Revealed: All the winners from Gourmet Traveller’s 2018 Australian Hotel Awards
![Revealed: All the winners from Gourmet Traveller’s 2018 Australian Hotel Awards](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Looking to find respite in a gallery of glorious hotel photos?
Boy, have we got you covered.
Gourmet Traveller has unveiled its list of the best Australian Hotels, and it was a seriously stiff competition.
From urban havens to the best club sandwiches and everything in between, check out all the awards here.
Hotel of the Year: Paramount House Hotel, Sydney
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527393512863_HOTEL-OF-YEAR-Paramount-room-Tom-Ross.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“Old meets new. Bold meets beautiful. Cool meets class. And good taste trumps all. The one-time Pacific HQ of Paramount Pictures has emerged as the country’s most exciting hotel of 2018.
“A four-year renovation of the 1940s landmark has created a 29-room inn of poise and style, but also fun and games. In other words, Paramount House gets the balance of work and play just right.”
80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, NSW, paramounthousehotel.com
FINALISTS
Jackalope, 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Vic, jackalopehotels.com
Macq01, 18 Hunter St, Hobart, Tas, macq01.com.au
Large Hotel of the Year: Macq01, Hobart
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527400473442_LARGE-HOTEL-Macq01-exterior.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“Large hotels needn’t be predictable. Hobart’s Macq01 hotel, designed by heritage experts Circa Morris Nunn to resemble a riverside wharf, has a distinctive personality.
“It is Tasmania writ large in wood, steel and glass; a 114-room hotel that pours its island soul into every detail. The rooms, unusually generous in space and amenities (coffee machines, epic minibars), feature commissioned local art such as Troy Ruffels’ landscape photos and Duncan Meerding’s timber lampshades, and each room tells the story of a character from Tasmania’s past or present.
“Everything feels custom-made and handpicked for this inn beside the Derwent River.”
18 Hunter St, Hobart, Tas, macq01.com.au
FINALISTS
Grand Hyatt Melbourne, 123 Collins St, Melbourne, Vic, melbourne.grand.hyatt.com
Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks, NSW, sydney.park.hyatt.com
Boutique Hotel of the Year: Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527400686267_BOUTIQUE-HOTEL-JackalopeArchitectural-8copy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“It’s barely a year since the 46-room Jackalope landed like an alien spacecraft in the bucolic hills of the Mornington Peninsula. There’s so much to love about this wildly unconventional hotel, starting with its sumptuous rooms and suites, especially those with vineyard views.
“We also love the avant-garde art, bold furnishings and daring vision that distinguishes Jackalope from other boutique hotels. Its vineyard bistro Rare Hare often has a two-hour wait for tables at weekends and Saturday night stays are booked out months in advance.”
166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Vic, jackalopehotels.com
FINALISTS
The Langham Sydney, 89-113 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, langhamhotels.com
The Old Clare Hotel, 1 Kensington St, Chippendale, NSW, theoldclarehotel.com.au
Regional Hotel of the Year: Lake House, Daylesford
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527416911353_REGIONAL-HOTEL-summernightscopy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“Three decades ago, Alla and Allan Wolf-Tasker saw the potential of the quiet central Victorian spa town of Daylesford and opened an ambitious restaurant and country house beside pretty Lake Daylesford. Since then, Lake House has set the benchmark for Australian regional hospitality and helped reposition the town as the state’s most indulgent destination.
“Lake House is continually evolving – expect revamped waterfront studios and a lake-facing horizon pool by year’s end – but it’s always defined by its gorgeous setting, smart service, indulgent treetop spa and destination restaurant.”
4 King St, Daylesford, Vic, lakehouse.com.au
FINALISTS
Halcyon House, 21 Cypress Cres, Cabrita Beach, NSW, halcyonhouse.com.au
Jackalope, 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Vic, jackalopehotels.com
Best service: Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527417142803_BEST-SERVICE-SpicersClovellyEstateExterior2copy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“There’s a lot to be said for the special brand of hospitality at small regional hotels, especially those with hands-on managers like Spicers Clovelly Estate’s GM Stephen McAteer.
“He’s an exemplar in the field of relaxed country hospitality, often greeting guests on arrival, offering them a prosecco on the lawn and a tour of the estate while dispensing tips about morning yoga classes, boules and bikes, or a nearby waterfall walk.
“Staff are cut from the same hospitable cloth; our request for a phone charger is met with, ‘I’ll bring it straight to your room!’ McAteer recently relocated to sister hotel Spicers Hidden Vale, but he leaves behind an impressive service culture.”
68 Balmoral Rd, Montville, Qld, spicersretreats.com
FINALISTS
Next Hotel Brisbane, 72 Queen St, Brisbane, Qld, nexthotels.com
Shangri-La Sydney, 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks, NSW, shangri-la.com/sydney
Best breakfast: Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527417672628_BEST-BREAKFAST-Halcyon0060copy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“What could be more Australian than breakfast by the beach? At Halcyon House, the tastefully transformed surfer motel on Cabarita Beach in northern New South Wales, mornings are something to look forward to.
“At airy in-house restaurant Paper Daisy, days begin with a soundtrack of waves crashing beyond the pandanus grove and gifted chef Ben Devlin’s à la carte breakfast spread.
“There’s something for everyone, from coconut and chia pudding with honey and berries to toad in the hole with fried sourdough, egg and lonza. Add daily smoothies and well-made coffee for a morning to remember.”
