Page 481 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

WHERE T O ST A Y  479

The pool terrace at the Coral Sea Resort in Airlie Beach (see p486)
Chain Hotels
that some of the country house a close-to-nature experience
hotels and exclusive accom- Australia’s chain hotels and can be found in beautiful
modation and island resorts are motels offer reliable and wilderness areas, including
strictly child-free zones. comfortable, if occasionally islands and coastal forests.
bland, accommodation. Some
of the best-known chains are
Disabled Travellers
Choice Hotels, Metro Hotels,
Australian building codes Best Western, Travelodge,
stipulate that any new buildings Silver Needle (formerly Country
or renovations must provide Comfort) and Accor.
facilities and accessibility for the
disabled. It is always advisable,
however, to check in advance. Country House Hotels
Ranging from elegant mansions
to simple cottages, country
Luxury Hotels house hotels can be found
and Resorts
throughout the country. They Leather armchairs in the Globe bar at the
In the state capitals, well-known offer the comforts of home Langham Sydney hotel (see p482)
international names – Hyatt, and a more rustic experience Backpacker Hotels and
Hilton, InterContinental, Four than chain hotels.
Seasons, Sheraton and Westin – Among the best country Youth Hostels
stand side by side with local houses are those found in the Despite their budget prices
institutions such as The Hotel wine regions (see pp40–41), and basic facilities, most
Windsor in Melbourne (see p493). around the old gold fields (see accommodation options for
Major beach destinations pp58–9) and in Tasmania (see young backpackers are
abound with luxury resorts. pp456–75). Eco-lodges offering clean and comfortable,
though standards can vary
widely in different areas. The
internationally renowned Youth
Hostel Association (YHA)
caters for all ages and covers all
the major cities, ski resorts and
many of the national parks. There
are also numerous independent
hostels. The backpacker scene
changes quickly, so ask other
travellers for recommendations.
While it is necessary to book
at some hostels, others offer
beds on a first-come-first-
served basis. Apartments, rooms
and dormitories are all available.
Note that dormitories may
sometimes be mixed sex, so
Funky, contemporary suite at the Tolarno Hotel in St Kilda, Melbourne (see p494) check in advance, if needed.