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The Bed, The Bold & The Beautiful: Australia’s Most Stylish City Stays
Written by Ruby Staley
A well-styled hotel invites you to stay – an impeccably styled hotel ensures you have the best stay of your life.
So much of travel is about ease, comfort and convenience. But what about beauty? Appreciate the finer things and level up your city booking with a breathtakingly stylish stay that goes beyond the basics.
Experience a luxurious tropical stay worthy of celebrity status at QT Gold Coast or tap into your inner art connoisseur with a stay at Movenpick Melbourne on Spencer. From retro furniture to uber-modern layouts, hip laneways to historic architecture, these are Australia’s most stylish city hotels.
QT Gold Coast, Gold Coast
Dip your toes into vibrant Miami-styled luxury, minus the long-haul flight. Experience the pinnacle of sun-drenched sophistication with an elevated stay at QT Gold Coast, overlooking the iconic golden sands of Surfers Paradise. Vivid patterns artfully splash across floors and ceilings, from the pillowcases in the lobby to the eye-catching wallpaper, styled expertly alongside eclectic wooden furniture, vintage prints and geometric architectural touches. Contrasting the colourful interiors, the outdoor pool area is decorated in striped black and white monochrome from the tiles to the sun umbrellas.
Ovolo Laneways, Melbourne
Small but mighty: what Ovolo Laneways lacks in sheer size, it makes up for in creativity and character – tenfold. Cradled deep within Melbourne’s intricate criss-cross laneways, this hotel rivals the sophistication of neighbouring acclaimed restaurants and chic boutiques. Decorated in a uniquely retro, Memphis-inspired design, with futuristic finishings and soft, rounded shapes throughout, this hidden gem offers fashion-forward apartment accommodation with a difference. Stay for a night or a while – either way, you’ll be feeling like a Melbournian in no time.
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
Discover impeccable five-star luxury along Brisbane’s iconic James Street at The Calile Hotel, the Sunshine State’s most glamorous and stylish stay. Frequented by celebrities and influencers alike, the incredibly photogenic, retro-inspired boutique resort somehow looks even better than in the photos. Blushed with pastel tones, dotted with lush gardens and swaying palms, and finished with plush velvets and rich brass, the resort’s sleek, effortless style is further elevated by the star of the show: the green and blue-tiled pool that glimmers under the sun.
MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart
Located along Hunter Street, the incredibly polished waterfront MACq 01 Hotel welcomes guests into its ambient beauty. Rich and opulent in aesthetics, the historic destination goes beyond simply offering comfortable beds and elevated dining – it takes guests on a journey of storytelling. Bringing the characters of Tasmania’s storied past to life, the waterside hotel tells tales through its collection of antique displays and artworks decorating spacious rooms, each as visually stunning as they are culturally interesting.
Hotel Indigo, Adelaide
Treat your senses to a stimulating stay at Hotel Indigo, a paradise of coral hues and super soft furnishings, situated just next door to Adelaide’s historic Central Markets. Playful naïve-style graphics plaster the walls of many of the bright, spacious guest rooms. Soak in breathtaking vistas of the sparkling city from the comfort of one of the cosy cabanas lining the rectangular pool, tiled in a unique, geometric design that beautifully complements the modern art and soft circular lights.
COMO the Treasury, Perth
Where ultra-luxury meets familiar comforts, COMO the Treasury is a regular multi-award winner for good reason. One of Australia’s best luxury hotels, the boutique gem is currently rated the #1 hotel in Perth on Tripadvisor. Within its impeccably maintained red brick exterior, discover timelessly elegant design, classic furnishings, and contemporary creative lighting choices for a stylish stay. Beautiful and bold, the hotel is known to host design events and floral installations that exemplify the masterful styling of both the guest rooms and common areas.
Crystalbrook Flynn, Cairns
Sleek modern design with pockets of luxury around every corner, Crystalbrook Flynn’s sparkling interiors exist in harmony with the destination’s gloriously lush tropical surrounds. An oasis of contemporary and coastal touches. You’ll find coastal serenity in the subtlest of style choices, from the blue-shaded cushioning and rich marble panelling to the unique hatching details and geometric lighting, culminating in a striking space that was designed to be admired from up close.
Movenpick Melbourne on Spencer, Melbourne
A spectacle for all the senses, Movenpick Melbourne on Spencer champions impressive striped tiling, magnificent touches of marble and vivid velvet furnishings to cultivate a luxurious city centre stylish stay. Set within the futuristically designed and incredibly iconic Premier Tower, the acclaimed name in accommodation and rich chocolates pays homage to Melbourne’s exciting art scene by incorporating interesting art, funky furniture and expert styling to cultivate an irrepressibly cool atmosphere.
The Langham Gold Coast, Gold Coast
Looking more like a Dubai skyscraper than a traditional coastal getaway, The Langham Gold Coast dials up the glitz and glamour, with a trio of jewel-like towers glittering proudly against the Gold Coast skyline. The tallest tower features 169 elegant hotel rooms and 170 one- and two-bedroom Jewel residences, each with uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean or Hinterland, as well as three world-class restaurants and two glittering resort-style pools. Inspired by ‘Queenslander’ architecture, rooms, residences and restaurants feature delicate timber and ironwork detailing, as well as a huge emphasis on natural light, creating a sense of understated luxury that is synonymous with the iconic Langham brand.
Ardo Townsville, Townsville
Simple pleasures take on a new meaning at Townsville’s first five-star hotel, Ardo Townsville. The opulent haven takes true advantage of its location at the edge of the Coral Sea, with every aspect of the design showcasing its uninterrupted ocean views. Sprawling suites look out over the blue below, while a rooftop pool is perfectly perched for soaking up breathtaking sunset scenes. Two signature restaurants – Marmor and Terasu – plus an indulgent day spa are the final pieces of this picture-perfect puzzle, making for a lavish North Queensland escape.
The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo, Sydney
A 19th-century wool store has been transformed into one of Australia’s most eclectic designer hotels, sitting just a short stroll from Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour. At The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo, industrial features such as exposed brick walls and recycled timber are complemented by vibrant street art pieces, creating a contemporary and chic enclave in which to rest your head. An art-splashed attitude continues through the rooms, lofts and suites, as well as the neighbourhood wine bar, Mister Percy, with splashes of bright yellows, marble finishes and velvet green textures bringing it all together.
The Interlude, Melbourne
Ultra-luxury and a former prison don’t normally go hand-in-hand, but The Interlude isn’t your standard hotel. The opulent urban retreat found a home in the former Pentridge Prison in Melbourne’s creative north, combining its heritage past with jaw-dropping art, signature experiences and gastronomic delights. Converted bluestone cells – including Ned Kelly’s own – are now home to the city’s most unique wine bar, while below floor level lies a stunning candlelit pool.
Crystalbrook Albion, Sydney
A heritage building has been reimagined for the modern age with Crystalbrook Albion, a home-away-from-home in Sydney’s Surry Hills. Each room is a sanctuary of style, with curated artworks and bespoke furnishings, while communal spaces are quirky in their approach, with eye-catching wallpapers, a poetry wall and textures galore. Tipples come courtesy of an honour bar, while the garden rooftop couldn’t be better placed for panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline.
Looking for more luxurious inspiration? Here’s our roundup of Australia’s Best Luxury Lodges & Boutique Retreats.
