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The best-reviewed hotels of 2023
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The best-reviewed hotels of 2023

From new, impressive conversions in Sydney and Melbourne through to a bubble in the Thai jungle and luxury in Rome, here are our top-rated hotels of the year.

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Capella Sydney, just off Farrer Place, is an Edwardian baroque-style former government building.
★★★★★

No harbour views, but new $300 million Sydney hotel gets perfect score

Capella’s world-class interior design and amenities throughout more than compensate for the general absence of views.

  • by Anthony Dennis
Rooms have been coverted from five prison cells.
★★★★★

The verdict on notorious Melbourne prison’s luxe hotel conversion

Pentridge has been converted from a place you don’t want to be to a place you don’t want to leave.

  • by Anthony Dennis
The hotel’s sky-high pool.
★★★★★

Not the ‘Paris end’ but Ritz-Carlton fits right in to Australia’s chicest city

A sky-level infinity pool, an enchanting dining experience and impeccable service – Melbourne’s newest luxury hotel has it all.

  • by Julia Naughton
The Mandarin Oriental Doha hotel overlooks the spectacular Barahat Msheireb covered town square.
★★★★★

Perfect score for this cool hotel in a hot destination

Doha’s searing heat tends to deter travellers over summer, but there’s more than enough to do in the cool of this magnificent Mandarin Oriental outpost.

  • by Anthony Dennis
sunnov26cover smarter cities cover story ; text by ute junker
(handout photo downloaded supplied  <emma.rogerson@adhesivepr.com.au> for use in Traveller, no syndication)
Singapore Pictured: Parkroyal Collection Pickering
No credit specified. 
★★★★★

Singapore’s incredible green hotel is a glimpse of the future today

Cascading foliage, bulbous curves: first-timers do a double-take when they arrive at this Singapore hotel.

  • by Jane Richards
The restaurant
★★★★★

New Italian hotel offers five-star style without the stuffiness

The Rome Edition’s dining and entertainment, along with the unique design and international atmosphere, have redefined ideas of classic luxury.

  • by Maria Pasquale
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The guest rooms start at 52 square metres.
★★★★★

This perfect hotel sets the new gold standard for opulence

Hong Kong’s Rosewood is an exquisite grand luxury hotel and represents a new era for the East Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood on the Kowloon side of the city.

  • by Kristie Kellahan
Elephant Lodge Namibia
★★★★★

Exceptionally luxe resort is ‘out of this world’

Namibia’s Okahirongo Elephant Lodge reopened after a major refurbishment. But the real magic lies in the other-worldly landscapes of this distinct region.

  • by Kate Armstrong
Dairy Flat Farm
★★★★★

A luxury escape to the country with superb feasting

With a 38-hectare regenerative farm that supplies produce to the two-hatted Lake House restaurant, Dairy Flat Farm is a luxe escape to the country.

  • by Ute Junker
A central dining and lounge area wraps around a chequerboard-bottomed pool.
★★★★★

This sensory hotel embodies its nation’s style and warm spirit

The sprawling stay in Uganda’s capital contains art and culture etched within luxury walls.

  • by Catherine Marshall
Poolside up at Coopers Shoot.
★★★★★

Aussie fashion designer’s new Byron stay gets a perfect score

These retro-style off-grid accommodations are ideal for an intimate escape or a big bash with you and your mates.

  • by Nina Karnikowski
The Sofitel Fiji has undergone a revamp.
★★★★★

A $35 million renovation has made this Fiji resort perfect

An extensive facelift has reinforced Sofitel Denarau’s place as one of Fiji’s top resort options.

  • by Shaney Hudson
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Elephants come with the territory.
★★★★★

Bubble stay in the Thai jungle is a bucket-list item worth saving for

Jungle Bubble Lodge is a new ultra-modern add-on accommodation experience in prime northern Thailand terrain.

  • by Penny Watson
A river crossing to reach El Questro.
★★★★★

The cheaper way to stay at one of Australia’s iconic outback destinations

What many don’t realise is that only a tiny proportion of visitors to El Questro Station stay at the iconic $2000-a-night Homestead.

  • by James Woodford
Sit among Rome’s rooftops on the terrace.
★★★★★

Supremely located hotel has two Rome icons on its doorstep

Rome wasn’t built to be seen in a day, so it helps to have a hotel in such a central and convenient location.

  • by Jane Richards
Raffles London at The Old War Office … one for the history buffs.
★★★★★

Steep at over $2000 a night, but easily London’s most memorable stay

Prices are steep at the new Raffles but what else would you expect at such a remarkable property?

  • by Ute Junker
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Hotel Vera Ballarat for Traveller
Paul Chai 

Hotel Vera, Ballarat, is perfect from bed to breakfast

Just 24 hours at Hotel Vera packs in the spoiling and serenity of a week-long wellness retreat.

  • by Paul Chai
The pool at Mandapa.

This is a holiday you’ll never forget

More than just somewhere to lay your hat, Mandapa offers an immersive luxury experience you're unlikely to ever forget.

  • by Kylie McLaughlin
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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/the-best-reviewed-hotels-of-2023-20231221-p5et0r.html