Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Melbourne as a budget traveler?

Accepted Answer

The best hotels for a budget traveller in Melbourne include Quest Preston, Box Hill Motel, and Melbourne Airport Motel.

The 3-star Quest Preston, with a superb rating of 9.4, offers comfortable, clean rooms and comes with free WiFi and a kitchen, great for preparing your own meals. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, and the convenient location. Covered, secured self-parking is also available.

Box Hill Motel, rated 9.2, provides clean, quiet rooms and features free WiFi and a kitchen. Reviewers often highlight the friendly and helpful reception staff, as well as the free parking and laundry facilities, which add significant value.

Another excellent choice is the 3-star Melbourne Airport Motel, which has a 9.2 rating. Guests consistently mention the comfortable and clean rooms, especially the super comfy beds and pillows.

Question 2

How much does a budget hotel in Melbourne cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Melbourne vary, but you can find a great deal from CA $93 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 3

Which area of Melbourne is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious solo travellers seeking cheap hotels in Melbourne, areas like St Kilda and Footscray offer excellent value without sacrificing accessibility to the city's vibrant attractions. These neighbourhoods boast a good selection of hostels and more affordable hotels compared to the central business district.

St Kilda, a lively seaside suburb, provides a fantastic atmosphere for solo travellers with its iconic pier, Luna Park, and a bustling main street filled with cafes and shops. Public transport, including trams, offers direct and frequent connections to the city centre, making it easy to explore Melbourne's sights. Many hostels here cater specifically to solo adventurers, fostering a social environment.

Alternatively, Footscray, situated west of the CBD, is known for its multicultural vibe and incredibly affordable dining options, particularly its Vietnamese cuisine. It's well-connected by train and tram lines, ensuring a straightforward commute into the city.

Question 4

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

For families seeking top-rated yet affordable accommodation in Melbourne, excellent choices include BIG4 Crystal Brook Tourist Park, Victoria House Motor Inn, and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport.

The 3-star BIG4 Crystal Brook Tourist Park, with a superb 9.0 rating, is ideal for families, offering a free children's club, a children's pool, and a playground. Guests also benefit from free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking.

Another great option is the 3-star Victoria House Motor Inn, boasting an impressive 9.2 rating. This hotel provides free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free parking for cars, RVs, buses, and trucks, making it convenient for families travelling with larger vehicles.

The 3-star Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, rated 9.0, is particularly convenient for families flying in or out, offering a 24-hour free airport shuttle and free airport transportation. Reviewers often highlight its clean, quiet rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and convenient breakfast.

Question 5

What cheap hotels in Melbourne offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Melbourne that offer complimentary breakfast, you might consider Arden Motel, Georgian Court Inn, Ritz For Backpackers, and St Kilda Accommodation - Hostel.

The 3-star Arden Motel, with an 8.6 rating, provides a free continental breakfast daily, along with free WiFi and free self-parking. Guests often highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the great location, and the comfortable, clean rooms and facilities.

Another option is the 3-star Georgian Court Inn, rated 7.2. This hotel also offers a complimentary continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking, making it a practical choice for travellers seeking good value.

Ritz For Backpackers, with a 7.2 rating, includes a free continental breakfast daily and free WiFi. This is a solid choice for budget travellers looking for an included morning meal.

Question 6

When is the most affordable time to visit Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Melbourne is generally during the shoulder seasons, specifically autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November). These periods avoid the peak summer crowds and prices, offering a more budget-friendly experience.

During autumn, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it ideal for exploring the city's many outdoor attractions without the intense summer heat or the chill of winter. You'll often find better deals on flights and accommodation, and popular spots like the Royal Botanic Gardens and Federation Square are less crowded. Solo travellers will appreciate the comfortable climate for walking tours and café hopping in areas like Fitzroy or St Kilda.

Spring in Melbourne also brings agreeable weather and fewer tourists than the summer months. The city bursts into bloom, offering a beautiful backdrop for sightseeing. This is an excellent time to visit if you're looking to enjoy events like the Melbourne International Jazz Festival or catch an Australian Rules Football match before ticket prices escalate. For couples, a stroll along the Yarra River or a visit to the Queen Victoria Market can be a romantic and inexpensive outing.

Question 7

What are the best cheap hotels in Melbourne with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Melbourne that offer a pool, consider the Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, BIG4 Crystal Brook Tourist Park, Box Hill Motel, Burwood East Motel, and Bayview Motel Rosebud.

The 3-star Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, with a 9.0 rating, provides excellent convenience with a free 24-hour airport shuttle. Its clean and quiet rooms, along with friendly staff and convenient breakfast, make it a great option.

The 3-star BIG4 Crystal Brook Tourist Park, rated 9.0, is ideal for families, featuring a children's club and a playground, alongside its outdoor pool. Guests often praise the great showers.

Box Hill Motel, with a 9.2 rating, offers free parking, free WiFi, and free laundry facilities. Guests consistently comment on the clean and quiet rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff at reception. The outdoor pool is a welcome amenity.

Burwood East Motel, rated 9.0, boasts a spacious outdoor pool and provides free parking and free WiFi. Its location is described as easily accessible and central, and the rooms are noted for being big. There's also a grocery and convenience store on-site.

Bayview Motel Rosebud, a 3-star hotel with an 8.6 rating, features an outdoor pool and is conveniently located near the sea and beach.

