Beyond a transit hotel: a weekend staycation at Novotel Melbourne Airport

An airport hotel usually isn’t synonymous with a weekend staycation. So, it’s an unconventional move to stay at an airport hotel and not fly. But that’s precisely what I’m doing this weekend.

Novotel Melbourne Airport is conveniently bundled in the Melbourne Airport precinct. But what sets this property apart is that it’s designed as a destination in itself, integrating wellness facilities and upscale dining alongside chic rooms. Not to mention it’s a stone’s throw away from the charming Arundel Farm Estate, a boutique winery and restaurant set among picturesque surroundings.

Beyond an accessible transit hotel, the Novotel Melbourne Airport makes for the perfect weekend staycation with my partner.

Location and room

The dual-branded Novotel and ibis Styles hotel is located within walking distance of Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 4. For those unfamiliar with the airport, it’s an easy stroll between Terminals 1-4. So no matter where you’re departing or arriving from, the property is ideally situated for an overnight stay before a flight or a rest break during a layover.

A spacious lobby welcomes you to Accor’s new dual-branded hotel at Melbourne Airport.

Walk across the road and you’ll reach Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 4.

To the left of the lobby is the ibis Styles, while the right leads to Novotel.

The dual-branded Novotel and ibis Styles hotel is the latest addition to the Melbourne Airport precinct. [Photo: Accor]

There are dedicated check-in desks for Novotel and ibis Styles.

Handily, there’s an international departures board inside the lobby.

A free shuttle is available between the hotel and the terminals.

One of two eateries in the hotel, the cafe on the ground floor is open on weekdays. A third is set to join the line-up by the end of the year.

But this weekend, I’m doing neither. In fact, I’m not flying at all. I’ve brought my car with me, as undercover parking is available at the hotel. A swift check-in at the Novotel reception area sees me on my way up to my room in no time. And what a delightful space it is!

Having recently opened in July 2024 the rooms are fresh and modern, boasting a contemporary palette of royal green hues blended with dark, earthy tones. Natural light floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and my room is perfectly positioned with a view of Melbourne’s striking skyline in the distance. Of note is the blackout blind, which serves well for my Sunday sleep-in (and great for those needing some shut-eye before a flight.) Speaking of which, I barely hear a peep from the aircraft flying overhead, which is excellent considering the location!

Rounding out the room amenities are a Nespresso machine, minibar, TV, plenty of luggage storage, and the choice of a rain shower or detachable shower head in the spacious bathroom.

Though it’s a cosy space, I don’t spend too much longer in the room. There’s lots to do in this property, so I’m off to my first weekend staycation activity – a relaxing facial!

Kick back in one of the 248 comfortable rooms at Novotel Melbourne Airport.

Soaking up views of the Melbourne skyline.

As an Accor status holder, I receive a cute chocolate plate as a welcome gift!

Home for the weekend.

The well-lit bathroom is equipped with a rain shower.

My room comes with a Nespresso machine and a selection of goodies…

…as well as chilled drinks in the mini bar.

The floor-to-ceiling window is fitted with blackout blinds for when you need some serious shut-eye.

Novotel Melbourne Airport is your key to a relaxing weekend.

Unwind at Higher State

Thankfully, I don’t need to venture too far for my treatment. Located on the hotel’s ground floor, Higher State is the first health and wellbeing club inside Melbourne Airport. This all-encompassing space houses a fully-equipped gym alongside a yoga and reformer pilates space with virtual workouts available.

But I make a beeline for the treatment rooms, where Higher State offers a selection of facials and massages. Admittedly, with a busy schedule, I rarely find the time to pamper myself. But that’s what this weekend is all about, so I book in for a 60-minute hydrating facial – just what my skin needs to combat the chilly Melbourne weather! The entire experience is soothing from the get-go, with my therapist using a combination of serums and techniques to leave my skin feeling plump and fresh. Though once the head massage begins, I drift off into a deep sleep. There’s no better marker of ultimate relaxation than your therapist gently waking you up at the end of a treatment!

As for my partner, his relaxation involves a swim in Higher State’s indoor pool, which is conveniently located next to the infrared sauna. Here, every preference is catered for.

Higher State’s treatment rooms are conducive to an afternoon nap.

Treatments not your thing? Relax in the indoor pool instead.

Visit the infrared sauna for some R&R. [Photo: Accor]

Upstairs you’ll find a fully equipped gym.

There’s no excuse to skip weight training!

There’s equipment to support a wide range of workouts.

Take things at your own pace, or follow a virtual guided routine.

There’s even a reformer pilates machine!

Mats, bolsters and essential oils are on hand for practising yoga or pilates.

Those seeking recovery will find compression boots here.

Tucked down a hallway on the ground level, Higher State is well-equipped.

Dining at Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar

We’re blessed in Melbourne to have delicious cuisine at every corner – even at the airport! Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar brings contemporary Italian fare to Novotel Melbourne Airport, with an upscale menu brimming with local ingredients. Staycation date night – sorted.

Spoilt for choice is an understatement. There’s an array of seafood, poultry, pizza and pasta. We ultimately settle on oysters to start with and a succulent bistecca each (rare for my partner, medium-rare for me), accompanied by a generous leaf salad and fries served with truffle aioli (my favourite!)

Naturally, a glass of red wine joins the spread – a bright Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley. On the sweets front, I’m pleased to see a fior di latte soft serve with olive oil on the menu. But if a traditional dessert is more to your taste, Boccata also dishes up a velvety tiramisu. Both pair well with an espresso martini from the adjacent bar.

Date night essentials: delectable dining and local wine with a cosy ambiance.

Devour a delicious dinner at Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar.

