TripAdvisor names the best hotels in Australia and the world in annual Travellers’ Choice Hotel Awards

NO, IT’S not a penthouse, or a luxury suite, in fact you’ve probably never heard of this hotel but it’s just been named number one in Australia.

NO, IT’S not the penthouse at the Park Hyatt in Sydney, or the Crown Towers suite in Melbourne, Australia’s best hotel is the family owned retreat, Pinetrees Lodge, on Lord Howe Island.

TripAdvisor has released its annual Travellers’ Choice Hotel Awards based on millions of reviews and opinions collected by travellers last year to name the best hotels in Australia and the world.

“The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable service, value and quality,” says Joanne Kershaw, TripAdvisor spokeswoman.

Pinetrees Lodge, one of Australia’s oldest and best stays.

HOTTEST HOTELS COMING TO AUSTRALIA IN 2017

AUSSIE HOTEL NAMED WORLD’S BEST

10 TRICKS FOR GETTING A HOTEL UPGRADE

5 WAYS YOU’RE BOOKING A HOLIDAY WRONG

Pinetrees Lodge sits on Lord Howe Lagoon and is one of Australia’s oldest family businesses. Sixth generation owner Dani Rourke and her husband Luke Hanson, run the largest of the traditional guesthouses on Lord Howe, which has provided families, couples, and adventurers with a unique sand between your toes holiday since the 1890s. According to TripAdvisor users, the lodge is widely acknowledged for “excellent food”, “exceptional” service and relaxing spa treatments.

“For a small lodge on Lord Howe Island, we’re mixing it with some serious hotels,” says Hanson.

“While they have an edge on us with pillow menus, lap pools, 24 hour room service and on-demand movies, we have the Lord Howe Island Lagoon, world-class adventure activities, an organic market garden, sensational food and a love for genuine service.”

Pinetrees Lodge is found on the spectacular Lord Howe Island.

Second on the list was newcomer Ovolo Woolloomooloo who entered the awards for the very first time.

“We were ranked around 50 when we first opened in 2014 and to have jumped 48 places is absolutely phenomenal,” says Adam Taloni, general manager of Ovolo.

The hotel completed a rebrand in November 2015 to become one of Australia’s top “designer lifestyle hotels”.

“We include breakfast, happy hour, free high speed Wi-Fi, free minibar and a candy bar,” says Taloni, who says their CEO was sick of travelling around the world paying $6 for a can of coke and $40 for Wi-Fi that didn’t work.

The hotel also promotes local and emerging artists with nearly $1 million of artwork in the rooms and common areas.

Ovolo Woollomooloo has had an incredible turnaround.

Park Hyatt Sydney came in at number three thanks to its harbour front rooms and 24 hour butler service. Followed by the luxury Hamilton Island resort, Qualia.

But the list wasn’t just made up of five-star hotels. There are options for all budgets including the Cairns Coconut holiday Resort and the Big4 Beacon Resort in Queenscliff, Victoria.

Top 10 Australian hotels according to TripAdvisor

1. Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW

2. Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW

3. Park Hyatt Sydney, Sydney, NSW

The hotel’s architecture, art and design are a true reflection of the Australian landscape.

Who can beat the rooftop at Park Hyatt Sydney?

4. Qualia Resort, Hamilton Island, QLD

Qualia Resort lies at the northern tip of Hamilton Island, in a private hideaway that can only be accessed by guests of the resort.

Qualia sits on the edge of the Whitsundays.

5. Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW

Designed with Instagrammers in mind, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour has an avant-garde design.

Photo opportunities wherever you look at Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour.

6. East Hotel, Canberra, ACT

Close to restaurants, bars and attractions it also offers complimentary cruiser bikes for its guests to get around.

Centrally located East Hotel in Canberra.

7. Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments, Kununurra, WA

These self-catered apartments sit among beautiful tropical gardens with your own private outdoor shower.

For when you want to do the catering check into Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments.

8. Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, Cairns, QLD

With accommodation, camping and caravan options and a Splash waterpark, it’s perfect for families.

Affordable accommodation for families at Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort.

9. Primus Hotel Sydney, NSW

This heritage hotel is located in a 1930s Art Deco building with hints of history throughout plus there’s a rooftop pool.

Primus hotel is located in the old Sydney Water Board Headquarters.

10. Big4 Beacon Resort, Queenscliff, Victoria

With cabins, villas and caravans, it offers the vibe of an Aussie camping ground without the camping. There’s also mountain bike trails nearby for families to explore.

Big4 Beacon Resort is just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.

The world’s best hotel was awarded to Aria Hotel Budapest, a swanky music themed hotel whose rooftop bar is one of the coolest places in Budapest for a cocktail.

The world list was dominated by European and Asian hotels, from a Balinese retreat in Ubud to a luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Spain.

Aria Hotel Budapest has been named the world’s best hotel.

World’s 10 best hotels according to TripAdvisor

1. Aria Hotel Budapest, Hungary

2. Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, Indonesia

3. Turin Palace Hotel, Italy

4. Hotel The Serras, Barcelona, Spain

5. BoHo Prague Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic

6. Portrait Firenze, Florence, Italy

7. Shinta Mani Resort, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

8. Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa, Hanoi, Vietnam

9. Tulemar Bugalows & Villas, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

10. JA Manafaru, Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives

Other notable Australian mentions include Saffire Freycinet in Coles Bay, Tasmania as our top luxury hotel, the Lazy Lizard Motor Inn in Port Douglas, QLD for best bargain hotel and NRMA Treasure Island Resort & Holiday Park in Biggera Waters, QLD the best hotel for families.

For more travel inspiration and news sign up to Escape’s newsletter.