The best hotels in Australia have been unveiled on Forbes Travel's list for 2026
Some of Australia's top hotels have been recognised among the best in the world, receiving four-star honours in the Forbes Travel Guide for 2026.
The 68th annual list compiled by the global rating system for hotels, restaurants, spas and cruises features standouts in more than 100 countries.
In 2026, a massive 2422 properties were judged in the hotel category. While no Aussie hotel received five stars, seven properties across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth achieved a four-star rating.
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COMO The Treasury was one of seven Aussie hotels to receive four stars. COMO
Forbes Travel Guide's highly trained inspectors visit every property to receive a rating, judging them on up to 900 standards.
Four stars are awarded to "exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match".
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Best hotels in Australia
In Sydney, four incredible hotels received a four-star rating, including Capella Sydney, which was crowned the best hotel in Australia after placing at number 12 on the list of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025.
Elsewhere in the harbour city, The Darling Sydney and The Langham Sydney were awarded four stars.
Meanwhile, Park Hyatt Sydney, boasting Opera House and harbour views, was also on the list.
Park Hyatt Melbourne was the second property for the hotel group to receive four stars, with its Presidential Suite considered a particular standout.
Perth had two hotels on the list receiving four stars: COMO The Treasury, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, and Crown Towers Perth.
Park Hyatt Melbourne was the second property for the brand on the list. Park Hyatt Melbourne
COMO The Treasury marked a 10 year milestone in 2025. Supplied
Five-star properties, according to the guide, "deliver an outstanding experience and consistently offer a highly customised level of service".
The list also called out a host of 'Recommended' experiences from around the world. These are considered "excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities".
Australia had a massive 13 properties on the 'Recommended' list.
Australia's Recommended hotels:
- Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island
- The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
- Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
- Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sydney
- Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
- The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
- Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
- Grand Hyatt Melbourne
- InterContinental Sydney
- JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
- The Langham, Melbourne
- Lizard Island Resort, Cairns
- The Louise, Barossa Valley
