Written in January 2020.
Planning a stopover or layover in Melbourne? Perhaps you have an early flight and don’t want to rush to start your day. Whatever your reason, a night at a hotel near Melbourne Airport is a great way to start your trip or refresh mid-journey.
As one of Australia’s largest airports, the cities main airport (there is also a second airport at Avalon) regularly has great deals on flights to Asia, New Zealand, and beyond.
But where to stay near Melbourne Airport?
I’ve rounded up the best options in this handy post, including information about sleeping at Melbourne Airport (do-able but not recommended if you want to start your journey fresh!)
Can I sleep at Melbourne Airport?
Technically, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is open 24-hours. However, it is likely you will not be able to stay past check-points.
This is not the most friendly airport to sleep in as most chairs have armrests, and there are few quiet corners. There is plenty of space to stretch out on the floor.
If you do want to sleep in the airport, I recommend these areas:
- Terminal 1 (Qantas): in the arrivals area there are benches near the luggage conveyor belts. When I slept here last, there was security monitoring all night but if you sleep near the staff entrance (down the end where the bathrooms are) there is a staff entrance and it gets noisy around 4 am as staff arrive. There’s also a lot of powerpoints on the pillars near the benches!
- Terminal 2 (International): You will find quite a lot of passengers sleeping in the arrivals hall, though many chairs do have railings. This is probably the busiest place at night if you want to be surrounded by people. For a quiet spot, head up to the check-in hall. There are a few chairs, however, if you don’t mind sleeping on the floor, there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy a good kip.
- Terminal 3 (Virgin): There are limited options to sleep in this compact terminal. The best place to sleep in T3 is down the escalators near the shops, pre-security. There’s a quiet corridor you can stretch out in if you don’t mind sleeping on the floor.
- Terminal 4 (Low-cost): Again, there are not many spaces in Terminal 4 to sleep. The corridor connecting Terminals 3 & 4 is fairly quieted. Another option is the area pre-security. You’ll often find people sleeping on the floor or window ledges.
Are there showers at Melbourne Airport?
There are free showers in Terminal 2. Take the corridor on the departure level between Terminal 1 (Qantas) and Terminal 2 (International). Around halfway down near Nando’s, there is a bathroom. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries, or purchase from the nearby stores.
I recommend travelling with an eco-friendly microfibre towel.
Are there in-terminal hotels at Melbourne Airport?
At the time of writing, there are no in-terminal hotels.
Currently, the airport is in talks with Aerotel about building a property on-site as the airport continues upgrades to the International terminal. No deals have been signed yet.
Construction of a new dual-branded Accor property has begun construction at Melbourne Airport. This will become a Novotel and ibis Styles property, located adjacent to Terminal 4 (the low-cost terminal). The opening date is slated to be in 2021.
Which hotels are near Melbourne Airport
Check out the handy comparison chart below to choose the perfect hotel near Melbourne Airport:
| HOTEL | LOCATION | RATING | FREE WIFI? | FOOD? | FEATURES | PRICE |
| PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport | At the airport | 4-star | Yes | On-site restaurant & bar | Walk to terminal Pool Gym | $$$ |
| Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport | Next to the airport | 4-star | Yes | On-site restaurant & bar | Gym Free shuttle to the airport Walk to terminal | $$ |
| ibis Budget Melbourne Airport | Next to the airport | 3-star | No | Continental breakfast Vending machines | Budget-conscious Walk to terminal | $ |
| Mantra Tullamarine | 4-minute drive to the airport | 4-star | No | On-site restaurant & bar | Free shuttle to the airport Pool Gym | $$ |
| Hyatt Place Essendon Fields | 10-minute drive to the airport | 4-star | Yes | On-site restaurant & bar Close to DFO shops & restaurants | Free shuttle to the airport Gym Close to shops | $$ |
The Best Hotels at Melbourne Airport
PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport
The closest hotel to Melbourne Airport’s domestic and international terminals. Linked directly to the terminal via sky bridge, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport offers the ideal location for travellers.
Whether you need to rest before a flight or refresh before heading home, spacious guest rooms are appointed with comfortable beds, choice of pillows and both showers and baths. Rooms also come with city skyline, airport and mountain views.
During your stay enjoy the hotel amenities, including access to the indoor pool, gym, free WiFi, and on-site restaurant & bar.
