As part of the #HipmunkCityLove project, I have been looking at a lot of Melbourne hotels. I’ve been browsing the websites, writing up little blurbs about their lurks and perks, and drooling over the rooms. It’s been fun, and it’s also made me desperate for that getaway that my schedule just doesn’t allow right now. But I haven’t given up on that holiday, and when I take it I’m heading back here to decide where to go. Until then, perhaps you might like to book a room at one of these best Melbourne hotels for music lovers!
4. City Tempo
A hotel called City Tempo was made for music lovers! It’s got more than a musical moniker on its side though. It’s ideally located in the heart of the CDB, making it easy to get to any show you want or go pub-hopping on the lookout for the next big thing. It has apartments rather than rooms, so you can cook for yourself to save a bit of cash or simply enjoy the extra space. And each suite also has a HiFi system with a CD player, iPod dock, and digital radio so you can listen to your favourite tunes before bedtime.
3. Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill on Collins
More big name music acts are bypassing Rod Laver Arena for Etihad Stadium these days. Recently we’ve seen Eminem and Justin Timberlake rocking the venue, and One Direction will be there before you know it. But the sneaky stadium owners double the price of parking to $30 whenever there’s a show on! Why drive when you can walk? Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill on Collins is just a 13-minute walk from the stadium, but if you’re feeling lazy you could always catch a tram from nearby Spencer Street. This handy tram stop makes it easy to get to other gigs while you’re in town.
Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill on Collins has affordable rooms and apartment suites with kitchens and lounge areas if you’re looking for more space to spread out. Its onsite cocktail lounge and combination bar and gaming room gives you somewhere to hang when you’re not seeing shows.
2. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins bills itself as the Hotels for the Arts. It’s not just its location in the heart of the theatre district that’s earned it the title, but also its commitment to music, theatre, and the visual arts. It sponsors the Victorian Opera, the Brandenburg Orchestra, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and heaps more. The Sofitel also regularly offers show packages with preferential seating for theatre productions like Once The Musical and Les Mis. Its luxury rooms are a bit of a splurge, but if you feel like treating yourself it’s hard to find better.
1. Crown Towers
If money’s burning a hole in your pocket, or you just want to give yourself the chance of staying near a celeb, then book a room at Crown Towers. This opulent hotel in the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex has hosted the likes of Katy Perry, One Direction, and the late Luciano Pavarotti. Just don’t do a Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston while you’re there; the pair were unceremoniously sent packing when they trashed one of the luxury suites.
Crown always has a jam-packed events calendar, so make sure you book tickets to a show while you’re there. Icehouse, Jon English, and Chocolate Starfish are all scheduled to play in the coming months.
Where do you like to stay when you’re heading to Melbourne for a gig? Please share your comments below!
Image source: Michael Coghlan @ Flickr
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