Discover the Best Luxury Hotels in Sydney and Melbourne for Different Types of Travelers

From foodie favorites to spa retreats, these luxury hotels in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia offer stays as unique as your travel style.

Sydney and Melbourne rank among Australia’s top destinations, each offering its own flavor of luxury. But choosing the right hotel depends on the kind of traveler you are. Are you a foodie chasing the next great meal? An architecture buff who wants a room with a view? Or someone who craves immersive cultural experiences from check-in to checkout? Whatever your travel style, I’ve rounded up the perfect luxury stays in Sydney and Melbourne based on your number-one priority.

“Are you a foodie chasing the next great meal?
An architecture buff who wants a room with a view?
Or someone who craves immersive cultural experiences from check-in to checkout? ”

Best Hotels for Foodies

If you’re searching for the best Sydney hotel deals with exclusive benefits start by thinking about what’s nearby — especially if you plan to eat your way through the city. For foodies, location can make or break a luxury stay. Here are two standout options, perfectly placed for gourmet adventures in Sydney and Melbourne.

Park Hyatt Sydney

📍 7 Hickson Road
    The Rocks
    Sydney, New South Wales 2000

Park Hyatt Sydney offers unbeatable harbor views and an address that’s steps from some of Sydney’s most iconic dining experiences. Start at the hotel’s own Dining Room — where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Sydney Opera House while you enjoy dishes that celebrate local ingredients with global flair.

From there, wander over to Quay one of Australia’s most-awarded restaurants, known for its innovative cuisine and stunning water views. Craving steak? 6Head at Campbell’s Cove steakhouse serves premium cuts with a side of historic charm — it’s housed in one of Sydney’s oldest waterfront buildings.

Crown Towers Melbourne

📍 8 Whiteman Street
    Southbank, Victoria 3006

Over in Melbourne, foodie travelers flock to Crown Towers Melbourne — where luxury suites meet a built-in culinary wonderland. Located in the heart of Southbank, the hotel gives you direct access to a lineup of world-class restaurants.

Dine at Rockpool Bar & Grill for legendary steaks, or treat yourself to modern Japanese perfection at Nobu. Want a meal with a side of molecular magic? Dinner by Heston Blumenthal brings historic British dishes into the future — all without leaving Melbourne.

Best Hotels for Architectural Lovers

If you plan your stays based on how photogenic the lobby is (no shame), Australia’s got plenty of eye candy. From historic gems with stories in every brick to sleek modern marvels, these hotels are architectural destinations in their own right. Whether you’re a design devotee or just appreciate a good façade, here are a couple of stays that’ll make you swoon.

The Old Clare Hotel

📍 1 Kensington Street
    Chippendale, New South Wales

The Old Clare Hotel is where heritage charm meets industrial cool. Housed in a former brewery and pub, this Chippendale icon is all exposed brick, soaring windows and carefully preserved details. Even your room feels like a design exhibit — with a perfect mix of vintage finds and modern edge. And speaking of beer, the onsite pub and microbrewery mean you can admire the architecture with a pint in hand.

QT Melbourne

📍 133 Russell Street
    Melbourne, Victoria 

If your taste leans more bold and contemporary, check out (and check into) QT Melbourne. This design-forward hotel blends urban grit with playful art installations and luxe finishes at every turn. The real star? The rooftop bar, where you can sip a cocktail with panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline. It’s the kind of place where you feel cooler just by walking through the door — and honestly, you just might be.

Best Hotels For Wellness-Minded Travelers

If your idea of luxury includes spa time, serene swims and a suite so calm it practically whispers, “Relax,” Sydney and Melbourne have you covered.

The Langham

📍 89-113 Kent Street
    Sydney, New South Wales

The Langham in Sydney blends five-star luxury with serious self-care. Start with a visit to the Day Spa by Chuan, where treatments draw from traditional Chinese medicine. Then drift over to the indoor heated pool, complete with a celestial ceiling that turns your swim into a full sensory escape.

The Lyall

📍 16 Murphy Street
    South Yarra, Victoria 

Over in Melbourne, the Lyall offers a boutique wellness retreat in the heart of one of the city’s most elegant neighborhoods. Think oversized suites with private balconies, a full-service spa known for its holistic therapies, and a tranquil location within walking distance of leafy parks and gardens.

Best Hotels for the Culture Lover

If you plan your trips around museums, galleries and creative vibes, Sydney and Melbourne both offer hotels that put you right in the cultural thick of things — with a little luxury on the side.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

📍 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway
    Woolloomooloo, New South Wales

The name might be a mouthful, but Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a culture lover’s dream stay. Sitting right on the iconic Finger Wharf, this quirky hotel puts you within strolling distance of the Royal Botanic Garden and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Plus, the hotel itself leans into bold design, creative energy and a playful vibe, so the art isn’t just outside — it’s everywhere you look.

