The 25 best luxury hotels in Australia right now

This little pocket of paradise in the heart of town is the latest addition to Byron’s collection of five-star hotel openings – and just months after its opening, Basq House was named among the world's 100 best new hotels for 2025. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the free-flowing property features plenty of communal spaces, including an eclectic lounge filled with board games, books, a bar and a fireplace, and a centrepiece magnesium pool inspired by a traditional Moroccan riad. Soak up the sun on comfy loungers by the pool, or retreat to one of 32 light-filled rooms. 

The rooms may be minimalistic and compact, but thanks to high ceilings and a breezy balcony, they feel spacious and airy. The blush-toned colour palette adds a soft, feminine touch, while a fully stocked mini-bar, linen bathrobes, luxe Mr Smith toiletries and a plush king bed make it the perfect setting for moments of intimacy or pure relaxation. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of complimentary snacks and coffee from the self-service bar, including free breakfast pastries and coffee.

Address: 4 Fletcher Ln, Byron Bay, NSW

Price: From $405 per night

This newcomer brings a new level of luxury to Byron Bay as the town’s first-ever five-star hotel. Hotel Marvell blends seamlessly into the natural beauty of the neighbourhood, located just a short five-minute stroll from the sandy shores of Main Beach. In sync with Byron’s tropical vibes, the 24-hour lobby welcomes you in with lush greenery, jungle-esque aesthetics and earthy tones. Design guru Harley Graham of Harley Graham Architects was in charge of the five-star fit-out, which flows into the 24 ultra-stylish hotel rooms and suites.

Each room is dressed to impress with Bemboka and Eddie bedding, premium Leif toiletries, Baina beach towels, a smart TV and a private balcony for that extra touch of luxe. You’ll have no trouble switching off for the night with high-tech block-out blinds and bedside touchscreen lights (which also light up by sensor if you take an after-dark trip to the loo). The mini-bar is well-stocked with sustainable sips and snacks for those midnight cravings, and your wake-up call comes in the form of a Nespresso coffee machine with pods by local roaster Zentveld’s Coffee. For drinks of the more boozy kind, head upstairs to Byron Bay’s first and only rooftop bar. Here, you can watch the sky transition from tranquil blue to bright orange while taking in the gentle coastal breeze and enjoying signature cocktails. 

Time Out tip: You may as well splash out with room service, poolside drinks and a dinner date at Byron Bay Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant. Located in the lobby, it’s the freshest addition to the boho town’s seafood-centric dining scene, channelling the energy of lively oyster bars in New England and New York. 

Address: 4 Marvell St, Byron Bay, NSW

Price: From $350 per night

The shiny, white-washed stone façade of Raes has been a fixture of Byron Bay’s sparkling, celeb-dotted Wategos Beach for 30 years. Over the decades, the luxury, seven-room hotel has played host to some of Australia’s most elite guests, including Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pink and Tom Cruise. While its waterfront location is the obvious drawcard – along with the secluded spa and freshly-caught seafood at Raes Dining Room – the hotel’s two penthouses are as good as luxury gets in NSW, with sunken baths, plump daybeds and multiple ocean-facing balconies. 

Raes Dining Room is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Byron Bay, and Australia, for that matter. A long lunch here, and getting that shot along the tiled staircase, is as synonymous with the beach town as the Lighthouse and the Hemsworth brothers. Here, the brief is modern Australian food with a Mediterranean touch. Think kangaroo 'tart-are', tomato tagliolini with coral prawns, local fish cooked in paperbark and lemon myrtle leaves, and a lemon meringue bombe for dessert. If you can't splurge on a stay, you should definitely splurge on lunch. And if you can't splurge because Raes is already fully booked (a common occurrence), instead, try for a night at Raes Guesthouses – their newest boutique resort, which opened in late 2024, just 100 metres from the OG hotel.  

Time Out tip: Be the very first in Australia to see the sunrise at Byron Bay’s famous Cape Byron Lighthouse. You're already halfway there, with the walking track from town conveniently passing by Raes. Once you reach the summit of Australia’s most easterly point, you can take in sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the wider Byron region. Pack your swimmers for a post-sunrise dip at Watego’s Beach and keep your eyes peeled in case you’re visiting during whale or dolphin season.

Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay, NSW

Price: $1,200 per night

Since opening in 1990, the Park Hyatt has played host to a steady stream of celebrities, heads of state and international jetsetters with money to burn. The carpets are so plush you’ll want to roll around on them like a dog – and the rooms are quiet, to the point they feel hermetically sealed. Each abode is vast but intimate, with every element thoughtfully curated – from the bespoke Le Labo amenities to the glittering glass cabinet and luxe minibar, stocked with locally-made spirits. 

The biggest selling point at the Park Hyatt (beyond the deluxe rooms and incredible view of the Sydney Opera House) is the heated rooftop pool. It welcomes guests from the early morning, with towels placed carefully on each of the sunbeds that line the pool and the harbour-facing spa. As hard as it is to pull yourself away from the sun-soaked rooftop, The Dining Room serves an exceptional buffet breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring Sydney's icons, which are all right on your doorstep. 

Time Out tip: Make sure you book in for a dining experience with one-hatted food and five-star views, at The Dining Room by James Viles.

Address: 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks, NSW

Price: From $900 per night

Live like royalty with a stay at one of Sydney’s newest luxe establishments, Capella Hotel. Taking over seven years, and costing an eye-watering $300 million dollars to refurbish, this luxury hotel is the latest of its kind to grace Sydney's streets in a long time. Occupying a historic sandstone building in the CBD, the overtly elegant space flaunts a curated fusion of art deco splendour, moody interiors and European charm with its long arched windows and plentiful marble touches. Bathe while you look out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, before dining like a modern-day Jay Gatsby under the soaring ceilings of the Parisian-inspired bistro, Brasserie 1930, downstairs.

The art inside this hotel is not to be skimmed over. Capella's wonderfully curated collection begins with Indigenous art in the Farrer Place lobby and continues with extravagant botanical arrangements blooming at McRae Bar. The pièce de résistance can be found at Aperture, the hotel’s grand central gathering space and old courtyard. The mesmerising robotic lighting installations hail from Studio Drift, all the way from the Netherlands. Other special features include a naturally-lit 20-metre indoor pool, a marble-trimmed spa, and Italian linen dressing the pillow-topped beds in the 192 meticulously designed rooms and suites. This is a Sydney staycation taken to the most luxurious level, and we're absolutely here for it. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of Capella’s dedicated 'Culturist' team, who can help you make the most of your stay in Sydney by curating a full itinerary of activities and events.

Address: 24 Loftus St, Sydney, NSW

Price: From $890 per night

For a taste of inner-city luxury, you can’t go past W Melbourne. The high-end hotel packs 294 guest rooms, 29 suites, a secret bar, a premium restaurant, a sun terrace, a next-level gym and a sexy top-floor pool into its Flinders Lane digs – and still manages to feel boutique rather than behemoth. Every detail at the W Melbourne has been carefully considered, meticulously placed and kept affectionately local. Its design takes inspiration from Melbourne’s laneway culture, with little nods to our city throughout the venue. From the wardrobes that look remarkably like Melbourne’s streetside kiosks to the street art-style works of a female affectionately called 'Mel' that adorn many of the hotel’s walls, you can tell this is a place that likes to have a bit of fun. 

Floor-to-ceiling windows feature in every room, as do colourful fixtures, Foxtel channels and king beds that lure you into a content slumber. But it’s the bathrooms that really impress: each room is fitted with a Japanese Toto toilet (yes, the ones with a bidet and heated seats!). There’s a fitness centre on level 14 alongside what might be the cherry on top of this entire hotel: a gorgeous, gold-roofed indoor pool with a poolside bar and a DJ booth. 

Time Out tip: Head to the indoor pool before 7am for a solo swim, and you might even see hot air balloons pass by the windows.

