City break: Top Aussie hotels for bottom dollar

Don't let the cost-of-living crisis cramp your city-break style: you can make your dolllar go further by staying at a value-for-money, well-located hotel that doesn't sacrifice service or design. We've rounded up the best.

Let's start with the free lollies. At this stylish, welcoming hotel in trendy South Yarra, the "help yourself" lolly cart in the lobby is one of the most popular amenities.

When you add an evening cocktail on the house, the lead-in nightly rate from $209 is a steal. Aesthetically designed with rockstar vibes in mind, Ovolo Hotels represent great value with out-of-the-box interiors, generous amenities, and top-notch restaurants and bars. At Ovolo South Yarra, enjoy Lona Misa, a vegan restaurant that carnivores will love, too. Rooms from $209; ovolohotels.com

ALSO CONSIDER: The brand-new Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport starts checking in guests from 1 July. Rooms from $217; all.com

Sydney can be a real budget-buster, but not at Holiday Inn Sydney Potts Point, where room rates start from as low as $199 per night. Located within easy walking distance of the CBD, and dozens of the city's best bars and restaurants, the hotel offers gorgeous harbour views and spacious guestrooms by Sydney standards.

As an added bonus, families will love the savings when kids 12 and under stay and eat free of charge. Rooms from $199; ihg.com

ALSO CONSIDER: Vibe Hotel North Sydney, in a formerly corporate neighbourhood that's now teeming with great restaurants. Rooms from $210; vibehotels.com

Have you tried an Ibis hotel yet? Popular all over Europe, affordable Ibis Styles properties are known for vibrant and playful design. Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street is a colourful 367-room hotel that features uninterrupted views of Brisbane River and the South Bank cultural precinct. There's a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and good breakfast (for a surcharge). Rooms from $199; all.com

ALSO CONSIDER: Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central, a four-star hotel that's comfortable and affordable in a central location. Rooms from $196; ihg.com

Opened in December 2023 after an extensive $30 million renovation, the 423-room tropical resort is home to a new 65-metre lagoon pool, fantastic aquatic playground for kids and poolside dining that hits the mark. Conveniently situated for travellers arriving into or flying out of Darwin Airport, it's also a smart choice for longer holiday stays in the Northern Territory.

Located on the lands of the Larrakia Nation, the resort pays homage with a striking Aboriginal art mural on the property's 41-metre water tower. There are plans for cultural walking tours curated by Larrakia guides. Rooms from $180; darwinairporthotels.com.au

ALSO CONSIDER: Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel offers self-contained hotel accommodation in Darwin's CBD. Rooms from $130; oakshotels.com

Located at the former New Esplanade hotel site, a multimillion-dollar redevelopment has completely transformed the former hotel. New guestrooms and public areas, all-day sidewalk eatery Community at Quay, a chic rooftop bar and restaurant HQ Bar & Kitchen make this 80-room boutique hotel a winner. If you're WFA (working from anywhere), make use of the innovative co-working spaces and enjoy scenic views of Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River. Rooms from $219; quayperth.com

ALSO CONSIDER: Courtyard Perth, Murdoch in Murdoch's Health and Knowledge Precinct, opened in April. Rooms from $188; marriott.com

Mad Men stylings at Vibe Hotel Canberra will make you forget you're just 50 metres from the airport. Keep an open mind, because this is far from your average airport hotel. With a spiralling black-and-white six-storey atrium, gold-accented lounge and marble firepit, it feels like a throwback to a more glamorous era of travel. Book a room or suite in the appropriately named Upper or Lower Deck and First Class section. Enjoy complimentary Friday afternoon nibbles and a happy hour that lasts for two. The attractions of Lake Burley Griffin, Old Parliament House and the city centre are less than 10 minutes' drive. Rooms from $168; vibehotels.com

ALSO CONSIDER: Little National Canberra's chic, minimalist design in an ideal location close to Kingston, Manuka and Parliament House. Rooms from $199; littlenationalhotel.com.au

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There's a fresh new look at Travelodge Hotel Hobart, where a dramatic transformation has revitalised all 131 rooms. Dreamcatcher beds provide a good night's sleep, and guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and 24-hour access to laundry facilities. Some rooms come with microwaves and kitchenettes, a handy amenity for families or long-stay guests. Get your Zen on in the purpose-built yoga and Pilates studio. Look for special deals and offers when booking, including free breakfast and prepaid savings. Rooms from $139; travelodge.com.au

ALSO CONSIDER: Quest Waterfront, ideally located on historic Sullivan's Cove in the heart of Hobart, with easy access to MONA and the Salamanca Markets. Rooms from $131; questapartments.com.au

The city of festivals, churches, beaches and world-class wineries is so much fun to explore. It's all within easy reach when you stay at this stylish, central, apartment-style hotel. You might be surprised by the extensive facilities at a property with such reasonable nightly rates.

There's a heated lap pool, gym, steam room, sauna, cinema, rooftop barbecue area and golf simulator. Long-stay guests will enjoy the kitchen and laundry facilities in each suite. With Adelaide Central Markets nearby, there's every reason to stock up on local cheeses, meats, fruit and wine. Rooms from $206; avanihotels.com

ALSO CONSIDER: Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, one of the coolest addresses in the city. Book in advance (and outside of festival season). Rooms from $200; ihg.com