What hotels made TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards

What hotels made TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards

Here at Travel Weekly, we love lists.

In fact, if we were to write a list of all our favourite things, lists would be top of the, well list.

So you can imagine our excitement when we found out that TripAdvisor had officially unveiled the winners of its Travellers’ Choice for Hotels.

giphy (35)

So without any further comments about our love for lists, let’s get into the winners.

For the second consecutive year, the family-run Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island was recognised as the #1 Top hotel in Australia, while COMO the Treasury in Perth and Sydney’s Ovolo Woolloomooloo came in second and third respectively.

“From island resorts, heritage hotels to secluded country boltholes, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards highlights the best accommodation Australia has to offer.

“These winners are recognised for remarkable service, value and quality and offer great hotel inspiration to travellers looking to plan their 2018 getaways on TripAdvisor,” said Grant Colquhoun, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

“We’d also like to congratulate Pinetrees Lodge on its win for the second year running and this is testament to their dedication in providing exceptional service.”

Luke Hanson, Director at Pinetrees Lodge said, “To us, success is about consistency and with our second consecutive win as Australia’s top hotel in TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards, we’ve safely demonstrated we’re doing genuine hospitality and service at the highest level.

“Pinetrees has been run as a family business for six generations now, and we sleep well knowing we’ll be passing this, our business and our passion, to our children Elsie and Pixie in 25 years’ time.”

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall said, “Pinetrees Lodge is a truly extraordinary place to stay on Lord Howe Island and I’m delighted that it has been recognised as the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2018 Hotel Winner once again.

“With its beautiful waterfront location and world-class food and wine offerings, it’s little wonder why visitors are continually mesmerised during their stay on this World Heritage-listed paradise.

“NSW was the only State to have four hotels place in the top 10 in Australia, including One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains.

“These accolades reinforce NSW’s reputation for world-class accommodation and service and we are excited to welcome even more visitors to our great State as a result of these fantastic awards.”

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Hotels across Australia:

(Excerpts in quotes below are from TripAdvisor reviewers)

1. Pinetrees Lodge – Lord Howe Island, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$986 per night

Pinetrees Lodge is, as its name suggests, “nestled amongst pine trees” on the World Heritage site Lord Howe Island, a paradise known for its unspoilt forests and rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Well-loved by travellers of all sorts including families, couples and adventure seekers, Pinetrees is one of Australia’s oldest family businesses.

According to TripAdvisor reviewers, Pinetrees Lodge offers “a perfect balance of activity, relaxation, sophistication and amazing food”. Guests can recharge with yoga and cooking classes, hikes and snorkelling

2. COMO the Treasury – Perth, Western Australia – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$565 per night

COMO the Treasury resides within a beautifully restored 19th-century state building in Perth’s central business district. Designed by renowned local architect Kerry Hill, no two rooms are alike and the building retains the original government office layout.

Every aspect of the 48-room hotel has “understated elegance”, thanks to elements such as its handcrafted European furnishings, king-size beds, high ceilings, large windows and travertine stone tiles.

3. Ovolo Woolloomooloo – Sydney, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$420 per night

The Ovolo is stretched along Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Wharf, the longest timber-piled wharf in the world, and close to some of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants.

The hotel has “a whimsical sense of fun” with its bright walls, neon lit quotes in the hallways and fun lighting pieces. All 100 rooms and suites tell a unique Australian story through art works which are part of the interior design. Travellers can also look forward to “little extras” such as complimentary breakfast, free happy hour and mini bar.

4. Aqua Resort Busselton – Busselton, Western Australia – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$487 per night

Surrounded by eight and half acres of woodlands, landscaped greenery and with direct access to the beach, Aqua Resort Busselton is great for travellers looking for “beachside bliss”.

The resort accommodates just about any type of trip from large family gatherings to romantic getaways. Travellers can choose one–to-five-bedroom beach houses, most of which come with a private plunge pool.

The resort is also a “great base” for travellers who want to explore nearby Busselton for its seasonal humpback whale-watching or the wineries at Margaret River.

5. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley – Wolgan Valley, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$2,164 per night

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is built on a “lovingly restored” farming property and retains its original design. The villas are located between national parks Wollemi and The Gardens of Stone, which are home to plenty of native wildlife including wombats, wallabies and kangaroos, and guests can visit for “ultimate Australian experience”.

The hotel offers an array of activities from archery and horse riding, a mini ranger program where kids get to build a bird hide and plant trees to mountain bike rides amidst “spectacular scenery”.

6. Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour – Sydney, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$324 per night

Originally a wool warehouse in 1888, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour has been converted into a stylish hotel with shutter-happy Instagrammers in mind”.

With beams and brick walls of the initial structure integrated into the design of the hotel, travellers will find plenty of photo opportunities at every corner. “Little extras” like a free a loot bag, mini bar, happy hour and the latest entertainment devices such as Apple TV and Alexa makes the visit more memorable.

7. Freestyle Resort Port Douglas – Port Douglas, Queensland – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$226 per night

Freestyle Resort Port Douglas is “an easy walking distance” away from tropical paradise Four Mile beach and main shopping and restaurant precinct on Macrossan Street.

Husband and wife host Jason and Anne are the highlight for many travellers as the “helpful hosts” go out of their way to make their guests feel at home. All rooms come with a welcome pack that includes fresh fruits, snacks, coffee and tea.

