Daylesford, Victoria, is Australia’s spa capital—a picturesque retreat known for its mineral springs, lush forests, and charming village atmosphere. Whether you're planning a budget-friendly getaway or a luxurious spa retreat, finding the right hotel can make or break your trip.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Best cheap Daylesford hotels for budget travelers
- Top luxury Daylesford hotels for a pampering escape
- Where to book for the best deals
- Hidden gems and local tips to enhance your stay
Ready to find your perfect stay? Let’s dive in!
Cheap Daylesford Hotels & Luxury Escapes
Table of contents
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Best Cheap Daylesford Hotels (Under $150/Night)
1. Central Highlands Motor Inn – Affordable Comfort in the Heart of Town
If you're looking for cheap Daylesford hotels that don’t sacrifice convenience or cleanliness, Daylesford Central Motor Inn is a top pick. Located just steps from the town’s best cafes, shops, and spas, this budget-friendly stay offers everything you need for a relaxing getaway without the luxury price tag.
📍 Location & First Impressions
Address: 102-104 High Street, 3444 Kyneton, Australia
Why it’s great?
- 2-minute walk to Daylesford’s main shopping strip
- 5-minute drive to Hepburn Springs’ mineral baths
- Free parking (no stress about finding a spot in town)
First glance: The motel has a classic 90s Aussie motor inn vibe—simple but well-maintained, with a quiet courtyard setting.
Rooms & Amenities
Room Types Available:
- Standard Queen (Budget-friendly, ideal for couples)
- Family Rooms (Fits 2 adults + 2 kids)
- Pet-Friendly Options (Small fee applies)
What’s Included?
- Comfy beds with quality linens
- Flat-screen TV (with free-to-air channels)
- Mini-fridge & tea/coffee facilities
- Heating & electric blankets (Cosy in winter!)
- Free Wi-Fi (Decent speed for browsing)
What’s Missing?
- No breakfast (But Cliffy’s Emporium nearby has amazing pastries)
- No pool/spa (But you’re here for the Hepburn Bathhouse, right?)
Pricing & Deals
Average Rates:
- 120–120–150/night (cheaper midweek)
- $10 extra for pet-friendly rooms
How to Save?
- Book direct via Booking.com for occasional last-minute discounts
- Stay Sunday–Thursday for lowest rates
Food & Nearby Eats
Self-Catering Tip: The Daylesford Sunday Market (5-min walk) sells fresh local produce.
Best Cheap Eats Nearby:
- Breakfast: Cliffy’s Emporium ($$)
- Lunch: The Farmers Arms (gourmet pub meals)
- Dinner: Frangos & Frangos (Portuguese chicken!)
Who Should Stay Here?
- Budget-conscious couples
- Families (Family rooms available)
- Road trippers (Easy parking, pet-friendly)
- Travelers who prioritize location over luxury
Not Ideal For:
- Luxury seekers (Try Peppers Mineral Springs instead)
- Those wanting on-site dining
Final Verdict: 7.5/10
Pros:
- Superb central location
- Clean, no-fuss rooms
- Great value for Daylesford
Cons:
- Basic amenities (no frills)
- Street-facing rooms can be noisy
Find the best hotel deals for your next trip! Compare prices and book your stay on
HostelWorld (Amazing Hostels & Hotels around the world)
TripAdvisor (Compare hotels, read real reviews, and find the best prices)
The Daylesford Central Motor Inn is like your favorite pair of jeans—not fancy, but reliable, comfortable, and right where you need to be. Spend your savings on massages and wine instead!
Looking for luxury? Compare with Hepburn at Hepburn for a splurge-worthy spa retreat.
More Australia Travel Guides:
2. Lake Daylesford Country House (Budget Rooms)
If you want a taste of Daylesford hotels luxury but don’t want to splurge on a full five-star stay, Lake House’s budget rooms are the perfect compromise. This award-winning lakeside retreat offers a few smaller, more affordable rooms that still give you access to its stunning location, world-class dining, and serene atmosphere—just without the premium suite price.
📍 Location & First Impressions
Address: 4 King St, Daylesford
Why it’s special?
- Directly on Lake Daylesford (Private jetty & walking trails)
- 5-minute walk to Daylesford’s main street
- Tranquil, nature-filled setting (Ducks, swans, and misty mornings)
First glance: The property oozes understated elegance—think fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a lakeside restaurant with a hatted chef.
