The hype
Travelers obsess over the location and the moody, high-end design, often comparing the room tech and finishings to hotels double the price.
Next Hotel Melbourne
$180-280/ night
Book this if You want a moody, design-forward lair in the 'Paris End' of town where the cocktails are barrel-aged and the vibe is more 'private club' than 'tourist hub'.
Why People Love It
- The Club Lounge is actually worth the upgrade (Manhattan loft vibes, not corporate beige)
- La Madonna's 'Milan meets Beijing' menu and on-site dry-aging cabinets
- Dyson hairdryers and Hunter Lab amenities in the bathrooms
Quick Take: It's a sleek, dark-horse contender for best boutique hotel in the CBD, but the lack of a pool and the 'city views' that stare at brick walls might kill the fantasy for some.
Reviewed by @francesca_iaan: I stayed here for a weekend city break and was obsessed with the moody design. The location on Little Collins is unbeatable, and the Club Lounge perks made us feel so spoiled. It's the perfect spot if you want that high-end, insider Melbourne vibe.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'European' pillows are too small and soft for many, and the front desk service can be chaotic during peak check-in times.
- You prioritize a killer cocktail bar and dining scene right in the elevator
- You want to be steps from high-end fashion and the Princess Theatre
- You appreciate tech-forward rooms with Chromecast and Dyson gadgets
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Meticulous. Guests frequently mention coming back to a room that feels brand new.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Grout is sparkling, glass is streak-free. No mold reports found.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The hotel is new (opened 2021) and fixtures are solid. Rare reports of broken blinds.
- Linens & towels: High thread count, crisp, and fresh. Robes are plush and widely praised.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to pleasant. Common areas have a subtle, expensive signature scent; rooms smell fresh.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional hallway noise
- Street noise on very low floors (Little Collins is busy)
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet parking is steep ($65/day); self-parking is off-site at a nearby garage for ~$40.
- There is a 2% surcharge on all credit card transactions.
- The entrance is discreet—look for the concierge desk at street level, then take the elevator to the Level 2 lobby.
What to pack
- Your own pillow if you hate soft, square European ones
- Smart casual dinner wear—La Madonna attracts a fashionable local crowd
- Walking shoes—you are in the absolute center of the walkable CBD
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club Rooms (Level 18+): Grants access to The Club lounge and guarantees better clearance over neighboring buildings.
- The Club King Suite: Separate living area and double the space for a relatively reasonable upsell.
Rooms to avoid
- Standard 'Next Queen' rooms on lower floors (often face a brick wall)
- Rooms near the elevator bank if you're a light sleeper
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am traveling for a special occasion and would love a room on a high floor (Level 15+) that clears the adjacent building for an unobstructed view. Please avoid rooms directly facing the office windows next door.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is no pool on-site. The gym is excellent, but swimmers are out of luck.
What is 'The Club' and is it worth it?
Yes. It's a lounge on Level 2 offering continental breakfast, all-day snacks, and evening aperitivo (wine/charcuterie) from 5-7pm. It feels more like a cool co-working space than a stuffy hotel lounge.
Does the hotel have parking?
Valet is available for ~$65 AUD/night. Self-parking is not on-site but available at nearby public garages for around $40 AUD.
Is breakfast included?
Only if booked in a specific rate or Club room. Otherwise, it's à la carte at La Madonna and costs ~$25-45 AUD per person.
Can I open the windows?
No, windows are sealed shut in guest rooms.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Barrel Room' inside La Madonna isn't just for show—ask the bartender about the wood-aged Negronis.
- ✨
Ingresso, the cafe on the ground floor, has better coffee than the in-room pods and is a great spot for a quick bite.
- ✨
If you book a Club Room, you can check in directly at The Club lounge on Level 2 and skip the main desk queue.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'City View' is often a euphemism for 'Office Building View'—you might be making eye contact with workers next door.
💡The mini-bar features pre-bottled cocktails from the hotel's own aging program, which are actually good.
💡There is no buffet breakfast—if you're in a rush, this can be a morning bottleneck.
💡The lobby is on the second floor, making the street entrance feel a bit like a secret service checkpoint.
💡Housekeeping is incredibly thorough, often organizing your personal toiletries on a towel.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Next Hotel Melbourne is located and what's nearby.