Book That Annual Leave And Check Into Australia’s Best Hotels
We hope you enjoyed your stay
By Morgan Reardon | 23rd March 2022Looking to plan your next vacay? Australia’s hotel scene is some of the best, thanks to their stunning designs, top-notch service, luxurious poolside views, and award-winning eateries. Almost sounds too good to be true, right?!
No matter which state you’re visiting, we’ve plucked the very best hotels across our country out for you to book (ASAP), and get the blissed-out getaway you deserve.
Hand in that annual leave, these are Australia’s best hotels.
Queensland
Crystalbrook Vincent | Howard Smith Wharves
Perched on the edge of the super trendy Howard Smith Wharves, you’re only steps away from some of Brisbane’s best bars and restaurants when booking a room at the Crystalbrook Vincent. Bold, moody, and oh-so-sexy, the boutique hotel is filled with over 500 pieces of art and a rooftop pool that offers one of the best views of Brisbane you’ll ever see.
The Calile Hotel | Fortitude Valley
If you’re looking for one of the most talked about, most ‘grammed hotels in not just Queensland but all of Australia, then it’s time to check into The Calile Hotel. Awash with a dreamy palette of pistachio, peach, and marble, these uber chic boutique digs will transport you straight from your chaotic abode to the far more glamorous vibes of Europe. At The Calile the pool is where you’ll want to base yourself – and get in early to secure that sweet spot! Sip margis and order tasty Greek eats from award-winning restaurant Hellinka straight to your cabana, all while you soak up all of the good vibes and hella good times.
Hotel X | Fortitude Valley
A sanctuary of luxury located in the beating heart of Brisbane, Hotel X is you’ll want to base yourself if you’re looking to lap up the city’s amazing nightlife. As well as offering a pillow menu and boujee mini bar in your stylish room, the hotel also boasts a swanky rooftop pool (perfect for the ‘gram) and Bisou Bisou, a drool-worthy French restaurant.
The Inchcolm By Ovolo | Spring Hill
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there is much to discover at The Inchcolm. Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s and located in a stunning neo-Georgian property, this boutique hotel is known for its impeccable style, unexpected heritage, and touch of mystery. Just make sure you block out your diary from 5:30pm each day—The Incholm hosts a free martini hour in their swanky bar. Cin cin!
QT Gold Coast | Surfers Paradise
Setting a new standard for boutique hotels, QT Gold Coast boasts a fun and playful interior. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, you can take advantage of the proximity of beaches and restaurants nearby, or laze in a cabana at their Palm Springs-inspired pool club. Pro tip: come hungry to their award-winning breakfast buffet, then slink on over to their onsite luxury spa for the ultimate ‘treat yo’self’ vacay.
The Darling | Broadbeach
Oozing grandeur, class and luxury, The Darling is without a doubt one of the best boutique hotels in Australia. With decadently furnished suites, a rooftop infinity pool, and access to award-winning restaurants like Kiyomi—do yourself a favour and book a weekender at these opulent digs.
Crystalbrook Riley | Cairns
If you’re making your way to Queensland’s stunning tropical north, then base yourself at Crystalbrook Riley by the sugar-white sand fringed lagoon. Overlooking the Coral Sea, the 1000sqm pool is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Order a cocktail straight to your sun lounger and achieve peak holiday mode.
New South Wales
The Old Clare Hotel | Chippendale
Easily one of Australia’s best boutique hotels, The Old Clare boasts a rich history and stunning architecture. Cosy meets luxurious in their suites, with polished wooden floors, exposed brick feature walls, and decadent furnishings taking centre stage. With a rooftop pool, uber cool bar, and a 1pm check out time, it’s the little extras here that make it so special.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel | Watsons Bay
Enjoy stunning Harbour views and delicious tipples at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Ride a custom bike for the day and explore the postcard perfect neighbourhood, or take up paddle boarding and see the Harbour up close. If you’re after a blissful weekend, this is the destination for you.
Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour | Pyrmont
Free breakfast, happy hour, and an in-room mini bar filled with tasty snacks—what else could you want from one of Sydney’s best boutique hotels? Boasting vibrant colours and bold art, the perks here are extra special. Oh, and PSA: these digs are dog-friendly.
Bannisters | Port Stephens
Looking for a coastal escape? Then Bannisters Port Stephens is where you want to be. The 78-room boutique hotel is all about luxury 70s vibes with a cool coastal edge. With an infinity pool, bush and bay views, and an award-winning Rick Stein restaurant on site, you’ll never want to leave.