Address: 408 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, VIC

Price: From $385 per night

Opened in 2016, the QT Melbourne has made quite a splash in the city – its 188 rooms can be hard to come by, so if you’ve got your heart set on staying, book in advance. The handsome building has a grand entrance – all soaring ceilings, wood panels and marble. You’ll find a large selection of mostly digital art flickering throughout the hotel, and rooms have an orient-meets-Wall Street vibe, with timber floorboards, glamorous en suites and QT’s “please-don’t-make-me-get-up-I-don’t-want-to-get-up” gel-topped beds.

Book into a suite and you could find yourself in a freestanding bathtub, set on an enclosed pavilion overlooking one of Melbourne’s hipper rooftop bars. As far as people watching goes, it’s an extreme experience. This being a posh joint, you’ll find high-spec designer tech, free Wi-Fi and fresh new release movies, with valet parking, 24-hour room service and an on-site gym being the cherries on top of this fashionable Melbourne sundae.

Time Out tip: See eye-to-eye with Melbourne’s stunning skyline on the refurbed rooftop bar at QT, featuring private booths, a private lounge and an outdoor bar. 

Address: 133 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC

Price: From $303 per night

This cutting-edge, five-star hotel is what you might expect to find in New York's uber-hip Meatpacking District, not set among rolling hills and gently swaying vines of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. It's boutique, with only 45 rooms, featuring king-sized beds, rain showers, black stone baths and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can look out onto the gorgeous surrounding property. The staff are very attentive, showing you to your room and familiarising you with all the whiz-bang accoutrements and luxurious touches therein. Everything in the mini bar is included in your stay (with the exception of the wine), movies are free on demand, and an iPad is loaded with information about the hotel, a room-service menu, local points of interest and news websites.

Jackalope's amenities are pretty spectacular, too, with a 30-metre infinity pool and spa overlooking the vines and numerous function spaces. The Geode, a self-contained building next to the spa, hides a pretty cool secret: one half is a poolside bar, which is extremely popular in summer, particularly during summer weddings. The other half is a small massage room, with enough space for two tables and breathtaking views across the hills. 

Time Out tip: Of course, the hotel has world-class dining facilities to match its stunning accommodation. Its fanciest restaurant is the hatted Doot Doot Doot, which does an eight-course degustation featuring local produce, or there’s also the on-property winery and cellar door.

Address: LL Vineyard, 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, VIC

Price: From $599 per night

The three crystalline towers of the Langham Gold Coast are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. This modern, five-star resort, complete with a health club and day spa, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views, delivers an equally high-carat experience once you cross the threshold. When the Langham welcomed its first guests in June 2022, it marked the first luxury beachfront hotel debut on the Gold Coast in more than three decades. Almost two years later, it's still shining just as brightly as on day one.

The two outer towers house 170 ‘jewel residences’ (think luxury serviced apartments), and the tallest, central tower boasts 169 rooms and suites. Touches of blue in every room subtly highlight The Langham’s million-dollar seaside setting, with sweeping views maximised by the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows. When the sun comes out to play, head outside to the peaceful lagoon where you can move seamlessly from the water to the swim-up bar to the plush poolside lounges. If the weather is playing up – a rare occurrence on the GC – float upstairs to The Langham’s luxurious wellness centre on level two. Warm up in one of the steamy sauna rooms, drift away in the diamond-shaped indoor magnesium pool, or take a meditation class in the multi-purpose health studio. For an extra touch of luxury, visit the Chuan Spa for treatments inspired by centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine, including hot stone therapy, white clay facials, and mud wraps.

Time Out tip: While away the afternoon in ever-so-fancy luxury with The Langham’s famed high tea, which is served in their Palm Court overlooking the lagoon pool.

Address: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise, QLD

Price: From $495 per night

Retro resort vibes and luxury attention to detail combine at one of the Gold Coast's finest five-star hotels. Where the QT Gold Coast stands apart from its sister sites is its Miami-inspired pool deck, where guests can lie out under the clear blue Queensland sky on a sun lounger or seek shade in one of the classy cabanas while enjoying a refreshing drink from the Spring pool bar. The pool area is reserved for guests, but you can easily join the ranks by booking one of the hotel’s deluxe ocean or city view rooms or suites.

