Time Out Australia Travel Awards 2026: Best Affordable Stay Nominees

There is magic in both the old and new, and the secret is to find a way to unite the two. Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane has done exactly that with its beautifully restored heritage-listed building, constructed almost a century ago. Over four years, the incredibly caring Adina team transformed the former George Street banking chamber into a grand 220-room hotel. The ground floor strikes the perfect balance of cool and classic, celebrating the building’s Art Deco origins with chequered marble floors, timber doorways and glistening chandeliers. As you ascend to your abode – ranging from studios to one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments – you’ll find all the modern comforts of home. The pièce de résistance is the premier balcony rooms, which boast views of the Brisbane River just a short stroll away. 

Just a hop, skip and a jump (actually, more like just a hop) from Perth’s Cultural Centre in Northbridge, this independent stay is one of Perth's best budget-friendly bases for exploring its vibrant arts scene, with heaps of trendy drinking and dining spots just a short stroll away. Inside, the hotel leans into clever sustainable practices – think sprawling indoor greenery, farm-to-table ingredients and eco-friendly amenities. It's incredibly easy to make yourself at home in the communal lounge with complimentary morning coffee and pastries. You'll also love the lazy midday check-out, free bicycles, stellar rooftop terrace and adjoining Shadow Bar & Kitchen.

This sleek hotel sits right in the heart of the CBD, a short stroll from the main retail centre, Constitution Dock, Salamanca Place, plus all the waterfront restaurants, galleries and markets that make this city tick. Our absolute favourite part? The view from the rooms. As one of the tallest buildings around (eight levels of rooms), the floor-to-ceiling windows serve up views of the harbour, the hills beyond and the beautiful heritage architecture. Inside, the rooms are flooded with natural light and fitted with comfy beds, a work desk, a big flat-screen television, a little bar fridge, a rainfall shower, a quick-to-respond air temperature control, tea-making facilities and more. 

Anyone who still bangs on about Canberra being boring clearly hasn’t checked into the East Hotel. Located smack bang in the centre of arguably Canberra’s trendiest suburb, Kingston, this moody 140-room property is perfect for a family getaway. Though playful in spirit, East Hotel doesn’t play around when it comes to your hotel experience. The lobby, with its vibrant colours, mismatched textures, and ambient lighting, breaks the mould of the typical ‘design hotel’. Check in after 5pm and you’ll be greeted with a lively buzz as laughter and chatter spill out from its top-notch restaurants and bars.

Situated in the heart of the city on Flinders Lane, guests come here for the vibes, without a doubt. This incredible 29-story hotel knows how to turn heads with its Instagrammable room decor, comprised of contemporary decor and vibrant, eye-catching colour schemes that put you in a sunny mood if that's even a thing (we guess it is now)! The bells and whistles continue at the indoor rooftop pool, offering fabulous views as you lap up your calming surroundings. On top of this, Quincy serves all-day refreshments to help you refuel in between sightseeing and shopping, laundry services, a bar lounge and an energetic dining experience at the on-site restaurant.

When they tell you it’s a vibe, it really is. This CBD hotel is the perfect launchpad for exploring the city’s major landmarks – Rundle Mall, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Central Market and Botanic Gardens – or for a staycation during Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide. The contemporary abodes are easy on the eyes with beige tones and timber decor, and natural light spills through each room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to gaze out towards the rolling Adelaide Hills or bright city lights below. Pack swimmers for a dip in the suspended outdoor pool (it’s an actual bridge linking two high-rises), work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym and enjoy a delightful alfresco dinner on-site at Storehouse Flinders East, which is popular with locals and holiday-makers alike.