Osborn House | Bundanoon
Setting a new standard in the Southern Highlands, Osborn House is a one-of-a-kind getaway. Opening their doors at the start of 2022, the 22-room bespoke accommodation, food, and wellness offerings amid lush gardens and forest settings are like something from a fairytale. Be some of the first to experience this too-good-to-be-true stay.
Halcyon House | Cabarita Beach
Boasting stunning beach views, hatted restaurant Paper Daisy and a luxurious spa, Halcyon House is absolutely one of the best boutique hotels in Australia. Here the gorgeous ocean views are just as beautiful as the rooms, all designed by the incredible Anna Spiro—don’t be surprised if you find yourself redecorating your home to look like this.
The Bower | Byron Bay
Laid back vibes meets effortless style at The Bower. This palm-tree filled lush oasis is just a short stroll from Byron’s main hub, but will feel like a world away from any of life’s stresses. The monochrome rooms feature one-off artworks and designer furniture, but the pool and garden bar is where you’ll want to spend your days.
Raes on Wategos | Byron Bay
Perched right on the shores of Byron Bay’s Wategos beach, Raes is the height of a seaside luxury stay. With two penthouse suites and five additional rooms, plus their five-star restaurants and cellar door, Raes omits the perfect blend of contemporary interior design and straight-off-the-sand holiday vibes we could all use a dose of.
Victoria
Adelphi Hotel | Melbourne
Looking for one of Victoria’s best boutique hotels? Adelphi Hotel could be your pick. Take a stroll through their enchanting hotel, made up of swinging chairs, a famous rooftop bar, and an award-winning basement restaurant—just save room for their iconic take on high tea.
Quincy Hotel | Melbourne
Located on Flinders Lane in the heart of Melbourne, this boutique hotel is filled with colourful rooms (eye-popping pink, green, and gold), modern furniture, and the most comfortable beds, complete with boujee pillow menu. Quincy is also home to not one but three dining experiences—The Salted Egg, The Q, and SingSong, so come hungry.
Jackalope | Mornington Peninsula
Taking you straight to Tuscany (minus the airfare), Jackalope is nestled amongst vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula. With moody lighting and dark timber, the space oozes elegance with a side of cheeky fun. Packed with a multi-million dollar art collection, infinity pool overlooking the winery, and fine dining restaurant Doot Doot Doot on site, it’s the perfect place for your next getaway.
The Prince Hotel | St Kilda
Step away from the bustling CBD of Melbourne and take a short tram ride over to St Kilda to these incredible digs. The Prince Hotel makes for a luxurious and unforgettable stay. If you’re a lover of good food, be sure to visit their restaurant, Prince Dining Room. Need a reboot? Relax and unwind at the Aurora Spa and indulge in all things peaceful.
South Australia
Hotel Indigo | Adelaide
With copper accents, raw brick archways, and a perfectly pink restaurant, say hello to Hotel Indigo, South Australia’s coolest boutique hotel. Located right in the centre of Adelaide, this brand new hotel features a banging rooftop bar and restaurant, Merrymaker (and yes, the city views are epic), plus on the ground floor you’ll find Market & Meander Bar and Eatery—this pink paradise was made for the ‘gram.
Kingsford Homestead | Gawler
If you were a fan of McLeod’s Daughters, you might recognise Kingsford Homestead. Located on the edge of the scenic Barossa Valley, this boutique hotel doubled as the set for the hit Aussie series. Now you can take in the beautiful views from your suite and enjoy all of that rural charm and fresh country air. Ahh, the serenity!
Kangaroo Beach Lodges | De Mole River
Situated between an old farmyard and an isolated cove, at Kangaroo Beach Lodges you can explore the local scenery by morning and the cave rocks by noon, and end the day zenning out at your very own secluded beach. Did someone say wine? You can have the best tipples the region has to offer delivered right to your door.
Australian Capital Territory
Ovolo Nishi | Canberra
Love the buzz of people? Ovolo Nishi has it all! Only a few steps away from your door, you can explore the Nishi Gallery, Palace Electric Cinema, and a vast selection of restaurants with delicious dishes to choose from. Our favourite? The 1920s-inspired Parlour Wine Room.
