Victoria has no shortage of incredible places to stay – from glittering city palaces to charming farmstays and playful revamped motels. And while we all have our favourites, it’s always interesting to hear what global travellers think about our local hotels. Earlier this month, the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards – the world’s longest-running and most prestigious travel awards – were announced. More than 750,000 travellers voted in the 38th edition, and two Melbourne properties ranked among the top ten favourite stays in Australia and New Zealand.
The two Victorian hotels featured in the top ten are both city stays, with the Langham claiming third place and last year’s number one property, the Ritz-Carlton, close behind in fourth. The Langham is at the grand, traditional end of the hotel spectrum, featuring chandeliers, signature lobby florals, marble bathrooms with generous-sized tubs and pops of signature Langham pink. Meanwhile, at 80 storeys, the Ritz-Carlton is the tallest hotel in the country, boasting 257 stylish rooms, an infinity pool, regionally-inspired spa packages and fine dining experiences.
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Claiming the crown as Australia’s best hotel for 2025 is Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland, scoring an almost perfect 99.67. Under the lush and leafy canopy of the Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, this ‘hotel’ is home to 40 luxury treehouses fitted with private verandahs, swaying hammocks, large spa baths and all the amenities you could wish for. It’s the ideal launchpad for exploring the natural wonders of the surrounding Mossman River and the nearby Great Barrier Reef, giving you the best of both worlds – a rainforest escape and a coastal getaway in one unforgettable stay.
This year, the silver medal went to Capella Sydney, which is officially the best hotel our Editor in Chief, Alice Ellis, has ever experienced. The other Sydney stay to make the list was the Fullerton, a grand, palatial stay housed in the heritage-listed former post office building in the heart of Sydney's CBD. Rounding out the NSW trifecta was Halycon House: a beautiful, boutique stay in the coastal town of Cabarita Beach.
Check out the full top ten (and start building your hotel bucket list accordingly) below.
The 10 best hotels in Australia and New Zealand for 2025, according to Condé Nast Traveller
- Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree, Australia
- Capella Sydney, Australia
- The Langham, Melbourne, Australia
- The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, Australia
- The Tasman, a Luxury Hotel Collection, Hobart, Australia
- The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, Australia
- Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, Australia
- Pihopa Retreat, Nelson, NZ
- Otahuna Lodge, Tai Papu, NZ
- COMO The Treasury, Perth, Australia