Great — here are curated picks in Melbourne that work especially well for independent (solo or self‑directed) travellers, grouped by budget/style with a one-line reason and a reliable source you can check.

Budget / social (hostels & hybrid)

• YHA Melbourne Central — central CBD location, rooftop, communal kitchen and regular social events (good for meeting people). (yha.com.au)
• Space Hotel — hybrid capsule/hostel with rooftop, cinema and good solo‑traveller facilities close to the State Library. (booking.com)
• Bounce / Little Drifter (CBD) or Nomads St Kilda — lively, well‑rated hostels in different neighbourhood vibes (CBD vs beachside St Kilda). Good value and social programming. (hostelworld.com)

Aparthotels / mid‑range (best if you want a kitchenette/laundry)

• Pegasus Apart’Hotel (Flagstaff/Queen Vic Market area) — apartment studios with kitchens and often good longer‑stay value. (oyster.com)
• Adina Apartment Hotel (Southbank / on Flinders, multiple locations) — apartment rooms, great for independent travellers who want self‑catering and easy access to arts/riverfront. (adinahotels.com)
• The Jazz Corner Hotel — apartment‑style rooms, on‑site jazz venue (Bird’s Basement) and Flagstaff transport links — handy, quieter side of the CBD. (jazzhotelmelbourne.com)

Boutique / design (more independent‑friendly but still social)

• Ovolo Laneways (Ovolo Laneways by Ovolo) — quirky boutique, central laneway location, freebies and a friendly vibe that suits solo travellers who like character. (expedia.com.au)
• QT Melbourne — design‑led boutique with a lively rooftop and bars — great if you want to meet locals/other travellers while staying central. (qthotels.com)
• Adelphi / Art Series hotels (if you want creative, Instagram‑friendly stays in Flinders Lane/Fitzroy) — stylish bases for exploring laneways, cafés and galleries. (thetimes.co.uk)

Quick neighbourhood guidance

• CBD / Flinders Lane / Federation Square — easiest base for first‑timers: museums, trams, food laneways.
• Fitzroy / Collingwood — artsy, cafés, vintage shops; great for independent travellers who like bars and street art.
• St Kilda — beach vibe, live music and a younger/backpacker scene.
  (See hostel & neighbourhood notes above for links to properties in each area.) (hostelworld.com)

Fast practical tips for independent travellers

• Use the Free Tram Zone in the CBD to save money and move easily around the centre. (yha.com.au)
• If you want to meet people, choose hostels or hotels that advertise communal kitchens, rooftop/ bars or organized events (YHA, Space, Bounce, Ovolo). (yha.com.au)
• Book early around big events (e.g., Australian Open, Grand Prix) — prices and availability tighten. (trip.com)
• Check whether your room has a kitchenette/laundry if you plan a longer stay — that often makes solo travel cheaper and more flexible. (oyster.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this to a specific neighbourhood (CBD vs Fitzroy vs St Kilda),
• Give a short shortlist with price ranges and exact addresses, or
• Pull current nightly rates/availability for your travel dates.

Which would you prefer?