I’ll never say no to oysters.

The flavourful bistecca is cooked to perfection.

I’ve been craving olive oil and ice cream since the first time I had it, so I’m delighted to find it on the menu here!

Boccata serves up a tasty tiramisu with amaretto.

All the classic cocktails are available, including our favourite – espresso martini.

There’s no need to rush off after dinner – you can stay for a late night drink at the bar.

Dine out without going out – located on the hotel’s ground floor, Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar oozes sophistication.

Buffet breakfast at Novotel Melbourne Airport

Come sunrise, Boccata transforms into a diverse breakfast buffet. You’ll find all the classics here: a cereal and yoghurt bar, continental options like pastries and fruit, an assortment of hot English-style dishes and a charcuterie selection. There’s even a juicer and a choice of fresh fruit and vegetables for you to whip up a custom beverage.

Some small bites make their way onto my plate for research. But mostly because lunch is right around the corner – figuratively and literally.

The breakfast buffet features all the staples like cereal, bacon and eggs, pastries, fruit, yoghurt and more.

The restaurant is as stylish during the day as it is at night. [Photo: Accor]

Big day ahead? Fuel up with a buffet breakfast.

Start the day with a fresh juice.

A selection of tea is available, as well as coffee from a machine.

Arundel Farm Estate

Perhaps one of the most surprising parts of this weekend is that I’m in the buzz of one of Australia’s major gateways one moment, then in the countryside in less than 15 minutes – while still being a hop away from the CBD!

A short drive south-west of Novotel Melbourne Airport lands us in the beautiful Arundel Farm Estate. Spanning over 300 acres, this property encompasses vineyards, stables, event spaces, a cellar door and a restaurant, the latter of which is our port of call for a three-course lunch.

The interior combines rustic charm with neutral shades for a warm yet sophisticated feel. Italian flavours are at the heart of Arundel Farm Estate’s restaurant menu. Expect a choice of small and large dishes, including the likes of fried calamari, homemade meatballs and swordfish. Or, indulge in a selection of pizza and pasta, the latter of which includes wine pairing recommendations. Otherwise, Arundel’s signature wines are helpfully highlighted on the menu. There’s a fruit sparkling Marsanne with my name on it.

Of course, you don’t need to dine in to sample the wine. Arundel Farm Estate has a cellar door next to the restaurant, offering complimentary tastings of their quality drops. I’m particularly fond of the Moscato and Pinot Noir, with a bottle of each sneakily making their way home with me.

Walk off lunch (or the wine) with a stroll at the front of the property. We get up close with some horses while breathing in the countryside’s fresh air – a welcome change from my everyday city lifestyle. Though once it’s time to head home after an eventful staycation, we’re just a 20-minute drive back to the heart of Melbourne – handy!

A short drive from Novotel Melbourne Airport, Arundel Farm Estate is the perfect stop for lunch or a wine tasting.

Get up close with the horses.

The cellar door offers complimentary wine tastings.

A delicious three-course lunch begins with fried calamari and homemade meatballs.

There’s a selection of pasta, including this gnocchi.

The swordfish milanese is a highlight of this meal.

Lunch concludes with a vanilla panna cotta with macerated rhubarb.

Don’t forget to try Arundel Farm Estate’s signature wines – I’m particularly fond of the Moscato and Pinot Noir.

I can visualise myself chilling here during summer with a glass of white in hand.

Countryside charm is right around the corner from Melbourne Airport.

Booking Novotel Melbourne Airport

The appeal of Novotel Melbourne Airport is that it caters to leisure and business travellers and locals. My stay didn’t necessitate a visit to the hotel’s co-working space or meeting facilities, but they’re there for your convenience.

When you need to attend to business, head to the hotel’s co-working space. [Photo: Accor]

Groups are also catered to, with well-equipped meeting rooms. [Photo: Accor]

There are facilities for hosting conferences, workshops or training events. [Photo: Accor]

The Grand Ballroom is ideal for larger events or celebrations like weddings or award ceremonies. [Photo: Accor]

Regardless of the purpose of your stay, it’s easy to book Novotel Melbourne Airport directly via the Accor website. If you hold status with Accor, you’ll enjoy your benefits here, too.

Don’t forget that by linking your Accor Live Limitless and Qantas Frequent Flyer accounts, you’ll earn both ALL points and Qantas Points on eligible stays.

Planning to indulge in a massage or facial during your stay? You can book ahead via the Higher State website. The health club amenities are complimentary for guests of Novotel Melbourne Airport, with no bookings necessary (note that an access fee applies for guests of the adjacent ibis Styles.)

Summing up

For a staycation, the Novotel Melbourne Airport ticks all the boxes. A relaxing facial treatment on-site, a sophisticated restaurant serving tantalising Italian cuisine, and a comfortable room to unwind for the night. Top it off with a visit to the nearby Arundel Estate Farm for a three-course lunch and wine tasting, and there’s enough to fill a weekend itinerary.

Of course, if your visit dictates a more traditional airport hotel experience sans the leisurely schedule, you’re still in for a quality stay – no matter how long.

So the next time you’re passing through Melbourne Airport, whether it’s for work or play, it’s worth setting aside some time to wander down past Terminal 4 to explore the new Novotel Melbourne Airport hotel. Pop by for a drink at the bar while waiting to pick up a loved one, treat yourself to a massage after a long journey, or enjoy a meal at any of the two (soon to be three) hotel eateries. I know where I’ll be the next time I’m in the area!

Photography by Victoria Kyriakopoulos, who stayed as a guest of Novotel Melbourne Airport. Supplementary images provided by Accor. All dining and activities complimentary of their respective providers.