Major renovations in late 2019 have refreshed all of the hotel’s 293 rooms and suites, picking up flashes of the kaleidoscopic colours and yesteryear chic seen in the lobby, set against a crisp, white, beach-shack style complete with ‘Queensland beach house’ beds. Those in search of pampering can head to the QT’s signature SpaQ, which offers a range of beauty and relaxation treatments. But to really up the ante, flirt with the luxe life at the qtQT cabins. These rooftop beach-hut-inspired dwellings pair all the creature comforts of a five-star stay with a laid-back, secluded atmosphere, including complimentary board games, a fire pit and alfresco dining.

Time Out tip: For a more substantial feed, the QT’s flagship in-house fine diner, Yamagen, offers some of the best Japanese cuisine in the area. It also boasts the largest Japanese whisky collection in Australia, alongside cutting-edge cocktails and premium spirit flights. 

Address: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD

Price: From $289 per night

This swanky Brisbane stay was one of only two Aussie venues to make the World’s 50 Best Hotel list in 2024, nabbing a well-deserved 25th place. There’s a lot to love about the Calile, with its distinct architecture that perfectly marries curved concrete with pops of tropical lushness. Soak up the sun poolside with a refreshing smoothie, enjoy spanakopita and seafood at the sophisticated Hellenika restaurant, try an energetic session in the fitness centre with an in-house trainer, and later slow down at The Calile’s glamorous wellness spa.

On the sleep front, there are nine types of rooms and suites to tickle your fancy, ranging from an urban abode with a breezy Juliet balcony overlooking James Street, to a poolside room with day beds in the spacious living area, to a deluxe suite that screams "this is what dreams are made". Each room also features a locally sourced mini-bar, Nespresso machine, Chromecast television, and Dyson hairdryer and accessories. You can get all dolled up for a night on the town – aka Fortitude Valley – or within the James Street Precinct itself, at top restaurants like Gerard's Bistro or SK Steak and Oyster. 

Last year, The Calile unveiled plans to open a brand-new, five-star resort in Noosa – and we're sure it'll earn a spot on this list soon!

Time Out tip: Wake up early to nab yourself a beautiful cabana or daybed by the pool. It opens with the sun at 6am.

Address: 48 James St, Fortitude Valley, QLD

Price: From $431 per night

Anchored to Hobart’s buzzing waterfront precinct, this charming historic hotel was well worth the six-year wait. The original sandstone facade houses 152 rooms in three buildings of starkly different eras. You can pick from park-facing Heritage rooms with Georgian touches like vaulted doors and restored fireplaces overlooking the leafy St David’s Park; Pavilion suites that boast floor-to-ceiling window panes with views of the harbourfront and kunanyi / Mount Wellington (plus a 108-square-meter rooftop); and Art Deco rooms with bold colour palettes and decor that are regal in all their yesteryear glory. So if you’re after a spot of luxury, luxury is what you shall get.

The award-winning Tasman also delivers the goods via their adjoining eatery, Peppina – serving up divine Italian fare with the likes of house-made gnocchi, succulent braised meats, a selection of just-caught seafood and desserts to savour. It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Hobart, and you’d be silly to pass it up. The hotel’s central locale is hard to beat too, with Derwent Harbour, Salamanca Place, Battery Point and Hobart’s CBD on The Tasman’s doorstop.

Time Out tip: Make friends with The Tasman's chief concierge, James Nobleza, who is Tasmania’s only concierge certified by Les Clefs d'Or. Ask him to help curate your day exploring Hobart’s most captivating attractions.

Address: 12 Murray Street, Hobart, TAS

Price: Starting at $320 per night

This five-star hotel is easily the shining star of Hobart’s handsomely historic waterfront district. MACq 01 is proud to be Australia’s first ‘storytelling’ hotel and immerses you in its narrative from the moment you arrive. All of MACq 01’s 114 rooms and suites are named after a prominent Tasmanian personality, who tells the stories of Hobart’s colourful and distant past. Six on-site restaurants and bars have you spoiled for choice when hunger sets in, including one of Hobart’s best eateries, The Black Footed Pig – a Spanish-inspired tapas bar that’s sure to take you straight to flavourtown. Or hit the decked-out gym, if that’s more your thing. 

