TripAdvisor^®, the world’s largest travel site, today announced the winners of its Travellers' Choice^® awards for Hotels, with the Ovolo Woolloomooloo taking top honours in Australia.

Travellers’ Choice award winners were based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide.

“Our Travellers’ Choice Hotel awards showcase exceptional accommodations around the world that are recognised for their value, service, amenities and overall experience, as reviewed by travellers worldwide on TripAdvisor,” said Grant Colquhoun, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “Be it a stylish urban retreat, a scenic beachfront resort or simply a place to unwind and escape, travellers can get inspired by these award winners when choosing the ideal hotel for their next getaway.”

On taking first place in Australia, Ovolo Woolloomooloo CEO and Founder Girish Jhunjhnuwala said, "I’m all shook up! A great start to the year being named TripAdvisor’s No.1 hotel in Australia! It’s you, our shiny, happy guests that has made this possible! Thank you!” 

David Sude, General Manager, Ovolo Woolloomooloo added, "Ovolo Woolloomooloo – We Need You Tonight! That’s the message from our guests. Without them, we wouldn’t be here! A huge high five to all those who took the time to vote and review us on TripAdvisor. Now let’s smash 2019 and stay as No.1 going into 2020!”

In Australia, Queensland has the greatest number of hotel winners with 75, New South Wales had 55 properties recognised, and Victoria featured 28 award winners. Globally, the United States has the greatest number of hotel winners with 165, Italy had 164 properties recognised and Spain featured 163 award winners.

The Top 10 Traveller’s Choice Hotels in Australia for 2019:

1. Ovolo Woolloomooloo – Sydney, New South Wales

TripAdvisor average annual price of $434 per night.

Stretched along Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Wharf, the longest timber-piled wharf in the world, Ovolo Woolloomooloo boasts a picturesque Sydney Harbour view and is a stroll away from some of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants. The hotel marries heritage with modern luxury, and features contemporarily designed loft rooms. A TripAdvisor reviewer commended, “Absolutely unique hotel that’s a cut above the rest. All staff were friendly and professional.” Another noted, “The loft room was amazing with its enormous lounge, so inviting that we didn’t even make it down to the free happy hour!”

2. Pinetrees Lodge – Lord Howe Island

TripAdvisor average annual price of $1,387 per night.

Sitting on World Heritage site Lord Howe, Pinetrees Lodge as their name suggests, is nestled amongst pine trees, faces one of the world’s most pristine lagoons, and surrounded by lush forests and a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. “There are probably not many places in the world that are still so raw and ‘untouched’,” a TripAdvisor reviewer praised. One of Australia’s oldest family businesses and a two-year consecutive Travellers’ Choice #1 award winner, Pinetrees Lodge offers a range of activities for all ages and traveller types, from surfing, snorkelling and diving to bird watching, fishing, golfing and day spas.

3. Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour – Sydney, New South Wales

TripAdvisor average annual price of $338 per night.

Steeped in history, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour was constructed in 1888 and originally a wool factory and warehouse. Overhauled into a thoughtfully designed hotel with “shutter-happy Instagrammers in mind”, the hotel melds Sydney’s old-world charm with contemporary design. Each room features three-metre high ceilings, recycled timber work stations and bespoke furniture. “This is a proper boutique hotel, lots of individual touches, but not too quirky. It’s a great location for exploring Sydney and the staff could not be more helpful or friendly,” noted a recent TripAdvisor review.

4. Peninsula Boutique Hotel – Port Douglas, Queensland

TripAdvisor average annual price of $405 per night.

Offering a boutique style, adults only hotel experience, Peninsula Boutique hotel overlooks the Four Mile Beach and is the only hotel in Port Douglas with beach and ocean views. “We can’t recommend this beautiful hotel enough. It’s situated right by the beach and a stroll to the town, where there is a great choice of restaurants, bars and shops. I would come back in a heartbeat,” commented a TripAdvisor user.

5. Korte’s Resort – Rockhampton, Queenland

TripAdvisor average annual price of $157 per night.