Budget Rooms: What You Get
Room Types Available:
- Classic Rooms (From 140–140–180/night, smaller but stylish)
- Garden View Rooms (Slightly larger, around $200/night)
Included Amenities:
- Super-comfy king beds (High-thread-count linens)
- Bathrobes & luxury toiletries (Same as the premium rooms)
- Lake or garden views (Even budget rooms have them!)
- Free Wi-Fi & parking
What’s Missing?
- No private balcony (Upgrade to a suite if you want one)
- Smaller bathroom (Still nice, but not as lavish as the suites)
Pricing & How to Save
Best Deals:
- Midweek stays (Sunday–Thursday) drop to $140/night
- Winter specials (June–August) sometimes include dining credits
Book Smart:
Check Booking.com for package deals
Avoid long weekends (Prices double!)
Dining: The Real Highlight
Even if you book a budget room, you must eat at their restaurant:
Lake House Restaurant (Hatted Chef)
- Must-order: The tasting menu with local wines
- Budget hack: Book lunch instead of dinner (Same views, lower prices)
Breakfast:
- Included if you book certain packages
- Otherwise, $35pp (Worth it for the lakeside setting)
Who Should Stay Here?
- Couples wanting romance without a $400/night splurge
- Foodies who prioritize dining over room size
- Nature lovers who’ll spend all day walking the lake trails
Not Ideal For:
- Families (No interconnecting rooms)
- Those who need a bathtub (Budget rooms have showers only)
Final Verdict: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Luxury ambiance at mid-range prices
- Best restaurant in Daylesford on-site
- Peaceful lakeside location
Staying at Lake House on a budget is like getting backstage passes to a luxury experience—you might not have the VIP dressing room, but you still hear the concert perfectly.
Want true luxury? Compare with Hepburn at Hepburn for private mineral baths.
More Australia Travel Guides:
3. Daylesford Victoria Accommodation
For travelers seeking cheap Daylesford hotels with a homey feel, Daylesford Victoria Accommodation delivers comfort, convenience, and a touch of rustic charm. These self-contained cottages are perfect for couples, small families, or solo travelers who want a quiet retreat just minutes from Daylesford’s cafes, spas, and markets.
📍 Location & First Impressions
Address: 11 Hepburn Rd, Daylesford
Why it’s great?
- 5-minute walk to Daylesford’s main street
- 10-minute drive to Hepburn Springs’ mineral baths
- Tucked away in a quiet garden setting
First glance: Think country cottage vibes—wooden beams, potbelly stoves, and private verandas surrounded by trees.
Rooms & Amenities
Cottage Types Available:
- Studio Cottages (Ideal for couples, from $110/night)
- 1-Bedroom Cottages (Fits 2 adults + 1 child, from $130/night)
- 2-Bedroom Cottages (Great for families or small groups, from $180/night)
What’s Included?
- Full kitchenette (Fridge, microwave, stovetop)
- Wood fireplace or electric heater (Cozy in winter!)
- Private outdoor seating area
- Free Wi-Fi & parking
What’s Missing?
- No daily housekeeping (Self-catering style)
- No on-site restaurant (But Bistro Terroir is a 5-min walk)
Pricing & How to Save
Best Deals:
- Weekday stays (Sunday–Thursday) from $110/night
- Last-minute winter specials (Check WayAway for discounts)
Extra Costs?
- Pet-friendly option (+$20 per stay)
- Firewood (Provided for first night, extra bags available)
Food & Nearby Eats
Self-Catering Perks:
- Sunday Market (3-min walk for fresh local produce)
- Coles Supermarket (5-min drive for groceries)
Top Nearby Dining:
- Breakfast: Larder (organic, farm-to-table)
- Lunch: The Surly Goat (gourmet burgers)
- Dinner: Kazuki’s (Japanese fusion fine dining)
Who Should Stay Here?
- Couples wanting a romantic cabin vibe
- Families (2-bedroom cottages available)
- Longer stays (Kitchen = savings on meals)
- Pet owners (Selected cottages allow dogs)
Not Ideal For:
- Luxury seekers (No spa or pool on-site)
- Those who prefer hotel services (No reception/concierge)
Final Verdict: 8/10
Pros:
- Feels like a home away from home
- Great value for Daylesford
- Perfect location—close to town but peaceful
Cons:
- Basic decor (Not Instagram-luxury)
- Some cottages are small (Check room size before booking)
Daylesford Victoria Accommodation is where you stay when you want to pretend you live in this charming town—waking up to birdsong, strolling to the farmers' market, and curling up by your own fireplace at night.
