Best Luxury Hotels in Australia

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is a luxurious, waterside haven with the essence of French influence present in design and feel. There are 590 luminous guestrooms and suites boasting spectacular views of the harbour, Jones Bay, and the city from floor-to-ceiling windows. The award-winning Atelier by Sofitel serves a range of French culinary experiences made with locally sourced produce while anything from coffee and croissants to tantalising tipples can be found at the elegant on-site establishments – Le Rivage Pool Bar, Champagne Bar, Lumière on Thirty Five, and Esprit Noir Lobby Bar. This sophisticated hotel is an ideal location for hosting your dream wedding but especially for conducting business – with the International Convention Centre just across the street and a wide range of meeting and event spaces on offer. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour also features state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities including a fitness centre complete with Peloton Bikes and a towering infinity pool.

Ace Hotel Sydney offers unique accommodation in Surry Hills with modern and casual interior design in a great location – on the edge of the Central Business District. There are plenty of comfortable options when it comes to guestrooms and suites including the option of a luminous terrace or the spacious Loft Suite. Guests can choose between a selection of excellent dining and bar options from – LOAM, Good Chemistry, The Lobby cocktail bar and the spectacular rooftop restaurant, Kiln. The hotel is also home to a number of meeting and event spaces for any occasion from a boardroom conference to a grandiose wedding day – the team are on hand to help with organisation and offer group bookings. Ace Hotel Sydney is within walking distance form Hyde Park and a short distance from Central Station to make getting around and exploring Sydney convenient and comfortable.

With vistas from private balconies overlooking Sydney Harbour from the glistening Circular Quay or the verdant Royal Botanic Gardens, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has plenty on offer to enhance guests’ experience in the stunning city. Each of the 5-star hotel’s luxurious 1- and 2-bedroom suites offer modern comfort, splendid views, and are fully equipped – making guests feel at home with chic lounge areas, kitchen, and laundry facilities. The hotel is located metres from the iconic Sydney Opera House and The Rocks and nearby public transport options open a world of possibilities, allowing guests to explore and discover Sydney. Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour offers meeting and event spaces complete with state-of-the-art technology and exquisite catering options. Guests are also welcome to a premium dining experience at Q-Dining while Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar & Lounge offers an elegant space to relax and indulge in signature cocktails and South American inspired dishes. 

W Sydney, a new luxury hotel set in the distinctive Ribbon structure over Darling Harbour, is designed by the renowned Australian firm Hassell and features interiors by Bowler James Brindley. The design reflects Sydney’s maritime heritage with nautical-themed rooms, and its larrikin spirit seen in vibrant and unconventional spaces like the Living Room, which is reimagined as a social hub with electric blue décor and nest-like seating. The hotel offers 588 marine-inspired guestrooms, including 162 suites, and embraces a ‘Future Noir’ theme across various spaces. W Sydney enhances the local dining and nightlife with its four new venues, including BTWN which features local produce and a late-night dessert bar in collaboration with Janice Wong. Additional amenities include the AWAY Spa for relaxation, a well-equipped FIT Gym, and the WET Deck for poolside leisure, all contributing to the hotel’s dynamic and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates Sydney’s energetic culture.

Smack bang in the middle of Brisbane’s busy CBD (central business district) Amora is a recently renovated upmarket hotel which appeals to business travellers, couples and families alike. Light and spacious with little clutter to detract from its pure design, it has 296 guest rooms of which the top, fourteenth floor offer balcony suites. The Dapl restaurant offers hearty but refined modern Australian cuisine and is a must-try for any guest.

Standing proud on the edge of Brisbane’s central business district (CBD) and the city’s twisting, eponymous river, The W cuts a slick sail against the rest of its neighbouring corporate buildings. Inside, the W is vibrant, snazzy and energetic, with a design unashamedly inspired by pop art sensibilities. Rooms range from ‘Wonderful’, ‘Marvelous’ and ‘Fantastic’ to suites which up the ante from‘Wow’ to ‘Extreme wow’ – all of which easily describe a typical stay here.