If you are connecting onto another flight, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport offers bookings for day-use rooms between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm daily. Book for three-, five-, or eight hours and have access to all of the hotel’s facilities, including free WiFi.
You can reach the PARKROYAL Hotel within a 3-5 minute walk of T1 (Qantas), T2 (International Terminal), and T3 (Virgin Australia) terminal by a covered walkway. You can be at the hotel within 5-10 minute walk of T4 (low-cost terminal).
Location: Arrival Drive Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine
Check the price → HotelsCombined | Booking.com | Agoda
Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport
Conveniently located only 400 metres distance from the airport terminals, the Holiday Inn offers comfort and convenience for those seeking a budget-friendly Melbourne Airport hotel.
All rooms at the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport are fitted with Queen or Double beds. Rooms come with a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also a spacious desk for those who need to work, flat-screen TV, and an on-site gym & restaurant and bar.
Your trip will be made more convenient when you are picked up or dropped off at the terminal with the free shuttle service to Melbourne Airport (available 24/7), or simply walk!
Real talk: the rooms are okay at the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, but they are not amazing. They are a little dated and I would personally choose to stay at the (pricer) PARKROYAL, (budget but small) ibis Budget, or the new Hyatt Place Essendon Fields (that’s about 10-minutes away).
All that said, the Holiday Inn offers a superb location on the airport grounds that you can’t beat. Just don’t fall for their expensive prices!
Location: Melbourne Airport, 10/14 Centre Rd, Tullamarine
Check the price → HotelsCombined | Booking.com | Agoda
ibis Budget Melbourne Airport
If you are looking for a convenient, comfortable but cheap hotel near Melbourne Airport, this one is for you!
The ibis Budget Melbourne Airport is within walking distance of the Qantas terminal (less than 400 metres!), and a short walk to the other terminals at Melbourne Airport.
Comfortable beds will great weary travellers with either queen or double beds and a private ensuite with shower. There are also rooms with two single beds and a bunk bed for when you are travelling with family or friends. Day rooms are available.
For those travelling on business, the full-size desk and high-speed free WiFi will keep you connected and on track to deliver any project.
Continental breakfast is served every morning and there are vending machines on-site. It’s also a short walk to the nearby BP petrol (gas) station and adjacent McDonalds if you need a late-night snack.
This is the perfect hotel for early morning flights when you don’t want to spend a fortune!
Location: Caldwell Drive Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine
Check the price → HotelsCombined | Booking.com | Agoda
Mantra Tullamarine
Whether you’re flying in or flying out, Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is the perfect stopover hotel for travellers seeking a comfortable, modern hotel that’s fuss-free.
Located just four minutes away from Melbourne Airport, the Mantra Tullamarine has a range of contemporary designed room types, including studios and suites. They also offer interconnecting suites for those travelling with family or friends. All rooms come with WiFi, cable TV, and plenty of space to move.
Come summer or winter, unwind as you enjoy the indoor heated lap pool, spa and fully equipped gym. Best of all there is a free hotel shuttle bus to Melbourne Airport that is available on-demand!
Location: 2 Trade Park Dr, Tullamarine
Check the price → HotelsCombined | Booking.com | Agoda
Hyatt Place Essendon Fields
Forget the hotels at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, the newest hotel near Melbourne Airport is the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields.
This classy hotel provides a convenient location just 10 minutes from the airport for travellers to relax and unwind, but still remain close to city amenities.
With four room types featuring King and Queen beds, you are sure to find your perfect room. Plush beds will welcome you with luxe throughout the room and bathroom. If a room with a view if something you seek, be sure to ask for a room with City Views!
Be sure to take advantage of the free WiFi, fitness centre, and onsite restaurant and bar during your stay. They also offer a free hotel shuttle to Melbourne Airport for guests.
One of the benefits of staying at Hyatt Place Essendon Fields is the proximity to the Australian Conference Centre and the Essendon DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) shopping mall. Here there are shops, dining, and convenient connections to take you to Melbourne’s city centre.
Location: 1 English St, Essendon Fields
Check the price → HotelsCombined | Booking.com | Agoda
Planning a trip to Melbourne?
Read these first!
What to do in Melbourne: The Ultimate Guide!
3 Camberwell Brunch Spots I’m Loving
Explore Melbourne neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood!
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