Book a premium waterfront suite to score one of the hotel’s famous third-floor private terraces, wood-panelled with sweeping wharf views and kitschy fake lawn. Leaving your room each day will be a chore. But if you do muster up the enthusiasm to venture out into the world, MACq01 is right in Hobart’s epicentre, meaning that perusing on foot is most certainly on the cards.

Time Out tip: If your room doesn’t have a water view, head to the hotel’s Story Bar for a sundowner. It’s got one of the best vantage points in Hobart.

Address: 18 Hunter Street, Hobart, TAS

Price: From $430 per night

Australia’s first dedicated art hotel delivers much more than just a place to crash from its optimal location on Hobart’s historic waterfront. Staying at Henry Jones is like staying at an art gallery, with 400 pieces of contemporary Tasmanian art displayed throughout the hotel lobby and suites. As you absorb the visual delights of Henry Jones, you can also wine and dine at one of the hotel’s two sophisticated restaurants –  Landscape and Jam Packed – each spotlighting Tasmania’s finest local produce, or settle in for a drink at the hotel’s intimate cocktail lounge, IXL Long Bar.

As for Henry Jones’ rooms and suites, they all underwent a facelift in 2018, so rest assured (and comfortably) knowing that you’re snoozing in sophisticated style. The dual-level Corporate Studio will get you by if you’re on a budget, and the Peacock Terrace awaits your splashing out. This particular room is the oldest standing building on Old Wharf and the original home of the Jam Factory founders. Expect a smooth blend between industrial coolness, timber allure and hand-cut stone walls, with red a common theme between the rooms. It’s the whole package at Henry Jones Art Hotel.

Time Out tip: Henry Jones runs guided art and history tours most days at 4pm. Tours are complimentary for in-house guests, and you’ll enjoy a glass of wine or beer as you hear the narrative of the site and its art unfold.

Address: 25 Hunter Street, Hobart, TAS

Price: From $225 per night

This swish, five-star boutique hotel in Adelaide has become the preferred choice of visiting rock stars and celebrities since its 2015 inception, and it's not hard to see why: the place just oozes bespoke luxury. The 170 stylish rooms feature custom-made mattresses and Hunter Lab Range toiletries, while the much-lauded Mayflower restaurant and two bars serve up Wedgwood crockery and Riedel and Waterford marque crystal glassware. The hotel even smells luxurious - it has a specially curated 'signature scent' inspired by Chanel perfume.

Located in the centre of the CBD where shopping strip Rundle Mall meets bar and dining strip Hindley Street, and just a short walk from Adelaide's cultural boulevard North Terrace, it's perfectly situated for exploring the city on foot. That's if you ever want to leave. 

Time Out tip: Head to the Hennessy Rooftop Bar (named for the original architect of the 1930s heritage-listed building, not the cognac beloved by hip-hop stars) and try a Honey Trap cocktail – it's made with honey collected from the hotel's own rooftop hives of Ligurian bees. It’s one of the best rooftop bars in Adelaide, and you’d be all out of luck if you don’t give it a suss.

Address: 45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA

Price: From $189 per night

Play and stay to your heart’s content at this boutique, Art Nouveau-inspired hotel in the heart of Adelaide’s arts, cultural and entertainment precinct. The Playford facade is a North Terrace icon, recognisable for its curving balconies, vine-etched frontage and a row of burgundy umbrellas that line the street. All rooms and suites were designed to be timeless, featuring plush bathrobes and slippers, luxury Appelles amenities, heated towel rails and a customisable pillow menu at your fingertips.

Guest parking and 24-hour access to the health club, including a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, earn The Playford bonus points, as does its award-winning Luma Restaurant and Bar. Having undergone renovation in 2023, you can rest assured that The Playford is as fresh as can be and decked out with all the modcons for a more than pleasant stay.

