Finding accommodation in Australia can feel overwhelming at first – the country is huge, the options are endless and distances are long. This guide narrows things down for travellers who’ve moved past party hostels and want comfortable, well‑located bases instead. We’ll walk through the best types of stays (from city hotels and serviced apartments to coastal resorts, farm stays and eco‑lodges), then highlight the areas that work particularly well in Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Tasmania and beyond. You’ll also find realistic price ranges, tips on choosing the right neighbourhood and what to look for in reviews so you can sleep well, stay central and make the most of your time in Australia.
Our travel blog contains affiliate links to products and services we use, love, or have carefully researched (such as hotels, tours, insurance, and gear). This means we may earn a small commission if you make a booking or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
These commissions help support the running of this site so we can keep creating free travel guides and resources. All opinions, recommendations, and reviews are our own and based on our personal experience or detailed research. Please always check current prices, conditions, and policies directly with the provider before booking.
Australia is often sold as a place for epic road trips, campervans and rugged adventures – and it absolutely can be. But it’s also an incredible destination if you like comfortable hotels, relaxed apartments and the odd splash‑out stay with a great view.
We’ve written this guide for travellers who are:
If you like the idea of stylish city hotels, seafront apartments, wine‑region retreats and scenic eco‑lodges—rather than party streets and loud backpacker dives—this page will help you decide:
Australia has everything from simple motels to ultra‑luxury lodges. If, like us, you prefer comfort and convenience to the absolute cheapest bed, these options usually work best:
City Hotels
In cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, we tend to stay in modern, mid‑range or upscale hotels with:
They’re great if you want a stress‑free city base that you don’t have to overthink.
Serviced Apartments & Aparthotels
Serviced apartments are one of our favourite ways to stay in Australia, especially for:
You’ll find loads of aparthotels in major cities and coastal towns. They’re ideal if you like the flexibility of self‑catering but still want hotel‑style reception and housekeeping.
Boutique Hotels
In wine regions, historic towns and cool inner‑city neighbourhoods, we look for small boutique properties. Expect:
They’re perfect for couples, friends or solo travellers who enjoy somewhere with a bit more personality.
Coastal Resorts & Holiday Parks (Cabins, Not Tents)
Australia has a huge number of coastal resorts and holiday parks. We usually skip the dorms and unpowered sites and look for:
These work really well for road trips and family holidays, especially along the east coast and in Western Australia.
Farm Stays & Eco‑Lodges
In regional areas you’ll come across:
These can be a highlight of a trip—just check access (you may need a car) and what’s included (meals, activities etc.) before you book.
This section is designed to help you avoid noisy nightlife strips and pick places that work well for sleep, sightseeing and getting around.
Sydney Areas That Work Well for Comfort and Convenience
For most non‑backpacker travellers, these neighbourhoods tend to be the best fit:
If you’re not into loud nightlife, we usually avoid staying right on top of the busiest bar streets in Kings Cross or certain parts of George Street.
Use the map below to get a feel for where the main areas mentioned on this page are located. Zoom in to see how close they are to beaches, city centres, airport links and national parks.
Melbourne has a slightly more compact city centre and an excellent tram network, so several areas can work well:
Brisbane
Gold Coast
If you’re heading to the Gold Coast for beaches and theme parks:
For reef and rainforest trips, most people base themselves in:
In Perth itself:
Further afield, areas like Margaret River, Esperance, Exmouth and Broome make fantastic bases for coastal and outback adventures, with a growing range of boutique stays and apartments.
Tasmania feels made for road trips and cosy stays.
You’ll find a mix of heritage hotels, B&Bs, farm stays and modern apartments.
Before you book, ask yourself:
How busy do we want it to be?
Do you want nightlife and lots of dining choices, or would you rather a quiet coastal town or wine‑region retreat?
Do we want to walk everywhere?
In big cities, paying a little more to be walking distance to restaurants, train stations and waterfronts often feels worth it.
What facilities matter most?
Pool, kitchen, laundry, secure parking, lift access, breakfast, late check‑out—make a short list and filter using those.
How will we be getting around?
If you have a hire car, staying slightly out of the CBD can give you more space and easier parking. If not, we prefer to be near a train, tram or ferry stop.
How sensitive are we to noise?
If you’re a light sleeper, we avoid hotels directly on main roads, next to busy pubs, or right under flight paths when possible. Recent reviews are invaluable here.
