La Perle via Airbnb
Whether you’re heading down for the latest NGV exhibition or it’s a mere stop on your Great Ocean Road trip, there’s a bounty of Melbourne hideaways to be retreated to.
From Fitzroy penthouses to CBD minimalism, read on for our curated edit of Melbourne Airbnb gems to rest your head in between meandering through gardens, shorelines and Brunswick coffee haunts.
GT‘s top picks for MELBOURNE accommodation in 2025
- The best Airbnbs in Melbourne CBD (click here)
- The best Airbnb in South Melbourne (click here)
- The best Airbnb in Collingwood (click here)
- The best Airbnbs in Fitzroy (click here)
- The best Airbnbs in Carlton (click here)
- The best Airbnbs in Richmond (click here)
- The best Airbnbs in Southbank (click here)
- The best Airbnbs in Port Melbourne (click here)
The best Airbnbs in Melbourne CBD
Martini suite in the Majorca Building
Best for: art deco vibes in a pristine location
Sleeps: Two
On the fourth floor of the Majorca is the Martini suite that pays ode to the old glitz of the iconic 1930 art deco building. Pour yourself a pre-dinner cocktail and people watch from the balcony before heading up the lane to Gimlet or a jazz bar – if you’re really wanting to lean in.
Reasons to stay:
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Private balcony
- TV and sound system
- Air-conditioning and heating
- Easy walking distance to Melbourne’s coveted laneways, restaurants and bars
Location: Melbourne CBD
Ultra-Modern apartment near Southern Cross station
Best for: ultra-luxe living
Sleeps: Five
Right in the thick of it lies a minimalist apartment in the Melbourne CBD sharing five-star facilities with the Ritz Carlton. Boasting city skyline and harbour views, as well as a long-term stay option, you’re all set to stay grounded in Victoria’s big smoke.
Reasons to stay:
- Pool, sauna and gym access
- City skyline view
- Nespresso machine
- Private balcony
- Luggage drop-off allowed
Location: Melbourne CBD
Enzo’s
Best for: theatre in and out
Sleeps: Two
A luxury one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Melbourne’s theatre district, Enzo’s stands out for its bold, curated architecture and unique character. In the vibrant heart of Melbourne, you’re moments away from the city’s best bars, restaurants, and cafés.
Reasons to stay:
- Unique and bold interiors
- Central heating and air conditioning
- Private patio
- Shared pool, gym and hot tub
- Located near Chinatown and the CBD
Location: Theatre distict, Melbourne CBD
The best Airbnb in South Melbourne
100-year-old worker’s cottage
Best for: bespoke interiors
Sleeps: Four
Featuring bespoke interiors of vintage pieces, soaring ceilings, timber and fabric accents, and a Japanese staircase this early 20th-century worker’s cottage marries contemporary with cosy. Just across the road from South Melbourne Markets, a stroll to Albert Park Lake and a short tram ride to the CBD, the unassuming stay is in a prime spot for lowkey holidaying.
Reasons to stay:
- Pool, sauna and gym access
- Sash windows
- Six-metre high ceilings
- Bluetooth sound system
- Indoor fireplace
- Espresso machine
- Backyard and outdoor dining area
- 3km south of the Melbourne CBD
Location: South Melbourne
The best Airbnb in Collingwood
Converted warehouse apartment
Best for: character-filled residence
Sleeps: Four
With eclectic furnishings and a floor-to-ceiling collection of books with a sliding ladder, this converted Collingwood warehouse is an avid reader’s delight. Oozing Melbournian charm in its industrial architecture, high ceilings and polished timber flooring, this Airbnb features two generously-sized bedrooms and is a short walk to buzzing Smith St.
Reasons to stay:
- Sleeps four
- High ceilings
- Solid timber furniture
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Furnished wooden patio
- HD Smart TV
Location: Collingwood
The best Airbnbs in Fitzroy
The Penthouse on Gertrude
Best for: a soulfully curated stay
Sleeps: Four
Overlooking the street whose reputation precedes itself, the Penthouse on Gertrude designed by Kerstin Thompson is primely located for some of the city’s best eateries, bars and creative spaces. The 1880s converted warehouse boasts industrial and mid-century furniture and lighting and – perhaps, most notably – a private rooftop terrace perfect for observing Fitzroy’s going-ons.
Reasons to stay:
- Blackbutt hardwood floors
- Vintage Pavoni epresso machine
- City skyline, park and garden views
- Sound system
- Exercise equipment
- Baby equipment on request
- Outdoor barbecue
Location: Fitzroy
Gertrude St loft
Best for: a stay amid the creative epicentre
Sleeps: Four
Set on Gertrude Street in the creative hub of Fitzroy, this light-filled designer loft bleed heritage charm, designed by renowned architect Kerstin Thompson and recently renovated with award-winning Kate Challis Interiors. Housed in an 1880s warehouse, the two-bedroom apartment features soaring ceilings, curated vintage pieces, luxury linen, and a chef’s kitchen – all just a short walk from the city and MCG.
