Australian hotel makes World’s 50 Best Hotels list

A boutique city hotel in Australia has been named one of the world’s best hotels – and it isn’t in Melbourne or Sydney.

A boutique Australian hotel has been named one of the best hotels in the world, placed on a respected top 50 list among some of the most famous global luxury hotel brands.

The founders of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars lists have just released their inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list, with The Calile Hotel in Brisbane ranked twelfth.

Italy’s tiny 24-room hotel Passalacqua on Lake Como took out the number one spot, followed by Rosewood Hong Kong and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River.

Almost half the hotels on the list are located in Europe, including four in Paris and four in London.

Asia was also a winner with four located in Bangkok alone.

Only two hotels in the US made the list, both in New York, while Mexico had three.

The Calile Hotel on James Street in Fortitude Valley was the only Australian property to make the list, and it was also named the Best Hotel in Oceania.

The Calile Hotel in Brisbane has been ranked 12th on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. Picture: Sean Fennessy

Brisbane’s Malouf family are behind the five-star hotel, which was designed by Brisbane-based architects Richards & Spence and is managed and operated by TFE Hotels.

The list described the five-year-old hotel as “channelling a luxe 1950s-style Miami beachside vibe in the heart of the city”.

The 175-room Queensland hotel was the only Australian property to make the list. Picture: Sean Fennessy

It has 175 rooms and a stylish swimming pool area, day spa, and gym.

It is also home to multiple restaurants and bars including bustling Greek restaurant Hellenika.

It was described as “channelling a luxe 1950s-style Miami beachside vibe” in the city. Picture: Sean Fennessy

The Calile Hotel co-owner Catherine Malouf attended an event in London unveiling the list.

“This is a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination, and we are humbled to represent the Australian hotel industry on the world stage,” she said.

“There is no doubt The Calile Hotel has carved a name for itself and sparked a trend in ‘urban resorts’ with its bold architectural commitment, sustainable practises and by embracing its local and sub-tropic climate within an urban setting.”

The Calile Hotel was also awarded Best Hotel in Oceania. Picture: Sean Fennessy.

The hotel’s general manager, Rob Unson, said it was a win for Aussie tourism.

“It takes an outstanding team to deliver outstanding guest experiences, and I want to take a moment to thank the hotel team – from our housekeepers to our pool attendants, maintenance and kitchen teams and our front of house guest service attendants – who go above and beyond to welcome our guests back through the arches time and time again,” he said.

Top 10 of the World’s 50 Best Hotels

1. Passalacqua in Moltrasio, Italy (Best Hotel in Europe)

2. Rosewood Hong Kong (Best Hotel in Asia)

3. The Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand

4. The Upper House, Hong Kong

5. Aman Tokyo, Japan

6. La Mamounia in Marrakech, Morocco (Best Hotel in Africa)

7. Soneva Fushi, Maldives (Best Beach Hotel)

8. One & Only Mandarina in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Best Hotel in North America)

9. Four Seasons Firenze, Italy

10. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand

Full list here.