Melbourne Hotel

Originating as a port on the Yarra River, Melbourne has a seafaring tradition that dates back to before colonial times, when the fertile bay area was utilized by aboriginal tribes. In addition to its natural harbor, the climate that is particular to this region of Australia is especially conducive to leisure pursuits, a combination of factors that makes it one of the 21st century's ideal places to visit on holiday. Visitors who arrive at the one of the city's main airports have a range of quality lodgings from which to choose, from traditional 4- and 5-star hotels much like those to be found around airports in other world cities, to several family-run motels that provide an all together more personal experience. You'll find that the range of services provided by places to stay around the airport areas are generally of a very high standard, with most of the larger hotels and motels providing courtesy shuttle bus services to and from the airport terminals throughout the day and night.

If you're planning on using a Melbourne hotel as a base for exploration of the wider region, perhaps taking in Adelaide or Sydney (both of which can be reached in a day's drive) a place to stay around Melbourne Airport also provides easy and quick access to the city's great freeway network, which is one of the best and most comprehensive in the whole of Australia. From the city's outskirts the major A1 and A440 thoroughfares can convey drivers east and west along the beautiful Southern Australian coastline, or the northbound A39 can take you to the neighboring city of Albury and beyond to the country's breathtaking Outback. Here, you can take your pick from some of the world's best resort and spa accommodation, a type of luxury hotel where guests can be pampered in premium-quality lodgings set within acres of natural, unspoiled wilderness. A Melbourne hotel such as this specializes in providing the very best of service in surroundings that are truly unlike anything you'll have experienced before.

While the countryside of New South Wales has plenty to offer adventurous visitors, the city of Melbourne has more than enough to keep even the most easily-distracted tourist or demanding businessperson engaged. If, for example, you reserve a room or suite in a Melbourne hotel within the city's Prahran district (particularly around Market Street), you'll have some of the city's best cafes, restaurants and bars all within easy walking distance. For those keen on a bit of retail therapy, this neighborhood is also home to some of the country's top shops and boutiques as well as the famed Prahran Market, where shoppers can indulge in some of Australia's finest fresh produce.

Besides its superb climate and shopping opportunities, the city is also widely considered to be the cultural center of modern-day Australia, with arts, music and film festivals held throughout the year, many of which are centered around the Fitzroy district. As well as being one of Australia's most thriving and vibrant neighborhoods, you'll also find some truly amazing places to stay in this part of town. While major hospitality brands are represented here (as they are in most part of the city), if you want to stay in a Melbourne hotel that personifies the laid back charisma of the city's inhabitants, you might want to check out some of the city's most unique hotels, motels and hostels, particularly around Smith Street, Brunswick St and Gertrude Street. If you get the chance it's also worth checking out some of Melbourne's great boutique accommodation: such premises are an increasingly popular choice amongst those who wish a guestroom or suite to be an altogether more bespoke experience. At a typical boutique hotel you'll find that everything from the hotel's decor and fittings to exterior design have been carefully considered to create an environment that is altogether more stylish than that of 'traditional' lodgings.

Whatever kind of Melbourne hotel you choose to book a suite or guestroom with, you'll discover that modern day Australia is at the very forefront of the world's hospitality industry with establishments that provide the last word in comfort, facilities and value for money. It is common nowadays, for example, to find even the most modest bed & breakfast in the Outback equipped with essentials such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and staff to help with your bags. In the city center, moreover, you'll find some of the world's best fully-featured 4 and 5 star hotels that provide the latest in technological innovations such as wireless internet access and satellite television, as well as recreational facilities like swimming pools and fitness centers. Whatever type of Melbourne hotel you choose, you'll discover a winning combination of value, service and the friendliness that is a hallmark of this great Australian city.