Reasons to stay:
- Renovated by the award-winning Kate Challis Interiors
- 1880s three-story warehouse apartment
- Fully-equipped kitchen with premium appliances
- Easy access to trams and parklands
- Undercover on-site parking
- Note: Access to the apartment is via a staircase and 26 steps
Location: Fitzroy
The best Airbnb in Carlton
La Perle
Best for: romantic entanglements
Sleeps: Two
Newly renovated in 2025, this elegant Carlton apartment sits on a quiet, sunlit street behind Murchison Square, just moments from Melbourne’s cultural heart. Featuring French and Italian designer furnishings, luxurious amenities and bespoke finishes, this stay feels as curated as it is romatic. Enjoy this refined retreat in the city’s best pocket.
Reasons to stay:
- Quiet street in one of Melbourne’s most central suburbs
- Modern and vintage French and Italian designer furniture and fixings
- Air conditioning and radiant heating
- Fully equipped kitchen with French cutlery and plates
Location: Carlton
The best Airbnbs in Richmond
Sherlock’s Home
Best for: quirky interiors
Sleeps: Four
Sherlock’s Home is a striking four-level conversion of an 1850s cordial factory in Richmond’s golden triangle, just mere steps from Church St, Bridge Rd, and Swan St. Expect a king-bedded master with ensuite, multiple living zones, chef’s kitchen, private patio, and garage. This stays is superbly placed for sport, culture, and dining, and is the perfect space to visit the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park.
Reasons to stay:
- 1850s Cordial Factory warehouse
- Four levels and two lounge areas
- Heating and air conditioning
- Dedicated workspace
- 1.9km to the Sports Precinct, including the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park
Location: Richmond
Converted warehouse apartment
Best for: New York-style luxury
Sleeps: Six
Stay in the heart of Richmond in a heritage-listed warehouse loft, just a short stroll to the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and Melbourne’s best bars and cafés. This New York-style apartment features exposed brick, Coco Republic furnishings, Sonos sound, three bedrooms, and sunset views across two beautifully designed levels. A New York style dream in the middle of Melbourne? Sign us up.
Reasons to stay:
- Heritage listed converted warehouse apartment
- Two-level loft with three bedrooms
- Car park space
- 100 meter walk from Richmond train station
Location: Richmond
The best Airbnb in Southbank
Cosy, designer apartment
Best for: water views
Sleeps: Seven
Perched high above Melbourne’s skyline, this breathtaking Southbank apartment feels like warm, lived-in comfort. With three queen bedrooms, curated global art, and unforgettable sky views, it’s perfect for families or groups up to seven. Enjoy rooftop pool access, 5-star amenities, and walkable proximity to Crown, the Yarra, and Southbank dining. Plus, the unimaginable sky-high views across Melbourne’s city skyline and beyond make this place truly unforgetable.
Reasons to stay:
- Open-plan layout
- Minutes from Crown Casino, the Arts Precinct, and the vibrant Southbank Promenade
- Three-bedroom apartment
- Inside the Free Tram Zone
Location: Southbank
The best Airbnb in Port Melbourne
Nine Elm sub-penthouse
Best for: a family beach-side retreat
Sleeps: Eight
Located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Melbourne, this four-bedroom sub-penthouse in Port Melbourne boasts a unique blend of luxury and coastal charm. Now Airbnb Luxe certified and within the top 10 per cent of homes based on ratings and reviews, this stay features breathtaking views, designer interiors, two kitchens and world-class amenities. With access to a pool, gym and rooftop restaurant, everything you could desire lies within. The outside world can wait.
Reasons to stay:
- Four-bedroom luxury sub-penthouse
- 650 meters from the beach and close to Melbourne’s CBD
- Airbnb Luxe status, awarded to only the most exceptional properties
- Elevated interiors and furnishings
- Heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and gym located in building
- Restaurant and pool are located on the top of the building
Location: Port Melbourne
Melbourne is host to an array of culturally diverse, vibrant suburbs that bring their own unique panache. From buzzing nightlife to trendy cafés and cultural landmarks, it’s important to note that Melbourne is a walkable city, and transport via tram in the CBD is free.
The Melbourne CBD is a short stroll to famed laneways, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, and is a great place to snooze if you prefer to be in the thick of the city’s bright buzz. Fitzroy is filled to the brim with creative energy, and is filled with artsy boutiques, trendy cafés, and vintage offerings for the secondhand savant. For riverside refinement, Southbank offers galleries, fine dining, and skyline views, while South Melbourne offers market charm and leafy parks. If you’re after some beachside ease, Port Melbourne brings a fine flair of coastal stays. Choose the vibe that suits your stay, or hop around to each for something a little different each time.
When weighing up the cost of an Airbnb versus a hotel in Melbourne, you should look at what sparks more value, space, and charm for whatever flavour of stay you prefer. Are you looking for five-star hospitality, or would you prefer a fully functioning kitchen to craft whatever the gourmand in you desires? Do you intend to do more than sleep in your stay, or do you want to lounge around like the stay is your home?
Of course, nightly rates can vary with season, suburb, and demand, and it’s wise to factor in cleaning and service fees when comparing total costs. While hotels may promise daily housekeeping and on-demand service, Airbnb delivers a more immersive way to experience the city.
For those seeking a more curated, character-rich stay in Melbourne, Airbnb offers a compelling alternative to traditional hotels. You can find some of the best Airbnbs tucked within Melbourne’s most vibrant neighbourhoods – think Fitzroy’s indie boutiques, South Melbourne’s market buzz, or Port Melbourne’s breezy beach fronts, offering more room to stretch out, often at a similar or even lower price point than a hotel. Airbnb offers the flexibility to uncover a version of Melbourne that’s entirely your own.
