If you hear two Aussies chatting about "The Crown" they’re likely talking about one of two things: a) the hit television series based on Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, or b) the elite hotel brand with towers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Since we’re Time Out, not IMDb, we’ll be discussing the latter. More specifically, the shiniest of the three Crowns: Crown Towers Perth, which has just been crowned the only five-star hotel in Australia in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide.
For 67 years, Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards – the world’s only independent global rating system for luxury hotels – has celebrated the finest hotels, restaurants, spas and cruises. In 2025, the awards recognised 2,187 venues across 90 countries, each earning a five-star, four-star or ‘recommended’ rating. Out of the six Australian hotels to receive a prestigious star rating this year, only one claimed the maximum five-star status.
That honour went to Perth’s Crown Towers, outshining its siblings in Melbourne and Sydney – both of which shared the five-star rating in 2024. This marks the sixth time the luxe Perth hotel has claimed Forbes Travel Guide’s top rating, awarded by anonymous inspectors who stay at every property for two to three nights. Their assessment is based 70 per cent on service and 30 per cent on the quality and condition of the facilities, ensuring only the very best make the cut.
Prior to the opening of the Crown Sydney in 2020, Crown Towers Perth held the title of the most expensive hotel ever built in Australia – and it shows. From the extravagant seven-metre woven ceilings in the lobby to the 8,000-piece ceramic mosaic behind the reception and the perfectly heated 30-degree lagoon-style pool, every detail has been carefully considered for ultimate luxury.
In their review, the Forbes inspector highlighted several standout features, including the exclusive 15th-floor Crystal Club, private cabanas in the adults-only pool area and world-class dining options – from Nobu to Rockpool to the buffet breakfast at the Epicurean. The review also praised the splurge-worthy suites and villas, complete with a personal butler, showers that double as steam rooms and marble baths offering sweeping views of the Swan River.
Tucked away inside the lavish towers, the Crown Spa Perth also earned four stars in the spa category of the Star Awards. This Roman bathhouse-inspired retreat features exclusive La Prairie and Subtle Energies treatments, and houses a dedicated Aqua Retreat, featuring a vitality pool, rain showers and a steam room.
Sydney’s luxurious Darling Spa at The Darling boutique hotel in Pyrmont was the only other spa to receive a star rating in 2025, also earning four stars. Meanwhile, five other Australian properties secured four stars in the hotel category, including Como The Treasury in Perth, The Darling in Sydney, The Langham Sydney, Park Hyatt Melbourne and Park Hyatt Sydney. You can check out the full results here.
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