Little National | Canberra
Featuring compact but uber stylish rooms with four-poster king beds, floor to ceiling windows, and a monochrome colour palette, the Little National in Canberra is one of the capital city’s best boutique hotels. And the best bit? They’re filled with sweet perks like a mini bar, free movies, and luxury spa products.
Western Australia
Alex Hotel | Perth
Designed by locals, the Alex Hotel creates a home-like experience for any traveller, whether you’re flying solo or with the family. Relax by the Lobby Espresso Bar & Lounge, indulge at the Mezzanine Breakfast Bar, or step out to the rooftop terrace for city views.
Hougoumont | Fremantle
Despite its size, Fremantle is home to a bunch of beautiful boutique hotels, case in point—Hougoumont. Built using innovative sea container construction, the hotel consists of Cabin and State rooms, all decked out with modern luxuries like Nespresso coffee machines, cloud-like beds, and Appelles Apothecary toiletries. You can even personalise the minibar before you arrive. But the best bit? Complimentary wine and cheese in the Lobby Lounge and courtyard daily.
Warders Hotel | Fremantle
Housed in a historic, limestone cottage next to the famous Fremantle Markets, the Warders Hotel will give you a slice of Perth’s history laced with luxury. While you’ll be tempted to stay in your room (accented with beautiful original timber and stonework), be sure to venture into the charming courtyard restaurant, Emily Taylor, for tasty asian fusion cuisine.
Mangrove Hotel | Broome
Escape to paradise in Broome at one of Western Australia’s best boutique hotels. This beachside escape is decked out in cool coastal furnishings that celebrate its stunning surroundings. Pro tip: Do yourself a favour and book the Ocean Suite with panoramic views of Roebuck Bay. It’s got a huge king bed, gorgeous freestanding tub, BOSE music system, Nespresso machine and much more.
Samphire Rottnest | Rottnest Island
For an unforgettable island stay like no other, visit the newly opened Samphire on Rottnest Island. Absolute beachfront and with a minimalist-white aesthetic, grab a bike from this boutique hotel and ride around the island, dipping your toes into the alluring turquoise sea that surrounds it.
Northern Territory
Longitude 131 | Yulara
Ever wanted to see Uluru up close? At Longitude 131, you’ll wake up to jaw-dropping views from your personal luxury tent or dune pavilion—it’s a total ‘pinch me’ moment. Celebrating native ingredients, on site restaurant, Table 131, offers the finest contemporary Australian cuisine. Post meal, take a dip in your private pool and bliss out to the sound of the outback. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in the Northern Territory—this is it.
Bamurru Plains | Kakadu
Situated just west of Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains allows up to 20 guests to enjoy exclusive access to the amazing rivers and plains. Spot crocs from the riverboat and wallabies from an open-top safari—that’s just some of the bucket list experiences you can have here.
Tasmania
MACq 01 | Hobart
This boutique hotel can be found on the stunning Hobart waterfront. With each room named after a famous Tasmanian (from inventors to villains), rich history runs through every element of this luxe hotel. Head to the Story Bar for live music and cocktails in the evening, down oysters in the cosy Lounge filled with incredible art, and go for a post-feed tipple at Evolve Spirits Bar, which will transport you back to the speakeasy era.
Saffire Freycinet | Coles Bay
Enjoy views overlooking Great Oyster Bay in your luxury suite, or take things up a notch with one of their private pavilions at Saffire. You’ll fall in love with the private dining area, plunge pool, and deck too, it’s the stuff holiday dreams are made of. All suite packages include breakfast, lunch, dinner and a complimentary mini bar with lounge beverages to choose from, too.
Pumphouse Point | Lake St Clair
A hotel overlooking a dreamy lake—is this Tasmania’s best boutique hotel? Yes, yes it is. Pumphouse Point features three levels of stunning suites, peaceful lounge areas and a help-yourself bar. Why not take a nature walk and enjoy the beautiful views? Or if you’re up for an adventure, there are a range of overland tracks to choose from.
Mona Pavilions | Berriedale
Experience breathtaking views from the comfort of your suite at Mona Pavilions located alongside the famous gallery. Each room is named after an influential Australian artist or architect, and the hotel also features pieces from the Mona collection. Everything about this boutique hotel is enchanting, from museum cafes, to suites tucked away in the trees.
Love these luxe stays? Peruse our list of the best weekend escapes in Brisbane and beyond here.
