Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals
Media Center

Newsroom

TripAdvisor Reveals the Best Hotels Across Australia and the Globe with 2017 Travellers' Choice Awards
Pinetrees Lodge of Lord Howe Island is #1 in Australia; Aria Hotel Budapest in Hungary Named the Top Hotel in the World

TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice® for Hotels awards. Travellers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide.

 

In the 15th year of the awards, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top 7, 607 properties in 109 countries and eight regions worldwide, in the categories of Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance and Family.

 

“From island resorts, traditional guest houses to heritage hotels, the Travellers’ Choice Hotel Awards highlights the fantastic array of accommodation across Australia and the world for travellers to enjoy”, said Joanne Kershaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable service, value and quality. Travellers looking to be inspired with amazing hotels to visit in 2017 should start with these award winners when researching and booking their next holiday on TripAdvisor.”

 

Australian winner Luke Hanson, co-owner of Pinetrees Lodge said, “We are absolutely delighted to have been named number 1 on TripAdvisor! For a small lodge on Lord Howe Island, we’re mixing it with some serious hotels. While they have an edge on us with pillow menus, lap pools, 24 hour room service and on-demand movies, we have the Lord Howe Island Lagoon, world-class adventure activities, an organic market garden, sensational food and a love for genuine service. It’s TripAdvisor that helps to get our name and reputation out there!”

 

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Hotels across Australia:

 

  1. Pinetrees Lodge – Lord Howe Island – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $929 per night. Most affordable month to visit: September ($796)

Located on the Lord Howe Lagoon, Pinetrees Lodge is one of Australia’s oldest family businesses. Sixth generation owner Dani Rourke and her husband Luke Hanson, run the largest of the traditional guest houses on Lord Howe, which has provided families, couples, and adventurers with a unique ‘sand between your toes’ holiday since the 1890s.  According to TripAdvisor users, the lodge is widely acknowledged for “excellent food”, “exceptional” service and relaxing spa treatments. Travellers can also discover world-class diving, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, walks and relaxation on one of Australia’s most beautiful islands.

  • Three reasons to book Pinetrees Lodge: Family-friendly lodge, first-class efficient staff, variety of outdoor activities.

 

2.Ovolo Woolloomooloo – Sydney, New South Wales – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $368 per night. Most affordable month to visit: January ($280)

Stretched along the longest timber-piled wharf in the world, the hotel is situated over the picturesque Sydney Harbour. Ovolo Woolloomooloo features contemporary design elements and furnishings that complement the original fixtures of a heritage building. Each of the 100 rooms and suites tell a unique Australian story through a series of art pieces infused into the interior design features. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Can’t speak more highly of this little jewel. We had a loft room which was extremely spacious. The staff treated you like family and the "Free Stuff" included - Free Breakfast, Free Happy Hour and Free Mini Bar. So central yet out of the hustle and bustle.”

  • Three reasons to book Ovolo Woolloomooloo: Superb location, free mini-bar, unique design features

“TripAdvisor reviews are crucial to us here at Ovolo Woolloomooloo so we can continue to offer the best experience for each and every guest,” said Adam Taloni, General Manager, Ovolo Woolloomooloo. “We are thrilled to see that we have entered the awards for the first time this year and within the top two! A fantastic accolade to start off 2017 for our hotel and all our team members.”

 

3.Park Hyatt Sydney – Sydney, New South Wales – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $951 per night. Most affordable month to visit: June ($848)

The Park Hyatt Sydney is not only located on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours but is also between the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The hotel’s architecture, art and design reflect the Australian landscape. Other highlights of the property include floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies in all their 155 guestrooms, 24-hour butler service and a day spa with rooftop pool and sundeck. “Wonderful hotel and view with fantastic staff. Always receive wonderful service and attention with the highest details. Highly recommended. Always attentive and attending to all your needs. Always my first and only choice when visiting Sydney” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

  • Three reasons to book Park Hyatt Sydney: Harbour front views, proximity to good local restaurants, 24 hour butler service

 

4.Qualia Resort – Hamilton Island – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $1,143 per night. Most affordable month to visit: February ($1,010)

Qualia Resort lies at the northern tip of Hamilton Island, in a private hideaway that can only be accessed by guests of the resort. Each of Qualia’s 60 light-filled pavilions faces the water, as well as being surrounded by lush tropical bush land. Everything in the resort has been carefully designed and considered, to make each travellers trip one of pure relaxation and sensory indulgence.  One TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Qualia Resort is one of those properties that has great customer service, great food and a great property. You are made to feel like a king and a queen while you are there. The staff are extremely professional towards their work and treat everybody as an individual.” 

  • Three reasons to book Qualia Resort: Unique and blissful spa treatments, fine dining, location and atmosphere.   

 

5.Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour – Darling Harbour, Sydney – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $259 per night. Most affordable month to visit: July ($224)

Only a stone’s throw away from Darling Harbour and designed with Instagrammers in mind, any traveller who stays at the Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour will find plenty of photo opportunities at every corner. Guests can enjoy “comfy beds”, complimentary in-room snacks and breakfast. “This hotel focuses entirely on user experience. I was blown away with the attention to detail from the hip decorations to the inclusion of an Apple TV in every room. This is what every hotel should be like. Thanks for an awesome stay!” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.  

  • Three reasons to book Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour: Avant garde design, free happy-hour and mini bar, central location

 

6.East Hotel – Canberra – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $194 per night. Most affordable month to visit: January ($170)

Situated between the vibrant hubs of Kingston and Manuka in Canberra's prestigious "Inner South", East is an ideal base for a visit to the capital. If you want to explore the area like a local, cruiser bikes are available complimentary for guests. The hotel also is located in close proximity to restaurants, bars and supermarkets. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “Great hotel in a fantastic location. Beds were so comfy, rooms were large and clean, the hotel was within walking or riding distance to restaurants and bars. Being able to borrow bikes was excellent”.

