As a team of hotel fanatics whose job it is to scout out the very best place to stay and play across the state, it’s no surprise to us that NSW is home to some of the best hotels in the country. That being said, it’s always a treat when the people within the hospo industry itself shine a light on the spots we should be adding to our hit list. Earlier this week, the Australian Hotel Association revealed the 2024 winners of their National Awards for Excellence – and a lot of NSW-based gems came out on top.
In a key category – Best Deluxe Accommodation – Sydney’s very own Capella came out on top, adding to its already extensive list of accolades. The grand CBD stay was also a finalist in the Overall Best Hotel category – with its stunning stone-walled spa and Gatsby-coded brasserie, we can’t say we’re surprised.
Our sunny state saw several finalists in the high-end categories, with the beautiful coastal gem Bells at Kilcare among the the Best Redeveloped Hotels, and Austinmer’s Headland Hotel a finalist in the Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation category.
Further north in the coastal city of Newcastle (recently identified as one of the world’s top hidden gems), The Beach Hotel was ranked among the eight best regional hotels in the country.
Other NSW-based hotels that made it onto the podium include Leura’s Leisure Inn Spires (ranking as a finalist in the Best Suite/Apartment Hotel category), and Sydney’s Little National Hotel, which made it to the shortlist in the Best Mid-Range Accommodation category. Earlier this year, the CBD-based boutique hotel was ranked as the 21st best hotel in Australia by Tripadvisor – so it’s definitely one to add to your Sydney staycations hit list.
Sydney’s hotel bars and eateries also ranked among the country’s best, with Hilton Sydney’s Glass brasserie ranking in the Best Mid-Range/Superior Hotel Restaurant category, and three Sydney bars (Hyatt Regency’s Jackalberry, InterContinental’s Aster and The Bar at InterContinental Double Bay) all ranking among the Best Hotel Bars in the country.
You can check out the full list of winners (and plan your holidays accordingly) here.
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