2018 Travellers’ Choice Award winners revealed

AccomNews Wednesday, January 24, 2018

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TripAdvisor has announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice for Hotels awards in Australia.

For the second consecutive year, the family-run Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island was recognised as the #1 Top hotel in Australia, while COMO the Treasury in Perth and Sydney’s Ovolo Woolloomooloo came in second and third respectively.

“From island resorts, heritage hotels to secluded country boltholes, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards highlights the best accommodation Australia has to offer. These winners are recognised for remarkable service, value and quality and offer great hotel inspiration to travellers looking to plan their 2018 getaways on TripAdvisor,” said Grant Colquhoun, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”15046″ align=”left”]“We’d also like to congratulate Pinetrees Lodge on its win for the second year running and this is testament to their dedication in providing exceptional service.”

Luke Hanson, director at Pinetrees Lodge said, “To us, success is about consistency and with our second consecutive win as Australia’s top hotel in TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards, we’ve safely demonstrated we’re doing genuine hospitality and service at the highest level. Pinetrees has been run as a family business for six generations now, and we sleep well knowing we’ll be passing this, our business and our passion, to our children Elsie and Pixie in 25 years’ time.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall said: “Pinetrees Lodge is a truly extraordinary place to stay on Lord Howe Island and I’m delighted that it has been recognised as the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2018 Hotel Winner once again. With its beautiful waterfront location and world-class food and wine offerings, it’s little wonder why visitors are continually mesmerised during their stay on this World Heritage-listed paradise.

“NSW was the only State to have four hotels place in the top 10 in Australia, including One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains. These accolades reinforce NSW’s reputation for world-class accommodation and service and we are excited to welcome even more visitors to our great State as a result of these fantastic awards.”

Take a look at TripAdvisor’s list and descriptions of the winners:

Pinetrees Lodge – Lord Howe Island, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$986 per night

Pinetrees Lodge is, as its name suggests, “nestled amongst pine trees” on the World Heritage site Lord Howe Island, a paradise known for its unspoilt forests and rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Well-loved by travellers of all sorts including families, couples and adventure seekers, Pinetrees is one of Australia’s oldest family businesses. According to TripAdvisor reviewers, Pinetrees Lodge offers “a perfect balance of activity, relaxation, sophistication and amazing food”. Guests can recharge with yoga and cooking classes, hikes and snorkelling.

COMO the Treasury – Perth, Western Australia – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$565 per night

COMO the Treasury resides within a beautifully restored 19th-century state building in Perth’s central business district. Designed by renowned local architect Kerry Hill, no two rooms are alike and the building retains the original government office layout. Every aspect of the 48-room hotel has “understated elegance”, thanks to elements such as its handcrafted European furnishings, king-size beds, high ceilings, large windows and travertine stone tiles.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo – Sydney, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$420 per night

The Ovolo is stretched along Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Wharf, the longest timber-piled wharf in the world, and close to some of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants. The hotel has “a whimsical sense of fun” with its bright walls, neon lit quotes in the hallways and fun lighting pieces. All 100 rooms and suites tell a unique Australian story through art works which are part of the interior design. Travellers can also look forward to “little extras” such as complimentary breakfast, free happy hour and mini bar.

Aqua Resort Busselton – Busselton, Western Australia – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$487 per night

Surrounded by eight and half acres of woodlands, landscaped greenery and with direct access to the beach, Aqua Resort Busselton is great for travellers looking for “beachside bliss”. The resort accommodates just about any type of trip from large family gatherings to romantic getaways. Travellers can choose one–to-five-bedroom beach houses, most of which come with a private plunge pool. The resort is also a “great base” for travellers who want to explore nearby Busselton for its seasonal humpback whale-watching or the wineries at Margaret River.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley – Wolgan Valley, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$2,164 per night

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is built on a “lovingly restored” farming property and retains its original design. The villas are located between national parks Wollemi and The Gardens of Stone, which are home to plenty of native wildlife including wombats, wallabies and kangaroos, and guests can visit for “ultimate Australian experience”. The hotel offers an array of activities from archery and horse riding, a mini ranger program where kids get to build a bird hide and plant trees to mountain bike rides amidst “spectacular scenery”.

Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour – Sydney, New South Wales – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$324 per night

Originally a wool warehouse in 1888, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour has been converted into a stylish hotel with shutter-happy Instagrammers in mind. With beams and brick walls of the initial structure integrated into the design of the hotel, travellers will find plenty of photo opportunities at every corner. “Little extras” like a free a loot bag, mini bar, happy hour and the latest entertainment devices such as Apple TV and Alexa makes the visit more memorable.

Freestyle Resort Port Douglas – Port Douglas, Queensland – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$226 per night

Freestyle Resort Port Douglas is “an easy walking distance” away from tropical paradise Four Mile beach and main shopping and restaurant precinct on Macrossan Street. Husband and wife host Jason and Anne are the highlight for many travellers as the “helpful hosts” go out of their way to make their guests feel at home. All rooms come with a welcome pack that includes fresh fruits, snacks, coffee and tea.

Lizard Island Resort – Lizard Island, Queensland – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$2,110 per night

As the only accommodation right on the Great Barrier Reef, a stay at the exclusive Lizard Island resort is the best way for travellers to explore the “breathtaking beauty” of world’s largest coral reef. The resort has 40 rooms and villas, each with a balcony and a view of sandy beaches and native gardens. With coral reefs “right at the doorstep” guests can spend their time exploring the reef by snorkelling or riding resort’s glass bottomed boat.

Beach Club – Hamilton Island, Queensland – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$681 per night

Beach Club is an adults-only boutique resort that overlooks the “magical” Coral Sea on Hamilton Island. Intimate and “best for honeymooners and couples”, the 57 lavish rooms have a stylish and tranquil “beach vibe“. Guests can expect to be pampered from start to end with complimentary welcome drinks and a chauffeur service to anywhere on the island.

Avenue Hotel Canberra – Canberra, Australian Capital Territory – TripAdvisor average annual pricing from AU$232 per night

Hailed by TripAdvisor reviewers as an “excellent hotel” and popular for its “comfortable beds”, Avenue Hotel’s convenient location in Canberra’s Central Business District means it is close to major attractions such as the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia. All rooms feature contemporary interiors floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso machines and rainfall showerheads.