Time Out tip: Start your morning with a creamy latte and a pastry from Luma Restaurant and Bar. The pastries are baked fresh daily using local South Australian ingredients and can be delivered straight to your door for the ultimate breakfast in bed.

Address: 120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA

Price: From $249 per night

For a true five-star experience, you can’t go past one of Australia’s oldest and most treasured hotels. The Hyatt Canberra has been a home away from home to rock stars, royals and politicians for almost 100 years, with the property celebrating its centennial year in 2024. Nostalgia echoes throughout the heritage-inspired setting and perfectly manicured gardens, with attentive service making it all feel like you’re officially Canberran royalty.

The 230 Art Deco rooms are spacious, private and exceedingly clean, which is exactly what you’d expect from a Hyatt property. The generous marble bathrooms are a standout (especially the deep bathtubs), but if that isn’t voluminous enough for your liking, take a dip in the Hyatt’s 15-metre indoor heated pool, followed by a session in the spa and sauna, of course. Don’t you dare skip breakfast, either. The Hyatt’s Promenade Café puts on an impressive buffet spread with all the fixings, while The Tea Lounge lets you live out your bygone dreams, and Speaker’s Corner Bar invites you to stay for a good time and warm time with their open fireplace in the winter – and lord knows that’s a necessity for those cool Canberra nights.

Time Out tip: If you’re all about location, location, location, it’s hard to overlook the Hyatt and its central location, with Lake Burley Griffin and lush gardens right on the doorstep.

Address: 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT

Price: From $280 per night

Expect nothing but five-star service at Crystalbrook Riley in Cairns. This all too dreamy, waterfront hotel is the perfect place for some fun in the sun (but the luxe adult edition). The property houses 311 coastal-chic rooms and suites, with views of the city lights, lagoon or ocean. All your needs (even some you didn't know you had) are taken care of with your choice of an uber-comfortable king bed or two king singles, a spacious balcony, a 55" HD Smart TV, complimentary movies, a Nespresso machine, mini-bar, rainforest shower and baths in selected rooms. 

Stake your claim by the 1,000-square-metre swimming lagoon with a man-made beach, sip on Piña Coladas at the Calypso Club, and leave your worries behind with a couples massage at Eléme Spa. The Crystalbrook Riley is also within walking distance to the main marina in Cairns, which is the perfect gateway to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Time Out tip: Plan a romantic getaway by booking Crystalbrook Riley’s Panoramic Sea View Room, which offers unspoiled views of the Coral Sea from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Address: 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City, QLD

Price: From $266 per night

Named after the striking white, sail-shaped awnings that shade the property, Sails in the Desert is the only five-star hotel at Ayers Rock Resort – the major complex housing all the accommodation, shops and restaurants, just a ten-minute drive from Uluru. Sails makes a fantastic first impression with its complimentary airport transfers, but that initial impression only gets better as you step inside the lobby. The first thing guests encounter here is Mulgara Gallery, the hotel’s stunning Aboriginal art space and gift shop. Vibrant dot paintings and glassworks shimmer in the sun, beautifully contrasting with the earthy tones and Indigenous patterns woven into the hotel’s carpet, dotted on its cushions and splashed across its walls. 

As the most premium offering at Ayers Rock Resort, Sails in the Desert houses 228 stylish rooms and suites, blending modern comforts with outback charm. The room’s natural tones are a nod to the desert landscape just beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, and are complemented by colourful Indigenous artwork and textures inspired by local Anangu creation stories. You can lounge by the pool under the shade of gum trees, relax at the onsite Red Ochre Spa, go for a round of cocktails at the sun-kissed Pira Pool Bar, or enjoy native-infused omelettes at Ilkari Restaurant. 

Time Out tip: One of the standout perks of staying at Sails in the Desert is the full suite of free activities available to all Ayers Rock Resort guests. From bush food and didgeridoo demonstrations to garden tours and ‘bush yarn’ storytelling sessions, these experiences offer a deeper connection to Indigenous culture.

Address: 163 Yulara Dr, Yulara, Uluru, NT

Price: From $510 per night