Overall Bendigo placed twelfth on a list of top Victorian destinations for 2014, one spot above Melbourne.

Bendigo was also the fourth most searched for destination in the state online, behind Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong.

Trivago ranked the All Seasons Hotel on McIvor Road as the city’s best, edging out Best Western Crystal Inn in second and Alexandra Place Motel in third.

Barclay On View Motor Inn came in fourth, while the Hotel Shamrock placed fifth.

All Seasons venue manager Jeanine Cooke said she was pleasantly surprised to have taken out top spot.

"We always get good reviews, but to come number one was unexpected because it’s pretty tough out there at the moment," she said.

Ms Cooke also praised her staff for their commitment to customer service.

"It's a team effort here," she said.

Best Western Crystal Inn manager Trevor Thomas said the hotel’s second placing was excellent news.

“I’m very surprised, when you consider the amount of motels in Bendigo,” he said.

Mr Thomas credited the friendly approach and attention to detail of his staff for the hotel’s good showing.

“We have a no fuss approach to everything, people enjoy that,” he said.

He attributed Bendigo’s popularity as a holiday destination to its rich history and close proximity to Melbourne.

“Purely the history, there’s a huge history here,” he said.

Alexandra Place proprietor Phil Brown said an excellent location and ongoing quality of service had contributed to the hotel’s standing.

“It’s pleasing to hear that we’re third out of 30 something motels in Bendigo,” he said.

He also acknowledged the City of Greater Bendigo council’s role in attracting tourism to the region.

“The local Bendigo council does an extremely good job in coordinating and organising events and other attractions to the city,” he said.