The Boxing Day test match between India and Australia gets underway on December 26 in one of Australia’s biggest cities: Melbourne. Often designated one of the world’s most liveable cities and Australia’s sporting capital, Melbourne’s diverse culture, incredible food and coffee, scenic parks and gardens, and top-quality educational institutions attract many Indians throughout the year. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and has a capacity for 100,024 spectators. Besides cricket, it is the principal venue for the Australian Football League (AFL), including the AFL Grand Final, the world's highest-attended league championship event.
If you are looking to stay near the MCG, then we have you covered. Here are some of the top places to stay in Melbourne for every budget.
Overlooking St Patrick’s Cathedral and the Fitzroy Gardens, Park Hyatt Melbourne is a five-star luxury accommodation in the heart of the city. Located in Melbourne’s central business district (CBD), the hotel has some of the largest guestrooms and suites in the city. The warm ambience and personalised service of the hotel, which includes a spa, pool and babysitting services, coupled with its tea lounge and sophisticated restaurant and bar makes it the top place for those with cash to spare. A walk to the MCG from the Park Hyatt Melbourne will take you around 15 minutes (1.1 kilometres).
Tariff: Approximately INR 28,554 for December 26-31
Address: 1 Parliament Square, off Parliament Place, Melbourne VIC 3002
This apartment-style luxury hotel is set amongst the cosmopolitan shops, restaurants and bars of the picturesque Southbank promenade, with outstanding views of the city and Yarra River. Featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced suites with fully equipped kitchens, the hotel apartments are designed for long-term and short-stay travel. Additional amenities include a 24-hour reception, in-room dining, a modern gymnasium, a pool, a sauna, a spa, a chic restaurant and bar. The best part is that visitors are just steps away from Melbourne's CBD and within walking distance of the Victorian Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square, Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park. A walk to the MCG from Quay West Suites will take you around 22 minutes (1.6 kilometres).
Tariff: Approximately INR 84,850 for five nights
Address: 26 Southgate Avenue, Southbank VIC 3006
Located opposite the MCG and near the CBD, Mantra on Jolimont in East Melbourne offers guests convenience and comfort with its studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Their 116 rooms and apartments are ideal for solo travellers and families who want to stay in a prime location near the top attractions of Melbourne. Guests can take advantage of the wireless internet, gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and spa, while those who are concerned about their environmental footprint can take heart that the staff have removed single-use plastic amenities such as toothbrushes, combs, shower caps and plastic bottles from their operations. A walk to the MCG from Mantra on Jolimont will take you around five minutes (350 metres).
Tariff: Approximately INR 75,893 for December 26-31
Address: 133 Jolimont Road, East Melbourne VIC 3002
This small, family-run operation has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. All 40 rooms provide budget accommodation and come in double-, twin-, family- and single-room configurations. Each room has a 32-inch LCD television, a fridge, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free wireless internet. Keep in mind that only the studio ensuite room and double ensuite room comes with private bathrooms; the rest have clean shared bathrooms near them. While here, relax on the rooftop garden, or tour the renowned theatres, shops, restaurants and pubs near the hotel. A walk to the MCG from the City Centre Budget Hotel will take you around 19 minutes (1.4 kilometres).
Tariff: Approximately INR 41,529 for December 26-31
Address: 22 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
The Exford Hotel is a heritage-style building built in 1854 that is located in the Chinatown district. They offer dormitory-style rooms as well as twin and double bedrooms, with facilities like internet access, TVs, a huge kitchen with a walk-in fridge and secure lockers for food storage. The hostel has a relaxed come-and-go-as-you-please feel, but perhaps the biggest draw of the Exford Hotel is that is houses one of Melbourne's oldest pubs on the ground floor. Guests get discount drinks, and the pub is open till 4AM every day. The first floor has a “Winter Garden” room that functions as an elegantly designed lounge bar and hosts a variety of entertainment. A walk to the MCG from the Exford Hotel will take you around 25 minutes (1.8 kilometres).
Tariff: Approximately INR 32,572 for December 26-31
Address: 199 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000