Hotels in Southbank Melbourne
Last Updated April 2026
Southbank is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Melbourne for tourists who want to be close to the city’s exciting attractions but stay away from the busiest parts of the CBD. Southbank is located along the beautiful Yarra River and has a unique mix of scenic riverfront walks, world-class dining, and easy access to famous places like the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Arts Precinct.
Stay in Southbank if you’re going to an event, planning a short trip, or visiting Melbourne for the first time. It’s in the centre of the city, easy to walk around, and has great places to stay. Southbank is a great place to enjoy the best of Melbourne because it has a laid-back vibe, and beautiful views, it also strikes a strong balance between location, walkability, and hotel quality.
Why Stay in Southbank?
Southbank is a great choice if you’re looking for:
- Just a short stroll to the city centre, only 5 to 10 minutes away!
- Easy entry to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Enjoy dining and nightlife by the riverfront.
- Convenient tram links throughout the city
This location is incredibly convenient for those who prefer not to rent a car.
Best Hotels in Southbank Melbourne
Crown Promenade Melbourne
A reliable mid-range option right in the heart of Southbank, Crown Promenade is one of the easiest hotels to base yourself if you want everything within walking distance. It sits just behind the riverfront, meaning you’re close to restaurants, bars, and a short walk to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Rooms are modern and consistent rather than luxurious, but the value comes from the location and overall convenience. This is a strong choice if you want a straightforward, well-located stay without overpaying.
Best for: events, short stays, easy access.
Crown Metropol in Melbourne
Crown Metropol has better rooms, more space, and a better overall feel than other hotels if you want something more upscale but not quite luxury. It is directly connected to the Crown complex and is still close enough to stroll to the river and MCEC.
This is better for couples or people who are staying for a long time and want to be comfortable. You pay more, but you get a quieter, more refined experience than with mid-range alternatives.
Best for: couples, comfort, and long stays.
AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank
It’s still close enough to the river and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to walk there, but it feels more calm overall.
AC Hotel is a newer hotel in the region. It’s clean, modern, and a little bit away from the busier portions of Southbank. That makes it a fantastic choice if you want to be close but not right in the middle of the noise.
Best for: quieter stays, modern feel, good value.
WRAP on Southbank
WRAP offers apartment-style accommodation, which is a practical option if you need more space or are staying for a few days. It doesn’t have the same hotel polish as premium options, but it’s often better value and more flexible.
Location-wise, it’s still close enough to walk to key areas, making it a solid budget-friendly alternative in Southbank.
Best for: longer stays, space, value.
Southbank vs CBD — Which is Better?
- Southbank: quieter, more modern, better for events and river views.
- CBD: busier, more shopping, slightly better transport coverage.
If you value convenience and a cleaner environment, Southbank is often the better choice.
You May Also Be Interested In
- Hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Hotels near Southern Cross Station
- Cheap hotels in Melbourne CBD
