Hotel stays have surely come a long way. I still recall, long ago, there were days when travellers didn’t really give much attention to their hotels, thinking that “it’s just a place to sleep”. I personally never thought of it that way. I tend to lean more with what legendary Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw said: “The great advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life.” And while I agree with that, I’d like to add that hotels nowadays are also an experience and destination themselves.
Hotel lovers like me are fortunate that there are now plenty of boutique hotels to choose from all over the world. And because international travel will have to wait a little longer, it’s a great time to get to know our home a little more.
If you need a bit of a travel inspiration, consider this as a guide to discovering more of Australia, one boutique hotel at a time.
1.) Palm Cove, Queensland
The Reef House Palm Cove – MGallery by Sofitel
If it’s a lush, green and tropical getaway you’re after, this is the perfect boutique hotel for you. Located just 25 minutes north of Cairns, this iconic boutique hotel overlooks the Coral Sea in Palm Cove. And even though it’s just right across the beach, the hotel itself feels like a luxurious, tropical hideaway with its unique colonial style and white plantation decor.
And should you feel like not getting out of the hotel for your entire stay (trust me, you can easily stay in the whole time), there’s plenty for you to do: from aqua aerobics in their heated pool, to yoga classes to interactive cocktail classes, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you wish. They also have fishing rods and vintage cruiser style bikes available for unlimited use for their guests.
The Reef Hose Palm Cove – M Gallery by Sofitel
99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD 4879
2.) Brisbane, Queensland
The Fantauzzo Brisbane – Art Series
If you appreciate modern architecture, art and nature, this is a must-stay boutique hotel for you. Visitors in Brisbane will surely either pass through or see the iconic Story Bridge during their stay. The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel bridge that spans the Brisbane River. This longest cantilever bridge in Australia is also the location of The Fantauzzo Brisbane. Yes, this is a modern, sexy boutique hotel located literally under the bridge.
The Fantauzzo also overlooks the recently revitalised Howard Smith Wharves, one of Brisbane’s happening hubs. The hotel is inspired by the works of acclaimed Australian painter, Vincent Fantauzzo. The hotel features his original artworks and guests are treated to complimentary art tours and in-room art channels.
The Fantauzzo Brisbane -Art Series
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
3.) The Rocks, Sydney
Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – MGallery by Sofitel
When you’re in Sydney, this legendary heritage hotel’s location is hard to beat. You’re probably as central as you can get. Located in the heart of The Rocks precinct, the Harbour Rocks Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Equidistant but on the opposite direction is Sydney’s bustling CBD. For the location alone, this boutique heritage hotel trumps most accommodation. As an extra bonus, it’s not just the location that you will love with Harbour Rocks Hotel. This 5-star hotel boasts stylish accommodation rooms with gorgeous heritage charm.
Staying at the Harbour Rocks Hotel is also a historical and momentous experience as the hotel has retained most of its historic walls from 1887 when it was built. However, its interiors have been carefully refurbished for that modern feel. Staying in this hotel is an absolute luxurious experience of stylishly going back in time.
Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney-MGallery by Sofitel
34 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
4.) Leura, NSW
Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
From the city, off we go to a relaxing Blue Mountains retreat! Drive 90 minutes west of Sydney and you will find yourself in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
And when it comes to boutique accommodation in the area, the Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains MGallery by Sofitel really hits the mark. Staying here is in itself a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat. There are plenty of activities from morning yoga sessions, to trail running, and indulging in the hotel’s very own Ubika Day Spa.
What I love is that this hotel has MGallery by Sofitel’s ‘Inspired by Her’ touch, their signature way of making women travellers feel extra welcome and safe.
Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains MGallery by Sofitel
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura, NSW 2780
5.) Adelaide, SA
The Playford Adelaide-MGallery by Sofitel
This boutique hotel that’s located in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct will give you a charming old-world, Art Nouveau experience. They Playford Adelaide will not just spoil you with fine hotel luxuries, they are also on a mission to fulfil any foodie’s appetite. Their award-winning Playford Restaurant offers European fare using quality South Australian produce.
They have a Gastronomy Package that includes overnight accommodation, a 3-course dinner for two and breakfast at The Playford Restaurant. For indulgent afternoons, they also have the Playford Feast every Saturday and Sunday afternoons at the Playford Lounge Bar.
A couple of nights’ stay at The Playford will definitely spoil anyone who appreciates the art, culture and food.
The Playford Adelaide-MGallery by Sofitel
120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000
6.) Melbourne, VIC
The Chen Melbourne-Art Series
The Chen is located in Box Hill, just outside the CBD area of Melbourne. This boutique hotel is named after and inspired by Chinese-born Australian artist, Zhong Chen. All 100 rooms of The Chen are open plan style suites, each of them with a room art library and a dedicated art channel.
On top of the stylish suites, the trademark of The Chen is their rooftop pool and entertainment deck which has spectacular views of Melbourne’s CBD.
The Chen Melbourne-Art Series
850 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, VIC 3128
7.) South Yarra, VIC
The Como Melbourne-MGallery by Sofitel
The Como Melbourne is a stylish boutique hotel perfect for a girls’ weekend, or a couple’s shopping getaway (or even better, solo shopping treat!). It’s located in South Yarra, Melbourne’s famed district cafes, dining and shopping.
It is located in chic Chapel Street, which makes it the most ideal base for exploring Melbourne’s city, dining and shopping scene. All 111 of its rooms are stylish and luxurious suites with chic minimalist designs, bathed with a lot of natural light.
After a long day of exploration and shopping, be sure to soak yourself in your suite’s giant bath. And don’t forget to look out for the signature blue Como ducky!
The Como Melbourne-MGallery by Sofitel
630 Chapel Street, South Yarra, VIC 3141
8.) Perth, WA
The Adnate Perth – Art Series
Named after and inspired by Australian street artist Matt Adnate, The Adnate Perth is hard to miss. Its building features one of the world’s largest mega murals, a stunning artwork which spans 25 storeys.
Matt Adnate’s art is powerful and multicultural, and all of the rooms feature his works, which showcases Perth’s culture and community. Guests are given complimentary art tours, and the rooms have art libraries and in-room art channels as well.
The Adnate’s location is adjacent to Perth’s King Street, known for its chic and trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.
The Adnate Perth-Art Series
900 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000
Which among these boutique hotels match your style the most?
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