The Best City Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific in 2017

By Stirling Kelso
July 11, 2017
Credit: Courtesy of Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel
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.
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1 of 5

5. Crown Towers, Melbourne

Credit: Courtesy of Crown Towers

Score: 89.49

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2 of 5

4. Park Hyatt Sydney

Credit: Courtesy of Park Hyatt

Score: 90.14

3 of 5

3. Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

Credit: Courtesy of Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel

Score: 90.89

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4 of 5

2. The Langham Sydney

Credit: Courtesy of Langham

Score: 92.21

5 of 5

1. QT Sydney

Credit: Courtesy of QT

Score: 92.67

Housed in two historic buildings, this design-forward hotel brings the city’s avant-garde artistic influences to life. The 1920s structures, which have Art Deco, Italianate, and Gothic architectural details, serve as a backdrop for common spaces outfitted with boldly colored furnishings and original works of art. In another nod to style, the 200 guest rooms are scented with Chanel No. 5., and staff members wear Janet Hine–designed uniforms. After a night in the Gowings Bar & Grill, a brasserie-style restaurant and lounge known among city residents for its retro vibe and heady cocktails, spend a morning at SpaQ, which has six treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, and a hammam-style steam room.

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By Stirling Kelso