We’ve Crafted Your Ideal Winter Getaway in Melbourne Based on Your Travel Style

Discover the very best of Melbourne in winter – and the deals making a trip to the vibrant city all the more enticing right now. This article is produced in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy and Visit Melbourne.

No matter your travel style -whether you're a cultured explorer, an artsy aficionado, or a sports enthusiast - this beautiful city has so much magic to offer those looking to explore. 

Melbourne is one city that actually heats up during winter, thanks to its vibrant cultural scene, exquisite dining, and thrilling sporting events. Now is as perfect time as ever to enjoy the splendours of the city down south. 

With some of the best hotels in the world tucked within its city limits, there’s always a stay to align with your travel deal. Embrace Melbourne’s wintriest wonders with Marriott Bonvoy, who have a unique array of accommodations and some deals and bonus offers that will take your getaway to the next level. 

Here, we’ve found the perfect stays (and deals!) to align with your travel style. 

Embark on an urban adventure at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, where style and sophistication blend seamlessly with local charm.

Situated just outside the city, this hotel is perfect for those who love to delve into the hidden gems that Melbourne is so well known for. As a Cultural Insider, you are someone who knows the city's secret spots, local favourites, and unspoken social rhythms. You thrive on gaining an intimate understanding of the city's true essence, diving deeper than the typical tourist experiences to explore its sophisticated art, exquisite cuisine, and rich traditions. 

With stylish, modern suites (205 of which are dog-friendly, by the way), a Spanish-inspired restaurant, and a striking heated outdoor pool serving up a side of city views, this chic and inviting stay is a natural crowd-pleaser. 

Just a stone’s throw away is the vibrant South Melbourne Market. This bustling bazaar offers a feast for the senses, with oyster bars and burrata bars and delis laden with glistening Sicilian olives and truffle wagyu pies, alongside talented local artists, craft-makers, and florists. After the market, immerse yourself in the contemporary art scene at LUME. This cutting-edge gallery showcases mesmerising and thought-provoking digital art installations, with the current exhibition a grand homage to the life and works of Leonardo Da Vinci. 

The Marriott Bonvoy Mid-Year Bonus Offer makes this experience even more enticing. A late 1.00 pm check-out allows you to explore and delight in Melbourne's finest a little longer (might we recommend a late breakfast with stunning views of Melbourne at the Sorolla restaurant on level seven?) without feeling rushed to head home. 

Sitchu Recommends: Kirk’s Wine Bar, for Parisienne-meets-Melbourne vibes that will have you feeling like a local. 

Indulge in artistic elegance at Le Meridien Hotel Melbourne. Located at the historic site of the Palace Theatre on 20 Bourke Street, this hotel is a cinematic haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It’s a natural fit for the Art Lover, whose soul is captivated by creativity, constantly seeking out new expressions and forms, revelling in the beauty and meaning that art brings to life.  

Immerse yourself in the hotel's rich history, now a canvas for immersive art installations as well as an impressively sculptured blend of European sophistication and creative inspiration. Every corner of Le Meridien exudes an artistic vibe, making your stay a masterclass of cultural exploration.

We tip our hat to the complimentary drinks on arrival. This sophisticated touch sets the tone for a luxurious stay, ensuring you feel pampered from the moment you arrive.

After a dreamy night on the comfiest bed and a look at the show-stopping Melbourne views from the rooftop pool deck (and a quick dip if you’re game), pay a visit to Inner Studio in Collingwood, a serene, greenery-filled wellness space more akin to living art than most. Slip into their concrete hot and cold plunge tubs, take a breathwork class and spend time inside the southern hemisphere’s largest sauna. Then spend the day perusing boutique art galleries in Collingwood and neighbouring Fitzroy; MAGMA Galleries is stunningly curated, and the colourful charm of Lamington Drive is a must-see.

Take advantage of the abundance of vintage fashion stores and cosy coffee shops and bars while you are there – at your own pocket’s peril! 

Sitchu Recommends: Descend the Art Deco-inspired staircase for happy hour at Le Meridien’s 1930s-themed restaurant and cocktail bar, Dolly. Then, take the director’s cut route through the glittering city to Sunda for unparalleled fusion cuisine—don't miss the Vegemite curry with a golden twist of roti. End the evening with a nightcap at the romantic Apollo Inn; their dirty martini is a must!

The Sports Enthusiast is keenly passionate about sports, whether as a participant, spectator, or avid follower of teams, players, and major events. They’re always on the hunt for a uniquely active and adventurous escape.

Experience the thrill of the game at Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, ideally located near Marvel Stadium, home to no less than five AFL clubs, as well as the Melbourne Renegades for the Big Bash League. This hotel is a dream come true for sports enthusiasts, providing easy access to one of Melbourne’s most iconic sporting venues. 

Catch every moment of the action, whether it's an AFL match, a soccer game, or a concert. Marvel Stadium's proximity means you won't miss a beat, and the excitement continues with a short walk back to your luxurious accommodation.

When it's time to unwind, the plush rooms more than suffice. But we highly recommend taking a dip in the hotel's popular and photogenic heated outdoor infinity pool. Open year-round, it's the perfect spot for a pre-game swim or a relaxing soak after a day of excitement. For shopping enthusiasts, the nearby DFO offers a range of retail options – and unmissable deals - to explore.

Make the most of your stay with the Mid-Year Bonus Offer, which includes a nightly bonus hotel credit of $50-$100. Use this credit to enhance your experience, whether it’s dining at Archer’s, the hotel's modern Australian restaurant or catching the last rays of the day with a cocktail at Sunset House rooftop bar.

Sitchu Recommends: AFL lovers, the siren has sung — time for drinks at Brewmanity in South Melbourne, owned by footy legend David Neitz. With rooftop views and top-notch brews, it’s a must-visit, no matter who you barrack for. It’s for a worthy cause too; since its 2015 inception, Brewmanity has raised nearly a million dollars for Fight MND in honour of Neitz’s late friend (and fellow legend of the game), Neale Daniher. Cheers to that!

Find your ideal Melbourne getaway this winter and experience the vibrant cultural tapestry that this city has to offer with Marriott Bonvoy and Visit Melbourne. Whether you're drawn to the urban charm of AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, the artistic elegance of Le Meridien Hotel Melbourne, or the sporting excitement of Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, there's a perfect stay waiting for you that will help transform your perception of the season. For more details on the Mid-Year Bonus Offer, visit here.