Australia is extremely lucky to play host to some of the most beautiful locations in the world. And in our beautiful locations are plenty of breathtaking accommodations.
But there are a few places that set themselves apart. Not just for their wonderful service but for their exceptional design and decor.
If you’re looking for Australian escapes, holiday destinations, or perhaps for some new interior design inspiration, these are the accommodations to have on your list.
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane, QLD
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A mid-century modern dream, this hotel is a time capsule of 1960s Palm Springs. As one of the most popular architectural movements in history, the 50s-60s mid-century aesthetic is one that has been replicated time and time again. But the Calile takes a contemporary approach, specifically highlighting the pastels and curves popularised during this era. The result is a dreamy destination that will have you ready to redecorate as soon as you return home.
The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney, NSW
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Stretching across two heritage buildings is The Old Clare. Once an old pub, the locale has been refurbished and transformed into a design-led hotel. Each room is different and has been curated based on its size and shape. Think contemporary eclectic mixed in with a respectful Federation accents. It's a feast for the eyes.
Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, NSW
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What do you get when vintage charm meets beachside glamour? Halcyon House. This refurbished property stays true to its heritage accents while respecting its Cabarita location. It all comes together in a delightful collection of blue armchairs, white wicker and statement wallpaper.
The Bower, Byron Bay, NSW
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This quintessentially Byron property mixes concrete and wood, cold and warm. It's a hard monochromatic design, accented by soft furnishings like linen bed sheets and curtains - the ultimate contemporary mix. Each room is tailored and curated to its own aesthetic and all of them sit around the true jewel of this boutique hotel - the circular, crystalline pool.
QT Perth, Perth, WA
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QT hotels are famed for their eccentric and rebellious approach to style. But in particular, the QT Perth serves as a source of inspirational interior design. This location offers a slightly more paired back approach to QT hotels' normal love of bright colour. The rooms focus one statement colour and instead bring character through texture and materials like marble, brass and velvet. It's art-deco opulence meets clean contemporary.
Samphire Rottnest, Rottnest Island, WA
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A beach lovers delight, the brand new Samphire Hotel on Rottnest island is all whitewashed wood and open air. High ceilings with rooms that open directly onto the sand, this is the ultimate beachside design. Sheer curtains, travertine and wooden accents translates the surrounds into something upmarket and elegant.
The Anchorage, Port Stephens, NSW
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This marina-side property tucked into Corlette exudes nautical elegance. The rooms all have a view onto the stunning marina, some with loft balconies and others with patios. But the real beauty of this hotel is in the lounge and bar of the main building. The Hampton's inspired designs are modern, fresh and absolutely enviable. Brown leather armchairs sit beside mismatched wooden pieces, wicker baskets and white linen.
Spicers Guesthouse, The Hunter Valley, NSW
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A countryside retreat, Spicers Guesthouse is a delightful haven in the heart of the Hunter Valley. The modern take on country design is a recipe for something timeless. The sandstone accents pair beautifully with the wide open windows that invite the scenery inside. Black metal contrasts against white brick and cavernous rooms are filled with traditional furniture. On a personal note, the delicate olive trees that frame the entry to reception are the inspiration behind the olive trees in my own home. There's a lot to be inspired by in this wine country estate.
Raes, Byron Bay, NSW
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Raes is a property that is hard to liken to any other. Its architectural design is a nod to the beauty of Spanish Revival with its stucco walls, shuttered windows and turreted design. Its arches and terracotta flooring take influence again from Spain's south, with mosaics and Granadan-style entries. But its furnishings are a delightful pastiche by Tasmsin Johnson. A mix of mid-century, Scandinavian and Moroccan influences that compliment the structure perfectly and have resulted in one of the most unique destinations in Australia.