Find the best hotel deals for your next trip! Compare prices and book your stay on
HostelWorld (Amazing Hostels & Hotels around the world)
TripAdvisor (Compare hotels, read real reviews, and find the best prices)
Want more luxury? Compare with The Victoria House for a high-end heritage stay.
More Australia Travel Guides:
Best Luxury Daylesford Hotels (Spa & Indulgence)
1. Hepburn at Hepburn – Ultimate Luxury Spa Retreat in Daylesford
If you're searching for Daylesford hotels luxury at its finest, Hepburn at Hepburn delivers an unforgettable experience. This adults-only boutique hotel combines modern elegance with the healing power of mineral springs, offering private villas with thermal baths, gourmet breakfasts, and next-level relaxation.
📍 Location & First Impressions
Address: 2 Hepburn Springs Rd, Hepburn Springs
Why it’s special?
- 500m from Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
- Secluded valley setting (Total privacy)
- Architect-designed villas blending into nature
First glance: A hidden sanctuary where floor-to-ceiling windows frame eucalyptus trees, and each villa has its own steam room or mineral bath.
Rooms & Amenities
Villa Types:
- Spa Suites (Private steam room, from $350/night)
- Bathhouse Villas (Outdoor mineral bath, from $450/night)
- Pavilion Villas (Double spa bath + fireplace, from $550/night)
Luxury Inclusions:
- In-room double spa baths (Mineral water piped directly from springs)
- King beds with premium linens
- Aesop toiletries & robes
- Complimentary champagne on arrival
- Gourmet breakfast hamper delivered daily
Next-Level Perks (Extra Cost):
- In-room massages
- Private yoga sessions
- Romantic turndown service
Pricing & How to Book Smart
Best Value:
- Weeknight stays (Sunday–Thursday = $100+ cheaper)
- Winter packages (Includes Bathhouse entry + dinner credits)
Book Direct Perks:
- Free late checkout (When available)
- Priority spa bookings
Find the best hotel deals for your next trip! Compare prices and book your stay on
HostelWorld (Amazing Hostels & Hotels around the world)
TripAdvisor (Compare hotels, read real reviews, and find the best prices)
Dining – No Need to Leave
Breakfast:
- Delivered to your villa (Local sourdough, organic eggs, house granola)
Nearby Fine Dining:
- The Surly Goat (3-min drive, modern Australian)
- Kazuki’s (7-min drive, degustation with sake pairings)
Pro Tip: Order the in-villa cheese platter for sunset with local wines.
Spa & Wellness
Must-Do Experiences:
- Private Bathhouse Soak (Included in some villas)
- Hot-and-Cold Therapy Circuit (At Hepburn Bathhouse nearby)
- Sound Healing Sessions (Ask about visiting practitioners)
Who Should Stay Here?
- ✔️ Couples celebrating anniversaries/babymoons
- ✔️ Wellness seekers wanting hydrotherapy
- ✔️ Design lovers (Architecture Digest-featured)
Not Ideal For:
❌ Families (Adults-only policy)
❌ Budget travelers (This is peak luxury)
Final Verdict: 9.5/10
Pros:
- ✅ Most private spa experience in Daylesford
- ✅ Architectural beauty meets nature
- ✅ No detail overlooked (Even the bath salts are local)
Cons:
- ❌ Pricey (But worth it for a special occasion)
- ❌ Need a car to explore beyond the property
Hepburn at Hepburn doesn’t just offer a room—it crafts a liquid, slow-moving dream where time bends around mineral soaks and misty valley views.
Prefer budget options? See our cheap Daylesford hotels guide.
Extend Your Trip:
2. Mineral Springs Hotel Hepburn
For those seeking Daylesford hotels luxury with historic charm and modern wellness amenities, Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel stands as a crown jewel. This heritage-listed property, originally established in 1935, blends Art Deco elegance with contemporary spa luxury, offering direct access to healing mineral waters.
📍 Location & First Impressions
Address: 124 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs
Why it’s legendary:
- ✔️ On-site mineral spring pump room (Direct from source)
- ✔️ 300m to Hepburn Bathhouse
- ✔️ 4 acres of manicured gardens with walking trails
Arrival moment: The grand portico entrance leads to a sunlit lounge where the scent of eucalyptus oil and the sound of trickling spring water set the tone.
