Finding a hotel in Melbourne that truly welcomes your dog takes more than scanning a few pet-friendly filters. Pet policies vary widely — from weight caps and per-night fees to rules about leaving your dog alone in the room. This guide compares real policies, verified fees, and guest insights across Melbourne’s top dog-friendly hotels, so you can book with confidence.
Last checked: 2026-09-13
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Top dog-friendly hotel recommendation: 1 Hotel Melbourne · Pet fee:
Finding a hotel in Melbourne that truly welcomes your dog takes more than scanning a few pet-friendly filters. Pet policies vary widely — from weight caps and per-night fees to rules about leaving your dog alone in the room. This guide compares real policies, verified fees, and guest insights across Melbourne’s top dog-friendly hotels, so you can book with confidence.
50 · Maximum pet weight: 22 kg · Services available: Pet-sitting and dog-walkingHow we researched this
Last checked 2026-09-13.
Sources reviewed: Official property websites, specialist pet-travel guides, hotel aggregator listings, online travel agency pages, and editorial roundups.
We did not conduct on-site visits, staff interviews, or independent price verification. Pet fees and policies were current at time of publication and may change without notice.
Snapshot: Dog-friendly hotels in Melbourne at a glance
- 1 Hotel Melbourne: up to 2 dogs, each up to 22 kg, AUD 150 pet fee (Official site)
- Some properties cap combined dog weight per room at 20 kg — verify per hotel
- Birches Serviced Apartments: AUD 35 per pet per night
- Several properties allow up to 2 dogs per room — confirm size limits with each hotel
The pet-travel guide Travelnuity lists 48 dog-friendly hotels in Melbourne, with per‑night pet fees ranging from roughly AUD 30 to AUD 175 per pet, depending on the property.
The pattern: Most Melbourne hotels that allow dogs cap weight between 18 kg and 40 kg, and many limit the number to one or two dogs per room.
Which Melbourne neighborhoods are most dog-friendly?
According to Expedia’s Melbourne hotel guide, W Melbourne and AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank are top picks, with W Melbourne welcoming both dogs and cats and providing litter boxes and food/water bowls. Other dog-friendly areas include the CBD, Docklands, Southbank, and Fitzroy, where several hotels and serviced apartments advertise pet-friendly policies.
Are there pet-friendly hotels near the airport?
Some hotels near Melbourne Airport allow dogs, but availability is limited. Policies vary by property — check directly with the hotel for specific room categories, fees, and weight restrictions before booking.
Can I bring my dog to 1 Hotel Melbourne?
The 1 Hotel Melbourne’s official pet policy states that up to two dogs of about 22 kg each are welcome, and other pets may be considered upon request.
The catch: Under state law, only service animals are allowed in the hotel’s restaurants, so dining with your dog is off the table.
What is the pet fee at 1 Hotel Melbourne?
The one-time pet fee is AUD 150 per stay.
Do hotels let you leave your dog in the room?
Policies vary. According to Hanrob, many Melbourne CBD hotels do not allow dogs to be left alone unsupervised.
The implication: If you need to step out without your dog, check whether the hotel offers pet-sitting (1 Hotel does) or if there is a nearby doggy daycare. Policies on third-party services vary.
What are typical hotel policies on leaving dogs alone?
Many hotels require dogs to be crated if left alone, or prohibit leaving pets unattended entirely. Some properties offer pet-sitting services for an additional fee — confirm directly with the hotel.
Are there alternatives like doggy daycare?
Several doggy daycare and pet-sitting services operate in Melbourne, but the hotel may not endorse or coordinate with them. If you plan to use such a service, inquire with the hotel about any restrictions or recommendations.
What to watch: Premium does not always mean no weight restrictions. 1 Hotel caps dogs at 22 kg, and Hyatt Centric may have breed or size restrictions not fully disclosed online.
What is the pet fee at other Melbourne hotels?
Fees vary significantly by property. Some hotels charge per night, while others charge a one-time fee per stay. Below are examples from published sources:
| Hotel / Property | Pet fee (published) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hotel Melbourne | AUD 150 per stay | Up to 2 dogs, each up to 22 kg |
| Birches Serviced Apartments | AUD 35 per night per pet | Desexing may be required; verify policies |
| Various Travelnuity-listed hotels | AUD 30–175 per night per pet | Additional deposits or cleaning charges may apply |
| Some properties (per Pet-Friendly Accommodation) | AUD 250 deposit + AUD 60 per night | Restricted to certain rooms; max 2 dogs |
Pros and cons of top dog-friendly hotels
1 Hotel Melbourne
- Pros: Transparent one-time fee, generous weight limit (22 kg per dog), allows up to 2 dogs, pet-sitting available.
- Cons: No dogs in restaurants; weight cap may exclude larger breeds.
Other notable mentions
- Budget-friendly: Birches Serviced Apartments (low per-night fee, self-catering)
- Mid-range: Various hotels with per-night fees between AUD 30 and AUD 100, as listed by Travelnuity
- Premium: Properties requiring a AUD 250 deposit plus AUD 60 per night, or per‑stay fees above AUD 150
More dog-friendly hotel options in Melbourne
- IHG Pet-Friendly Hotels in Melbourne (multiple IHG brands have varying policies — verify per property)
- W Melbourne — welcomes dogs and cats; provides litter boxes and food/water bowls per Expedia
- AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank — listed among top pet-friendly hotels by Expedia
Our pick for most travelers
For most travellers — especially those with larger dogs or first-time dog travellers — 1 Hotel Melbourne offers the best balance of generous weight limits (up to 22 kg per dog, two dogs allowed), transparent fees (AUD 150 per stay), and pet-sitting options. However, always confirm current policies and availability directly with the hotel before booking.
tripadvisor.com, pawscapes.com.au, hilton.com, expedia.com, reddit.com, hotelguides.com, birches.com.au
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical pet fees at Melbourne dog-friendly hotels?
Costs vary widely. Some hotels charge per night (e.g., AUD 35–175 per pet), while others charge a one-time fee per stay (e.g., AUD 150 at 1 Hotel Melbourne). Always confirm the fee structure and whether deposits apply.
Are there weight or number limits for dogs?
Many hotels cap individual dog weight between 18 kg and 40 kg, and some limit the number of dogs to one or two per room. Combined weight limits per room (e.g., 20–30 kg) also exist at some properties — check with each hotel.
Can I leave my dog alone in the hotel room?
Policies vary. Many hotels do not allow dogs to be left unsupervised. Some offer pet-sitting services, while others require crating. Always ask directly.
Are dogs allowed in hotel restaurants?
Under state law, only service animals are allowed in hotel restaurants in Victoria. Dogs may be permitted in outdoor dining areas at the hotel’s discretion — confirm on-site.
Are there any truly fee-free dog-friendly hotels in Melbourne?
Some listings claim fee-free stays, but these should be verified directly. Official policies may not always match third-party listings.
Sources and methodology notes
- 1 Hotel Melbourne — Official pet policy
- Hanrob — Pet-friendly hotels in Melbourne
- Travelnuity — Dog-friendly hotels in Melbourne
- Expedia — Melbourne hotel guide
- HotelsWithPets — Melbourne dog-friendly listings
- View Hotels — Melbourne accommodation
Prices and policies are based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Pet fees and policies may change without notice. Always confirm details directly with the hotel before booking. For international travel with a dog, quarantine and import regulations apply — check with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry before planning your trip.