Though weekend rooms are "easy" to find in Melbourne, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the winter.Frommer's: Melbourne Hotels Overview Affordable rates are available to budget travelers depending on the season.

As its name suggests, The Nunnery used to be a convent, but has since been renovated into a "comfy" and "stylish" guesthouse.Frommer's: The Nunnery Guesthouse Depending on what rooms are booked, they are generally tastefully decorated, and come with basic amenities like a TV and fan.

Continental breakfast is also served daily at no charge.

The Base Backpackers Melbourne hostel is painted predominantly in reds and whites, giving the place a rather trendy atmosphere. The hostel has dorm-style and private rooms, which Lonely Planet compared to those at a boutique hotel.Lonely Planet: Base Backpackers

The hostel also has an internet cafe, bar and gym on the premises.

• Prices posted reflect those of the cheapest rates for the cheapest room type. Prices are likely to increase during holidays and weekends. Prices listed are in Australian dollars.

• The Nunnery (Fitzroy, $65-$85) Phone: 61-3-9419-8637 Google Maps
  • Frommer's Recommended: "On the city's edge, the Nunnery is perfectly situated near the restaurant and nightlife scenes of Brunswick and Lygon streets, in nearby Carlton."

• • Lonely Planet Selection: "An absolute top-notch hostel epitomising great budget accommodation, the Nunnery delivers without the lemon-lipped attitude."

• • TripAdvisor 3.0 Rating (Note: Community rating, may change)

• Hotel Tolarno (St. Kilda, $130) Phone: 61-3-9537-0200 Google Maps
  • Frommer's Highly Recommended: "Rooms vary, but all are modern and nice."

• • Fodor's Review  : "The color schemes here are a bit garish (red, purple, and orange dominate), and the furnishings are basic, but this is a friendly, funky place to stay (or to have a bite in the excellent on-site bistro)."

• • TripAdvisor 4.0 Rating (Note: Community rating, may change)

• Hotel Claremont (South Yarra, $76-$86) Phone: 61-3-9826-8000 Google Map
  • Frommer's Recommened: "It's an attractive place, though sparsely furnished. The AAA-rated three-star rooms are comfortable enough; each comes with either a double or a single bed."

• • Lonely Planet Selection: "[T]he location can't be beat and is the only choice for those in search of serious retail therapy."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community rating, may change)

• Miami Hotel Melbourne (North Melbourne, $129) Phone: 61-3-9321-2444 Google Map
  • Fodor's Reivew  : "Like a Motel 6, only fancier, Miami Motor Inn is an excellent value for the budget- and style-conscious."

• • Lonely Planet Selection: "Rooms are tidy and functional (though lacking in flourishes of any description), and are available with shared or en-suite bathrooms."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

• Kingsgate Hotel (City Center, $85-$134) Phone: 61-3-9629-4171 Google Map
  • Frommer's Recommended: "A 10-minute walk from the city, this interesting hotel feels like a basic B&B, though a total refurbishment -- "to attract airline staff" -- recently gave it a better look."

• • Lonely Planet Selection: "Forget the fluffy pillows, baby-soft toilet roll and hints of fresh jasmine, the Kingsgate is a [no-nonsense], inner-city hotel offering excellent value for money."

• Olembia Guesthouse (St. Kilda, $60-$80) Phone: 61-3-9537-1412 Google Map
  • Lonely Planet Selection: "They've put quite a bit of effort into making this a treasure for your pleasure, with furnishings and impeccably presented snug-as-a-bug rooms."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

• YHA Australia: Melbourne YHA Backpacker Hostels
• Lonely Planet: Melbourne Hostels
• Hostelz.com: Melbourne Hostel Reviews
• Yahoo! Travel: Hostel Reviews in Melbourne

• Base Backpackers (St. Kilda) Phone: 61-3-8598-6200 Google Map
  • Lonely Planet Selection: "Besides the glamorous beachside location, Base has a few notable benefits. Base has something called the Girl's Sanctuary, where no boys are allowed and females are showered with shampoo and body products on arrival."

• • Hostelz.com Review: "The place is clean and has a cool "modern" style..."

• • TripAdvisor 3.0 Rating (Note: Community rating, may change)

• Melbourne Metro YHA (North Melbourne) Phone: 61-3-9329-8599 Google Map
  • Lonely Planet Selection: "The Melbourne Metro won a recent 'best backpacker accommodation' gong in the Victorian Tourism Awards, probably for one main feature: the awesome rooftop area with its seriously breathtaking panoramic views of Melbourne's CBD."

• • TripAdvisor 3.0 Rating (Note: Community rating, may change)

• Melbourne Connection Travellers Hostel (City Centre) Phone: 61-3-9642-4464 Google Maps
  • Lonely Planet Selection: "This 79-bed little charmer follows the small-is-better principle, offering simple, clean budget accommodation in an intimate setting with a touch of personality."

• • Hostelz.com Review: "Melbourne Connection Travellers Hostel is a comfortable place to stay in the city. While Melbourne hostels can be on the slighly more pricey side, this hostel will save you a few dollars without sacrificing quality."

• Greenhouse Backpacker (City Centre) Phone: 61-3-9639-6400 Google Maps
  • Lonely Planet Selection: "The formula of chatty, helpful staff, spick-and-span facilities and loads of freebies/discounts make this hostel an excellent budget choice."

• • Hostelz.com Review: "Overall the hostel has a great location and good facilities..."