Design-fans love the Memphis-inspired rooms in this former Flinders Lane warehouse, which brought boutique style to Melbourne in the early '90s. The roof-top bar has magnificent, ultra-urban views as does its vertiginous laneway lap pool. Teague Ezard's excellent restaurant is in the basement and there's a bijou spa.

We don't quite get the marriage of super slick location and even slicker design with Sydney's infamous bad boy painter, but we do get the spacious, light rooms with work spaces and mini-kitchens. And Cullen's omnipresent work definitely beats the bland on bland that often passes for décor in most Australian hotels.

Named for the elder statesman of Australian painting, this grownup sibling to The Cullenmatches a super comfortable, elegant fit-out with a park-side St Kilda Road location; 'residences' are on offer for longer term stays.

Part of glass-covered Howey Place, the city's fabled laneways and best shops lie directly beneath, with bars and restaurants are only a stroll away. Duplex and executive rooms are simple, light and give you enough room for post-purchase, pre-drinks dress-ups.

This mid-sized boutique hotel is set in a grand heritage building with a great location for Flinders Lane shopping and bar hopping, Fitzroy Gardens or strolling to the MCG, Fed Square or the Arts Centre. Rooms are earth-toned and contemporary; book the front deluxe suites if you're planning to lounge around.

More eccentric B&B than hotel and won't be everyone's cup of tea, but its one of the few decent options on the city's northside and good value. The grand Victorian terrace is walking distance to the city and one of the charming upstairs rooms even has a piano.

Spencer Street's bleak budget hotel row got a touch of glam with the opening of this boutique-style place. Some rooms are very "New York" — uh huh, tiny — but all sport the same stylish touches: bold graphic textiles, flat-screen TVs and slick bathrooms. Staff are ever-helpful and refreshingly relaxed.

The Melbourne hotel for 24-hour party people, with fine dining room Circa, the Prince Band Room and Mink bar all on the premise. There's also the lavish Aurora spa for a morning detox. Organic-minimalist rooms catch the bay's briny breeze and a few have water glimpses.

Newest kid on the Southbank block, with low-key luxe décor, views to Port Phillip Bay and Gordan Ramsey roomservice (no profanity on the menu last time we checked).

More like staying at a friend's smart artefact-strewn pad than in a hotel. Light, high-ceilinged rooms are all individually furnished. Add freshly cooked breakfast and city skyline views and this is a very special find. The Richmond Hill location is a short walk to the Tennis Centre and the MCG.