21 Cypress Cres, Cabrita Beach, NSW, halcyonhouse.com.au
FINALISTS
Como The Treasury, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth, WA, comohotels.com
Grand Hyatt Melbourne, 123 Collins St, Melbourne, Vic, melbourne.grand.hyatt.com
Best pool: Elements of Byron, Byron Bay
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527417733012_BEST-POOL-ElementsBB0213acopy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“Adults-only pools are terribly elitist and may even violate UN conventions on the rights of children.
“But they’re perfectly acceptable as a complement to a pool of (almost) equal decadence that’s open to all guests, as is the case at Elements of Byron on Belongil Beach in northern New South Wales.
“The resort’s recent expansion added 99 two-bedroom rainforest villas and a separate adults-only pool to complement the existing 850,000-litre infinity lagoon surrounded by daybeds.
“The new pool’s key selling point, apart from its cabanas, is a swim-up tequila bar serving a dazzling range of very good agave spirits, as well as poolside snacks such as tacos stuffed with prawns, Tecate-braised brisket or butternut pumpkin. Way to make a splash.”
144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay, NSW, elementsofbyron.com.au
FINALISTS
The Johnson, 477 Boundary St, Spring Hill, Qld, thejohnson.com.au
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, 12 Darling Dr, Sydney, NSW, sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au
Best bar: TWR Bar in Crown Towers Perth
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527416282007_BEST-BAR-Crown-Towers.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“The rather ho-hum name belies the glamorous nature of this bar. TWR, short for The Waiting Room, dazzles with its jewel-coloured furnishings, Moroccan-accented chandeliers and fluted marble in pinks and white.
“Acres of glass and an elegant terrace afford views over river and city skyline as bar staff prepare modern interpretations of classic cocktails alongside their own extravagant inventions.
“The list comes with a glossary introducing drinkers to the merits of salmon fat-washed Talisker 10 (as seen in their sriracha-spiked Holy Mary) and activated charcoal “to flush toxins and chemicals from the body”. Cocktail hour as detox session? Count us in.”
Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood, WA, crowntowersperth.com.au
FINALISTS
Elements of Byron Bay, 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay, NSW, elementsofbyron.com.au
Islington Hotel, 321 Davey St, Hobart, Tas, islingtonhotel.com
Best bed: Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527415696717_BEST-BED-MayfairHotelDeluxeKingRoomcopy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
Almost all our favourite beds this year were made by AH Beard, the custom sleepmaker that has been producing mattresses since 1899.
With just one factory responsible for so many of our best nights in, it’s not easy to pick the Goldilocks option. What tipped our vote in favour of the Mayfair Hotel’s King Koil sleeper was not the fact that the hotel’s owner tried 30 beds before choosing this one, or that she had the South Australian supplier make this particular version – officially named the Mayfair Luxury Mattress – exclusively for the hotel.
“No, what convinced us was discovering one of our reviewers loved the bed so much, she ordered one for herself.”
45 King William St, Adelaide, SA, mayfairhotel.com.au
FINALISTS
Spicers Potts Point, 120-124 Victoria St, Potts Point, NSW, spicersretreats.com
Ovolo Inchcolm, 73 Wickham Tce, Spring Hill, Qld, ovolohotels.com.au
Best club sandwich: Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/27/1527418186622_BEST-CLUB-1-JackalopeRoomPlatecopy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“You would think, given this is our fifth year of rating hotel clubs, that we’d be tired of eating sandwiches stuffed with chicken, bacon and bits of salad.
“But each year at least one hotel kitchen presents a club sandwich that rocks the room-service menu. This year, that kitchen was at Jackalope, and it served our reviewer his best club sandwich ever.
“It’s called Drunk in Da Club (they love a quirky name at Jackalope) – an unholy marriage of drunken chicken, crisp chicken skin, pickled green tomatoes (made on site, with tomatoes from the garden), bacon jam and fresh lettuce on white bread, soft and fluffy but sturdy enough to avoid sogginess. Order one ASAP.”
166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Vic, jackalopehotels.com
FINALISTS
The Louise, 375 Seppeltsfield Rd, Marananga, SA, thelouise.com.au
QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, Qld, qthotelsandresorts.com
Best minibar: Macq01, Hobart
![](https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/s3/digital-cougar-assets/gt/2018/05/28/1527460602446_BEST-MINIBAR-Macq01DecAdamGibson274A1317copy.jpg?width=690&height=&mode=crop&quality=75)
“This is not a minibar. With 37 items on offer, it’s definitely a maxibar.
“Almost all products are proudly Tasmanian, for an island showcase as authentic as this Hobart hotel. The water is Cape Grim, while the beers are Boags, Cascade and Hobart Brewing Co. The wines are all local, as are the spirits (Sud Polaire, McHenry, Hellyers Road) and the snacks (Cadbury’s chocolate and Mountain Pepper beef jerky).
“But what we love about the Macq01 maxibar are the extra-thoughtful things – the thick woollen Mongrel scarf (two of our reviewers bought them), the Tasmanian Tea Company canisters, sunscreen and Panadol. Anything you might need for a stay in the Tasmanian capital.”
18 Hunter St, Hobart, Tas, macq01.com.au
FINALISTS
Mona Pavilions, 655 Main Rd, Berriedale, Tas, mona.net.au
QT Hotels & Resorts, qthotelsandresorts.com
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
australian hotel awards Gourmet TravellerLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?