CHEAP AND CHIC

Stylish stays for under $250 per night

THE CHALLENGE TO MAKE YOUR TRAVEL DOLLARS STRETCH AS FAR AS POSSIBLE CAN SEEM LIKE A LOT OF HARD WORK,TRAWLING THROUGH ENDLESS WEBSITES COMPARING PRICES TO SAVE A FEW DOLLARS AT A TIME. AND AFTER ALL THAT EFFORT, WHO WANTS TO END UP IN A DRAB BOX DEVOID OF PERSONALITY JUST BECAUSE IT’S CHEAP? BUT THERE IS HOPE; SET WITH THE CHALLENGE OF FINDING HIGH-STYLE ROOMS AROUND THE COUNTRY FOR A BUDGETFRIENDLY $250 PER NIGHT*, WE WERE SPOILT FOR CHOICE.

THE PRINCE MELBOURNE, VIC

This place was one of the original boutique hotels in the city, and it still has a cool-kid vibe thanks to its minimalist interiors, its position in the heart of St Kilda and the reputation of its rock star eatery, Circa (now a private dining and events space). In the rooms you will find clean lines cosied up with colourful kilim rugs and layered textures, as well as Philippe Starck bathtubs in some bathrooms, plus cute private balconies. Special rates start at a tiny $195 per night. theprince.com.au

THE CHAPEL BYRON BAY, NSW

The Chapel, part of the family-run Byron Beach Abodes’ roster of boho residences, is beach-adjacent but possesses an industrial-chic vibe, with its exposed bricks, concrete floors, steel fixtures and texture-heavy monochrome décor. Only a few minutes’ walk from sand and surf, and with Byron’s endless selection of cafes and eateries nearby, the whole place has the feeling of a funky holiday home of old. And all from $231 a night. byronbeachabodes.com.au

HOTEL PALISADE SYDNEY, NSW

Sitting high on a hill in the historic Rocks neighbourhood, the landmark Hotel Palisade received a full-treatment makeover from hands-on super stylist Sibella Court, resulting in each of the eight rooms possessing an irresistible eclectic style. Rooms are named after colourful characters who frequented the area in times gone by, with gorgeous hand-painted seascape wall murals by artist Neil Mallard, an elegant colour palette throughout, and some pretty fabulous Harbour Bridge views from select rooms. Priced from $225. hotelpalisade.com

THE FRANKLIN BOUTIQUE HOTEL ADELAIDE, SA

There are only seven rooms in this snug boutique hotel in Adelaide’s inner-city grid, but what the property lacks in size it more than makes up for in personality. Rooms are individually decorated in soothing, darks shades, with colour introduced through original artworks by local artists, over-stuffed cushions, bright yellow doors or elegant leadlight windows original to the building. There’s pub grub on offer in the downstairs bar, complete with a beer garden with a Hills Hoist festooned with hanging planters and a light fitting constructed from vintage Coca Cola crates. Deluxe rooms start at $160 and Superiors at $220. thefranklinhotel.com.au

OVOLO 1888 SYDNEY, NSW

Squeezed into an historic wool store (dating from 1888, of course) in a busy, bustling part of the city, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour has room categories from the cheeky Shoe Box to the generously proportioned Shaken and Stirred suites, each dominated by one of artist Jasper Knight’s bold, graphic murals. The brand’s signature Lo Lounge offers up a schmoozy space that is at guests’ disposal to grab a coffee, do some work or relax. Rooms can be had for under $200, which includes breakfast and free mini bar. ovolohotels.com.au