Book earlier for school holidays and major events.
Australian accommodation can spike in price during Christmas/New Year, Easter, school holidays and big festivals or sporting events. In popular holiday spots we try to book months in advance.
Read the right kind of reviews.
We focus on reviews from couples, families and business travellers, looking at:
Check room photos carefully.
In older properties, some rooms can be renovated while others aren’t. Filter for recent photos to see what the average room really looks like.
Confirm parking and access.
In city centres, parking can be expensive or limited. If you’re on a road trip, we always check:
Look at cancellation policies.
For long trips or shoulder seasons, we often pay a little more for flexible cancellation, especially when we’re not 100% locked into our route.
These are very rough ranges to set expectations. Prices will vary by region, season and how far ahead you book.
Comfortable mid‑range hotel or serviced apartment
Stylish boutique or branded 4–5★ hotel
Mid‑range resort, boutique hotel or apartment
Luxury coastal lodge or vineyard retreat
A lot of travellers mix it up—staying mostly in mid‑range apartments and hotels, then adding a few splurge nights at a really special property along the way.
Places we’ve stayed in
Join our list for our best travel advice and instant access to:
We’ve organised our recommendations by state and region. Use the filters below or jump to the area you’re planning to visit.
Queensland is Australia’s sunshine state – all about warm weather, beaches and easy outdoor living. We based ourselves on the Gold Coast, which works brilliantly if you like a mix of long sandy beaches, family‑friendly activities and plenty of places to eat out. From here you can split your time between classic surf beaches like Surfers Paradise and Burleigh, quieter spots along the coast, and day trips into the Gold Coast Hinterland for rainforest walks and waterfalls.
But Queensland stretches far beyond the Gold Coast. If you have more time, consider heading north to the Sunshine Coast for a slightly more relaxed feel around Noosa and Mooloolaba, or inland to the Scenic Rim for mountains, wineries and country stays. Further up the coast, Brisbane is a great city stopover with riverside precincts and easy access to islands like Moreton and North Stradbroke. If you’re planning a longer itinerary, the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef around Airlie Beach, Townsville and Cairns/Port Douglas offer reef trips and island resorts that pair beautifully with a Gold Coast stay.
We stayed here for one night and absolutely loved this stylish boutique hotel in trendy New Farm, just a few minutes from Brisbane city. Our room was luxurious, with elegant décor and thoughtful touches, and you can relax in the leafy courtyard and on the rooftop bar with its beautiful city and Story Bridge views. The on‑site restaurant serves modern Vietnamese‑inspired dishes, and breakfast is a real highlight. It’s a great choice if you want a charming, intimate stay close to the CBD rather than a big chain hotel.
We had 2 nights at this resort and is right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, just a short walk from the beach, Cavill Ave and the light rail. The rooms are spacious with balconies, many with ocean or city views, plus the handy kitchen and laundry facilities. The resort has a pool, spa and BBQ area, so you can relax on‑site between beach time and theme parks. With cafes, restaurants, shopping, and the tram all on the doorstep, we found it a super convenient place to stay.
We love this luxury, family‑friendly resort set between the beaches and hinterland of the Gold Coast. We stayed here for a week. Huge 27‑hole championship golf course, and multiple pools with waterslides and a fun kids’ splash area. There’s also a relaxing day spa, tennis courts, and several on‑site restaurants and bars. It’s an ideal base for families, couples, and golf lovers, just a short drive from Surfers Paradise and the major theme parks. Didn’t see any kids over the whole week, but that may change if you visit during school holidays.
See our videos on best places to visit on The Gold Coast.
New South Wales gives you a taste of everything Australia does best: iconic cities, coastal road trips, wine regions and rugged mountain scenery. Most visitors start in Sydney, where you can stroll around Circular Quay for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, wander through The Rocks, and relax on famous beaches like Bondi and Manly. From here it’s easy to explore further afield: head north for the laid‑back surf towns of the North Coast, or south for quieter coves and national parks along the South Coast.
Inland, the Blue Mountains offer dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and bushwalks, all within a couple of hours of Sydney. Wine lovers can spend a day (or more) in the Hunter Valley, sampling local wines and regional produce. New South Wales also has charming country towns, historic villages and high‑country landscapes around places like Orange and the Snowy Mountains.
