7 Aussie hotels made Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards for first time

Australian luxury hotels have been ranked as some of the best in the world.

Australians are lucky when it comes to hotel options. From five-star luxury to truly unique stays to total luxury of experience, hotels around Australia have an answer. And only the best of the best then make it onto the yearly Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards winners list.

This year, a global trend shows that hotels in the luxury space are moving away from the generic and towards a more customised approach to better reflect and embrace the destination in which it sits. By the same token, it appears that the Quiet travel trend is strong, and travellers are opting for smaller destinations with fewer crowds. Of course, for Australia, that didn’t stop some of the country’s biggest cities from appearing on the prestigious list, time and again.

What are the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards?

bathroom inside suits at COMO The Treasury in perth — COMO The Treasury was awarded four stars.

The Forbes Travel Guide is an independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises, culminating in the Star Awards. In 2026, the 68th annual list covers more places around the world than ever before, spanning more than 100 countries, with new destinations like Bhutan, Croatia, Poland, Tanzania and Uzbekistan being added to the list.

To gain five stars, the properties “deliver an outstanding experience and consistently offer a highly customised level of service". Four stars “are exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match". While Recommended properties are considered “excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities".

In the hotel category, a massive 2422 properties were judged, with 343 sorted into the five-star rating, 708 into four-star and 679 into Recommended hotels. This makes it all the more impressive that seven Australian properties were honoured with a four-star rating, and a further 13 properties graced the ‘Recommended’ list.

New Australian hotels gracing the winners’ list

the Lizard Island Resort as seen from above — Lizard Island Resort is a world of its own.

Of the 20 Australian hotels honoured by Forbes, eight were featured for the first time, all earning a place on the Recommended list.

In NSW, Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island sits in an unbeatable destination with a light-filled, free-flowing design that invites guests deeper into their island surroundings while delivering a deep sense of luxury to this UNESCO site.

The Gold Coast had a couple of new entries with JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and The Darling at The Star making the list. Elsewhere in Queensland, the spectacular private getaway, Lizard Island Resort, made a place for itself.

Southern Ocean Lodge and The Louise joined the list for South Australia, located in Kingscote and Marananga, respectively.

And Melbourne added yet another feather in its luxury hotel cap with The Ritz-Carlton, for its gorgeous rooms and service to match.

4-star Aussie hotels

exterior of Park Hyatt Sydney — Sydney hotels, like Park Hyatt Sydney, are well represented on the list.

Sydney, Perth and Melbourne all collected four stars for luxury hotels, most of them more than once. Sydney had the most wins, with Capella Sydney, The Darling Sydney and The Langham Sydney (who also happen to be pet-friendly and ready to shower your pooch in as much luxury as its human guests) all being included. As was Park Hyatt Sydney, sitting right on the waterfront at Circular Quay with uninterrupted views of the Opera House.

Park Hyatt was also awarded four stars for its Melbourne property, where a Presidential Suite really ups the luxurious ante as soon as guests step through its grandiose doors to plenty of space, and even a grand piano.

Meanwhile, Perth gained four stars for both COMO The Treasury and Crown Towers Perth.

The full Australian Recommended list

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sydney
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
InterContinental Sydney
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
The Langham, Melbourne
Lizard Island Resort, Cairns
The Louise, Barossa Valley

How are the winners decided?

A hotel bathroom with a freestanding bath overlooking Sydney Harbour Bridge — The Capella Sydney Liberty Suite looks out to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Forbes Travel Guide’s highly trained inspectors visit every property to receive a rating, judging them on up to 900 standards. Facility are among those standards, but the system emphasises service, “because exceptional service is what sets the best hospitality experiences apart". Think making a reservation, cleanliness, efficiency, staff knowledge, sense of luxury and guest comfort. Even wellness and sustainability factor into the final rating score.

No money is ever accepted, stays last for a minimum of two nights, and the identities of the global team of inspectors are anonymous.

All of this to say, the results are unbiased and a true accomplishment. To receive any of the Rating levels indicates a property is among the very best in its destination.

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .

7 luxe Aussie hotels made the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards for the first time