Dinogo Readers' Top 5 City Hotels in Australia and New Zealand for 2024

When exploring this region, Dinogo readers have clear favorites for accommodations: three of the winners are in Sydney, and two are in Auckland. Notably, all five top hotels for 2024 are situated within the Central Business Districts of their respective cities. Within these vibrant downtowns, there’s a diverse selection. This year's lineup includes both newly constructed hotels and transformed historic landmarks, as well as art-inspired hotels with indie charm alongside expansive luxury establishments with over 500 rooms.

Understanding the Voting Process

Annually, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide — offering insights into the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting a total of more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 properties (including hotels, cities, and cruise lines).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated according to the criteria outlined below:

Rooms/Facilities
Location
Service
Cuisine
Value for Money

For each aspect, participants could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores reflect the average of these ratings.

What Readers Appreciated

T+L readers are discerning: The No. 3 property, Capella Sydney, opened just over a year ago, with one guest already declaring it the "best hotel in Sydney, hands down." This brand’s inaugural Australian hotel is housed in a century-old sandstone tower that was once the city’s Department of Education and is recognized on the State Heritage Register for New South Wales. Following an elegant renovation, the historic structure now boasts 192 guest rooms adorned with stylish furnishings, Frette linens, and many featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.

Capella isn’t the only significant new entry on the list. Three of the five properties are less than five years old, including the No. 5 Ace Hotel Sydney, a repurposed brick factory located in the trendy inner suburb of Surry Hills, and New Zealand’s waterfront Park Hyatt Auckland, which ranks at No. 2. The addition of a new tower in late 2021 propelled Cordis, Auckland (No. 4) onto the list. Not only is it the largest hotel on this list with an impressive 640 rooms, including suites with kitchenettes, but it’s also the largest hotel in the country. Conveniently situated just off Auckland’s famous “K Road,” it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s shopping and nightlife.

The Champion

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Geoff Lung/Courtesy of Four Seasons

“Fantastic hotel, perfect location,” remarked one T+L reader about this 531-room hotel in Sydney’s Central Business District, which has climbed from the No. 2 position last year to claim the top spot. The only hotel returning from the 2023 list, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is just steps away from the iconic waterfront; another survey participant noted “breathtaking views of the Harbor and Opera House” from their guest room windows. The nearby Rocks and Circular Quay offer plenty to discover — but for those wanting to explore beyond the city, the hotel provides guided tours. Guests can visit the Aboriginal heritage sites of Uluru or the opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, or even take a seaplane directly to the Cottage Point Inn, a hidden restaurant north of the city known for its acclaimed tasting menu and extensive Australian wine selection.