The new wave of Australian hotels breaking the five-star formula

Ideal for: road-tripping aesthetes

“Chic” and “retro-cool” aren’t typically the first words that spring to mind when you think of a beach motel, but Dolphins Mollymook is bringing the coastal roadside stay into a lane of its own. Just a short walk from the serene shores of Mollymook Beach, this mid-century-modern retreat pairs the nostalgic charm of regional road trips with elevated interiors and contemporary hospitality. Home to 10 boutique king rooms, a three-bedroom apartment, a retro-inspired pool and its own café, it delivers Palm Springs energy with a distinctly Australian bent. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from Milton’s dining scene, galleries and boutique shops.

Why we love it:

• The furnishings. Designed by the likes of Jardan, Tait, Vincent Sheppard and Vitra, the interiors are a charming blend of mid-century and modern luxury.
• The details. Each room is kitted out with a private terrace, kitchenette filled with Smeg appliances, Dyson hair dryers and Leif bathroom amenities. Plus, a welcome hamper curating artisan goods from South Coast producers is the perfect way to experience the region.

Ideal for: those looking for a full reset

Formerly Kimberley Sands, this small boutique retreat has returned to its roots both in name and ownership. Nodding to its pearling heritage, the restoration of Pinctada (reminiscent of Pinctada maxima, the South Sea pearl shell Broome is known for) to the Paspaley family has meant refreshed rooms, studios and suites as it enters its new era. The contemporary site puts you on the doorstep of Cable Beach, with rooms designed to mimic Broome’s landscapes and offer guests a rare choice of outlook – whether that be garden views, pool views or courtyard views. With a lagoon-style pool, an alfresco Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar and an all-day lounge, Pinctada Hotel Broome is the reset couples, families and friendship groups need.   

Why we love it:

• The location. Moments from the shifting waters of Cable Beach, it serves as a gateway to the rest of the Kimberley’s natural beauty.
• The rooms. The Master Pearlers Suite spills out over 61sqm with a separate living area, dedicated dining space and contemporary amenities.

Ideal for: those with a penchant for when heritage-meets-modernity

Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the landmark Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa has begun a new chapter under Salter Brothers Hospitality’s Ardour Hotels & Estates portfolio, joining its sibling Ardour Milton Park in all its rustically charming glory. Originally built in 1889, the residence was frequently graced by high society, welcoming socialites, celebrities, dignitaries and generations of families through its doors — including Sir Edmund Barton and the Duchess of York. These days, the new design — led by award-winning Australian firm, Luchetti Krelle — retains all the whimsy of its original character, while updating its 89 guest rooms and suites to feature three unique colour palettes and marble-topped joinery. Similarly to its Bowral sister, dining leans experiential, with a dedicated caviar service and a roving cheese station on offer.

Why we love it:

• The dining. The hotel’s high tea offering has been refreshed with gold-leaf touches, caviar-topped dishes and more.
• The bar. Reinvigorated, The Lounge provides all the moody after-hours atmosphere you could want, plus, elevated bar snacks like four-cheese and truffle sliders and spanner crab brioche.

Ideal for: the food-loving beachgoer

Previously an ‘80s-esque surf motel, this storied building on The Esplanade has stepped into its second act as the stylish, slightly eccentric Surf Hotel. With celebrated chef and sustainability pioneer Jo Barrett leading the kitchen, alongside head chef Aaron Brodie (Oakridge), Surf Hotel is poised to be Torquay’s newest drawcard. Beyond the restaurant, 16 impeccably designed rooms, an elevated four-bedroom penthouse and a beachside deck make a compelling case for staying the night, while a curated collection of art and surf memorabilia promise a much more bespoke, boutique alternative to the area’s larger hotels.

Why we love it:

• The interior design. Terracotta tiles run throughout the property, complemented by hand-glazed Japanese tiles, chiselled timber cabinetry, and a curated collection of vinyls, coffee table books and vintage surf magazines.
• The dining. Chef Jo Barrett brings her signature zero-waste ethos to this coastal kitchen, where the menu is shaped by local produce.
• The historical touches. Rip Curl co-founder Doug Warbrick has repurposed a collection of boards originally ridden at the iconic Bells Beach just a stone’s throw away into a new line sold exclusively through the Surf Hotel shop.

Ideal for: a bespoke neighbourhood stay

Once a Federation shopfront turned iconic Italian restaurant, this tiny boutique hotel in the historic Owston’s Buildings in Fremantle is proof that big things come in small packages. 11 carefully restored and preserved rooms are built around the concept of a modern-day Italian locanda: a small, family-run guesthouse where dining, accommodation and the neighbourhood are closely intertwined. The outcome is a highly bespoke stay with a touch of quiet luxury that invites guests to experience life in the Port City like a local.