The Olsen Melbourne

📍 637 Chapel Street
    South Yarra, Victoria

Over in Melbourne, the Olsen Melbourne offers a full-on art immersion. Part of the Art Series Hotels, the Olsen pays tribute to John Olsen, one of Australia’s most celebrated painters. Every room feels like a mini gallery, with Olsen’s work featured throughout the hotel. They even offer art tours and creative workshops, so you can live like an artist — or at least sleep like one. 

Best Hotels in Sydney and Melbourne for Every Type of Traveler

Whether you’re chasing harbor views in Sydney or art-filled stays in Melbourne, these hotels go beyond a place to sleep — they’re part of the experience. From foodie hotspots to wellness retreats and design-driven gems, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Sydney and Melbourne for travelers who want more than just a standard check-in.

MORE: 8 Must-Visit Destinations Across Victoria, Australia

Wherever you land, don’t forget to time your visit wisely (off-peak = better deals) and stay close to what you love most, whether that’s top restaurants, must-see museums, or cultural landmarks that spark your curiosity. After all, the best trips start with the right home base. –Alexander Novak

Holiday Ports of Call: The Best Christmas Destinations to Visit by Yacht

Set sail over the holiday season for an unforgettable Christmas adventure. From the shimmering lights of Monaco to the sun-soaked beaches of Sydney, discover the most enchanting stopovers for a luxurious and festive yacht getaway.

Ahoy, holidaymakers! This festive season, why not trade in the traditional for some Christmas luxury getaways? Embark on a yuletide voyage to some of the world’s most enchanting ports, where every sunset is a celebration. Imagine gathering around a tree in a scenic harbor, exchanging customized gifts while experiencing the magic of age-old traditions unique to the region. 

Let’s set sail to these unmissable Christmas destinations by yacht.

Mediterranean Magic: Christmas in Monaco

Picture this: the glimmering Mediterranean coastline, where Monaco transforms into a winter wonderland despite the absence of snow. Stroll through festive markets that hug the harbor, where the scent of mulled wine and artisan crafts fills the air. As the sun dips below the horizon, Monaco offers an ambiance that’s both cozy and opulent, perfect for a Christmas to remember.

Festive Attractions: Monaco’s Christmas Village at Port Hercules is a treasure trove of festive cheer. Wooden chalets overflow with artisanal crafts, gourmet delicacies and charming holiday trinkets. The nearby Place du Casino is transformed into a dazzling holiday spectacle, complete with sparkling decorations and projections on the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Local Holiday Traditions: In Monaco, Christmas traditions reflect the principality’s blend of Mediterranean charm and Old-World Catholic traditions. The highlight of the season for many locals is the December Mass at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral. This historic cathedral, with its stunning Roman-Byzantine architecture, becomes the heart of spiritual and communal gatherings during the holidays.

Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, is celebrated here with a focus on his role as a protector of children and sailors. Monaco’s seaside location makes this connection especially meaningful, with its port bustling with yachts decorated in dazzling holiday lights. 

Local Cuisine: Treat your taste buds to holiday specialties like fougasse, a soft and sweet bread adorned with oranges and nuts. Pair this with a glass of local wine for a festive culinary experience.

Tropical Escape: St. Barts for a French Caribbean Christmas

On this vibrant, sun-soaked island, Christmas is celebrated with a tropical twist. In St. Barts, the azure waters and swaying palm trees form the backdrop for a holiday filled with joy, fireworks and indulgence.

Festive Attractions: Gustavia Harbour is the heart of the celebration, with its fireworks display illuminating the tropical night sky. The harbor buzzes with energy as yachts light up in their holiday finery, and lively street parties spill into the early hours.

Local Holiday Traditions: In St. Barts, Christmas Eve is all about connecting with loved ones, often in open-air settings like courtyards or on the beach. The evening begins with shared meals, where traditional Creole dishes take center stage. As the night deepens, steel drums and guitars fill the air, often accompanied by impromptu dances that bring generations together.

Unlike the more commercialized parts of the world, St. Barts keeps holiday traditions grounded in family and community. Children might receive small gifts exchanged at midnight, but the focus is on the experience: the glowing lanterns, the delicious food and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. It’s a celebration that captures the essence of island hospitality, where visitors are often welcomed as family, and the holiday spirit radiates through every laugh, song and shared bite of food.

Local Cuisine: Feast on Creole-inspired holiday dishes like roasted meats, fresh seafood and tropical desserts. Don’t miss the chance to try accras (salt cod fritters) or the island’s famous coconut tarts.

Christmas Down Under: Sydney, Australia

Trade snowy streets for sandy beaches in Sydney, where Christmas celebrations are drenched in sunshine. Anchor in Sydney Harbour, with iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge providing the ultimate festive backdrop. 

Festive Attractions: Sydney’s Christmas markets are a feast for the senses, offering gifts, gourmet treats and a laidback Aussie vibe. Circular Quay comes alive with lights and decorations, while Darling Harbour hosts live performances and holiday events.

