Five by Five: A handful of Australia’s top tier Euro-style hotels

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Along with our recently reviewed Melbourne’s Sofitel, there are only a few truly European-flavoured five-star hotels in Australia. Here are our pick:

Park Hyatt, Sydney

Although best known for its front-row seat to Sydney Harbour’s iconic trifecta, the bridge, the house and the fun park, the Park Hyatt isn’t just about location.

A drastic revamp to include two waterfront restaurants and bar, a day spa and 155 designer rooms means even more expansive views, marble baths, attentive service and custom-made artworks.

sydney.park.hyatt.com

The Langham, Melbourne

Voted as the top city hotel in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by US magazine Travel + Leisure four years running, The Langham must be doing something right.

Old-world opulence meets European luxury with grand staircases, plush beds, the theatrical Melba Restaurant, a day spa and that famous Langham service.

melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au

Crown Towers, Melbourne

Crown was dubbed ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ at AT’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards, recognised as a truly stylish stay with decedent touches.

With deep soaking baths, top-notch service and panoramic skyline views, as one reader claimed “it is pure heaven".

crownhotels.com.au/crown-towers-melbourne

Four Seasons, Sydney

The name resonates with luxury-seekers worldwide, and its Sydney outpost at Circular Quay has an envious location in the heart of the city.

It also boasts a holistic spa, elegant dining and in-room delights like thick bathrobes, oversized beds and some of the best views of the harbour.

fourseasons.com/Sydney

Stamford Plaza, Brisbane

On the banks of the Brisbane River stands this Queensland icon.

Each of the guest rooms at Stamford Plaza has been lavishly appointed in timber furnishings and muted tones, with mod-cons like a flat-screen TV, on-demand movies, 24-hour concierge, and an extensive list of the hotel’s own high-tea options.

stamford.com.au/spb

Once just for holiday rentals, Airbnb now plans your whole trip

    By Emily Murphy
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    From art tours in Melbourne to Bowral beehives, Airbnb has just launched its biggest evolution yet.

    Forget scrolling endless booking sites or relying on travel agents to curate your perfect escape. Airbnb’s latest global release redefines what the platform can offer, moving beyond accommodation to become a full-service travel companion that plans your entire trip.

    Luxury services are now bookable

    Airbnb Experiences flow on phone

    Book experiences and services through Airbnb now. (Image: Airbnb)

    At the centre of the shake-up is Airbnb Services, a brand-new offering that lets users book top-tier professionals across 10 categories, with five of those launching in Sydney and Melbourne.

    Need a private chef for an anniversary dinner? Want a photo shoot with an award-winning photographer? Prefer to skip the supermarket and have your Airbnb fridge pre-stocked before you arrive? It’s all now possible, straight from the app.

    And these aren’t just any service providers – we’re talking Michelin-starred chefs, renowned wellness practitioners with serious credibility and more.

    Experiences that go way beyond the standard city tour

    AirBeenBee honey Airbnb Experience in Bowral

    Travellers can book a honey experience in Bowral. (Image: Airbnb)

    Also making a big comeback: Airbnb Experiences, now completely reimagined and relaunched with a sharper focus on expertise, authenticity and local flavour.

    The new line-up includes thousands of activities hosted by locals who know their cities best – and Aussies are already embracing the idea. You can now book everything from tasting rare honey straight from the hive in Bowral to a deep dive into Melbourne’s street art with an artist.

    Duckboard Place street art

    Airbnb Experiences can be booked in your own city. (Artwork: Middle: Steen Jones/Right: Lukas Kaspar)

    It’s not just for travellers, either. Airbnb reports that over 40 per cent of Australians say they’re keen to use Experiences to explore their own backyard.

    The categories span everything from history and culture to food and drink, art and design, entertainment, fitness, wellness and nature, with new options rolling out globally and across Sydney and Melbourne this season.

    Next-level exclusives hosted by global icons

    Megan Thee Stallion eating ramen for Otaku Hottie Quest

    Airbnb Originals are one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures. (Image: Adrienne Raquel)

    And for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary, Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Originals: one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures, exclusively for the platform.

    Think making croissants with a French pastry legend, playing volleyball with an Olympian in Rio, or even cosplaying with Megan Thee Stallion at her Otaku Hottie Quest.

    You can also toss a football with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City or join K-pop royalty SEVENTEEN in Seoul for an exclusive fan celebration.

    For Aussie travellers, it’s all part of a broader shift: from simply booking a place to sleep, to curating unforgettable moments – all in one tap.