From magnificent sandstone buildings to extravagant marble interiors, there is always something charming and beautiful about historical architecture with a rich history behind it. In Australia, multiple heritage-listed buildings have been refurbished and transformed into hotels, giving travellers a chance to experience the old-world charm of these gorgeous buildings. In this guide, we have handpicked the 8 best heritage hotels in Australia that are nothing but captivating.
Capella Sydney is one of the best-designed heritage hotels in Sydney. The 5-star luxury hotel is built inside a heritage-listed sandstone building, previously the Department of Education designed by architect George McRae in the early 20th century. After seven years of dedicated restoration and renovation, the hotel finally opened its doors in March this year.
The 192-room hotel is designed tastefully with luxury, history, and simplicity in mind. Paying homage to its original design, you will find an elegant neutral palette throughout the interior that complements the sandstone facade. You will also have exclusive access to multiple wellness facilities on-site. This includes a grand heated indoor swimming and vitality pool, a well-equipped fitness center, a yoga platform, and a spa center.
There are three stunning restaurants and bars on the ground floor, including Brasserie 1930, McRae Bar, and Aperture, which offer an array of options for guests. Located in Circular Quay, Capella Sydney sits right next to the train station that is two stops away from the city center. For first-time visitors, it is also just a 10-minute walk away from the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Fullerton Hotel Sydney is built inside the historic General Post Office building, previously designed by colonial architect James Barnet in the early 19th century. The grand-looking 5-star heritage hotel was re-opened in 2019 after nine months of dedicated restoration and renovation.
The hotel comprises 416 guest rooms and suites. They all feature luxury bedding, a TV, Atkinson’s toiletries, a Nespresso coffee machine, and free internet access. Besides, you can also choose between contemporary-designed rooms in the new high-rise tower or classically-inspired rooms in the heritage building. A 24-hour gym is also available on-site while the in-house bar and restaurant serves a variety of drinks and cuisines.
Located in Martin Place, Fullerton Hotel sits right in the heart of Sydney CBD, only a 5-minute walk away from the nearest train station. You will also find multiple other heritage buildings nearby including the Former Bank of Australasia Building, the Savings Bank Building, and the Commonwealth Trading Bank Building.
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne is one of the city’s most iconic heritage hotels, built by leading commercial architect Harry Tompkins back in 1913. The 4-star hotel undertook a major refurbishment program in 2021 to renew the interior design and enhance the guest’s staying experience.
Rendezvous Hotel is located near the Melbourne CBD. It is surrounded by multiple restaurants, shops, and attractions such as the State Library Victoria, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum. The hotel is also next to Flinders Street train station, which is just a 3-minute walk away.
The Hotel Windsor Melbourne is one of the most renowned heritage hotels in Australia. It was previously known as The Grand Hotel, designed by famous architect Charles Webb in 1883. The hotel was later renamed The Windsor in 1923 after a series of renovations were completed.
The 5-star heritage-protected hotel has 180 rooms and suites. They are all designed with a classy and vintage-inspired touch. They each come with luxury bedding, a marble bathroom, a work desk, coffee facilities, and free internet access. For food lovers, the hotel is also widely known for its traditional British afternoon tea, which has a long-standing history of over 140 years.
The Hotel Windsor is located in the center of Melbourne CBD. It is surrounded by award-winning restaurants such as Aru and Sunda, and attractions such as the St Patrick’s Cathedral and the Royal Exhibition Building. The Parliament train station is just a few steps away and there is also a tram station nearby that provides free transport within the CBD.
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury is an iconic heritage-listed hotel located in Adelaide CBD. As you may tell by the name, the hotel is located inside the former treasury building. Its gorgeous ivory facade remains well-preserved while the interior has been refurbished with modern comforts.
The hotel presents 79 spacious accommodation options ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. They each feature plush bedding, a TV with Chromecast, a minibar, coffee facilities, and free internet access. Studios have a compact kitchenette while apartments are equipped with a full kitchen.
Despite being a heritage hotel, you will find a heated indoor pool and a fully equipped gym inside the building. For meals, Treasury 1860 is an in-house restaurant showcasing a modern Australian menu with a twist. If you prefer to cook yourself, the hotel can also arrange grocery delivery to your room.
Harbour Rocks Hotel is one of the oldest heritage hotels located in The Rocks. It is set within the grounds of the original Sydney Hospital, originally built in 1887. The building was later transformed into a hotel in 1989. The original facade is still intact while the interior has been recently refurbished.
The culinary experience at Harbour Rocks Hotel is also exceptional. Led by Head Chef Leron Ben Avraham, Tayim is a modern restaurant with a refined Middle Eastern-inspired menu. On the ground floor, Creperie Suzette is a classic French-inspired cafe that specializes in crepes and bagels.
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane sits within the heritage-listed Queensland Government Savings Bank, previously built by architect G.G. Hutton in 1922. The building was eventually turned into Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane after a series of restorations and renovations in 2018.
The 4-star heritage hotel has 220 spacious studios and apartments that are designed modernly. Being an apartment hotel, all of the rooms are equipped with a fully-equipped kitchen, a laundry, and a separate living area. Besides, you will have access to a fully-equipped gym and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also has three restaurants and bars onsite, which offer a plethora of dining options including Japanese and Cantonese cuisine.
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane is located in Brisbane CBD, just a few minutes walk away from the Central train station. Besides, you will find an extensive amount of restaurants and shops nearby. The hotel is also close to multiple notable attractions such as the Queensland Museum, the Brisbane City Botanic Garden, and the State Library of Queensland.
The history of East Brunswick Hotel can be traced back to the 1880s when the building served as a famous band room and live music venue. The three-level building was eventually transformed into a boutique hotel in 2018 after a complete inside-out refurbishment. It now offers 12 exclusive guest rooms.
The rooms are designed with a modern black-and-white theme that echoes with the building’s facade. They all come with stylish furniture, comfy bedding, and free internet access. Paying homage to its history, live music is on every Friday and Saturday night at the hotel’s Piano Bar. They also host different events occasionally that are worth checking out if you are around the city.
East Brunswick Hotel is located at Lygon Street in Brunswick, just walking distance away from the street’s tram station. A tram trip from Brunswick to the CBD takes around 20 minutes. For animal lovers, the hotel is also close to notable attractions such as the Melbourne Zoo.
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