Melbourne is a great place for a family holiday — it has a mild climate, heaps of top-notch sports (to watch, and to do) and loads of activities, from a world-class aquarium and galleries with hands-on activities to river-path cycling and native wildlife viewing.
We’ve rounded up six hotels that put your clients right in the heart of Melbourne and have a family-friendly vibe that puts kids (and parents) at ease.
The Langham, Melbourne
This may be one of Melbourne’s most glamorous hotels, but it also caters exceptionally well to families. There are pint-size bathrobes for children upon arrival, and a chocolate fountain awaits families in on-site Melba Restaurant for lunch, dinner and — wait for it! — breakfast. The Langham also does fabulous high teas, with special themes for children several times per year.
Twin rooms have two queen-size beds, ideal when traveling with the family, and there are plenty of interconnecting rooms. The 24-hour room-service menu includes a kids’ menu, as well.
There’s also a swimming pool, plus bicycles to borrow for families looking to spin along the Yarra River paths.
www.langhamhotels.com
The Langham offers a family package for little ones.
Credit: 2019 The Langham, MelbourneNovotel Melbourne on Collins
Novotel Hotels & Resorts’ Melbourne on Collins is located on the city’s iconic Collins Street (which the hotel’s Lane Restaurant overlooks), and guestrooms are generous in size and soundproof.
Kids under 16 stay free when sharing a room with their parents, and there’s a 50% discount on a second room when booked for children. Complimentary cribs are available, and babysitting and in-room child care are provided for an additional fee.
Clients can pop down to Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall for shopping, or they can jump on one of the free City Circle trams. Theaters, the National Gallery of Victoria and river cruise options are all close by.
There’s a heated indoor pool and fitness center, along with a kids’ play area in the foyer and — a bonus — complimentary Wi-Fi access.
www.novotelmelbourne.com.au
Oaks on Market
Having recently undergone a multimillion-dollar refresh, this tower hotel in the city’s Central Business District (CBD) has a casual but crisp, modern look. Families staying here will be in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping mecca and a stone’s throw from kid-friendly attractions such as the Immigration Museum, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and Eureka Skydeck.
Guests have a choice of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, which feature dining areas and kitchenettes. A heated indoor pool and spa, a well-equipped gym and a sauna means there’s something for everyone. Oak & Vine restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and casual meals, offers a kids’ menu with options such as mini-chicken sliders, cheese toasties and more.
www.oakshotels.com
Families staying at Oaks on Market will be in Melbourne’s Central Business District.
Credit: 2019 Oaks on MarketThe Pan Pacific
One of Melbourne’s newest hotels, the five-star Pan Pacific, offers panoramic views of the river from its floor-to-ceiling windows (be sure to book a room on the river side of the hotel). The property’s design is streamlined and stylish, including fine timber finishes, elegant hues and designer light fittings, with spacious suites. Dock 37 Bar & Kitchen serves modern Australian cuisine; Cafe Orr has pastries, coffee and breakfast; and the Room Service menu includes a kids’ menu.
The hotel offers family-friendly packages, as well. For example, the Family Package includes in-room dinner in a Two Bedroom Suite; buffet breakfast for two adults and two children; a free movie and family-size popcorn; and a family pass to the nearby National Trust Polly Woodside Tall Ship.
www.panpacific.com
The Pan Pacific’s Panoramic Suite
Credit: 2019 The Pan PacificPullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel
The five-star Pullman from Accor Hotels is located in East Melbourne on the edge of the CBD. It’s a short stroll from the stunning Fitzroy Gardens, where guests can visit historic Cooks’ Cottage or watch for possums. The hotel is also within walking distance to the city’s legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground, as well as Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian Open tennis tournament. Suites are available, and higher rooms have terrific views.
The hotel has a relaxed ambiance, and its family-friendly outdoor pool and spa at treetop level is the ideal place to chill out with the kids.
Buffet breakfast is served in The Cliveden Bar & Dining, which overlooks the leafy Fitzroy Gardens.
www.pullmanonthepark.com.au
Pullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel has an outdoor pool that’s perfect for families.
Credit: 2019 Pullman Melbourne on the Park HotelTreasury on Collins
Treasury on Collins is a boutique hotel in an exceptional heritage-listed 19th-century building that offers a range of generous one- and two-bedroom suites. As every room comes with a kitchenette and a washer/dryer, the hotel is perfect for those with kids in tow.
Young ones will love the pancake machine (actually, everyone will love the pancake machine), and there is also a Rubik’s Cube challenge (with a prize), complimentary Wi-Fi access and free Netflix streaming.
Treasury on Collins is in the center of the CBD near free City Circle trams, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Yarra River.
www.treasuryoncollins.com.au