8. Lizard Island Resort – Lizard Island, Queensland – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$2,110 per night

As the only accommodation right on the Great Barrier Reef, a stay at the exclusive Lizard Island resort is the best way for travellers to explore the “breathtaking beauty” of world’s largest coral reef.

The resort has 40 rooms and villas, each with a balcony and a view of sandy beaches and native gardens. With coral reefs “right at the doorstep” guests can spend their time exploring the reef by snorkeling or riding resort’s glass bottomed boat.

9. Beach Club – Hamilton Island, Queensland – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$681 per night

Beach Club is an adults-only boutique resort that overlooks the “magical” Coral Sea on Hamilton Island. Intimate and “best for honeymooners and couples”, the 57 lavish rooms have a stylish and tranquil “beach vibe“.

Guests can expect to be pampered from start to end with complimentary welcome drinks and a chauffeur service to anywhere on the island.

10. Avenue Hotel Canberra – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$232 per night

Hailed by TripAdvisor reviewers as an “excellent hotel” and popular for its “comfortable beds”, Avenue Hotel’s convenient location in Canberra’s Central Business District means it is close to major attractions such as the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia.

All rooms feature contemporary interiors floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso machines and rainfall showerheads.

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Hotels in the World:

  1.    Viroth’s Hotel – Siem Reap, CambodiaLow TripAdvisor pricing from AU$135 per night
  1.    Tulemar Bungalows & Villas – Manuel Antonio, Costa RicaLow TripAdvisor pricing from AU$301 per night 
  1.    Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur – Jodhpur, IndiaLow TripAdvisor pricing from AU$538 per night
  1.    Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam Low TripAdvisor pricing from AU$132 per night
  1.    Gili Lankanfushi Lankanfushi, MaldivesLow TripAdvisor pricing from AU$1,903 per night
  1.    Hotel Belvedere – Riccione, Italy
  1.    The Nantucket Hotel & Resort Nantucket, MassachusettsLow TripAdvisor pricing from AU$661 per night
  1.    La Reserve Paris – Hotel and Spa – Paris, FranceLow TripAdvisor pricing from AU$1,418 per night
  1.    Nayara Springs – La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica – Low TripAdvisor pricing from AU$789 per night
  1. Hanoi La Siesta Hotel Trendy – Hanoi, Vietnam – Low TripAdvisor pricing from AU$101 per night

Travellers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide.

In the 16th year of the awards, TripAdvisor has recognised 8,095 properties in 94 countries and eight regions worldwide.

The awards celebrate hotel winners in the categories of Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family, All-Inclusive and Value For Money.

For the complete list of Travellers’ Choice Hotel award-winners for 2018, as well as the latest reviews and candid traveler photos, visit: www.TripAdvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels.

Travelers can also follow the conversation on social media at #TravellersChoice.

Travellers can read the latest reviews and compare prices from more than 200 sites to find the lowest prices on the right hotel for their trip at www.tripadvisor.com.

Latest News

  • Tour Operators

ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) announces enhancements to the ATAS complaints resolution process to allow for Non-Economic Losses after landmark High Court Case The changes were implemented after a recent High Court ruling (Moore v Scenic Tours Pty Ltd) that established that damages for “disappointment and distress” may now be available for breaches of […]

  • Cruise

Cunard previews new Queen Anne

The VIP experience included a series of expert panels, with key partners and collaborators across dining, design and wellness revealing how they brought Queen Anne’s headline concepts to life. Two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux hosted an intimate Q&A in the Queens Room. The acclaimed chef has created an exclusive gala menu for Queen Anne‘s Queens […]

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland

Bunnik Tours has announced its latest exciting expansion with the small tour specialist’s new Discover Iceland tour. Taking travellers to a bucket list icon, the tour explores the rugged landscapes and stunning glaciers that make Iceland such a hotspot. Kicking off in the capital, Reykjavik the tour then heads along the famous Ring Road to […]

  • Destinations

Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25

Australia’s first ‘glamping’ property – Paperbark Camp on the NSW South Coast – has celebrated its milestone 25th birthday with a sumptuous, under-the-stars banquet. The deluxe eco retreat at Jervis Bay was opened on April 27, 1999, by Sydney couple Jeremy and Irena Hutchings who were inspired by the safari tents they saw on an […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tourism

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10. Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in […]

  • Travel Agents

DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign

DriveAway has launched its Brit-Euro Blitz: Explore the UK, Europe & Ireland campaign, designed to inspire travellers to uncover the beauty and diversity of those destinations during May and June. The campaign arrives amidst a surge in popularity for destinations across the UK, Europe and Ireland, with year-to-date increases averaging around 30%. Notably, cities such […]

  • Road & Rail

Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern

Great Southern’s Fly and Stay Free special offer will have travellers taking in the views along the east coast between Adelaide and Brisbane next summer. This bright orange locomotive chases the summer sun, sharing the incredible coastline with those who want to experience it by train. The journey reflects the best of Australia, from charming […]

  • Tourism

Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips

Gen Z travellers prefer to limit alcohol when overseas and have an increased reliance on TikTok when planning a trip, according to a report by StudentUniverse, the world’s largest online travel retailer for young people. The State of Student & Youth Travel Report for 2024 delved into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25 […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]