Getting around is straightforward, with good train and bus links from Sydney plus plenty of guided day tours.
We loved this luxury city hotel for its super convenient location in Sydney’s CBD, an easy walk to Circular Quay, the Rocks and major shopping streets. We upgraded to the Executive King Room with Club access which gives you a free cocktail hour and breakfast. Very clean and room was spacious. Apart from the Club Lounge there’s an on‑site restaurant and bar for relaxed meals, and public transport is close by, so you can jump on a train or ferry to explore more of the city.
We had 3 nights in this apartment‑style hotel in the heart of Sydney CBD, perfect when you want extra space and home‑style comforts. Our apartment came with a separate living area, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and a private balcony, so it’s great if you want to eat in and relax for a few days. There’s a relaxing garden oasis with loungers, sauna and hot tub, and there’s a pool and fitness centre. The location is a big plus – you can walk to Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Wynyard Station in around 10 minutes or less, making it really easy to explore the city and hop on ferries, trains and light rail.
We stayed here for one night on a stopover and found it a convenient base near Sydney Airport. Our room was modern, clean and quiet, with a comfortable bed, good shower, fridge and tea/coffee facilities – ideal for a short rest between flights. We liked having an on‑site restaurant and bar, plus the simple Express Start breakfast in the morning. The hotel offers free Wi‑Fi, parking and a paid airport shuttle, and the terminals are only a short drive away, which made getting to our flight easy and stress‑free. It’s a practical, fair‑value choice for an overnight airport stay, although we thought a free airport shuttle service should be included for guests.
Victoria gives you a great mix of city life, coastal scenery, history and wildlife, all within relatively short travel distances. Melbourne is the natural base, with its laneway cafés, street art, sporting culture and outstanding food and coffee.
From the city, you can head west along the Great Ocean Road for classic coastal views, surf beaches and the dramatic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles. To the east, the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula offer cool‑climate wineries, farm‑to‑table dining and relaxing stays, while the Dandenong Ranges provide forest walks and cute hill‑top villages.
Bendigo is a highlight of the historic Goldfields region. We like its grand Victorian architecture, Chinese heritage, galleries and the Central Deborah Gold Mine, where you can go underground to experience the gold‑rush era. It pairs well with nearby Ballarat for a deeper look at Victoria’s 19th‑century history.
For wildlife and nature, Phillip Island’s penguin parade and rugged coastline are memorable, and Wilsons Promontory delivers some of the state’s best beaches and hiking. With good roads and public transport radiating from Melbourne, Victoria is easy to explore, whether your focus is wine, culture, history, or time outdoors.
Melbourne’s CBD is a compact, walkable hub that blends heritage architecture with a modern, creative energy. At its heart are wide, Paris‑style boulevards like Collins and Bourke Streets, lined with historic buildings, flagship shops and sleek office towers. The famous laneways – Degraves Street, Centre Place and Hosier Lane – hide tiny cafés, bars and ever‑changing street art, giving the city its vibrant, slightly bohemian feel.
Culturally, the CBD is anchored by Federation Square, the NGV and ACMI, while theatres, live‑music venues and sporting temples like the nearby MCG and Marvel Stadium underscore Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s cultural and sporting capital. Free trams make it easy to get around, linking riverside Southbank, Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown and Docklands. By night, rooftop bars, intimate restaurants and buzzing wine bars come alive, making the CBD a great base for exploring greater Melbourne and beyond.
Luxury hotels don’t come much better than this, and we would rate this as one of the best we have stayed in anywhere. Rooms are spacious and the bathrooms exceptional. Thbe only thing that stopped us giving it a 10 rating was the distance from the CBD if you wanted to be closer to shopping and theatres. It’s around 10 minutes walk to the CBD, but otherwise everything about this hotel is exceptional. On site there’s an award‑winning restaurant and bar, alongside a full spa and wellness centre with a 25‑metre heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym and sun terrace – great for unwinding after sightseeing.
It’s a superb choice for a special stay in Melbourne or you can afford to splurge.
We stayed at The Langham on the Yarra River and it really feels like classic, old‑school luxury in the heart of Melbourne. The hotel has a grand, elegant lobby with chandeliers and a sweeping staircase, and the rooms are plush and comfortable with modern touches, a well‑stocked minibar and fast, free Wi‑Fi.
