The best-reviewed hotels of 2023
From new, impressive conversions in Sydney and Melbourne through to a bubble in the Thai jungle and luxury in Rome, here are our top-rated hotels of the year.
★★★★★
No harbour views, but new $300 million Sydney hotel gets perfect score
Capella’s world-class interior design and amenities throughout more than compensate for the general absence of views.
- by Anthony Dennis
★★★★★
The verdict on notorious Melbourne prison’s luxe hotel conversion
Pentridge has been converted from a place you don’t want to be to a place you don’t want to leave.
- by Anthony Dennis
★★★★★
Not the ‘Paris end’ but Ritz-Carlton fits right in to Australia’s chicest city
A sky-level infinity pool, an enchanting dining experience and impeccable service – Melbourne’s newest luxury hotel has it all.
- by Julia Naughton
★★★★★
Perfect score for this cool hotel in a hot destination
Doha’s searing heat tends to deter travellers over summer, but there’s more than enough to do in the cool of this magnificent Mandarin Oriental outpost.
- by Anthony Dennis
★★★★★
Singapore’s incredible green hotel is a glimpse of the future today
Cascading foliage, bulbous curves: first-timers do a double-take when they arrive at this Singapore hotel.
- by Jane Richards
★★★★★
New Italian hotel offers five-star style without the stuffiness
The Rome Edition’s dining and entertainment, along with the unique design and international atmosphere, have redefined ideas of classic luxury.
- by Maria Pasquale
★★★★★
This perfect hotel sets the new gold standard for opulence
Hong Kong’s Rosewood is an exquisite grand luxury hotel and represents a new era for the East Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood on the Kowloon side of the city.
- by Kristie Kellahan
★★★★★
Exceptionally luxe resort is ‘out of this world’
Namibia’s Okahirongo Elephant Lodge reopened after a major refurbishment. But the real magic lies in the other-worldly landscapes of this distinct region.
- by Kate Armstrong
★★★★★
A luxury escape to the country with superb feasting
With a 38-hectare regenerative farm that supplies produce to the two-hatted Lake House restaurant, Dairy Flat Farm is a luxe escape to the country.
- by Ute Junker
★★★★★
This sensory hotel embodies its nation’s style and warm spirit
The sprawling stay in Uganda’s capital contains art and culture etched within luxury walls.
- by Catherine Marshall
★★★★★
Aussie fashion designer’s new Byron stay gets a perfect score
These retro-style off-grid accommodations are ideal for an intimate escape or a big bash with you and your mates.
- by Nina Karnikowski
★★★★★
A $35 million renovation has made this Fiji resort perfect
An extensive facelift has reinforced Sofitel Denarau’s place as one of Fiji’s top resort options.
- by Shaney Hudson
★★★★★
Bubble stay in the Thai jungle is a bucket-list item worth saving for
Jungle Bubble Lodge is a new ultra-modern add-on accommodation experience in prime northern Thailand terrain.
- by Penny Watson
★★★★★
The cheaper way to stay at one of Australia’s iconic outback destinations
What many don’t realise is that only a tiny proportion of visitors to El Questro Station stay at the iconic $2000-a-night Homestead.
- by James Woodford
★★★★★
Supremely located hotel has two Rome icons on its doorstep
Rome wasn’t built to be seen in a day, so it helps to have a hotel in such a central and convenient location.
- by Jane Richards
★★★★★
Steep at over $2000 a night, but easily London’s most memorable stay
Prices are steep at the new Raffles but what else would you expect at such a remarkable property?
- by Ute Junker
Hotel Vera, Ballarat, is perfect from bed to breakfast
Just 24 hours at Hotel Vera packs in the spoiling and serenity of a week-long wellness retreat.
- by Paul Chai
This is a holiday you’ll never forget
More than just somewhere to lay your hat, Mandapa offers an immersive luxury experience you're unlikely to ever forget.
- by Kylie McLaughlin