  • Three reasons to book East Hotel: Cruiser bikes, complimentary lollies and fruit, ideal location for exploring Canberra

 

  1. Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments – Kununurra, Western Australia – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $209 per night. Most affordable month to visit: December ($185)

Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments is located amongst beautiful tropical gardens and provides an ideal relaxing environment for a stay in Kununurra. These self-catering apartments offer quality and comfort and are acknowledged as “new, spacious and well appointed” by TripAdvisor users. One reviewer noted that “the apartments have separate living and sleeping areas, kitchen facilities and they have a nice feel. Beds and pillows were comfortable. Definitely the best option in Kununurra.”

  • Three reasons to book the Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments: Free Foxtel- including movie channels, complimentary airport transfers, private tropical outdoor shower.

 

8.Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort – Cairns, Queensland – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $130 per night. Most affordable month to visit: March ($108)

Spread across 28 acres of tropical greenery, Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort caters to a variety of travellers and holiday makers with accommodation, camping and caravan options. There are also a variety of activities available for children and the young-at-heart including SPLASH waterpark, an adventure playground and numerous pools and spas. One TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “If you have children and are looking for a place to stay for a family holiday, this is the place for you! Plenty of entertainment for all the children - jumping pillows, pools and the famous waterpark. We have stayed here on multiple occasions and it has always been consistently excellent”.

  • Three reasons to book the Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort: Family-friendly, complimentary chocolates, outdoor cinema

 

9.Primus Hotel Sydney – Sydney, New South Wales – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $283 per night. Most affordable month to visit: January ($235)

Primus Hotel is a heritage hotel, offering guests a stay in what used to be the Sydney Water Board headquarters. Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and in a 1930s Art Deco building, there are hints of history throughout the hotel, with Sydney Water’s insignia on the floor of the lobby entrance and the original bubblers left dotted throughout. Primus also features a signature rooftop pool and bar that is loved by guests from all over the world. “Put simply this is my new go to hotel is Sydney. Truly opulent with magnificent fit out throughout the entire hotel. The reception is a superbly old world fit out. The rooms are spectacular with awesome beds and a superior bathroom. Great gym with free weights and to-die-for pool and open bar area. A must stay” noted one TripAdvisor reviewer

  • Three reasons to book Primus Hotel Sydney: Rooftop pool, centrally located, historical building

 

10.Big4 Beacon Resort – Queenscliff, Victoria – Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $143 per night. Most affordable month to visit: June ($123).

Big4 Beacon Resort offers a range of luxury cabins, villas and caravans for guests who want the vibe of the Aussie camping ground but without the camping. Located 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, the resort offers a day-spa, mountain bike hires for the neighbouring trails and a children’s clubhouse. “Our family has been staying at the Beacon for 28 years and we enjoy our stay more and more each time. Staff are friendly and helpful and we utilise all of the park facilities, even the Mud Day Spa was amazing and to top off our holiday we had a 6pm checkout. With an awesome beach just a short walk across the road our holiday is complete,” noted one TripAdvisor reviewer.

  • Three reasons to book Big4 Beacon Resort: Health and Wellbeing packages, free supervised kids activity program, family-friendly

 

 

Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Hotels in the World:

 

1.Aria Hotel Budapest – Budapest, Hungary

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $382 per night. Most affordable month to visit: March ($334).

2.Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Ubud, Indonesia

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $666 per night. Most affordable month to visit: May ($595).

3.Turin Palace Hotel – Turin, Italy

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $238 per night. Most affordable month to visit: August ($197).

4.Hotel The Serras – Barcelona, Spain

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $557 per night. Most affordable month to visit: January ($327).

5.BoHo Prague Hotel – Prague, Czech Republic

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $277 per night. Most affordable month to visit: February ($184).

6.Portrait Firenze – Florence, Italy

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $895 per night. Most affordable month to visit: February ($543).

7.Shinta Mani Resort – Siem Reap Province, Cambodia (-5 ranks from 2016)

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $199 per night. Most affordable month to visit: June ($175).

8.Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam (-4 ranks from 2016)

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $135 per night. Most affordable month to visit: June ($121).

9.Tulemar Bungalows & Villas – Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $428 per night. Most affordable month to visit: October ($262).

10.JA Manafaru – Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives

  • Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $1,075 per night. Most affordable month to visit: June ($898).

Other Hotel Category Winners for 2017:

 

 

World 

Australia

Top Luxury Hotel

Nayara Springs – Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica

Saffire Freycinet – Coles Bay, Tasmania

Best Bargain Hotel

Elm Tree Hotel – Wales, UK

Lazy Lizard Motor Inn – Port Douglas, Queensland

Top Small Hotel

The Oberoi Vanyavilas – Rajasthan, India

Bedarra Island Resort – Bedarra Island, Queensland

Best Hotel for Service

Lawton Court Hotel – Wales, UK

Spicers Vineyards Estate – Pokolbin, New South Wales

Best B&B and Inn

Bindon Bottom B&B – West Lulworth, England

Baudins of Busselton – Busselton, Western Australia

Best Hotel for Romance

The Place Luxury Boutique Villas – Koh Tao, Thailand

Spicers Vineyards Estate – Pokolbin, New South Wales

Best Hotel for Families

Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel – Ortisei, Italy

NRMA Treasure Island Resort & Holiday Park – Biggera Waters, Queensland

 

 

To see all 7,607 unique winners of the 2017 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Hotels, visit: www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravellersChoice-Hotels. Travellers can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #TravelersChoice.