Australia - Accommodation and Stay

Situated in the continent of Oceania, Australia is a large and diverse country. It has many different types of attractions to explore and offers a wonderful combination of natural and architectural marvels. A holiday to Australia, therefore, is very fulfilling. If you are planning for an Australian vacation, plan ahead and plan well. One of the key components to ensuring a safe and comfortable stay is choosing the right accommodation. What are the types of accommodation available in Australia and why are they beneficial? Read on to get the answers.

Types of Accommodations in Australia

For first-time visitors

• Check several options before you finalise the hotel of your choice. Look at different websites and compare the prices to ensure you get the best deal.
• Look for accommodation stays a little away from the city centre. The hotels in the city centre are always very expensive. You can get a hotel of the same category but at a much lower cost, if you stay just a few miles away.

Australia is very well-known for its tourism. As a result, there are several accommodations and stay options to make sure the tourists find convenience and comfort at every step. Here is a list of a few of them:

1. Hotels

When you think of any holiday, the first thing that comes to your mind is perhaps the need to book a hotel. Hotels are excellent choices for people who like staying in a relaxed, comfortable and safe environment. Hotels have all the facilities and are available in a wide range of budgets too. Depending on how much you can spend, you can choose a standard, luxury or deluxe hotel.

Travel Tip: You will find hotels in most cities and towns of Australia. However, if you want an ultra-luxury property such as a famous 5-star hotel, you will have to book one in a big city like Sydney or Melbourne. If you are in a smaller town, such as Port Douglas, you may not get as many options to choose between 5-star properties.

2. Resorts

Resorts are sprawling properties that have many additional facilities such as private beaches and spas. They are usually found in the vicinity of the sea or in the countryside. Australia has many tourist destinations in off-beat places like secluded islands and hilltops. You can find beautiful and comfortable resorts at such places to enjoy your stay.

Travel Tip: Resorts are generally more expensive than a hotel. You can look for online deals and discounts to get a better deal and save some money when booking a resort for a stay in Australia.

3. AirBnB

AirBnB is a portal through which you can book private properties and get either an entire house or a room dedicated to yourself for a few days. These places have their own kitchen and you can have a very homely and private stay. You may not get all the facilities of a hotel, but you will get to live luxuriously and comfortably. These BnBs are also more affordable, so they prove to be a great stay option in Australia.

Travel Tip: AirBnB is a very famous portal but these days, there are other websites and apps through which you can book homestays as well. If you are booking through these services, make sure the property you choose is safe and reliable. Look for reviews or references and then finalise the property.

4. Hostels

Hostels are great choices for solo travellers. They offer a bohemian style of living and you get to interact with travellers from around the world. Hostels are very affordable and make for great stay options.

Things to Consider When Choosing Accommodations in Australia

Did you know?

• Australia’s most expensive hotel is Perth’s Crown Towers. $650 million was spent to build this grand property, where the average room rent per night is $385.
• Most of the 5-star hotels in Australia have different rates for weekends and weekdays. If you wish to experience a luxurious stay in one of the 5-star properties, book a room on a weeknight and make some big savings.

If you are looking to book a stay in Australia, here are some handy tips for you:

1. Budget

First and foremost, you need to consider your budget. As mentioned above, budgets and resorts are available in various price ranges. So, make a financial plan well in advance so that you know how much you can spend on your accommodation while you visit the different parts of Australia.

2. Luxury and amenities

Next comes the level of luxury you are expecting. If you want a very luxurious stay, opt for the high-end 5-star hotels and resorts. If you want a mid-level hotel with decent facilities and amenities, opt for the 3 or 4-star hotels. If you don't care much about luxury, look for a standard hotel where you get the basics like safety and comfort.

Travel Tip: If you have a very packed itinerary and expect to be outdoors or sightseeing for the whole day, do not spend a lot on the hotel. If however, your agenda is to relax and enjoy your stay, look for a more luxurious hotel where you can pamper yourself.

3. Accessibility

Look for hotels that are close to the main parts of the city such as the railway stations, bus stops, etc. Most cities in Australia have several hotels clustered around the city centre. While these hotels are more expensive than the ones in the suburbs, you can save a lot of money on transportation. You can also explore the tourist attractions with ease.

Travel Tip: It is a good idea to travel to Australia during the off-season. The months between June and August are considered to be the off-season and hardly any tourists visit at this time. The weather is cold and cloudy, but you still get to see all the attractions. Consider taking an Australian vacation at this time as you can find huge discounts in the hotels and resorts and also find cheaper air tickets.

4. Total members

If you are travelling with a large family, booking an Airbnb can be a great choice for you. If you are travelling with just your spouse, a resort by the beach may be a nice choice. If you are travelling alone, staying in a hostel can be a fun experience. Finalise your accommodation while keeping the number of group members you are travelling with in mind.

