Why Grand Chancellor Hotels are the Ideal Choice for Your Stay in Australia
When planning your Australian holiday, choosing the right hotel isn’t just about having a comfortable bed at night—it’s about where that bed puts you. The best hotel in Australia is one that connects you seamlessly to local culture, adventure and memorable experiences.
At Grand Chancellor Hotels, we pride ourselves on doing exactly that, with stunning locations across the country designed to be your launch pad to the very best of Australia.
Snorkel the reef off Townsville, explore Melbourne’s laneways, or sip your way through Adelaide’s wine country...whatever your destination, there's a Grand Chancellor Hotel waiting for you.
But of all the great places to stay in Australia, which iconic city should you explore first?
Townsville: Your Gateway to the Reef and Rainforest
Travel highlights: The Great Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook Island and Magnetic Island
Hotel highlights: Rooftop pool, 24-hour gym, buffet breakfast, Sugar Shaker Bar & Restaurant
If you’ve been dreaming of coral reefs, island adventures and palm-fringed coastlines, Townsville is your ticket. This sun-soaked North Queensland city is perfectly placed for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, with ferried day trips leaving from the marina just minutes from the Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville.
It’s also your jumping-off point to nearby Magnetic Island, a paradise of secluded bays, koalas and scenic hikes, as well as Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island national park.
Townsville is also home to fascinating museums like the Museum of Tropical Queensland and heritage sites like Jezzine Barracks, telling the stories of Australia’s military and Indigenous history.
From our central location, you’re within easy walking distance to these cultural gems, along with buzzing restaurants and waterfront bars.
Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville offers modern, spacious rooms with sweeping city and ocean views, plus a rooftop pool perfect for cooling off after your adventures.
Make sure you stop for dinner and drinks at our on-site Sugar Shaker Bar and Restaurant (not to mention our signature buffet breakfasts served every morning). It’s one of the great places to stay in Australia, and you’ll be perfectly placed to explore all the wonders of tropical North Queensland.
Melbourne: Australia’s Capital of Culture, Cuisine and Sport
Travel highlights: Laneway and coffee culture, Southbank and Docklands, Marvel Stadium and the MCG
Hotel highlights: 24-hour room service, fitness centre, buffet breakfast, Encore Restaurant & Bar
Few cities capture the cultural city-slicker spirit of Australia quite like Melbourne. Known for its thriving arts scene, legendary sporting events and world-class dining, it’s a must on any urban Aussie itinerary.
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne puts you in the heart of the city’s East End theatre district and Chinatown, an easy walk from Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, the beautiful Carlton Gardens, and boutique shopping along Bourke Street Mall.
The nearby Southbank and Docklands precincts are stunning waterfront destinations that will keep your itinerary full and your heart happy.
While you’re over the side of the Yarra River, stop by the famous Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, artisan goods, handmade wares, and a fresh dining hall to rival any eatery in the city.
Melbourne is also a magnet for big sporting events like the Australian Open, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the iconic Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival.
Australian rules football takes over the spectacular Marvel Stadium throughout the year, a must-visit venue shared with international superstars for larger-than-life concerts.
And when it comes to Melbourne dining, the quintessentially Melbourne laneways near our hotel are packed with everything from tiny espresso bars to award-winning restaurants.
Relax after a day of shopping or art gallery hopping and enjoy a cocktail in our chic Encore Restaurant & Bar. With modern rooms and impeccable service, Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne is the best hotel in Australia to experience Melbourne’s cultural charm like a local.
Hobart: Markets, Nature and Adventure at Your Doorstep
Travel highlights: Constitution Dock, Salamanca Market, MONA, Bruny Island and the Derwent River
Hotel highlights: Indoor pool, fitness club & sauna, The Atrium Bar, Tasman Restaurant
Tasmania's capital Hobart is where heritage sandstone meets modern art and pristine wilderness. Staying at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, you’re right on the waterfront overlooking Constitution Dock, famous for its seafood punts and as the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Wander to the famous Salamanca Market on Saturdays to sample local produce and meet artisan makers, or take a ferry up the river to MONA, Tasmania’s world-renowned Museum of Old and New Art. Prefer the outdoors? Stunning spots like Mount Wellington/kunanyi and Bruny Island are within easy reach for day trips.
Restaurants and local wineries are also in abundance here, with Hobart’s foodie scene one of Australia’s most sought-after for its fresh, locally caught seafood and stunning harbourside dining hotspots.
Back at the hotel, spacious rooms offer sweeping views of the Derwent River or Mount Wellington. After a day of exploring, relax in our heated indoor pool, grab a drink from The Atrium Bar, and enjoy a Tasmanian seafood feast at Tasman Restaurant on the ground floor.
Launceston: Tasmania’s Foodie Haven and Nature’s Playground
Travel highlights: Paddock-to-plate dining, nearby wineries, Cataract Gorge and Cradle Mountain
Hotel highlights: Buffet breakfast, Saturday High Tea, Avenue Restaurant & Lobby Bar, on-site nail salon and massage studio
North of Hobart, Launceston is seriously underrated and one of the all-time great places to stay in Australia. It’s a unique coastal-meets-mountainous gem that can only be appreciated with an immersive travel experience.
You’ll discover a haven for cool-climate wines, fresh paddock-to-plate dining, and even some of Australia’s best golf courses, like Barnbougle Dunes, just a short drive away.
Stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston and you’re minutes from Cataract Gorge, a stunning natural reserve complete with walking trails, swimming spots and the world’s longest single-span chairlift.
Further afield, you can drive up to the awe-inspiring Cradle Mountain for a day in Tasmania’s breathtaking alpine wilderness.
Much like Hobart, Launceston serves up a veritable feast of fresh seafood and exquisite paddock-to-plate dining. The boutique riverside city, Launceston, was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, one of only 49 around the world.
