2011 Readers' Choice awards: Best Affordable Hotel Brand

This global hotel brand is part of the Accor Hotels stable. Novotel has 400 hotels and resorts in 58 countries, but the ones our readers love the most are Novotel Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast, Novotel Palm Cove, Novotel Brisbane and Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour. While the AT team would consider some of these properties more mid-range than affordable (most are over $200 a night), it seems our readership isn’t too badly off, even when they’re on a budget. But Novotel is known for its special deals, too. For example, at the time we went to print, Novotel Twin Waters Resort had a “best unrestricted rate” of $149 per night for two adults and two children, sharing a garden-view room, with free breakfast for the kids if Mum and Dad paid for theirs.

THE DETAILS To find Novotel locations in Australia call 1300 855 975; accorhotels.com

2 MANTRA

The self-catering resort-style accommodation Pat Rafter reckons is all right. The brand has 130 properties in Australia and New Zealand. mantra.com.au

3 TRAVELODGE

Now owned by Toga Hospitality (think Vibe, Medina and Adina hotels), the Travelodge brand has been thriving in Australia for 40 years. travelodge.com.au

4 IBIS

Comfortable and simple, with 24-hour food and drink service – perfect for business travellers. ibishotel.com

5 HOLIDAY INN

It’s recently undergone a multimillion-dollar global makeover, and it’s paying off. holidayinn.com