Tips for Selecting the Best Accommodations

Did you know?

Australia is a very friendly and warm country. The hotel staff is generally very polite and helpful. If you are travelling with a small baby or an elderly person who has specific dietary requirements, inform the hotel. Most places will provide customised meals for them, making it very convenient for you.

Listed below and some handy tips to help you select the best accommodation in Australia:

1. Once you find the best deal on your chosen hotel online, call the hotel directly, rather than booking online. At times, direct reservations fetch you additional discounts. If however, you find the direct rates are higher, book online where you find the best option.

2. Choose a hotel with a complimentary breakfast. Food in Australia is expensive, so load up on breakfast and leave for the day. This will keep you full and healthy while you explore the tourist attractions.

Travel Tip: Do not rely on walk-in reservations, especially in a popular tourist destination like the Great Barrier Reef. You may not find a suitable hotel to stay in as in such places, most of the hotels are sold out during the peak tourist season. Always pre-book your stay and travel with a lot of peace.

3. Never compromise on the safety of a hotel. Even if you are travelling on a budget, choose a hotel that has a good security system. You may compromise on the facilities and the luxury, but never on safety, especially when you are in a foreign country.

4. Read the reviews about the hotel you choose on multiple websites. If your friends have previously stayed in the hotel, ask them for personal feedback. This will help you to get a proper understanding of how good the hotel actually is.

Popular Accommodation Choices According to Tourist Destinations in Australia

Did you know?

There are many popular tourist destinations in Australia like the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House that everyone visits. However, there are some real hidden gems that most tourists skip and you should look to visit these places on your trip to the country. They include Moreton Island, Bicheno and the Glasshouse Mountains, among others.

There are different types of accommodation options all across Australia. However, choose one that suits your preferences in these popular cities and towns:

1. Sydney

Sydney is not just one of the biggest cities in Australia, but it is also one of the most developed and important cities in the world. As a result, you get a wide range of accommodation options in this city. From bohemian, budget hostels to high-end, star hotels, you will not have any shortage of options. Choose the accommodation that matches your budget and choices and have a great stay in Sydney.

Travel Tip: Many hotels in Sydney, especially the smaller ones, are open for negotiations. Negotiate for discounts and deals. Also, try to get updates to better rooms, etc.

2. Adelaide

Adelaide is very close to the ocean. There are beaches that are just 10 minutes away from the main city centre. As a result, you find many resorts on the beach here. You can choose to stay in a beachfront resort or a more traditional resort in the heart of the city. There are also many budget hotels, Airbnbs and hostels available in this beautiful Australian city.

Travel Tip: Wi-Fi is not always free in every Australian hotel. Check at the time of reservation whether or not you will have to pay for wifi and make your decision accordingly.

3. Melbourne

Another large and extremely modern city, Melbourne is a joy to visit. Since the city sees such a huge number of visitors each year, there are several hotels of all categories here. You can find luxury hotels and budget homestays, all within the same vicinity. It is a good idea to find a good hotel and book it in advance, as Melbourne is always packed with tourists!

4. Brisbane

Another very popular vacation destination in Australia, Brisbane is home to some of the very best hotels in the world. The globally renowned The Calile Hotel is situated right here in Brisbane and many celebrities prefer to stay here when they visit the city. Apart from such luxury properties, you also get standard and deluxe hotels that are more budget-friendly, so do your research and locate the best hotel.

Conclusion

As you can clearly see from the points mentioned above, Australia has many hotels, resorts, hotels, homestays and other accommodation options that make it very easy for tourists to have comfortable and safe stays. If you are headed to the country for a vacation soon, choose some good hotels and enhance your holiday experience!

FAQs

1. What are the best localities to stay in when exploring the nightlife in Sydney?

If you wish to enjoy the nightlife in Sydney, stay in or around Kings Cross or Oxford Street. There are many nightclubs in this area. Choose a hotel nearby so that you can easily and safely walk to your hotels after partying into the wee hours of the morning.

2. How much does an average 5-star hotel cost in Melbourne?

While the prices vary from hotel to hotel, you should expect to pay around AUD 280 (INR 15,000) per night in a 5-star hotel in Melbourne.

3. How safe is it to stay in a hostel in Australia?

The hostels in the different parts of Australia are usually extremely safe. There are proper security arrangements in place. However, it is better to verify the safety arrangements and also to look at online reviews to better understand this factor when booking a hostel for your stay.

4. What are some popular resorts near the Great Barrier Reef?

Some popular resorts around the Great Barrier Reef include the Heron Island Resort, Orpheus Island Lodge, Bedarra Island Resort, and the Thala Beach Nature Reserve, among others.