Why we love it: 

• The design. While it nods to its storied past, Terrazzo countertops, playful wall tiles and colourful furnishings ground it firmly in the present day.
• The intimacy. The upside of only managing 11 rooms is that the staff can tailor itineraries, recommendations and in-room details to your needs.
• In-room goods: freshly baked treats from Common Bakery; luxury Australian-made linen, robes and towels; locally-made amenities, and freshly roasted coffee from Good Seeds Coffee.

Ideal for: a creative rendezvous

Hyde Hotel’s first ground-up, purpose-built hotel globally, Hyde Perth carries the same creative DNA as its sister venues. Situated on Pier Street in Perth’s CBD, the 121-room property offers a five-star experience that blends lifestyle, music and culture. Earthy tones, hand-laid stone and light-washed timber combine with custom furniture to create a relaxed environment that feels bespoke to its location.

Why we love it:

• Gorgeous interiors. With Anthology Studio leading the charge, spaces feel warm, layered and textural.
• FARRA. Hyde Perth’s Grecian-inspired dining concept unfolds across a dining room, pool and terrace.

Ideal for: a serene escape

The reopening of Ardour Milton Park Bowral in late 2025 was one of the most anticipated in Australian hospitality. And for good reason. The multi-million dollar renovation gives way to a luxuriously reinvigorated hotel which importantly, still nods to its heritage. The 44-room Southern Highlands estate house delivers the same French Provencal glamour as before, only with updated interiors and state-of-the-art facilities. Fancy a turn around its impeccably landscapes gardens? Or perhaps a drink at the upgraded Polo Bar and fine-dining restaurant, Hordens, is more your speed. Either way, you’ll find something to love at this charming regional stay.

Why we love it:

• The dining. A dedicated charcuterie room stands off the recently renovated bar, while Ardour’s signature high tea makes a return with local seasonal produce.
• The facilities. A wellness spa is due to open, in addition to the existing sauna, heated indoor pool and hydro spa.
• The design. The captivating blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.
• The grounds. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and pine forests, every guestroom is a room with a view.

Ideal for: when you want a European adventure without leaving the country

Few stays feel as a romantic as an overnight escape to Casa Renoir, Noosa’s 40-acre masseria-esque hotel. Framed by striking arches and sun-bleached walls, olive trees and stone terraces, Casa Renoir is an ode to the slow life. Individual villas offer privacy and quiet retreat, while dining experiences — perhaps collecting eggs or harvesting honey — invite guests to engage with the surrounding environment. A freshwater pool reminiscent of Puglia’s secluded beaches is hedged by old stone, citrus trees and chic beach umbrellas, welcoming a luxuriously slow morning spent swimming and reading in the sunshine.

Why we love it:

• The space. Live la dolce vita in the slow depths of Noosa’s hinterland.
• The service. Guests are paired with a local guide who is on hand to arrange any last-minute bookings or requests.
• The intimacy. With only a handful of villas, the 40-acre property feels entirely your own.

Ideal for: an all-in-one seaside stay

Following an almost decade-long closure and an extensive three-year restoration, the charming Queenscliff Hotel on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula was reinvented as a premier boutique luxury hotel and dining destination. 12 design-forward suites invite an intimate boutique experience, including complimentary breakfast for the length of your stay, along with access to in-house amenities such as the guest lounge with books and games, and of course, the iconic turreted viewing tower which was lovingly restored to its former open-air glory.

Why we love it:

• The view. The turreted viewing tower offers sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay.
• The location. Once frequented by Melbourne’s elite via the pier across from the hotel, guests can relive the experience aboard Searoad Ferries.
• The dining. Guests get priority access when booking a reservation at the on-site restaurant, Miettas.
• The suites. Featuring marble-clad rooms and spa-like features or original fireplaces.

Ideal for: the homebody

Designed as a full-service hospitality destination, Hotel Panorama brings accommodation, dining and entertainment under one roof. Along with 77 rooms split across three floors, including the likes of 26 serviced apartments and two premium suites comprising of a private balcony, fireplace and soaking tub, the hotel is home to a café, rooftop bar, outdoor beer garden and restaurant centred around a sunken fire lounge.

Why we love it:

• The suites. Guests have access to a gym, laundry facilities and in-room amenities.
• The cellars. Featuring a carefully curated selection of premium wines, beers, and spirits, plus, regular masterclasses.