Rooms & Suites
Accommodation Options:
- Deluxe Rooms (Garden views, 320–320–380/night)
- Mineral Springs Suites (Private terraces, 420–420–480/night)
- The Retreat Villa (2 bedrooms + kitchen, $680/night)
Luxury Amenities:
- ✔️ Deep-soak tubs (Mineral water on tap)
- ✔️ Bath butler service (Custom mineral blends)
- ✔️ Iluka Organic toiletries
- ✔️ Pillow menu with 5 options
Missing Touches:
- ❌ No balconies in standard rooms
- ❌ Limited vegan breakfast options
Spa & Hydrotherapy
Signature Experiences:
- Aqua Therapy Circuit (Indoor/outdoor mineral pools)
- Watsu Water Massage (In thermal pools)
- Sound Bath Meditation (In garden pavilion)
Did You Know? The property sits atop 5 natural mineral springs, each with different therapeutic properties.
Dining at The Palais
Must-Try Dishes:
- Twice-baked local goat cheese soufflé
- Hepburn gold trout with foraged mushrooms
- Mineral water tasting flight (Yes, really!)
Breakfast Included:
- House-made muesli with bush honey
- Free-range eggs cooked to order
Pricing & Special Offers
Best Deals:
- Midweek Sanctuary Package (Includes spa credits, $390/night)
- Winter Long Stay Discount (3+ nights = 15% off)
Local Tips for Booking Daylesford Hotels – How to Score the Best Deals
Planning a trip to Daylesford? Whether you're after cheap Daylesford hotels or luxury spa retreats, these insider tips will help you book smarter, save money, and avoid common tourist traps.
Best Time to Book for Value
- Shoulder Seasons (March–May & September–November)
- Prices drop 20–30% compared to peak summer/winter
- Still great weather for spa visits and hiking
- Last-Minute Weekday Stays
- Check Booking.com for same-week deals
- Many luxury hotels discount unsold rooms by 40%+ on Sundays-Thursdays
- Avoid These Busy Periods
- ❌ Winter Wellness Weekends (June–August)
- ❌ Daylesford ChillOut Festival (March)
- ❌ Melbourne Cup long weekend (November)
Where to Stay: Neighborhood Guide
| Area | Best For | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hepburn Springs | Mineral spas, luxury stays | Book a B&B instead of resorts |
| Daylesford Town | Cafés, shopping, nightlife | Stay near the Sunday Market for cheaper options |
| Lake Daylesford | Romantic views, nature walks | Look for self-contained cottages |
Properties just 5-minutes drive from town (e.g., Sailors Falls) often offer better rates.
Find the best hotel deals for your next trip! Compare prices and book your stay on
HostelWorld (Amazing Hostels & Hotels around the world)
TripAdvisor (Compare hotels, read real reviews, and find the best prices)
Booking Hacks
Direct Booking Perks
Many hotels offer free bottle of local wine or late checkout when you book through their website
Package Deals
Bundled spa + accommodation packages save 15–20% (Check Trip.com)
Membership Discounts
RACV/VIP members get 10% off at Peppers/Mineral Springs Hotels
Transportation Tips
- Parking: Most hotels offer free spots, but town parking is $4/hour on weekends
- No Car? The Daylesford Bus runs from Melbourne ($20 one-way)
- Bike Rentals: Cheaper way to explore than taxis
Spa Savings
- Public Bathhouse (45)vs.∗∗PrivateSpa∗∗(45)vs.∗∗PrivateSpa∗∗(150+)
- Off-Peak Soaks: 9AM or 5PM slots often discounted
- BYO Towel/Robe to avoid $15 rental fees
Food Budget Tips
- Sunday Market = Cheap local produce
- Pub Meals: The Farmers Arms (25mains) vs. finedining (25mains)vs. finedining (60+)
- Breakfast Included? Saves $25–40pp/day
Top 3 Money-Saving Strategies
- Book a "Room Only" Rate – Dine out at cheaper local cafes
- Stay 3+ Nights – Many hotels offer free night promotions
- Travel with Friends – Split costs on larger cottages
Daylesford rewards those who book like locals—early for festivals, last-minute for weekdays, and always with an eye on the hidden gems just beyond the main streets.
Extend Your Trip:
Daylesford Hotels: In Conclusion
Whether you're looking for cheap Daylesford hotels or luxury spa retreats, this charming town has something for every traveler. From budget-friendly motor inns to indulgent five-star stays, the key is booking early—especially during peak seasons.
Daylesford isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. The steam rising from mineral springs, the scent of pine forests, and the slow, soothing pace make it the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging on luxury, you’ll leave feeling refreshed.
If you have any questions, leave a comment below or send me a message!