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  • Writer's pictureChanel Belej

3 Eccentric City Hotels in Australia to Book, From Disco to African Safari Themes

AUSTRALIA


When vacation time is calling and you want to shake things up, why not make it worthwhile? If you look hard enough, within Australia’s metropolitan cities you’ll find a eccentric accommodation options rich in personality. From your disco retro era to an African safari, the land down under has it all. So which adventure will be your next?


Behold, a handpicked selection of Australia’s places to stay that go against the grain.


Photo: Courtesy of The Pink Hotel

1) The Pink Hotel – Coolangatta, Gold Coast


After touching down at Gold Coast Domestic Airport, need not travel far when Coolangatta’s Pink Hotel has all the quirks and perks for a memorable stay. Calling all margarita lovers to come and enjoy the King Deluxe Suite where the mini-bar is stocked with all your cocktail needs. You can even book a personal bartender to share tips on perfecting the classic marg or boozy pink lemonade. Pair it with some Netflix (included in every room) and your initial plan for the rooftop bar is a welcome reprieve. Luckily, in the morning you’re treated to life’s simple pleasures; views of Coolangatta beach just over the road as the sun casts its rays on the bubblegum pink where you reside.


If tequila isn’t your friend and you’re simply here for the pink flamingos to feature on the 'gram, then possibly gin may be more your style. You can take a 20-minute drive to Tumblegum Valley to find Husk Distillery; enjoy lunch and sample paddles of the finest gin on the East Coast, crafted from locally grown botanicals. Needless to say, The Pink Hotel is perfect for a couple’s escape if you want to spice up your life, or even a hen’s night if you’d prefer the whole hotel to yourself. PSA: An array of neon lights is sure to keep you up (there are off switches for these) but hey–if The Pink was really in Mexico, I don’t think much sleeping would be had.   


Address: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225  | Website: thepinkhotelcoolangatta.com | Phone: (07) 5415 0598 | Email: frontdesk@thepinkhotelcoolangatta.com | Instagram: @thepinkhotelcoolangatta | Facebook: The Pink Hotel Coolangatta


Photo: Courtesy of Hotel No

2) Hotel No – Melbourne CBD


Picture a film set of ultra-polished trailers then transport them to the 70s and onto a rooftop parking lot in the heart of Melbourne-be sure to include the red carpet! Hotel No, different in every sense of the word, was the driving force behind James Fry’s unconventional approach to CBD accommodation. Through personal experience, James took a liking to discovering new cities on his own terms, without the pressure to conform to a surplus of hotel amenities served on a silver platter–that felt too habitual and comfortable. In saying that, Hotel No represents everything a traditional hotel is, not; with no concierge, guests have to figure out how to enter from a code texted to their smartphone in substitute of a room key-and that’s just the beginning.


To give you a sense of how it all works, you’ll start by making your chrome trailer home (yes, you will find it don’t panic). Five of these are your standard 31-foot airstream trailers. Don’t be fooled - for there are a generous amount of inclusions despite the connotations surrounding the name. Of course, this is not your regular tourist trap kind of residence–with only six trailers on site, you’ve got your own private deck that works as a blissful chill-out spot as you knick a beverage from the fully-stocked minibar complimentary in your stay. If you’re feeling more indulgent, perhaps the ‘airstream with benefits’ may tickle your fancy with everything from the standard airstream, plus a secluded spa tub that overlooks Melbourne’s famous Flinders Lane. Thanks to Hotel No’s prime positioning, you may as well descend from the roof and explore Melbourne's urban jungle of winding laneways, world-class restaurants and superior barista-made coffee. At least when you return home, you can say the future looks bright.


Address: 388 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 | Website: hotelno.melbourne/ | Phone: 1300 146 567 | Email: hotelno.melbourne/say-hi | Instagram: @hotelno.melbourne  | Facebook: Hotel No


Photo: Courtesy of Taronga Zoo

3) Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo – Mosman, Sydney


Bringing the zoo to you is Sydney’s Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. The safari glamping experience has every reason to be a lifetime goal to visit; when you pair the city’s unmatched skyline with unique appearances from some furry friends, it’s difficult to name a contender. If you’re an animal lover, or better yet, you’ve never been to Australia, Taronga Zoo is worthy of the top spot in your list of places to stay. More importantly, the Retreat operates as a not-for-profit, so every dollar spent saves wildlife. Convinced yet? 


Your stay will be completely bespoke with inclusions ranging from complimentary breakfast to two-day Taronga Zoo access. The room overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour is, believe it or not, the Harbour View Room. Waking up to 180-degree views with some eucalyptus trees below and a koala or two perched upon them, you might want to schedule in some time just to admire the panorama before starting your adventures for the day. If you require a tad more space for your little ones to run amok with excitement, the Treetop Suites are the way to go. Ultimately, your tastebuds will be delighted after a culinary experience at Me-Gal Restaurant. Set in a bushland setting, you can expect to enjoy a natural and fresh seasonal menu designed for sharing, while pondering the cute encounters you made throughout the day.


Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 | Website: taronga.org.au | Phone: (02) 9969 2777 | Email: tz@zoo.nsw.gov.au | Instagram: @wildliferetreat | Facebook: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

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