Budget Hotels & Hostels
Apartments
Guesthouses and B&Bs
Park Hyatt Sydney
Luxury meets location at Sydney's most expensive hotel, where the service levels and facilities are second to none...
Hotel De Brett
Supremely hip, this lavishly refurbished historic hotel has been zooshed up with stripy carpets and clever designer touches in every nook of the extremely comfortable rooms. Prices include breakfast, free broadband and a pre-dinner drink.
At Water's Edge Resort
The reception area immediately tells you that you're on holiday. Its open-air plan and gently revolving ceiling fans stir the languid, tropical heat...
Debbie's Place
Inside this beautiful timber Queenslander the charming rooms are fully self-contained and have private entrances and verandahs. The effervescent Debbie is a mine of information and makes this a cosy home away from home.
The Old Oak Boutique Hotel
A snazzy renovation has transformed this atmospheric 1861 kauri inn into an elegant boutique hotel with contemporary design and top-notch furnishings. It oozes character, not least because the building is reputedly haunted.
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast
You won't miss this chocolate and lime-green high-rise on the Nerang River, a vibrant gem amongst Surfers' bland plethora of hotels and apartments. The rooms are subtle-chic and the poolside is the spot for sundowners...
Punakaiki Beach Hostel
A canary-yellow, beach-bumming hostel with a sea-view verandah, just a short way from Pancake Rocks...
Bowen Terrace Accommodation
A beautifully restored Queenslander, this guesthouse is tucked away in a quiet area of New Farm. The friendly owners have installed TVs and bar fridges in every room and there’s a lovely back deck overlooking the pool. Excellent value for money.
Arden Street House
North of the city up Northeast Valley, this pair of homes atop a (steep) hill share an organic garden and a very welcoming host. With crazy artworks and a porthole in the bathroom, the main B&B is an amazing space...
Hotel Charles
Launceston's newest and hippest hotel was once a dreary hospital. It's all light and bright now with snappy decor, intelligent service and a stylish restaurant (meals $8 to $33, open breakfast, lunch and dinner)...
Quality Hotel Mildura Grand
The standard rooms at the Grand aren't the most luxurious in town, but staying at this landmark hotel gives you the feeling of being part of something special. Many rooms open onto a delightful courtyard garden, and there's a gym, pool and spa.
Punthill South Yarra Grand
It's the little things, like a blackboard and chalk in the kitchen for messages, and individually wrapped liquorice all-sorts by the bed, that make this a great choice...
Allenvale
These four self-contained early-1900s timber cottages, that each sleep four (or more), have been luxuriously restored. They're 2km northwest of Lorne, arrayed among shady trees and green lawns, complete with bridge and babbling brook...
Reef House Boutique Resort And Spa Palm Cove ...
Once the private residence of an army brigadier, the Sebel is more intimate and understated than most of Palm Cove's resorts. The whitewashed walls, wicker furniture and big beds romantically draped in muslin all add to the air of refinement...
Anndion Lodge Backpacker
Hell-bent on constantly improving and expanding their fabulous hyper-hostel, hosts Ann and Dion (Anndion, get it?) go to enormous lengths to make things homey: stereo systems, big TVs, spa, swimming pool, barbecue area, restaurant, bar, courtesy van...
Annesley House
This recently restored former doctor's mansion (c 1878) has six very different self-contained rooms, some featuring clawfoot baths and lovely views. All feature a unique sense of style. Highly recommended.
Waitomo Lodge Motel
Can’t find a bed in Waitomo? This snappily designed motel at the Waitomo end of Te Kuiti is a brilliant alternative...
Ningaloo Reef Resort
Clean and friendly, this excellent hostel is a great place to meet people, and boasts central pool, well-equipped kitchen, bar, lounge and games area. It also sells Greyhound tickets (the coach stops outside) and books discounted tours.
Riverstone Backpackers
Reborn as a bijou backpackers, this cleverly refitted old house has an enviable kitchen, comfortable lounge and a stylish landscaped yard (with pizza oven). It's a true home away from home.
Tropic Days Backpackers
Tucked behind the showgrounds (with a courtesy bus into town), Cairns' best hostel is a haven of tropical gardens strung with hammocks, with a pool table, board games and a chilled vibe that makes it easy to stay longer than planned...
Yha Wellington City
Wellington's best hostel wins points for fantastic communal areas including two big kitchens and dining areas, games room, reading room and dedicated movie room with high-tech projector...
The Emperors Crown Backpackers
The best of Perth's hostels has a great position (close to the Northbridge scene without being in the thick of it), friendly staff and high housekeeping standards. Granted, it's a bit pricier than most, but it's well worth it.