Highlights for us were the indoor pool and Chuan Spa, with excellent massage and wellness facilities, plus a good gym, sauna and steam room. Melba Restaurant serves quality food with river and city views, and the Aria Bar is perfect for afternoon tea or a cocktail.
The location is ideal for exploring: right on Southbank, walking distance to Crown Casino, Bourke Street Mall and Flinders Street Station. .
If you are looking for something outside of the CBD this is a good choice. It’s a 2‑minute walk from Jolimont Station and only a short ride or stroll to Rod Laver Arena, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Princess Theatre and the CBD’s shops and cafés.
Rooms and suites are elegant and modern, with large windows and many offering great views over Melbourne’s skyline.
The hotel features an outdoor pool, spa, sauna and a good fitness centre, plus a connectivity lounge with plenty of power points and high‑speed Wi‑Fi, making it handy for work. The Cliveden Bar & Dining serves breakfast, bar snacks, lunch and dinner with European and Mediterranean‑inspired dishes and a popular bar area with a fireplace.
See our videos on best places to visit in Melbourne.
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a spectacular coastal drive stretching over 240 km from Torquay to Allansford. Built by returned soldiers after World War I, it winds along cliffs, surf beaches and rainforest, offering some of Australia’s most dramatic scenery. Highlights include the famous 12 Apostles limestone stacks, Loch Ard Gorge, the London Bridge rock formation and the lush waterfalls of Great Otway National Park. Charming seaside towns such as Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell provide cafés, walking trails and safe swimming spots, while Bells Beach is renowned for world‑class surfing. Wildlife is a major draw, with opportunities to see koalas, kangaroos, whales in season and abundant birdlife. The route is easily explored by car over one to three days, with plenty of lookouts and short walks. It’s an unforgettable blend of rugged coastline, forest, history and relaxed coastal culture.
We loved this relaxed, upscale resort in Torquay, set right beside the Torquay golf course and about 1 km from the beach – perfect for a coastal escape or a longer trip to explore the Great Ocean Road. Our room was comfortable, clean and great facilities. Most rooms have balconies with golf course or sea views.
There’s an indoor pool, fitness centre and tennis court, plus sauna and wellness centre. Number One restaurant served excellent meals with quality local ingredients and generous breakfast options, while White’s Paddock and Harding’s Lounge were great spots to relax with drinks and casual bites. A great location to start a longer trip of exploring the Great Ocean Road.
Comfortable, family‑friendly guesthouse just a 6‑minute walk from Peterborough Beach and a short drive to Port Campbell National Park (14 km) and the 12 Apostles (24 km). Rooms are soundproofed and air‑conditioned, with private bathrooms, dining table, minibar, free Wi‑Fi and tea/coffee maker.
The on-site restaurant serves Indian, Australian and Asian dishes, or you can use the shared kitchen and games room. There’s also a lounge, outdoor seating area and free on‑site parking.
Breakfast is included and we found this place a great location to stop at on our 3-day tour of the Great Ocean Road
See our videos on best places to visit outside of Melbourne.
Bendigo, located in central Victoria, is a vibrant regional city shaped by its rich gold‑rush heritage. Once one of the world’s richest goldfields, it still showcases grand Victorian architecture, wide boulevards and ornate public buildings, especially around Pall Mall and View Street. The city’s mining history comes alive at attractions like Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Golden Dragon Museum, celebrating Bendigo’s strong Chinese heritage. Today Bendigo is known for its thriving arts and food scene, with galleries, festivals, craft breweries and quality local produce. Rosalind Park, Lake Weeroona and nearby bushland offer relaxing green spaces, walking tracks and cycling routes. A historic talking tram provides a leisurely way to explore key sights. With its blend of history, culture, creativity and easy access by road or rail from Melbourne, Bendigo makes an engaging base for a short break or a gateway to central Victoria.
Historic 1854 Victorian hotel in the heart of Bendigo, beside Rosalind Park and about 1.7 km from Bendigo Railway Station. Air‑conditioned rooms include a fridge, electric kettle, flat‑screen TV and ensuite with free toiletries and shower.
Guests can enjoy continental breakfast, lunch and dinner at Shamrock Café, plus live music and cover bands on Saturday nights at the Gold Dust Lounge Bar.
We stayed here for 1 night and it is a comfortable and modern hotel in the heart of Bendigo’s arts, theatre and café precinct, offering air‑conditioned rooms with free Wi‑Fi and free on‑site parking. Guests also have access to an indoor sauna and fitness equipment.