Local Holiday Traditions: In Australia, Christmas lands in the peak of summer, flipping traditional holiday expectations on their head. Locals embrace the season with sunshine, sandy beaches and outdoor celebrations. In Sydney, the holiday spirit spills out of homes and into parks, backyards and beaches, where families and friends gather for barbecues and picnics.

At Bondi Beach, the festive vibe reaches its zenith on Christmas Day. The iconic shoreline becomes a buzzing hub of sun-soaked revelry, drawing both locals and travelers who make sandcastles instead of snowmen. Santa himself joins the fun, swapping his sleigh and reindeer for a surfboard. The beach is a kaleidoscope of activity, from families grilling fresh seafood and sausages on portable BBQs to groups playing beach cricket and volleyball.

Events like the famous Carols in the Domain draw thousands for an open-air sing-along under the stars, with a distinctly Australian twist: kids in Santa hats paired with swimmers and sunscreen.

Local Cuisine: Indulge in fresh-grilled seafood like prawns and lobster, paired with tropical fruits and chilled Australian wine. Dessert? Pavlova topped with passionfruit and berries is a must.

Old-World Charm: Amsterdam, Netherlands

The shimmering reflections in Amsterdam’s canals double the charm of the city’s twinkling holiday lights. The scent of spiced cider and freshly baked oliebollen fills the air, while the sound of laughter echoes through cobblestone streets. Whether exploring Christmas markets or catching a glimpse of Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas), Amsterdam offers a holiday steeped in tradition and wonder.

Festive Attractions: Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are a delightful mix of cozy and festive, featuring handmade crafts, gourmet food stalls and live music. For a unique experience, visit the floating market on the Singel canal. In Dam Square, a towering Christmas tree illuminates the city center.

Local Holiday Traditions: At the heart of Dutch Christmas celebrations is Sinterklaas, the tall, stately figure dressed in red robes and a bishop’s mitre, who arrives in early December to bring gifts to children. Unlike Santa Claus, Sinterklaas doesn’t come from the North Pole; instead, he’s said to travel from Spain by steamship, a nod to the country’s maritime trading history.

And Sinterklaas doesn’t travel alone. He’s (in)famously accompanied by Zwarte Piet, aka Black Pete, a mischievous yet helpful character who assists in distributing gifts and sweets. Traditionally depicted in blackface (from chimney soot, supposedly), Zwarte Piet’s origins trace back to Dutch folklore, where he may have been inspired by Moorish servants or earlier tales of naughty spirits. While the depiction of Zwarte Piet has sparked debate in modern times, many communities have adapted the tradition with more inclusive interpretations, focusing on colorful costumes and cheerful antics.

The festivities truly come alive on Sinterklaasavond (Saint Nicholas Eve) on December 5, when children place their shoes by the fireplace, hoping to find small gifts or treats left by Sinterklaas and his helpers. Adults often join the fun with playful Sinterklaasgedichten — personalized rhymes poking gentle fun at the recipient, tucked inside wrapped presents.

Local Cuisine: Warm up with oliebollen, golden fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, or poffertjes, mini pancakes served with butter and syrup. Pair them with a hot cup of glühwein (mulled wine) for the ultimate festive treat.

Northern Lights: Tromsø, Norway

For a truly magical holiday, set your course north to Tromsø, where the Arctic sky lights up with the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights. Here, Christmas is a celebration of nature’s wonders, from snow-dusted landscapes to vibrant holiday markets. 

Festive Attractions: Tromsø’s Christmas markets are an enchanting blend of traditional crafts, local delicacies and festive lights. Don’t miss the chance to witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of your yacht.

Local Holiday Traditions: In Tromsø, Christmas is a time where folklore meets the enchantment of the Arctic. Norway’s version of Santa, Julenissen, is a mix of the modern Santa and the nisse — a gnome-like guardian from Norse mythology. Families leave bowls of porridge with butter out for the nisse, honoring its role as a protector of farms and bringer of small gifts during Jul, the Scandinavian version of Christmas.  

Another beloved tradition is julebukk (Christmas goat), where children dress in costumes and sing carols door-to-door in exchange for treats. This echoes ancient customs tied to Thor’s goat-pulled chariot, blending pagan roots with modern festivities.

Local Cuisine: Savor reindeer steaks, hearty stews and lingonberry desserts, each offering a true taste of the Arctic. Warm up with mulled berry gløgg, a hot spiced and slightly sweet wine.

Deck the Hulls: A Luxury Holiday Adventure Awaits

Embarking on a Christmas yacht journey offers a blend of luxury, adventure and cultural immersion. From the festive markets of Monaco to the Northern Lights of snowy Norway, each destination provides its own special brand of holiday cheer. Plan ahead, choose a yacht that caters to your desires and prepare for a holiday season that sails beyond the ordinary. –Joyce Veloso

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MORE MAGIC OF THE SEASON: Christmas Around the World