Delightfully Different: Unique Hotels in Australia and New Zealand

Normal, usual, ordinary, typical, conventional, and predictable are all words you won't use to describe this impressive list of places to stay - boasting ice rinks, airstrips, hot springs, free chocolate hours, luxury tents, art hotspots and volcanic-inspired design. If you're on the hunt for accommodation options with distinctive quirks, look no further - this and much more await at some of Australia and New Zealand's most unique places to stay.

Located on the edge of the stunning World Heritage-listed Jamison Valley, Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains is one of the most enjoyably unique ways to experience the Blue Mountains.

With expansive views of the surrounding landscape accessible through walking trails directly connected to the resort, the resort features an indoor & outdoor pool, tennis court, KidsZone, three restaurants, a whiskey bar, an ice rink, and the award-winning Ubika Day Spa. It also sits close to the adjacent Leura Golf Course.

Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains is committed to ensuring it runs ethically and sustainably, with multiple 100kw solar panels feeding the electric rooftop generator and offering two complimentary guest Electric Vehicle charging stations.

Described as a uniquely designed sanctuary of style, Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery transports guests into a world of glamour and luxury, offering exclusive experiences, exceptional service, and exceptional views.

Located in the heart of Melbourne's best shopping district, featuring over 550 stores, designer boutiques and over 30 luxury brands, Hotel Chadstone takes this proximity to the next level with their unique Shopping or Style This Way packages which combine your stay with shopping and styling extras.

Once you've got your fill of retail therapy, enjoy an elevated High Tea at the Altus rooftop bar while you stare at the Melbourne skyline, or nurture your body and soul at the Holism Retreat Day Spa.

Positioned on the banks of the iconic Tamar River, Peppers Silo Launceston is a true slice of history, created out of the Wheat Grain Silos of the 1960s that once dominated Kings Wharf, which is still visible within this marvel of modern architecture.

The hallways are dotted with historical memories and preserved parts of the original silos. A visit to the lobby may catch the resident black labrador Archie snoozing on the carpet.

Located just a short walk to the city centre, Peppers Silo Hotel is ideally situated for travellers to explore the city of Launceston. With a range of rooms and suites on offer, as well as the Silos Restaurant Café and Silo Day Spa, it's got something to offer all types of visitors.

Set on the pristine shores of Lake Tekapo on the south island of New Zealand, Peppers Bluewater Resort is your ideal base to discover the beauty and secrets of the area around Lake Tekapo.

With several contemporary rooms, suites, and villas with stunning lakeside views, Peppers Bluewater provides a tranquil setting for your New Zealand adventure.

Another beautiful lakeside New Zealand offering from Peppers is Peppers Clearwater Resort in Christchurch .

Overlooking the astounding Lake Kaikainui and just a short drive from the city, Peppers Clearwater offers spacious lakeside villas and terrace apartments, as well as access to the Clearwater Golf Club  and its 18-hole championship course. You can also enjoy a hit on the guest tennis court or indulge in a delicious meal at their restaurant Lume.

Please note, that Peppers Clearwater Resort does not have ground-floor rooms and all rooms have stair access only.

Whether you're chasing an adrenaline rush or a more relaxing scenic holiday, Peppers Beacon Queenstown offers a luxurious starting point for your trip to the world's adventure capital.

Located overlooking Lake Wakatipu and offering expansive views of the nearby Remarkables mountain range, Peppers Beacon Queenstown offers a range of accommodation options, from hotel-style rooms to a fully self-contained five-bedroom apartment.

It's just a short stroll from town, so you've never too far away from your next daring or relaxing Queenstown activity.

Our pick for travelling families with a sweet tooth, Movenpick Hotel Hobart , is all about indulgence done right.

Their daily free chocolate hour in the hotel lobby is a nod to the hotel's Swedish heritage and the high-quality chocolate that the country is known for. Combine this with their free unlimited ice cream for kids 12 and under and their Chocology Afternoons filled with high tea style tastings, and you've got the sweetest place to stay in Tasmania's capital.

Cooinda Lodge Kakadu is your gateway to the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, renowned for its cultural and ecological significance.

An expansive property found under the foliage of the nearby Billabongs, Cooinda Lodge is in a league of its own. Offering various accommodation options, including 48 refurbished lodge rooms, 20 Glamping tents, and a 100-site campsite, and luxury Yellow Water Dreaming Tents, built on stilts on the very edge of the Yellow Water Billabong.

Skip the 3-hour drive and fly directly into the Lodge's dedicated airstrip, which also hosts scenic flights above the waterfalls of Kakadu, or connect with the traditional indigenous owners and family of the land as they share their stories with the guests.

Acknowledged as one of New Zealand's most prestigious resorts, Fable Terrace Downs MGallery is set on the foot of the great Southern Alps and Mount Hutt, offering some of the most spectacular alpine views you can find on the South Island.

With spacious villa-style accommodation, access to their 18-hole championship golf course, and activities such as hiking, archery, and clay shooting within proximity, Fable Terrace Downs is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of this breathtaking alpine area. 

If you're looking for a melting pot of art, music, and culture in New Zealand's most populated city, SO/ Auckland has got you covered.

Located downtown in Auckland's Britomart district, SO/ combines volcanic-inspired design and decor with a vibrant atmosphere to create a truly unique hotel.

Mingle with the socialites at the HI-SO Rooftop Bar or feast at Harbour Society, where the passionate team of Chefs reinterpret French culinary traditions with an unconventional twist.