Continental and cooked breakfast can be served in‑room or in the dining room, and there’s a spacious communal courtyard with BBQ. Guest laundry facilities are provided.
Quiet location opposite Queen Elizabeth Oval, just 3 minutes’ walk from The Capital Theatre, Bendigo Art Gallery and nearby restaurants; Ulumbarra Theatre, Rosalind Park and Hargreaves Mall are about 10 minutes’ walk away.
Key features
Watch our videos on best places to visit in Bendigo.
Phillip Island, located about 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, is a popular coastal escape famed for its wildlife, beaches and motorsport. The island’s star attraction is the Penguin Parade, where little penguins waddle ashore at sunset, joined by fur seals, seabirds and often dolphins offshore. Nature parks protect rugged coastlines, wetlands and bushland, offering boardwalks and lookouts with sweeping ocean views. Cowes, the main town, has sheltered swimming beaches, cafés, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base for families. Surf beaches such as Cape Woolamai and Smiths Beach attract surfers and walkers, while scenic drives reveal cliffs, rocky headlands and farms. Phillip Island is also home to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, hosting major motor racing events and go‑karting experiences. Combining close‑up wildlife encounters, relaxed seaside atmosphere and outdoor adventures, it is an ideal destination for day trips or short coastal getaways in Victoria.
Comfortable family‑friendly motel in Cowes, just 5 minutes’ drive from Phillip Island Wildlife Park and Cowes Golf Club. The property offers barbecue facilities, a children’s playground and free on‑site parking.
Air‑conditioned guest rooms include electric blankets, a fridge and a hairdryer; each has a private bathroom with shower.
Seahorse Motel Cowes is about 10 minutes’ drive from Koala Conservation Centre, Amaze ‘N’ Things Adventure Park and Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Phillip Island Airport is roughly 15 minutes’ drive away.
Key features
Tasmania, Australia’s only island state, is a compact mix of wild nature, heritage towns and fine food. Reached either by plane or ferry, it’s easy to explore yet feels a world away from the mainland. You can fly into Hobart or Launceston from major Australian cities in about 1–2 hours, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry between Geelong (near Melbourne) and Devonport with or without a car, ideal for road trips.
The west coast is Tasmania at its rawest: dense rainforest, wild rivers and rugged mountains. Towns like Strahan and Queenstown are gateways to Gordon River cruises, heritage rail journeys and World Heritage–listed wilderness, with moody weather and dramatic landscapes.
Hobart, the capital, is at the south of the island and blends sandstone waterfront warehouses with amazing views. Salamanca Place hosts lively markets, while nearby Battery Point is full of cottages and cafés. Just outside the city, kunanyi/Mount Wellington offers sweeping views, and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) adds a bold cultural edge.
In the north, Launceston combines historic streetscapes with great food and wine. Cataract Gorge Reserve, only minutes from the centre, features walking trails, a chairlift and river views, while the surrounding Tamar Valley is known for cool-climate vineyards.
On the east coast, Freycinet Peninsula is famous for Wineglass Bay, with its perfect curve of white sand and turquoise water. National park walks lead to lookouts, secluded beaches and pink granite peaks, with excellent opportunities for kayaking and wildlife spotting.
Further inland, Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park showcases alpine scenery, button grass plains and glacial lakes. Short walks and longer hikes, including parts of the Overland Track, reveal wombats, wallabies and sometimes Tasmanian devils.
Together, Tasmania’s accessible cities, wilderness coasts and mountain landscapes make it ideal for a road trip or week‑long escape. You will need at least a week to appreciate and see the best of Tasmania.
Central hotel in the heart of Hobart’s CBD offering free Wi‑Fi and an onsite bar and restaurant. All air‑conditioned rooms have satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities and a private bathroom with hairdryer; some include a kitchenette, lounge/dining area or balcony with city or mountain views. Guests praise the location, rating it 9.7 for a two‑person stay.
Key features
Waterfront eco‑lodge with secluded cabins set in coastal bushland inside Freycinet National Park. Buffet breakfast is included and some cabins feature a spa bath and private balcony. All cabins have an en suite bathroom, heating, air‑conditioning, refrigerator and TV. Facilities include bicycle rental and a tour desk.
