This former coffee plantation nestled among the steep and winding hills of Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain is a little oasis above the very un-resort-like city of Kingston. The resort offers plenty of intimacy and privacy, with just 12 cottages on more than 26 acres. It also has the features of a larger property: an expansive spa, a breezy restaurant and bar, a hilltop pool with panoramic vistas, lush gardens, and ample relaxation space. Rates might be considered a steal given the property's level of luxury -- if it weren’t for the inaccessible location and lack of beachfront.
This former coffee plantation nestled among the steep and winding hills of Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain is a little oasis above the very un-resort-like city of Kingston. The resort offers plenty of intimacy and privacy, with just 12 cottages on more than 26 acres. It also has the features of a larger property: an expansive spa, a breezy restaurant and bar, a hilltop pool with panoramic vistas, lush gardens, and ample relaxation space. Rates might be considered a steal given the property's level of luxury -- if it weren’t for the inaccessible location and lack of beachfront.
This upscale hotel overlooking the Swan River in suburban Burswood is part of the buzzing Crown Perth complex, which includes a trio of lodging options plus a casino, theater, and convention center, as well as an ample supply of restaurants and bars. The Crown Metropol has ample on-site facilities as well, consisting of attractive outdoor and indoor pool areas, a well-equipped fitness center, kids' club, and dining options such as an all-day buffet restaurant and French bistro. The 405 rooms are both spacious and sleek, boasting flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and separate tubs and showers. However, some past guests have complained of noise issues, and the location is a 10-minute drive from downtown. For a luxury property near the city center, consider COMO The Treasury, though rates are higher.
This upscale hotel overlooking the Swan River in suburban Burswood is part of the buzzing Crown Perth complex, which includes a trio of lodging options plus a casino, theater, and convention center, as well as an ample supply of restaurants and bars. The Crown Metropol has ample on-site facilities as well, consisting of attractive outdoor and indoor pool areas, a well-equipped fitness center, kids' club, and dining options such as an all-day buffet restaurant and French bistro. The 405 rooms are both spacious and sleek, boasting flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and separate tubs and showers. However, some past guests have complained of noise issues, and the location is a 10-minute drive from downtown. For a luxury property near the city center, consider COMO The Treasury, though rates are higher.
The Black Point Inn offers stunning waterfront on three sides, in a secluded spot along Western Cove. It's the only resort on Prouts Neck, and many guest enjoy the remote environment (though it's still convenient, as Portland is only a 20-minute drive away). Spacious rooms have classic New England style, and there are two restaurants on-site (so visitors won't have to drive all the way back into town to get a meal). There's a heated pool , but no spa or Jacuzzi, and the property is open only seasonally.
The Black Point Inn offers stunning waterfront on three sides, in a secluded spot along Western Cove. It's the only resort on Prouts Neck, and many guest enjoy the remote environment (though it's still convenient, as Portland is only a 20-minute drive away). Spacious rooms have classic New England style, and there are two restaurants on-site (so visitors won't have to drive all the way back into town to get a meal). There's a heated pool , but no spa or Jacuzzi, and the property is open only seasonally.
Aruba Surf Resort is a mid-range apartment-style hotel located in the seaside community of Broadbeach on Australia's Gold Coast, a short walk from the beach and a reasonable drive from famous Surfers Paradise to the north. The 29 Studios and One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments all have a bit dated decor, plus air-conditioning, balconies, and kitchens or kitchenettes, with the larger units adding sleeper sofas and washer/dryers. Note that there's no elevator and amenities like toilet paper aren't restocked for free. There are no on-site dining options, although guests can use an outdoor barbecue grill located near the pool and whirlpool area. Wi-Fi is available for a fee (not unusual in Australia), while secure on-site parking is free. Compare rates and amenities at nearby Oceana on Broadbeach, which has a larger pool and the option of even larger apartments.
Aruba Surf Resort is a mid-range apartment-style hotel located in the seaside community of Broadbeach on Australia's Gold Coast, a short walk from the beach and a reasonable drive from famous Surfers Paradise to the north. The 29 Studios and One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments all have a bit dated decor, plus air-conditioning, balconies, and kitchens or kitchenettes, with the larger units adding sleeper sofas and washer/dryers. Note that there's no elevator and amenities like toilet paper aren't restocked for free. There are no on-site dining options, although guests can use an outdoor barbecue grill located near the pool and whirlpool area. Wi-Fi is available for a fee (not unusual in Australia), while secure on-site parking is free. Compare rates and amenities at nearby Oceana on Broadbeach, which has a larger pool and the option of even larger apartments.
The luxury Playford Adelaide - MGallery by Sofitel is nothing if not opulent. From its grand, wrought-iron Art Nouveau facade to its decadent restaurant with gold chandeliers, there is very little here that can be called understated. The 182 rooms are decorated in shades of scarlet and gold, and have king-size beds, bathrobes, and kettles, but many rooms overlook nearby office blocks or a loud, busy main road. The upside of its setting means it's in the middle of central Adelaide, and within easy walking or tram distance of major sights. Travelers looking for a similarly high-end place that's quieter might prefer the Hilton Adelaide.
The luxury Playford Adelaide - MGallery by Sofitel is nothing if not opulent. From its grand, wrought-iron Art Nouveau facade to its decadent restaurant with gold chandeliers, there is very little here that can be called understated. The 182 rooms are decorated in shades of scarlet and gold, and have king-size beds, bathrobes, and kettles, but many rooms overlook nearby office blocks or a loud, busy main road. The upside of its setting means it's in the middle of central Adelaide, and within easy walking or tram distance of major sights. Travelers looking for a similarly high-end place that's quieter might prefer the Hilton Adelaide.