The Motley Hotel, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, embodies Melbourne’s creative spirit with bold design, artistic touches, and a deep connection to the city’s heritage. Built on the historic Federation Terraces of Bridge Road, it honours the legacy of seamstress Ms. Mary Parker. Offering 80 bespoke rooms inspired by Melbourne’s arts scene, the hotel blends historical charm with modern comforts. Guests enjoy offsite gym access, room service, and exclusive local packages. Dining is a highlight, with Ms Parker serving refined dishes celebrating Melbourne’s seasonal produce, while Threads Rooftop Bar offers craft cocktails with skyline views. A favourite among locals, The Motley Hotel delivers a stylish, immersive Melbourne experience.

A bold, colourfully lit facade meets guests arriving at the Adelphi, a palette that continues inside, along with quirky artwork and installations. Its heated, year-round cantilever rooftop pool on level 9 is a highlight for many visitors, conducive to some swoon-worthy holiday snaps. Attention to detail is a big deal here; from the personalised welcome notes in each room to the luxurious linens and bath products. Take advantage of bespoke experiences, such as gin-making sessions and private cinema screenings. The Adelphi, a design hotel, is located in the central business district of Melbourne.

Four Seasons Sydney caters to guest’s needs with 531 accommodations and a wide range of options available – 7 unique guest rooms, 8 suites, and 4 accessible room types are on offer. Each of the spacious, contemporary rooms in this 5-star luxury escape offer awe-inspiring views from expansive windows of the city’s skyline or the iconic harbour. The hotel is a stone’s throw from The Rocks and Circular Bay and offers views of Sydney’s iconic landmarks. There are plenty of exquisite dining establishments and the option of room service, 24 hours a day. A luxurious array of indulgent spa treatments is available at Endota Spa for a tranquil experience. In the heart of the city’s Central Business District, Four Seasons Sydney is the ideal location for hosting sophisticated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events for up to 900 persons, as well as unforgettable celebrations from intimate gatherings to lavish weddings.

Chippendale is a nice choice for a stay in Sydney, being only 5 minutes away from the city centre. It’s also home to the Old Clare Hotel, a luxury conversion from two historic buildings. Previously a brewer’s headquarters, today its heritage features come together in a 62-room boutique hotel with style and character. Look out for the soaring ceilings, exposed brick and amazing lighting installations – all different in every room. You’re spoiled for choice for dining options including Kensington St. Social from star British chef, Jason Atherton. There is a rooftop pool but is under renovation so check the website for updates. There’s a gym if you want to work out or head out into the city on the bikes available to rent.

If you want to feel indulged in your stay in Sydney, choose the Langham. First off, it’s in The Rocks so ideally located, and second, the rooms are among the largest in the city. You’ll instantly relax in the muted pastel décor which includes a king-sized bed even in the cheapest rooms; the best have terraces with views of West Harbour. The hotel is a complete charm with an art collection curated by Sotheby’s, bespoke furniture, and elaborate floral arrangements. There is an over-pervading (but beautiful) sense of pink – there’s even a pink vintage car to take you on tours. There’s a lavish underground spa, health club, stunning indoor heated pool, and tennis courts for some energetic release. Dining options are terrific and it’s simply de rigour to have an afternoon cocktail in the Palm Court.

Despite only having 31 rooms, there’s a lot going on in the Establishment so if you’re looking for a quiet stay, this hotel is not your best choice. Previously a department store dating to 1890, the building is in a discreet street 5 minutes from Circular Quay. More like an entertainment venue than a hotel, the rooms interconnect with three restaurants, three bars and a nightclub. Rooms are either dark or light with exposed brick walls, parquetry floors, contemporary furnishings and great technology including unlimited Netflix. Dining options range from fine dining to sushi to bar snacks. If you don’t want to head out in the evening, there’s food and drink aplenty as well as the call of the bright lights of the nightclub.