The Olsen, Melbourne, VIC
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The Olsen is one of Australia's Art Series Hotels, and as such, it's an example of an interior designed around its art. The Olsen is named for famed artist Dr John Olsen who is know for his abstract figures. This property is light and airy, a palette of clean colours and gentle furnishings allow the artworks to do all the talking.
Ovolo Nishi, Canberra, ACT
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This refurbished art-deco hotel has been transformed into something both full of vintage charm but also modern minimalism. Rendered concrete walls juxtapose traditional leather armchairs and grand architectural features like sculpted ceiling and the wooden entryway are aplenty. There's plenty of creativity in this space to offer inspiration for days.
Blackbird, Byron Bay, NSW
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This property has been designed in a way that it blends seamlessly with its Byron Bay Hinterland surrounding. Its industrial rustic aesthetic is captured by black hardware, rusted panelling and high warehouse ceilings. Those with a penchant for barnhouse-chic will find plenty to love in this design.
Satellite Island, TAS
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This small, private island off the coast of Tasmania is a rare, isolated haven. It’s a place that’s only recently been made available to the public and as such is still an unspoilt place to truly connect with nature. The onsite property is a unique one. A place that is blends with its location, enhancing its beauty rather than taking away. Mismatched woods echo the driftwood across the bay and the grey-blue linens are a nod to waves and salt spray. It’s beachy, authentic and totally cosy.
Jackalope, The Mornington Peninsula, VIC
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This hotel situated in the Mornington Peninsula is a sharp minimalist dream. Clean lines and a monochromatic palette, the Jackalope is an architectural feat that proves that less is more. The property is an imposing structure that sits impressively in the midst of this wine country.
The Range, Byron Bay, NSW
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The Range is a unique property in the Byron Bay Hinterland. A home that’s been transformed into three distinct spaces, each with its own story to tell. As a whole, the property takes influences from the architectural style of the Spanish Moors. Concrete stucco walls are decorated with palms, with cavernous rooms and slanted ceilings. There’s a lot to love here.
Alex Hotel, Perth, WA
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In the heart of Perth lies the Alex Hotel, a metropolitan-style hotel that takes influence from mid-century and art deco aesthetics. There are many nooks and crannies in this CBD hotel and plenty of smart design solutions. This property packs a lot of personality into a small space.
The Melbourne Hotel, Perth WA
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This Perth CBD hotel had plenty of charming design features. It’s been modernised by the owners kept most of the original features from the 1897 building, including the stunning wrought-iron Victorian balconies, the high ceilings and the detailed exterior. If you love Victorian-style terraces homes, this hotel is one for your list.
Captain's Rest Hotel, Lettes Bay, TAS
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You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic escape from fast-paced city life. Captain’s Rest is an Airbnb-style accommodation in the quiet town of Lettes Bay. This is a place to relax, take a deep breath and enjoy your surroundings. Styled like the beachside cottagecore retreat of your dreams, you’ll love the Georgian glass windows, weatherboard feature walls and rustic furnishings.
Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, TAS
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This Hobart hotel is housed in one of the oldest warehouse on the town’s waterfront. And it’s called an “art” hotel for a reason. This residence exhibits contemporary art from both emerging and established artists in the area. So it’s not just a place to stay, it’s a place to discover new delights within the Australian art scene.
Ode to the Orchard, Lenswood, SA
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This little Airbnb in the Adelaide Hills makes our list because it’s Instagrammable from almost every angle. From the cosy fireplace to the outdoor bathtub, this residence exudes rustic charm. As one of the original homes in the area and offers a unique view into heritage interior styling in the Adelaide Hills region.
COMO The Treasury, Perth, WA
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This modern hotel has been built inside a restored 19th century building. A unique property, the exterior is respectful of its period but the interior fuses all the touches that make up contemporary luxury. Metal accents contrast against wood floors and muted colour palettes. Some rooms have mid century flair with rattan and curved features, while others choose industrial touches like concrete and travertine. There’s plenty of interior inspiration regardless of your taste at this accommodation.