Question 8

Which cheap Melbourne hotels are near Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels near Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) Airport, ibis budget Melbourne Airport and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport are both excellent choices.

The 3-star ibis budget Melbourne Airport, with a rating of 7.2, is just 0.3 miles from the airport. Guests frequently comment on its comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and extremely helpful staff. The hotel offers free WiFi and accessible parking. Many guests appreciate the good value and the convenient location.

Another fantastic option is the 3-star Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, rated 9.0 by customers and located just 0.4 miles from the airport. This hotel provides a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, making transfers incredibly easy. Reviews consistently mention the clean and quiet rooms, along with the friendly and helpful service from the staff.

Question 9

Is Melbourne a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

While Melbourne is generally considered more expensive than some other global cities, travellers can absolutely experience its vibrant culture and attractions on a budget with some smart planning.

For accommodation, consider areas slightly outside the immediate city centre, such as Brunswick or St Kilda. These neighbourhoods offer more affordable hotels and hostels, and are well-served by Melbourne's extensive tram network, making it easy to reach all the main sights. Solo travellers will find numerous hostels with good facilities and social atmospheres in these areas.

Couples can save on dining by exploring the city's diverse and excellent food scene through its numerous cafes, food trucks, and multicultural eateries, particularly in areas like Footscray or Richmond. Many of Melbourne's best experiences are also free, such as wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens, exploring the iconic laneways and street art, or catching a free tram within the designated city zone.

Question 10

How can I save on a budget hotel in Melbourne with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Melbourne. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards program, to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 11

What cheap hotels in Melbourne offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Melbourne that offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes, you have several excellent options, including Quest Preston, Box Hill Motel, and Victoria House Motor Inn.

The 3-star Quest Preston, with an exceptional 9.4 rating, is highly praised by guests for its comfortable and clean rooms. It features full kitchens, allowing for self-catering, and offers amenities like free WiFi and covered, secured self-parking. Guests often praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as its convenient location.

Another great choice is the Box Hill Motel, which has a 9.2 rating. This motel provides kitchens in its rooms and is known for its clean and quiet accommodation. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, good parking, and the added convenience of free laundry facilities.

The 3-star Victoria House Motor Inn, also with a 9.2 rating, offers kitchenettes.

Question 12

Which cheap hotels in Melbourne have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Melbourne with great customer service, travellers often praise Quest Preston, Box Hill Motel, and Melbourne Airport Motel.

The 3-star Quest Preston, with an excellent 9.4 rating, consistently receives high praise for its friendly and helpful staff. Guests also appreciate the convenience of free WiFi and a kitchen in their accommodations.

Box Hill Motel, rated 9.2, is another excellent option where the staff, particularly at reception, are frequently described as friendly and helpful, providing lovely service. It offers free parking, complimentary toiletries, free WiFi, and a kitchen.

The 3-star Melbourne Airport Motel, also with a 9.2 rating, is known for its friendly and helpful staff.

Question 13

Are there any cheap hotels in Melbourne that allow for late check-out or early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several budget-friendly hotels in Melbourne are great for handling non-standard arrival or departure times, though specific policies can vary.

The 3-star Georgian Court Inn, with a 7.2 rating, offers late check-out. It also provides amenities like free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast, adding to its value.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Brunswick Tower Hotel, rated 7.8. This hotel allows for early check-in and offers free self-parking. Guests often praise its friendly and helpful staff, convenient location, and spacious, clean rooms.

The 3-star Victoria House Motor Inn, boasting a high 9.2 rating, is flexible with both early check-in and late check-out. It also provides free Wi-Fi and free self-parking.

For those requiring flexibility, the 3-star Econo Lodge Lilydale, rated 8.2, accommodates early check-in and late check-out. Guests frequently comment on its spacious and clean rooms, as well as its good value.

Finally, the 3-star Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, with a 9.0 rating, offers early check-in and late check-out. Its convenient location near the airport is complemented by a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and free cots. Reviewers often highlight the clean and quiet rooms, friendly staff, and convenient breakfast.

Question 14

What free activities should we do in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne offers a wealth of fantastic free activities, allowing budget-conscious travellers to experience the city's vibrant culture without spending a penny.

For couples, a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a must. These sprawling gardens are a tranquil oasis, great for a romantic walk or a picnic. Afterwards, wander along the Yarra River, enjoying the city skyline, or explore the charming laneways and arcades, admiring the street art and unique architecture. Many of the city's impressive art galleries, such as the National Gallery of Victoria, also offer free entry to their permanent collections.

Solo travellers might enjoy exploring the bustling Queen Victoria Market, soaking in the atmosphere and browsing the stalls, even if not buying anything. The City Circle Tram provides a free, convenient way to see many of Melbourne's key sights, offering informative commentary as you go. Additionally, the city often hosts free events and festivals, so it's always worth checking local listings upon arrival to see what's on.

Families will find plenty to keep children entertained without opening their wallets. The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden within the Royal Botanic Gardens is a fantastic space for kids to play and explore. A visit to St Kilda Beach offers sandy shores for building castles and a chance to spot penguins at dusk from the pier.

Question 15

Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Melbourne as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 16

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Melbourne for you.

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Our top choices for Melbourne cheap hotels

1. Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

2. The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3. Pegasus Apart'Hotel

4. Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

5. View Melbourne

6. Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

7. ibis Melbourne Central

8. Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall by IHG

9. Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

10. Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments

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