With travellers returning in droves, Australia is bringing its A-game when it comes to hotels.
Jan 17, 2023 1:00am
With a host of new hotel openings on the horizon, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, we take a look at the ones promising to make the biggest splash.
Melbourne, Vic
Many have set out to become the “Rolls Royce” of hotels but this boutique stay has real claims on the title. It helps the site was the car brand’s original Melbourne home. Even more deserving is the latest refurbishment, which aims to immerse guests in glamour. An illuminated porte-cochère (a grand arch) will greet guests, joined by 94 guest rooms, a marble staircase and fireplace, 24-hour concierge, and a swanky bar. In the rooms, freestanding baths, Molton Brown amenities and botanical wallpaper will round out this spiffy South Yarra spot.
Sydney, NSW
Behind the sprawling sandstone Edwardian Baroque building lies the hotly anticipated Capella. Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of The Bentley Group have signed up to run in-house restaurant, Brasserie 1930. Beyond the marble foyer will be 192 guestrooms joined by an upper-level wellness spaces including an indoor pool, yoga platform and Auriga Spa. Guests will also be granted access to the private Living Room – a signature of Capella properties across the world. Here, local pros or Capella Culturists will be on hand to organise guest activities both in and outside the hotel.
Melbourne, Vic
to deliver hyper-local, seasonal and cutting-edge cuisine across the luxury hotel’s culinary offering. The restaurant will sit a cool 80 floors above the CBD alongside the lobby, and below it will lie a holistic wellness spa and 257 carefully appointed rooms.
Sydney, NSW
Sydney will continue to revitalise historic architecture with new age hotels, when Morris arrives on Pitt Street. Situated in an Italian renaissance building the Accor boutique hotel will sit near the Capitol Theatre and World Square. Expect 82 art deco-inspired rooms; and a swanky new bar within.
Melbourne, Vic
The Parliament end of Bourke Street will welcome back Le Méridien to Australian shores. Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s before going through lives as a cinema, nightclub and theatre, the building will return to its origins as a hotel for the first time in decades. The 235-room hotel is set
to have expansive views over the Royal Botanic Gardens along with a rooftop pool deck.
Crescent Head, NSW
Anyone who has spent a gloriously chilled afternoon at The Slow in Bali’s Canguu will be excitedly awaiting this seaside opening. Creative director, George Gorrow (original Ksubi co-founder) and his wife, designer Cisco Tschurtschenthaler are the reigning monarchs of laidback luxury. For Sea Sea, they are bringing a ’70s spirit to a modern surf-club hotel. The 25-room boutique stay will call upon the pair’s style credentials as well as surf culture and music to set the scene. On the hospitality front, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants and Daniel Medcalf (No 35 Kitchen and Bar) are on board. Guests can also expect an in-house fashion line, designer souvenirs and a crowd of cool kids for high-octane people watching.
Sydney, NSW
The glossy glass facade of this striking hotel has been sitting almost-ready for guests for years, but 2023 is the year the W Sydney will finally swing open its curvy and cool doors in Darling Harbour. In October, you can expect luxurious rooms replete with azure blue bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes; a patterned infinity pool and a two-storey rooftop bar.
Bookings yet to open
