Australia welcomes fans from every corner of the world for the most prestigious horse racing event in the nation’s sporting calendar in November.
The Melbourne Cup – known lovingly as ‘the race that stops the nation’ – is undoubtedly one of the most culturally important sports events in Australia.
Attending the Melbourne Cup requires careful preparation, especially for people looking for affordable accommodation and those planning to bet on the big race.
Australian punters enjoy live betting on the Melbourne Cup, while bettors worldwide have increasingly started to wager on the prestigious event.
Betting on the race adds to the excitement of the Melbourne Cup, but it is important to identify where you are going to stay before thinking about wagering.
With that in mind, we have scoured the city to pick out four of the best affordable hotels to enhance your Melbourne Cup experience.
Space Hotel
- Address: 380 Russell Street, Melbourne
- Price Range: From $80-$110 per night
Space Hotel is a fantastic budget-friendly pick if you are eyeing a top-notch experience without sacrificing quality.
They offer a range of accommodation options, including shared dormitories and private rooms, so guests have plenty of options to choose from.
You don’t have to choose between a memorable experience and a good night’s sleep at Space Hotel – you can get both for a modest fee, making it the perfect relaxation centre.
The hotel has a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of Melbourne, which is perfect for unwinding after an exhilarating day at Flemington Racecourse.
Space Hotel is located just minutes away from Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens, so there are plenty of places to explore when you’re not engulfed with the action at the racecourse.
Ibis Melbourne
- Address: 15-21 Therry Street, Melbourne
- Price Range: From $100-$120 per night
Ibis Melbourne is located in the heart of the city, making it the ideal relaxation spot for Melbourne Cup guests.
It is within walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including the famous Queen Victoria Market and central Melbourne’s shopping district.
Ibis has 250 rooms, including one and two-bedroom apartments that come with private kitchenettes, making it ideal for couples, families and even those flying solo, regardless of how long you’re staying.
The hotel also features a restaurant and bar open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, conference facilities, and free Wi-Fi access for all guests.
Ibis is conveniently located within the free tram zone. It is perched 180 metres away from Stop 7 on Elizabeth Street and 500 metres from the Melbourne Central Railway Station.
If you are the type of person that fancies activities such as shopping and visiting theatres, Ibis is the perfect base to experience everything the city has to offer.
City Edge Apartment Hotel
- Address: 188 Peel Street, North Melbourne
- Price Range: From $100-$150 per night
City Edge Apartment Hotel is another of the most affordable places to stay in Melbourne.
It is located near the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, so there is easy access to public transport, which makes it a breeze to get to Flemington Racecourse.
The hotel is only minutes away from the city centre if you are travelling by tram and is close to key landmarks such as the Queen Victoria Market, the State Netball and Hockey Centre, and Princes Park Stadium.
City Edge’s self-contained studio apartments come with kitchenettes, granting you the freedom to prepare your own meals. The staff are also friendly and go above and beyond to make your visit as comfortable and memorable as possible.
The hotel also offers double or two single beds, free Wi-Fi, LCD television, air conditioning, and a guest laundry, while the apartments are serviced at least once per week.
City Edge Apartment Hotel
- Address: 488 Swanston St Carlton, Melbourne
- Price Range: $65-$105 per night
Arrow on Swanston is one of the most comfortable, convenient and value-for-money hotels in the heart of Melbourne.
It has a wide range of serviced apartments, including studio and one and two-bedroom apartments that are perfect for couples, families or those travelling alone.
Arrow’s 3.5-star self-rated apartment is fully furnished with modern facilities to ensure a pleasant and hassle-free stay.
The hotel is surrounded by Melbourne’s entertainment scene, iconic tourist attractions and top-notch sporting venues.
There are also tram stops just outside the hotel’s doorstep, offering guests easy access to anywhere in the city, so it is perfect for people visiting for the Melbourne Cup.
