10 hotels snubbed by the Condé Nast Triple Crown Hotels list

Condé Nast has released a new Triple Crown Hotels list, but there are some gaping omissions.

Australia’s best hotels contend with the best the world has to offer. Luxury in the heart of the country, iconic harbour views and tranquil forest stays are just the beginning. And Condé Nast Traveller’s new Triple Crown Hotels list is dedicated to honouring the best of the best. It’s the culmination of an impressive three awards in one: the annual Hot List for best new hotels, the Gold List of editor favourites, and Readers’ Choice.

And look, we get that. But some of the very best hotels in Australia have been continually snubbed by Condé Nast. We do know Australia better than most, which is why we’ve gathered a list worthy to sit alongside the other best-in-class hotels featured on the Triple Crown Hotels list so you have a full picture of all the incredible stays we have in this country to choose from.

Spicers Peak, Qld

Spicers Peak Lodge — Guests have access to a wide range of nature-focused amenities. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Combine rugged outdoor adventure and five-star eco-luxury at the highly awarded Spicers Peak luxury lodge in Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Considered ultra-luxury, this all-inclusive mountain retreat boasts particularly gobsmacking views over the Scenic Rim, thanks to its position up the mountain, 1100 metres above sea level (and yes, that does make it Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge). Lace up your walking shoes and explore the surrounding 8000 acres of World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park wilderness, or just stay in and luxuriate.

Longitude 131, NT

This celebrated luxury outback camp is not only nestled among the striking red sand dunes of Australia’s Red Centre, but many rooms also gaze out onto views of Uluru itself. It’s kept small and private, with an exclusive 16 tented pavilions. Guests can also take advantage of all-inclusive dining, and deeply immersive, Indigenous-guided desert experiences.

Capella Sydney, NSW

view from bathroom Capella Sydney — Find history and views at Capella. (Credit: Timothy Kaye)

There are few hotels better to explore Sydney’s CBD from than Capella. This five-star hotel sits inside a lovelingly resorted building from 1912 (the former Department of Education building), blending Edwardian Baroque architecture with contemporary design. Its location is as much to love as its style and service, in the historic Sandstone Precinct just steps from Circular Quay.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Raes on Wategos, NSW

Raes on Wategos is an iconic private retreat on the shores of Wategos Beach in Byron Bay. Ultra-luxurious and boutique, the coastal elegance mixed with a touch of boho pulls hotel and dining guests alike.

Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, Vic

What’s better than rising above a CBD in style? The Ritz-Carlton is a whopping 80 stories high above Melbourne, with views of Victoria Harbour and Port Phillip Bay culminating in a dramatic sky lobby on the top floor. Here, find 257 elegant rooms, an immersive wellness floor with an infinity pool and the hotel’s signature, hatted fine-dining restaurant Atria.

The Calile, Qld

bedroom at Calile Hotel Brisbane — Pastel hues bring a playful energy to The Calile Hotel. (Image: Supplied)

The five-star urban resort that is The Calile is the very definition of sleek sophistication in the heart of Brisbane. Think breezy, Palm Springs-style resort glamour meets classic sub-tropical Australian architecture. With a neutral colour palette and elegant curves all surrounding a 30-metre pool. And it boasts a prime location in Fortitude Valley.

Langham Gold Coast, Qld

Beach side at The Langham Gold Coast — Enjoy a taste of beachfront luxury at The Langham Gold Coast.

Ultimate beachfront, right between the Gold Coast’s famous Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, the shimmering, crystal-like twin towers of this five-star hotel make for a striking image.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Mt. Mulligan Lodge, Qld

Head to the Queensland outback to find this ultra-luxury, all-inclusive outback retreat. Set on a 69,000-acre working cattle station 160 kilometres northwest of Cairns, just 28 guests at any one time can soak in world-class hospitality and unique outback vistas. Ngarrabullgan/Mt. Mulligan itself is an 18-kilometre-long flat-topped sandstone escarpment with plenty of history behind it to discover during a stay.

MACq 01, Tas

Hobart’s historic Macquarie Wharf features MACq 01, where old-world heritage meets cutting-edge design. Its 114 rooms are individually themed after a notable Tasmanian character, from Indigenous leaders to convicts to environmental pioneers.

Who did make the Triple Crown Hotels from Australia?

To give credit where it’s due, there are certainly still many incredible stays that did make the Triple Crown Hotels list. Here are some of the top listed mentions:

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

The Aussie hotels missing from Condé Nast’s Triple Crown Hotels list