The city is filled with must-try venues like Stillwater, Black Cow Bistro, Mudbar, Stelo at Pierre’s, Timbre Kitchen and Grain of the Silos, while an easy drive will take you through the Tamar Valley’s best cool-climate wineries and vineyards like Tamar Ridge and Josef Chromy Wines.
Our Launceston hotel combines heritage charm with modern comfort, offering spacious rooms and warm Tasmanian hospitality.
After a day of exploring, start your evening with our daily Happy Hour at The Avenue Restaurant & Lobby Bar, where you can enjoy a refreshing selection of local wines, craft beers, and premium beverages in a relaxed, stylish setting.
Then, continue your night with a memorable dining experience featuring a menu crafted with the finest Tasmanian-sourced produce. From locally made cheeses to seasonal favourites, every dish highlights the rich flavours of the region. It's the perfect way to unwind and savour the best of Tasmania.
Alternatively, if you’re staying with us over a weekend, book in for Grand High Tea on Saturday for the ultimate elegant indulgence.
Brisbane: River City Charms and Easy Coastal Escapes
Travel highlights: Parklands, Riverfire, day trips to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Hotel highlights: Rooftop pool, fitness centre, Frescos Bar & Café, weekend Bottomless Brunch
Brisbane has transformed into a lively urban playground that rivals Melbourne and Sydney, blending year-round sunshine with buzzing arts precincts and riverside dining.
From Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane at the top of the city, you’re minutes from the Queen Street Mall and Queens Plaza shopping strips, stunning Roma Street Parklands and City Botanic Gardens, and buzzing Fortitude Valley.
A short ride share or train trip will take you into the cultural delights of South Bank, known for its museums, theatres, and the city’s famous man-made Streets Beach. Wander the river promenade and stop by for lunch and drinks at one of the many delicious cafés and restaurants lining the strip.
Time your stay for Riverfire in September,, when fireworks light up the city skyline. Or catch a game at Suncorp Stadium, just a short drive away. Brisbane’s central location also makes it a breeze to plan day trips to the Gold Coast for surf and theme parks, or north to the Sunshine Coast for beachside brunches and boutique shopping.
At day’s end, relax in our rooftop pool with skyline views or enjoy Queensland-inspired dishes at Frescos, open for breakfast and dinner. With comfortable rooms and friendly service, it’s the best hotel in Australia if you’re after a welcoming retreat in Brisbane.
Adelaide: Wine, Festivals and Natural Beauty
Travel highlights: Festivals and culture, McLaren Vale, the Barrossa Valley and Adelaide Hills
Hotel highlights: Outdoor pool (Adelaide), Sebastyan's Bar (Adelaide) indoor pool & spa (Chancellor or Currie), fitness centres, spa and sauna (Adelaide), Bistro Sixty5 (Adelaide), award-winning Maison Clement (Chancellor on Currie)
Adelaide is all about balance, and it's one of the few places in the world that seamlessly combines the best of all worlds: vibrant city life surrounded by nature and world-class wine regions that are close enough to drive to for an easy day trip.
Both Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide and The Chancellor on Currie sit in the heart of the city, ideal for walking to year-round festivals and events like the Adelaide Festival or the colourful chaos of the Fringe Festival, plus the city’s top restaurants and bustling nightlife.
From The Chancellor on Currie, you can walk to the iconic Adelaide Central Market in around 10 minutes. Even closer is our award-winning on-site restaurant Maison Clement, a French bistro-style establishment open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide also places you in the heart of Adelaide’s vibrant West End, known for its dining, art and entertainment, and boasts the fabulous Bistro Sixty5.
Around an hour's drive from both hotels, you can be tasting your way through McLaren Vale or the Barossa Valley, two of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.
The Adelaide Hills is a gorgeous region that draws tourists year-round to quaint historic villages like Hahndorf, a little pocket of German culture with plenty of delicious food and wine on offer.
And for nature lovers, Morialta Conservation Park is close by for bushwalks with breathtaking waterfalls during the wet season, kangaroos and koalas in the treetops.
With a selection of modern rooms, welcoming staff and easy access to everything from laneway bars to lush parklands, both Grand Chancellor hotels in Adelaide are perfect bases for discovering why Adelaide is often called Australia’s most liveable city.
Start Planning Your Australian Adventure
From bustling cultural hubs to serene natural escapes, Australia has something to enchant every traveller.
And with Hotel Grand Chancellor properties located in some of the country’s best-loved destinations, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and local charm wherever your journey takes you.
Ready to start exploring? Browse our current offers and discover why each Hotel Grand Chancellor destination is among the best hotels in Australia for creating unforgettable holiday memories.
FAQs
Which city is best to stay in Australia?
Each has its charm. Melbourne for culture, Brisbane for riverfront living and easy coastal escapes, Hobart for a blend of history and wilderness, and Townsville for tropical reef adventures. Many visitors build an itinerary with multiple cities to experience Australia’s diverse character.
What’s the nicest part of Australia to visit?
Tasmania often surprises guests with its natural beauty, incredible food and welcoming small cities like Hobart and Launceston. But the beaches of Queensland, Melbourne’s laneways and Adelaide’s rolling wine country all have their own special appeal.
What is the prettiest place in Australia?
For sheer scenery, it’s hard to go past places like the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville, or Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain. Each region offers stunning natural backdrops paired with local experiences.
What is the star rating of Hotel Grand Chancellor?
Our Australian properties typically range from 4 to 4.5 stars, offering premium comfort, central locations and exceptional service.
What’s the most prestigious hotel?
While there are many premium stays in Australia, Hotel Grand Chancellor stands out for its superb locations across multiple states, letting you experience the very best of Australia with quality stays in each city.