your entry into the grounds (through Garden Square Entrance) in record time. Plan at least 15 minutes for your walk to the entry point.
+ free on-site parking! That’s it, that’s the tweet.
+ like-minded individuals! This particular accommodation option is very popular with AO fans.
– the apartments are a bit old and tired. They definitely need some much-needed TLC, but staying here is just fine for the given price tag.
– small apartments. Have you noticed the trend? We have, so do not expect such a budget-friendly accommodation to have a separate conference room and a living room large enough to ride bikes inside.
Photo from the official gallery on the hotel’s website
4* Great Southern Hotel Melbourne (from $110/night) — while still technically part of Melbourne’s CBD, this hotel is set on the far outskirts of the central neighborhood. It is one of the cheapest accommodation options in the area, but it is still benefiting from all the cache of the cultural and entertainment CBD riches. Is it worth the extra distance? There’s no need for a Venn diagram, let’s just look at the pros and cons list:
+ good location! It’s a 25-minute walk to the City Entrance, but the free tram stop is right there, almost at the hotel’s doorstep. There’s also Code Black Coffee Spencer Street — an amazing coffee shop right around the corner where you can get a drink and a sweet treat for the walk (or the ride).
+ reasonable pricing! Don’t expect to have a five-star room and service; it’s all just ok for the price you pay.
– inadequate conditions. The cheapest room options are for the smallest possible floor plans, with no housekeeping service (how is that a thing?). But hey, every saved penny counts, even if you have to suffer a little bit.
– uncomfortable beds. The promised king bed in some rooms is actually two singles pushed together (that leaves an uncomfortable gap in the middle).
Best non-central hotels and neighborhoods for the Australian Open
Truth be told, you can never go wrong with choosing a hotel in CBD or Southbank — nothing beats being able to walk to the arenas. Public transport in Melbourne stops running at night, and if you know tennis, you know that matches can finish super late, when the public transport stops running. However, the closeness to the park comes with a raised price tag: Even the most basic and run-down accommodation in central Melbourne will cost a lot.
Personally, we went against the grain during the AO23 — by choosing a hotel in Saint Kilda East (the neighborhood to the South-East of Melbourne Park, closer to the bay), we set ourselves further away from the city center and all the action. Our reasoning? We came to Melbourne for a long vacation, so we wanted to be a tad more reasonable with our spending. And it turned out fine: Each day, we spent around 30 minutes on a tram (that’s one-way) and arrived right at Fed Square, in front of the City Entrance.
Because of such a positive experience, we decided to add a few more hotels to our list of places to stay for the Australian Open. The ones that are not located in Melbourne’s central areas, but either closer to the tram routes 5 and 16 (they operate as late as 1 a.m. and conveniently stop at Fed Square) or in the general Richmond area (the trams from here also stop at Fed Square). No transfers necessary!
Our final installment of hotels where you can choose to stay in for the Australian Open:
Pint On Punt Backpackers (from $25/night for a bed in a dorm room, from $65 for a private room) — moving south of Melbourne Park, this hostel is a dream for travelers on a budget. It’s literally the cheapest accommodation option in Melbourne during the Australian Open. And for a hostel, this place is pleasantly well-reviewed.
+ breakfast is included in the price! Again, it’s not a Plaza-level buffet spread, but it gets the job done. However, we wouldn’t rely that much on the hostel’s coffee and head straight to 580 BENCH — a cool espresso bar in the neighborhood.
+ Albert Park! Speaking of the neighborhood, the hostel is set adjacent to Albert Park — a multiuse green space that is great for picnicking, morning runs, watching the Formula 1 Grand Prix (!), or playing golf.
– shared bathrooms. All the room types (no matter if it’s dormitory or a private option) come with shared bathrooms. If that’s a deal breaker for you, we totally understand. But hey, at these prices… think twice before making the final decision!
4* Cosmopolitan Hotel and Apartments (from $125/night) — we believe that this hotel was aptly named after a fun little drink perfect for sipping while lying at the beach. Why? Because in the St. Kilda waterfront suburb where the hotel is located, everything is centered around beach fun!
+ the beach, duh! The Australian Open IS the center of your Melbourne itinerary. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on some perfect summer days at the beachfront!
+ amazing location! It’s well connected to the rest of the city, and the area itself is more than just the beach: There are Luna Park and Palais Theater that you can fill your time with without leaving the neighborhood.
+ on-site parking! $16 a day and your rental is safe and sound.
– noise. Do not expect to have a quiet and serene night in (the partying beachgoers aren’t usually attentive to the needs of fellow tourists).
– no beach views. You would expect a stunning panorama of sunset-bathed bay opening up from your hotel room terrace, but that’s not the reality.
– no pool as well. This one is definitely the gut punch out of all the hotel’s characteristics. However, the beach is right there, so you can potentially swim in the bay.
Photo from the official gallery on the hotel’s website
5* Tyrian Albert Park Lake (from $230/night) — well-appointed apartments with world-class service.. and all of that happening right near the iconic Albert Park! Does it get any better than that? Well, yes, it does:
+ extremely well-reviewed accommodation option in Melbourne! The experience of staying here is smooth sailing from start to finish.
