Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, a hideaway bed-and-breakfast, a city apartment where you can cook for yourself, or the chance to meet the locals, you can find whatever accommodations you need in Australia. From top-class hotels in the cities, to budget hostels almost everywhere, Australia has a wide range of accommodations to suit almost every traveler. Most hotel rooms have reverse-cycle air-conditioning for heating and cooling, a telephone, a color TV, a clock radio, a minifridge (if not a minibar), an iron and ironing board, and self-serve coffee and tea. Private bathrooms are standard, although they often have only showers, not tubs. Air-conditioning is essential for any room you’re booking in Queensland, the Red Centre, and the Top End, including the northern parts of Western Australia. If you aren’t staying in a major hotel, make sure you ask about air-conditioning when you book, because it isn’t always standard in lower-priced establishments — and in some places, some rooms may have it, while others do not. Smoking and nonsmoking rooms are usually available in most major hotels, so if you can’t stand the smell of stale cigarette smoke, make sure you book a nonsmoking room. Breakfast is often (but not always) included in the room rate, so ask when you book. If breakfast isn’t included, hotel breakfasts are notoriously expensive, so you may want to head to a cafe down the street. Australian accommodations properties carry star ratings given by AAA Tourism, which has been awarding ratings since the 1950s. Independent assessments are based on facilities, amenities, maintenance, and cleanliness. Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars. Stars are featured in AAA Tourism guides, and recent research shows that 70 percent of travelers use the star ratings when choosing their accommodations. (These star ratings are noted in Table 8-1 using asterisks.) The rating scheme covers more than 18,000 accommodations throughout every state and territory.
Table 8-1 Key to Hotel Star Rating System
Stars What You’ll Find * A basic standard of accommodations, simply furnished, with a resident manager.
** More comfort and value with additional features. Well-maintained properties offering an average standard of accommodations with average furnishings, bedding, and floor coverings.
*** Well appointed, with a comfortable standard of accommodations, and above-average furnishings and floor coverings.
**** Exceptionally well-appointed establishments with high-quality furnishings, a high degree of comfort, high standard of presentation, and guest services.
***** International standard establishments offering superior appointments, furnishings, and decor, with an extensive range of first-class guest services. Reception, room service, and housekeeping are available 18 hours a day, with restaurant/bistro facilities available nightly. A number and variety of room styles, suites, or both are available. A choice of dining facilities, 24-hour room service, housekeeping, and valet parking are offered. Porter and concierge services are available, as are dedicated business centers and conference facilities.