The lodge is a great base for guided walks, quad‑biking, wildlife tours and sea kayaking. Honeymoon Bay is about 200 m away and Wineglass Bay Lookout is a 5‑minute drive. Couples rate the location 9.6 for a two‑person trip.
Key features
Historic guesthouse in a charming heritage building, featuring a sun terrace, beautiful garden and free Wi‑Fi. Rooms offer air‑conditioning, private bathrooms with walk‑in showers and garden views, plus access to a lounge, outdoor seating area and picnic spot.
Located about 14 km from Launceston Airport, Kurrajong House is close to attractions such as the Launceston Tramway Museum (16‑minute walk) and Queen Victoria Museum (2 km), with boating available nearby. We had a delightful stay here and the hosts are super friendly.
Key features
Hotel-style lodge set in alpine woodland at the northern end of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, close to the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery. Offers free Wi‑Fi, restaurant and cosy lounge areas, plus complimentary gallery access.
The property has 60 rooms in two wings, all with tea/coffee facilities, TV, heating, telephone and private bathroom with hairdryer.
Located on Cradle Mountain Road, it’s a 5‑minute drive to the World Heritage–listed national park. We found it very comfortable and a great place to stay while exploring Cradle Mountain.
Key features
Elegant heritage B&B in Strahan featuring a garden, terrace, bar and free Wi‑Fi throughout. Rooms include air‑conditioning and private bathrooms with spa bath, walk‑in shower and free toiletries; extra amenities include bathrobes, hairdryer, TV, electric kettle and wardrobe.
Close to key attractions such as the Gordon River, Strahan Village and the West Coast Wilderness Railway. The hosts were very friendly and were able to tell us a lot of stories about its past history. Great location on the waterfront.
Key features
4‑star adults‑only lodge near Tarraleah Power Station (about 50 m away) with free on‑site parking. Around a 10‑minute walk to Tarraleah Falls.
Rooms & amenities
We drove from Strahan to Hobart and found this place about halfway for an overnight stop. Very comfortable and a good breakfast. The power station is worthwhile seeing but little else to do in Tarraleah so just use it as a stopover to or from Hobart.
Download our easy-to-use Travel Budget Planner
One simple form to budget and control all your Travel expenses. Free to use for multiple trips.
Below are our go-to sites for planning trips.
Cruises – Vacations To Go is a discount cruise marketplace offering expert agents, comprehensive itineraries, last-minute deals, and easy booking worldwide online.
Skyscanner — Our favourite flight search engine, especially for finding budget carriers and smaller sites others miss.
Booking.com — The most reliable all-around hotel and budget stay finder, often with the lowest rates and huge inventory.
GetYourGuide — A massive marketplace for tours and activities (walking tours, day trips, classes, and more).
World Nomads — Flexible travel insurance designed for travellers and adventure activities.
Wise Travel Card — Low-fee international spending and transfers with great exchange rates; perfect for multi-currency trips.
Sixt — Reliable car rentals with a broad fleet; handy for Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley trips from Melbourne.
Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Start by deciding how busy you want it to be and whether you’ll mainly walk, drive or use public transport. In cities, paying more to be near train, tram or ferry stops usually saves time and hassle. On road trips, choosing coastal towns or wine‑region bases with parking makes life easier. Make a shortlist of must‑have facilities (pool, kitchen, laundry, parking, lift, breakfast), then filter for those and read recent reviews focusing on cleanliness, noise, bed comfort and Wi‑Fi reliability.
Sign up to get access to all our exclusive private videos on YouTube with no ads!
We’ll send you a direct link to our Google Sheets Travel Budget Planner. Easy to use for multiple trips.
Our score is out of 10 and based on:
Location & convenience – 30%
Room Quality & cleanliness – 30%
Facilities & services – 25%
Dining – 15%
We do not take price (value for money) into our calculations, as rates can differ substantially depending on when you go. If you travel in peak season, then expect to pay the highest rates, but it does not (or should not) change the quality of the hotel. If we give it a rating of 8.0 or higher, we would consider staying again.
TBA – means we have not stayed at this hotel but have booked for a future visit or included in our research as a suggested place to stay
We’ll send you a direct link to our Google Sheets Cruise Budget Planner. Easy to use for multiple cruises.
Travel Tips Straight To Your Inbox
Subscribe today and receive all of our latest news and access to our exclusive travel videos for the ultimate travel experience
