Best Affordable Luxury Hotels in Australia

Frangos – Daylesford, Victoria

In the heart of Victoria’s spa country and only an hour and a half drive from Melbourne, Daylesford is an ideal romantic or girls weekend getaway. This quaint Victorian town is full of boutique shops, galleries and restaurants, and in the midst of it all, you’ll find Frangos.

A small boutique hotel, each of its 15 rooms have soaring high ceilings and have been individually styled with luxury touches. Turn up the romance with The Rouge room, which boasts a king-size bed laid with opulent fabrics and a freestanding bath. Just add rose petals for a soothing soak.

Make sure to visit the hotel’s on-site bar and all-day restaurant Koukla. Here you can dine on seasonal local produce and admire murals by acclaimed local artist David Bromley. The succulent twice-cooked roast chicken paired with a glass of something sparkling is a must-try.

There is no need to leave the hotel to enjoy the spa treatments that Daylesford is famous for, either. The selection of spa treatments available at the on-site spa will take luxury to a new level. The popular “Revive” package includes a soothing body massage and facial over ninety blissful minutes.

Azubu Boutique Accommodation – Byron Bay, New South Wales

Sometimes luxury simply means tranquillity and space to escape from our busy lives. At Azubu in Byron Bay, there are only five Japanese-inspired rooms set amongst lush tropical rainforest, so you can unwind in style.

Guests at this peaceful (affordable) luxury hotel enjoy forest views both from their beds and balconies. Book a Queen Spa Room and relax whilst in a private spa bath with the same panorama. Regardless, wake up each morning to the sound of native birds and the rustle of the wind in the trees.

For the ultimate in relaxation, take some time out for a massage or treatment at the on-site day spa. Azubu’s signature massage melts away muscle tension and knots using the healing energy of hot stones. The hotel also boasts an outdoor pool and heated spa with elegant lounge chairs, so you can immerse yourself in a book surrounded by the rainforest canopy.

All that relaxing is sure to make you hungry. Popular Beach Byron Bay is just a short drive away from the hotel. Linger over their elegant coastal-inspired cuisine while you watch surfers catch breaks in the ocean. A menu highlight is the raw fish ceviche with sea succulents.

Ruffles Lodge and Spa – Coomera, Queensland

Nothing says luxury quite like an infinity pool. Overlooking the Gold Coast Hinterland and native forest from the pool at Ruffles Lodge and Spa in Coomera is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the views.

Make dinner reservations at the lodge’s restaurant, Vue 175. An award-winning restaurant with 360-degree views of the coastline from Coomera to Coolangatta, choose one of the multi-course degustation menus so you can linger over your meal while the sun sets. Desserts are a highlight and you must save room for the indulgent chocolate pot de creme.

When it is time for bed, suites at the hotel are spacious yet cosy. Some have fireplaces and others plunge pools or spa baths. No doubt you will be plotting your return to this piece of paradise as you enjoy the beauty of the fifty-acre garden estate from your balcony.

Hougoumont – Fremantle, Western Australia

Head to Fremantle for fresh sea breezes and lots of fun at The Hougoumont. A hip boutique hotel that prides itself on offering guests a unique and intimate experience, the Hougoumont is popular with guests looking for accommodation with personality and style.

This luxury hotel is a fusion of old and new, combining the former Duke of York hotel with repurposed shipping containers. The maritime theme continues throughout the property with quirky nods to Freo’s seafaring past.

Guest rooms are small but cleverly designed to maximise space with custom-designed furniture. Thoughtful touches like free bottled water, a Nespresso machine and pillow menu mean you can refresh in comfort. There is no compromise on aesthetics in the bathrooms where you will find marble floors and luxury toiletries.

Join your fellow guests at the daily happy hour for complimentary wine and cheese before making your way to one of Fremantle’s exciting new restaurants recommend by the Hougoumont’s attentive staff. If you prefer making dinner reservations before your trip, book Vin and Oli for tasty tapas.

The Royce Hotel – Melbourne, Victoria

Located along tree-lined St Kilda Road and close to the Botanic Gardens, the Royce Hotel oozes art deco glamour thanks to its heritage setting. In another life, the building housed a prestige car dealership and today the hotel retains original chandeliers, leadlight windows and ornate ceilings.

Modern conveniences such as room service, gym and attentive staff are trademarks at the Royce from the moment you arrive. Leave your car with the valet and make your way through the spectacular lobby with its vintage spiral staircase. In your guest room there are fluffy bathrobes, slippers, and an espresso coffee machine waiting. If you book a room with a balcony, enjoy an aperitif overlooking the leafy green city streets or make your way to the elegant Amberoom bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.

The Royce is a 10-minute stroll away from Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens and seafood specialty restaurant Bacash. Their blue swimmer crab salad is sure to be a highlight of your stay in Melbourne.

The William Inglis – Liverpool, New South Wales

Southwest Sydney’s newest boutique hotel overlooks Warwick Farm racecourse and celebrates horse racing and the thoroughbred industry. Instead of watching TV or a movie, watch races from the comfort of your well-appointed room.