Located near the heart of Rockhampton, Korte’s Resort is a luxurious, tropical oasis that is value for money and suitable for any traveller and occasion– from weddings, business conferences to a restful weekend escape. “Korte’s Resort is a great place to stay, the room was spacious, fresh and clean. The facilities were excellent for a getaway,” stated a TripAdvisor review. From another: “To sum up, this is the best Rockhampton accommodation experience of the many I have had since 1990.”

6. COMO The Treasury – Perth, Western Australia

TripAdvisor average annual price of $645 per night.

Residing within a beautifully restored 19^th century state building yet still retaining their original government office layout, COMO The Treasury is situated at the heart of Perth’s central business district. Designed by renowned local architect Kerry Hill, no two rooms are alike, and every aspect of the 48-room modern luxury hotel features handcrafted European furnishings, high ceilings, large windows and travertine stone tiles. A recent TripAdvisor reviewer commended, “I really appreciated how the renovation architects tried, wherever possible, to retain echoes of the original building. COMO The Treasury is definitely one of the best, if not actually the best hotel experience we’ve had.”

7. The Langham, Sydney – Sydney, New South Wales

TripAdvisor average annual price of $523 per night.

Situated along the quaint cobble stoned streets of Sydney’s Historic Rocks district, The Langham, Sydney faces stunning Western Harbour views. With a focus on providing a grand residential experience, every room features high ceilings, bespoke furnishings amidst soft panelled walls, Juliette balconies and/or signature terraces. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, swim in the renowned 20m indoor pool detailing a star-dappled ceiling, or work out at the techno-gym. “The Langham just has the edge on personal service and class… Every little detail has been thought of. Well done Langham, I’ll be back,” praised a TripAdvisor review.

8. Qualia Resort – Hamilton Island, Queensland

TripAdvisor average annual price of $1,508 per night.

Latin for ‘a collection of deeper sensory experiences’, Qualia Resort sits on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island, surrounded by the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef. Exquisitely designed and promising privacy, each pavilion faces the water with breathtaking views; some even inclusive of a sundeck or a personal infinity edge plunge pool. “A fabulous experience—we did not want to leave the room, service was excellent, and the food and staff were unbelievable. If you want to stay in the lap of luxury, this is the place to go!” a TripAdvisor reviewer noted.

9. Meriton Suites Southport – Southport, Queensland

TripAdvisor average annual price of $236 per night.

At 55 levels high, Meriton Suites Southport is located in one of the city’s tallest buildings and all 208 suites are between levels 25 and 55. Soak up the magnificent sights from any suite—of stunning hinterland and surrounds, and pristine surf beaches from the Pacific Ocean coastline. The suites’ contemporary features, open living spaces and luxury inclusions such well-appointed gourmet kitchens and full-sized bathrooms, provide a new level of hospitality experience. “To anyone searching for excellent accommodation, amazing customer service, incredible views, fantastic facilities, great location and superb value, don’t look any further. You have found it in the Meriton Suites Southport,” commended a TripAdvisor reviewer. “If I could award 10 stars, I would.”

10. Freestyle Resort Port Douglas – Port Douglas, Queensland

TripAdvisor average annual price of $264 per night.

Located a short walk away from tropical paradise Four Mile beach and main shopping and restaurant district Macrossan Street, Freestyle Resort Port Douglas sets the standard for boutique accommodation in the Port Douglas region. While the resort features an award-winning spa and heated swimming pool, the highlight for most travellers was still the personalised service by resident managers Jason and Anne. “Anne’s warmth, cheerfulness and accommodating approach really adds the final touch,” praised a TripAdvisor reviewer.

2019 Travellers’ Choice Hotel Winners by Category:

For the complete list of Travellers' Choice award-winning hotels for 2019 across all nine categories, including the top hotels around the world, visit: www.TripAdvisor.com.au/TravellersChoice-Hotels.

TripAdvisor has recognised 7,812 properties in 94 countries and eight regions worldwide in the categories of Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family and All-Inclusive. The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable quality, service and value.

Methodology

Average nightly hotel rates for all award categories except Best Bargain based on prices available on TripAdvisor from January – December 2018. Average nightly hotel rates for Best Bargain award winners based on prices available on TripAdvisor from June 2017 – June 2018.