Five by Five: A handful of Australia’s top tier Euro-style hotels

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Along with our recently reviewed Melbourne’s Sofitel, there are only a few truly European-flavoured five-star hotels in Australia. Here are our pick:

Park Hyatt, Sydney

Although best known for its front-row seat to Sydney Harbour’s iconic trifecta, the bridge, the house and the fun park, the Park Hyatt isn’t just about location.

A drastic revamp to include two waterfront restaurants and bar, a day spa and 155 designer rooms means even more expansive views, marble baths, attentive service and custom-made artworks.

sydney.park.hyatt.com

The Langham, Melbourne

Voted as the top city hotel in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by US magazine Travel + Leisure four years running, The Langham must be doing something right.

Old-world opulence meets European luxury with grand staircases, plush beds, the theatrical Melba Restaurant, a day spa and that famous Langham service.

melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au

Crown Towers, Melbourne

Crown was dubbed ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ at AT’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards, recognised as a truly stylish stay with decedent touches.

With deep soaking baths, top-notch service and panoramic skyline views, as one reader claimed “it is pure heaven".

crownhotels.com.au/crown-towers-melbourne

Four Seasons, Sydney

The name resonates with luxury-seekers worldwide, and its Sydney outpost at Circular Quay has an envious location in the heart of the city.

It also boasts a holistic spa, elegant dining and in-room delights like thick bathrobes, oversized beds and some of the best views of the harbour.

fourseasons.com/Sydney

Stamford Plaza, Brisbane

On the banks of the Brisbane River stands this Queensland icon.

Each of the guest rooms at Stamford Plaza has been lavishly appointed in timber furnishings and muted tones, with mod-cons like a flat-screen TV, on-demand movies, 24-hour concierge, and an extensive list of the hotel’s own high-tea options.

stamford.com.au/spb

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Win a $5270 3-night luxury Ballarat getaway

Here’s your chance to win a luxurious three-night getaway in historic Ballarat.

Entries close at 11.59pm AEDT on 8 February 2026

Discover the elegance of Ballarat with a three-night indulgent getaway — worth up to $5270! Enter now for your chance to discover this brilliantly unexpected destination. Where the past, present, culture and creativity collide.

Read the general competition terms and conditions before you enter.

What’s included?

The elegant green interiors of Hotel Vera set the tone for a luxurious stay included in the Ballarat Giveaway.
Discover modern luxury during your three-night stay at Hotel Vera. (Credit: Visit Victoria)
  • $1600 voucher for a three-night stay at luxe Hotel Vera, including daily breakfast and a dinner at Babae, the hatted onsite restaurant
  • $700 voucher for a Signature Spa Journey for two at the acclaimed Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa
  • $620 voucher for a long lunch at Black Cat Truffles, including a Meredith Wines tasting and transport in a beautiful 1974 Rolls-Royce with Silver Mink Tours
  • $250 voucher for iconic hatted restaurant Mr Jones
  • $200 voucher for Johnny Alloo cafe
  • $200 voucher for dinner at speakeasy-style Grainery Lane
  • $1200 Webjet voucher for flights and $500 Rentacar voucher

About the prize

A serene moment at Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa, part of the indulgent experiences in the Ballarat Giveaway.
Relax and recharge at the acclaimed Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa. (Credit: Einwick)

Today, Ballarat is a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art and a thriving regional centre filled with charm, energy and originality. From eclectic architecture to world-class arts and culture, vibrant artisanal offerings to a lively restaurant and bar scene, there’s truly something for everyone. Open your mind to Ballarat – it will create unexpected moments and uplifting experiences for every visitor.

Enjoy the ultimate indulgence with a $5,270 prize package featuring the very best of Ballarat’s fine dining, relaxation and boutique charm.

Stay in style with a $1,600 voucher for a three-night escape at the luxurious Hotel Vera, complete with daily breakfast and dinner at its hatted restaurant Babae. Unwind with a $700 Signature Spa Journey for two at the acclaimed Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa, then savour a gourmet long lunch at Black Cat Truffles, including a Meredith Wines tasting and private transport in a 1974 Rolls Royce courtesy of Silver Mink Tours.

Continue your culinary adventure with a $250 voucher for the iconic hatted Mr Jones, a $200 voucher for the stylish Johnny Alloo café, and a $200 voucher for dinner at Grainery Lane, a speakeasy-style favourite.

To complete your luxurious escape, enjoy a $1,200 Webjet voucher for flights and a $500 Rentacar voucher to explore the region at your leisure.

A gourmet spread from Black Cat Truffles showcasing the region’s finest flavours, featured in the Ballarat Giveaway.
Savour Ballarat’s rich flavours. (Credit: Einwick)

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