+ five-star standards of service! It’s rarely the case of an aparthotel subjecting itself to the strict levels of its “standard” five-star hotel counterparts. Tyrian Albert Park Lake is a diamond in the rough, that’s for sure!
+ fully furnished apartments! Particularly great for guests that appreciate a certain level of independence in their stay.
+ giant roster of top-notch facilities! From spa and fitness centers to a giant outdoor swimming pool.
+ Albert Park! You already know the landmark’s entire catch, so being able to stay in its immediate vicinity is a pretty big deal.
– price. Even though we’ve already listed a lot of hotels that cost way more, particularly during the Australian Open, it still doesn’t make them more affordable for the average traveler. And because the distance between the hotel and the Melbourne Park isn’t outrageously big (a 15-minute tram ride is all there is to it), you would hope that this particular option would be cheaper compared to the hotels set in Melbourne’s CBD.
4* Ovolo South Yarra (from $240/night) — are you tired of all your hotel rooms and experiences looking and feeling the same? Then Ovolo South Yarra is for you! Exciting design and fun pop references (their Lona Misa restaurant is as unique as it is talked about) will make your stay truly unforgettable!
+ cool design! Very music forward (their Rock Star Suite is a sight to behold, and Groovy City and Boogie City room types are just as charming as their names), we cannot remember a hotel that looked even a bit similar to Ovolo South Yarra.
+ amazing location! If the weather permits, set out on a 30-minute walk to the Melbourne Park. If not, it’s just one tram stop to arrive to the park’s Grand Slam Oval Entrance.
– small rooms. Though boasting as many bold design choices as they could possibly cram into each space, the rooms at the Ovolo are surprisingly small.
– noise. South Yarra neighborhood is as hip and happening as the CBD, so don’t expect your room wall insulation to protect you from all the lively roguery happening outside.
Photo from the official gallery on the hotel’s website
4* Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne (from $170/night) — Richmond-based and riverfront-bound, this hotel has got the best of both worlds!
+ great rooms! Amora’s clean, understated, spacious, and very beige-and-white-forward rooms are exactly what you need to come back to after the overwhelm of the senses that is the Australian Open in Melbourne.
+ good location! A 15-minute tram ride and you’re ready to get your neck hurt by following the movements of the ball on the court.
+ unforgettable views! Get a river view room if possible; that way, you’ll be able to fall asleep and wake up to the serene panorama of a slow moving Yarra River.
+ cool on-site restaurant/bar! Again, we appreciate the delectable cuisine and inspired drinks, but our main focus of the sustenance variety during the AO is and always will be coffee. So, we encourage you to try out MAKER Richmond.
– tired rooms. Some of the bathroom amenities are a tad outdated and are not in the expected pristine working condition.
4* The Motley Hotel (from $220/night) — you thought the Ovolo’s design was out there? You certainly didn’t see Motley coming — this Richmond-based boutique hotel is a true purveyor of style and bold accents. Stylish and comfortable, Motley is *the* place to stay if you want to be continuously inspired by your surroundings.
+ extremely well-received by guests! It is not often the travelers are that unified in their opinions. The truth is, Motley is such a fabulous place that it’s hard to seek out potential downsides hiding behind all that tasteful bravado.
+ stylish rooms! Colors, textures, patterns — the walls here are swathed in animal print, covered in wonderful art, or lit up in unique ways. While some mind find it overwhelming, this bold design swing lands a winner every time.
+ all the perks of central location without actually being set in CBD! Set on the buzzy and vibrant Bridge Road, the hotel has easy access to all the plentiful dining and entertainment options of the area. It’s also located within a 10-minute tram ride to the Melbourne Park.
+ amazing city views from the rooftop terrace! Snap away, your Instagram feed needs a change of theme after constant AO highlights.
+ great soundproofing! Even though the Motley Hotel is almost enveloped in the noisy hustle and bustle of Bridge Road, the rooms are surprisingly quiet. You will get a good night’s rest every time (the beds here are also extremely comfortable).
– heritage rooms are not for everybody. The design is very in-your-face, with lots of details confined to a limited space. Beige moms’ worst nightmare! However, their more subdued Motley rooms are easier to take in and get used to, so feel free to book one of them if you’re easily overwhelmed.
Is it worth going to the Australian Open?
How can one even ask that question? Australian Open, one of the more iconic Grand Slam tournaments, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trust us, as avid tennis fans (that started long before Challengers was a thing) and excited spectators of AO23 (and the upcoming AO25), we can state that the opportunities to watch the great tennis players in real life are worth the long distance travel to Australia and crazy event prices. Worth every second and every penny, without a doubt!
Because it’s a complicated sport (to play and to follow, especially as a novice fan), we once again feel the need to refer you to our very detailed guide to the Australian Open: Learn how to catch a match of top players for next to nothing and gather valuable advice you should follow to have an all-around pleasant experiences at the arenas.
To help you navigate in all the nuanced answers to the question of where to stay in Melbourne for the Australian Open, feel free to consult with our map before finally settling on the decision.
And there you have it! If you have any questions about the lodging recommendations and areas listed (or if you want to share your personal experiences of the Australian Open, we always love to read your stories), please, leave a comment in the section down below. Game, Set, Match!
