14 best hotels in Australia's capital cities

Here are the best big-city hotels around Australia from the luxe end of town to wallet-friendly finds that deliver bang for buck.

As someone who lives regionally, there’s something about a city hotel stay that delights me. Checking in at Paramount House Hotel in Sydney recently, I relished the buzzy lobby cafe and discovered a thoughtful gift in my room – a leather luggage tag to thank me for my return. This design-led bolthole is one of my favourites with its rooftop bakery, natural wine bar, and even a cinema.

Whether your travels take you to the capitals for business, pleasure, or bleisure – a bit of both – these hand-picked hotels tick all the boxes: comfortable rooms, great service, onsite dining, concierge, and in most cases, their own unique vibe.

Sydney

Luxe: The Eve Hotel Sydney

Who needs the CBD when Redfern's got this?

An architectural vision in the new Wunderlich Lane precinct in Redfern, The Eve opened in mid-February and quickly shifted the spotlight away from the CBD for luxury stays. From the sculptural walkways, to its art-filled interiors, the rooftop pool and Mexican restaurant, Lottie’s, this hotel is anything but corporate. 

Wallet-friendly: Song Hotel

This place will have you singing with joy...

Stay with a social conscience at Song Hotel on the edge of Hyde Park, fresh from renovations in 2024. Affordable room rates overdeliver, including complimentary wi-fi and hot buffet breakfast. Even better, 25 cents in every dollar you spend goes to supporting Australian women in need through YWCA Australia. 

Melbourne

Luxe: 1Hotel Melbourne

If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to stay

An Australian first for the brand, 1Hotel Melbourne has transformed the banks of the Yarra River in the North Wharf precinct and will open in May. Sustainable, biophilic design is a defining trademark, and guests will experience this connection to nature through 2000-plus plants bringing the outdoors in, paddock-to-plate dining, and a Bamford Wellness Spa.  

Wallet-friendly: Mercure Doncaster

Welcome to the "Bunnings Hotel"...

Accor members are greeted with a homemade apple tea cake at Mercure Doncaster – a nod to the surrounding orchards. Less than 20 minutes from the CBD, the hotel opened in 2022, cheekily called the “Bunnings Hotel” for its position above the hardware behemoth. Honey from the rooftop bees features on menus – partly warranting Sustainable Tourism Certification – while there’s also a pool, rooftop terrace, and restaurant. 

Adelaide

Luxe: Adelaide Marriott

If you're after a hotel with history, this is the place to stay

The first Marriott hotel for Adelaide opened in August 2024, set within the 153-year-old General Post Office (GPO) building. Behind the Adelaide Marriott's freestone façade, a modern tower houses 285 rooms and suites with South Australian history and stories baked in. Of note is the impressive curation of commissioned artwork. 

Wallet-friendly: Hotel Alba

Hotel Alba has a real Med feel to it.

With prime position on Adelaide’s South Terrace, Hotel Alba opened in late 2023 – a reimagining of The Chifley – with a blue-tiled pool and Mediterranean restaurant, Ela. Even more pleasing than the rates are the Art Deco touches, spacious balconies, local brands in the mini bar, and poolside sun loungers with food service. 

Hobart

Luxe: Islington Hotel

This is one of the fanciest stays in Hobart

It may only have 11 suites, but a recent multimillion-dollar refurbishment has seen the heritage-listed Islington Hotel remain top of mind for luxe Hobart stays. With a world-class art collection, restaurant, and beds crafted exclusively by A.H. Beard, this a full dine, sleep, curl up by the fire trifecta.

Wallet-friendly: Vibe Hotel Hobart

This hotel passes the vibe check

Guests will find considered historical tie-ins aplenty at Vibe Hobart. Note the column of convict bricks in the lobby, and onsite Belvedere restaurant and bar – a nod to the 1930s Belvedere Dance Hall. Located 500m from the waterfront, rooms feature handcrafted Tasmanian Oak furnishings and 16 suites even come with log fireplaces.

Perth

Luxe: Garde

This will be one of the highlights of 'convict corner' in Fremantle

Slated for a spring opening, Garde is a luxe extension of Fremantle’s boutique Warders Hotel – being built within the old Fremantle Police Headquarters. Adding 83 rooms to the inventory, the hotel will form part of the new Convict Corner, with a high-end Japanese restaurant and day spa also to come. 

Wallet-friendly: Courtyard by Marriott Perth

This is a great place to stay if you want somewhere central

Paving the way for new hotels to spring up in the ‘burbs, Courtyard by Marriott Perth opened in Murdoch – Perth’s fastest growing urban catchment – in March 2024. At 10 minutes from the CBD and 25 minutes from the airport, it’s a central pick with those new room feels. Substance Restaurant and Bar is on site for Asian bites. 

Darwin

Luxe: Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Overlooking Fannie Bay, a stay at Mindil Beach Casino Resort appeals, even if you’re not up for a punt. The lagoon pool is fresh from a $2.5 million dollar refresh with a swim-up bar, sun beds, and cabanas luring guests from their resort rooms and suites. 

Wallet-friendly: The Leea

Those heading to Darwin are best to keep an eye on The Leea. The former TraveLodge Resort Darwin on Cavenagh Street changed hands in late 2024 and is currently undergoing a rebrand. All but 30 of the rooms were refurbished in 2020, with two pools framed by tropical gardens. Watch this space. 

Brisbane

Luxe: The Calile Hotel

Barely needing an introduction, The Calile brought the hotel A-game not only to Brisbane but to Australia, named number 25 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list. The Calile's poolside vibe is worth the stay alone, but chic considered design, a curated playlist, free ebikes and a medispa are others. 

Wallet-friendly: LyLo Brisbane

Hostels have had a TikTok worthy rebrand, and none have hit the brief more in Brisbane than LyLo. Premium “pod” rooms from $69 per night and private ensuite and family rooms are on offer with movie nights and self-pouring beers on the rooftop. There’s also a coworking space and spin bikes. 

See also: 5 things I never want to hear while travelling

Originally published as 14 best hotels in Australia's capital cities