The world just crowned this Aussie hotel a style icon

Australia’s only entry on LA LISTE’s 2025 best hotels list is edgy, arty and unfiltered – just like the city it calls home.

In a coup for Australia’s design and hospitality scene, The StandardX, Melbourne has been awarded the coveted Style & Design Hotel Award in the LA LISTE World’s Best Hotels 2025 rankings – the only Australian property to make this year’s prestigious global list.

StandardX Melbourne exterior — The StandardX has received the Style & Design Hotel Award.

LA LISTE, the Paris-based organisation best known for its rigorous rankings of the world’s top restaurants, has once again turned its gaze to luxury hotels. And in a field dominated by European grande dames, tropical eco-resorts and opulent American stays, Melbourne’s rebellious newcomer stood out and represented Australia.

Described by LA LISTE as “arty, bold, unfiltered," The StandardX is the first hotel of its kind outside North America – and it’s already making waves for its unorthodox approach to style. Think streetwise design meets brutalist bones, layered with vintage touches and irreverent artwork that captures the creativity of the surrounding Fitzroy neighbourhood.

The accolade places the hotel in the company of trailblazing properties like Maison Heler Metz in France and Ulaman Eco Luxury Resort in Bali, highlighting The StandardX’s ability to hold its own on the world stage. The judges recognised it not just for aesthetic edge, but for embodying a deeper shift in global travel: toward authentic, local experiences and creative cultural immersion.

StandardX Melbourne interior — The StandardX is arty, bold and unfiltered. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)

According to LA LISTE founder Philippe Faure, “Hotels are no longer just places to stay. They have become cultural landmarks, ecological laboratories, and creators of unforgettable experiences." The StandardX clearly ticks all three boxes.

For Australian travellers (and stylish visitors alike), the recognition is a reminder that some of the world’s most forward-thinking hotels are right on our doorstep. And for Melbourne, it’s yet another reason to be smug about being the country’s cool capital.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon. After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill, a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.