Details throughout the William Inglis hotel and guest rooms reflect the equine theme. Bespoke carpets and artwork define the decor and you can’t help but be impressed by the soaring timber clad ceiling in the lobby. If you’re looking for a cheeky weekend escape you will no doubt enjoy lounging by the eighth-floor pool, deck and bar with views of the track, cheering on your favourite.

In between races make some time to visit the Talisa wellness centre and on-site gym. Your skin will glow having soaked up the benefits of the hour-long Apple Collagen Ritual.

Refreshed and rejuvenated, you will be ready to dine at one of the three on-site restaurants and bars. Make a toast to your winning horses at the 1867 bar before retiring to the Newmarket Room restaurant. Specialising in modern Australian cuisine and premium steak cuts, the restaurant has views of the beautiful gardens at neighbouring Riverside Stables.

Art Hotel on York – Launceston, Tasmania

Waking up surrounded by original art is an inspiring treat for the senses. The colourful work of artist Cristina Palacios is featured in each of the 24 rooms at Art Hotel on York.

Each room at Art Hotel on York has been individually designed and decorated with luxury fabric and leather upholstered furniture. Enjoy your complimentary newspaper lounging on the pillowtop bed in your room, in the hotel’s shady courtyard or cosy reading room.

Housed in a former bakery, the hotel is in the heart of the city close to Royal Park and exploring nearby Cataract Gorge is another must-do activity. For lovers of nature and hiking trails, Launceston’s famous wilderness reserve is the place to go. Once you’ve finished a calorie-burning hike, indulge in a cream tea treat at the cafe.

Adina Adelaide Treasury – Adelaide, South Australia

Step back in time at the Adina Adelaide, housed in South Australia’s historic Treasury building overlooking elegant Victoria Square. The heritage listed hotel is close to Rundle Mall and Adelaide’s famous central market so you can explore the city on foot and easily return to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation.

Behind the period exterior, guest rooms have ultra comfortable beds and modern conveniences including a kitchenette and mini bar. But it is the heated indoor pool, spa and sauna that offer the ultimate treat. Guests can swim a few laps in the backlit underground pool before relaxing in the luxurious gold rimmed spa bath. Fluffy towels and loungers are available for use, free of charge.

Adventurous spirits and budding historians should take a tour of underground tunnels beneath the hotel that were used to transport gold. This is a unique insight into the history of this remarkable building where, in 1850, Australia’s first gold coin was minted.

If you don’t feel like leaving the comforts of your luxury hotel room, you can book an in-room massage or for groceries to be delivered to your door. But it would be hard to resist the charms of the Treasury Bar with its outdoor terrace seating overlooking a central fountain.

Sea Temple Resort – Port Douglas, Queensland

Tropical North Queensland is a favourite destination for those wanting to relax in the sun and in style. Stay at the five-star Sea Temple Resort in Port Douglas and you will feel like South Pacific royalty.

Just a short walk from Four Mile Beach, rise early for a leisurely stroll along the sand and return to the resort to spend the day lounging by the magnificent lagoon pool. A hotel highlight, the pool wraps itself around the resort and features water fountains and tropical plants.

Spaciousness and privacy are key at this resorts. Guest rooms have either private balconies or terraces, many with resort views. Complimentary bathrobes and flat-screen TVs are provided should you wish to enjoy some quiet time indoors. If you feel like some pampering, Vie Spa is on hand to cater to your every whim with rejuvenating massages and facials.

As the sun goes down, reflect upon your day on the flame torch-lit pool terrace framed by swaying palm trees. Then make your way to ALUCO restaurant for their signature tropical seafood platter piled high with prawns, oysters and fresh fish.

Ovolo Nishi – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Canberra is fast becoming a popular destination for art and foodie escapes thanks to its thriving restaurant scene and impressive galleries. Named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018, Canberra has some interesting hotels that provide both value and luxury.

Artistic and sustainable design elements at the Ovolo Nishi epitomise Canberra’s renaissance. From the moment you step into the cosy lobby, the calming aesthetic of the Japanese designed Nishi building makes you feel right at home.

Make your way to the Monster Kitchen and Bar where you are met with open fireplaces, curved couches and a relaxed vibe. The hatted restaurant features local and seasonal produce on its modern Australian menu. With dishes made for sharing, you can nibble and indulge to your heart’s content.

All rooms at the Ovolo Nishi have king-size beds to lounge in after a busy day sightseeing and each is designed with a mix of contemporary style and vintage pieces. There are in-room iPads and a minibar for guests to enjoy. Pampering yourself at the hotel is easy, too, with bathrooms having underfloor heating, walk-in showers and Aesop toiletries.

The hotel is in a prime location to explore galleries and restaurants and is just a short walk from the city centre. Our top pick, Canberra’s new National Portrait Gallery, displays portraits of over four hundred people who shaped Australia’s history.