Located in the lively Darlinghurst neighborhood near Woolloomooloo and Kings Cross, the Kirketon Hotel Sydney is a 40-room, art-inspired boutique hotel that fuses contemporary style with classic Parisian influences. The rooms have sophisticated decor, crisp white bedding, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, DVD players, and flat-screen TVs -- but they're a bit dark, and bathrooms need updating (the tile grout is dirty, and the odd showerheads are stuck to the ceiling). Standard Rooms are tiny, and are meant for single occupancy. The hotel itself lacks a fitness center, but guests are offered free access to a nearby gym. The speakeasy-styled cocktail bar, Eau de Vie, is a definite highlight -- it's one of the trendiest spots in the city.
Located in the lively Darlinghurst neighborhood near Woolloomooloo and Kings Cross, the Kirketon Hotel Sydney is a 40-room, art-inspired boutique hotel that fuses contemporary style with classic Parisian influences. The rooms have sophisticated decor, crisp white bedding, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, DVD players, and flat-screen TVs -- but they're a bit dark, and bathrooms need updating (the tile grout is dirty, and the odd showerheads are stuck to the ceiling). Standard Rooms are tiny, and are meant for single occupancy. The hotel itself lacks a fitness center, but guests are offered free access to a nearby gym. The speakeasy-styled cocktail bar, Eau de Vie, is a definite highlight -- it's one of the trendiest spots in the city.
Novotel Melbourne on Collins, which sits atop a shopping center, is in the heart of the city’s Central Business District, making it an ideal spot for business travelers who also appreciate the building’s extensive meeting spaces. Guest units have large work desks and ergonomic chairs, but Wi-Fi comes at an extra fee. Updated room features include iPod docks and 40-inch flat-screens as well as splashy teal accents. Though too small for the hotel’s general number of guests, the indoor pool is a welcome addition.
Novotel Melbourne on Collins, which sits atop a shopping center, is in the heart of the city’s Central Business District, making it an ideal spot for business travelers who also appreciate the building’s extensive meeting spaces. Guest units have large work desks and ergonomic chairs, but Wi-Fi comes at an extra fee. Updated room features include iPod docks and 40-inch flat-screens as well as splashy teal accents. Though too small for the hotel’s general number of guests, the indoor pool is a welcome addition.
Set in a soaring 32-floor tower, this upscale Marriott is located in the heart of Sydney's Central Business District, a short walk from the trendy The Rocks neighborhood and iconic Sydney Harbour. The hotel has a few personalities -- not all of them utterly contemporary -- though rooms are sharp, bright, and modern, and many feature superb views. While the hotel offers a great breakfast options, they're expensive and not included in room rates. In-room Wi-Fi also costs extra. Health facilities -- including a pool, sauna, and fitness center -- are adequate but a tad underwhelming, and a more impressive rooftop pool with panoramic views can be found at the nearby Mantra 2 Bond Street.
Set in a soaring 32-floor tower, this upscale Marriott is located in the heart of Sydney's Central Business District, a short walk from the trendy The Rocks neighborhood and iconic Sydney Harbour. The hotel has a few personalities -- not all of them utterly contemporary -- though rooms are sharp, bright, and modern, and many feature superb views. While the hotel offers a great breakfast options, they're expensive and not included in room rates. In-room Wi-Fi also costs extra. Health facilities -- including a pool, sauna, and fitness center -- are adequate but a tad underwhelming, and a more impressive rooftop pool with panoramic views can be found at the nearby Mantra 2 Bond Street.
Located on stunning, secluded Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, this luxury resort has 60 high-end waterside pavilions. Each room has sleek wooden decor, a private terrace, and a huge luxurious bathroom with freestanding bath. Property highlights include a private beach and two infinity pools with breathtaking views over the Coral Sea's turquoise waters. There are a range of low-key activities on offer too, such as free yoga, and more adventurous excursions to the Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel sights are available. The two restaurants on-site provide top-notch cuisine, but food and drinks really add up here -- all-inclusive plans aren't an option.
Located on stunning, secluded Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, this luxury resort has 60 high-end waterside pavilions. Each room has sleek wooden decor, a private terrace, and a huge luxurious bathroom with freestanding bath. Property highlights include a private beach and two infinity pools with breathtaking views over the Coral Sea's turquoise waters. There are a range of low-key activities on offer too, such as free yoga, and more adventurous excursions to the Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel sights are available. The two restaurants on-site provide top-notch cuisine, but food and drinks really add up here -- all-inclusive plans aren't an option.
The four-pearl RACV Noosa Resort is set beside wild wetlands outside of central Noosa, only a five-minute drive to the town's beach and shops. The 167 rooms range from Suites to Three-Bedroom Villas, all with a modern, minimalist finish and nice extras like rooftop hot tubs in the poshest villas. The grounds are well-kept and the central pool area has three different pools with slides and a splashpad, making this a popular spot for families. There's a spa and gym, and the two restaurants serve a range of food throughout the day. The resort's pretty self-contained and has a free shuttle, making it easy to reach the shops and beach. However, travelers who want to be closer to the center should have a look at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort instead.
The four-pearl RACV Noosa Resort is set beside wild wetlands outside of central Noosa, only a five-minute drive to the town's beach and shops. The 167 rooms range from Suites to Three-Bedroom Villas, all with a modern, minimalist finish and nice extras like rooftop hot tubs in the poshest villas. The grounds are well-kept and the central pool area has three different pools with slides and a splashpad, making this a popular spot for families. There's a spa and gym, and the two restaurants serve a range of food throughout the day. The resort's pretty self-contained and has a free shuttle, making it easy to reach the shops and beach. However, travelers who want to be closer to the center should have a look at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort instead.