Best Places to Stay Near Tullamarine Airport
There’s something uniquely stressful about early morning flights. The alarm blaring at an ungodly hour, the frantic last-minute packing, and that nagging worry about traffic on the way to the airport. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit, bleary-eyed and clutching coffee while silently calculating if I’ll make it to my gate on time.
That’s why staying near Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) the night before can be a game-changer for your travel experience. Let me walk you through some excellent accommodation options that’ll have you waking up refreshed and just minutes from your departure terminal.
10 Top Places to Stay Near Tullamarine
1. PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport
Connected directly to the terminals via a covered walkway, you can roll out of bed and stroll to check-in. Their sound-proofed rooms ensure the airport hustle won’t disturb your sleep, and the runway views are surprisingly mesmerizing (plane spotters, rejoice!). Their Day Delegate package is perfect if you need a place to freshen up between flights.
2. Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport
This reliable mid-range option strikes that perfect balance between comfort and value. I once stayed here before an international flight and was impressed by their 24-hour reception (a blessing when your body clock is already confused about what time zone it’s in). Their Park, Stay & Go packages include parking while you’re away—a real money-saver.
3. Mantra Tullamarine Hotel
Just a five-minute drive from the terminals, Mantra offers spacious rooms and an indoor heated pool that’s perfect for unwinding before being cramped in an airplane seat for hours. The on-site restaurant, Woodlands, serves surprisingly good food for an airport hotel (the lamb shanks are a standout).
4. TOGA Hotels
Located in nearby Gladstone Park, TOGA offers upscale accommodation with shuttle services that run like clockwork. Their plush beds and blackout curtains have saved many travelers from pre-flight insomnia. The complimentary continental breakfast starts at 4 AM—perfect for early departures.
5. Ibis Budget Melbourne Airport
Travelers watching their wallet will appreciate this no-frills but clean and functional option. It’s within walking distance of the terminals (though I wouldn’t recommend this with heavy luggage) and offers free parking during your stay. The rooms are compact but cleverly designed to maximize space.
6. Quest Melbourne Airport
These apartment-style accommodations are ideal for families or longer stays. With fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas, you can maintain some semblance of normal life before or after flying. The pantry shopping service is particularly handy if you’re arriving late.
7. Airport Tourist Village Melbourne
For something with more character, these cabin-style accommodations feel homier than your standard hotel room. Located in Attwood, about 10 minutes from the airport, they offer a quieter atmosphere and are surrounded by green space—a nice contrast to the concrete of the airport.
8. Best Western Airport Motel & Convention Centre
Don’t let the “motel” in the name fool you—this place offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities including a pool and fitness center. Their 24-hour airport shuttle service (for a small fee) runs every 30 minutes, which takes the stress out of airport transfers.
9. Ciloms Airport Lodge
This family-owned property has a personal touch often missing from chain hotels. Their heated indoor pool is open until late, perfect for a relaxing swim after a long flight. The free airport shuttle is a nice perk, and the staff are known for going above and beyond to help travelers.
10. Gladstone Park Hotel
If you prefer staying somewhere with a local atmosphere, this hotel combines comfortable rooms with a popular local pub. It gives you the chance to enjoy a proper Australian meal and maybe chat with some locals before your journey. Their Sunday roast is particularly popular with locals and travelers alike.
Getting To and From Your Accommodation
While many of these properties offer shuttle services, sometimes you need more flexible transport options. Taxi To Airport Melbourne offers 24/7 taxi services across Melbourne at affordable prices, ensuring you’ll never miss a flight due to transport issues. I’ve used their service during a particularly tight connection and was impressed by their punctuality even at 4 AM!
Final Thoughts
Whether flying out at the crack of dawn or arriving on a late-night flight, staying near Tullamarine makes travel significantly less stressful. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way after once attempting to navigate Melbourne’s morning traffic before an international flight—an experience I don’t recommend to anyone who values their blood pressure!
Remember that whatever accommodation you choose, booking ahead is essential—these airport-adjacent hotels fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Your future self, sipping coffee calmly before sauntering to your gate, will thank you for the foresight.
