World’s Best winning city
Sydney dominated the race for the best hotels in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific this year, snagging four of the top five slots (No. 5 went to the Crown Towers in Melbourne).
The No. 1 winner, QT Sydney — the flagship property of QT Hotels & Resorts, an Australian brand — has a youthful vibe and is housed in a pair of historic buildings. The Central Business District (CBD) location makes it a great jumping-off point for shops and restaurants, though the hotel’s social spaces, such as edgy Gowings Bar & Grill, are destinations in themselves.
Runner-up the Langham Sydney is a different world altogether, thanks to its cool, serene interiors (the property recently underwent a $30 million makeover) a popular high tea, and a quiet neighborhood location in the Rocks district. With 98 rooms, the property is also the smallest of the regional front-runners.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, at No. 3, and Park Hyatt Sydney, at No. 4, both earn praise for their waterfront locations. Choice rooms at the Park Hyatt overlook the Sydney Opera House, while apartment-style suites at the Pullman look out on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. “The rooms were extremely well-designed, all with the wonderful views in mind,” one reader said of the Park Hyatt.
Melbourne gets a shout-out thanks to Crown Towers, at No. 5, which is ideally located in the CBD. Housed in a 39-floor glass building, the property’s 481 Art Deco–inspired rooms have views of the skyline or Port Phillip Bay. The property shares two spas, more than 29 restaurants, and a casino with neighboring hotels Crown Metropol Melbourne and Crown Promenade Melbourne.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. Read on to see the full list of winners.
