VIEW FROM THE TOP
Whether you’re throwing an OTT soiree or in need of some silly-season respite, sometimes only the height of luxury will cut it. Enter, the best penthouse-style hotel digs in the country
THE AUSTRALIA SUITE INTERCONTINENTAL, SYDNEY
One of the best places in town to take in the impressive vista of Sydney Harbour is the Intercontinental. While much of the facade and interior is a throwback to Sydney’s earliest years – retaining the charm of the 1851 treasury building in which it’s housed – beyond the foyer, the fit-out is modern and opulent. Every one of the 500-plus rooms offers an unrivalled view of Sydney’s biggest calling cards – such as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House – but at 29 floors up, the Australia Suite is the hotel’s most covetable offering, with stars such as Oprah calling it home while on our shores.
At 245m², no expense has been spared in the suite – a grand piano sits in the lounge room, then there’s a private study and guest bathroom (perfect for impressing friends from out of town), meaning you can keep the harbour views from the huge marble main bath all for yourself. Hotel staff get a kick out of tailoring bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are basically only limited to your imagination – say, dining on a chef-prepared meal as an Opera Australia artist gives a private performance in your room (a homesick Taylor Swift was surprised with her own Christmas tree during her stay). If you dare venture out, a tipple 32 storeys above the harbour at Supper Club – a slick bar with an extensive list of champagnes and some of Australia’s best wines – awaits.
COMO SUITE COMO THE TREASURY, PERTH
Perth might not have as many high-rises as Sydney or Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean the top-of-the-line penthouse equivalents aren’t as luxe. Como The Treasury only sits at four floors – designed within former state buildings that date back to the 19th century – but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in design clout. Created by architect Kerry Hill, who’s behind bucket-list Aman resort outposts in Asia, the 48-room hotel opened in 2015 (after a mammoth three-year restoration costing $110 million) and quickly racked up accolades including a nod from Condé Nast as the second best hotel in the world.
Every detail is considered, from light fittings by light artist Flynn Talbot (who recently exhibited at London’s Victoria And Albert Museum) to custom crockery from a local supplier specialising in handcrafted wares. The Como Suite is the most luxurious, coming in at 120m². Overlooking the Swan River and leafy Stirling Gardens, it has a small joy not afforded in skyscrapers – windows that open – plus heated bathroom floors and Egyptian cotton sheets on the custom-made king bed worthy of a Kanye West “Famous” moment. There’s also something to be said for a bar that’s restocked every day for free (even when you’re savvy enough to know you’ve already paid for it).
The suite’s minimal, Scandi-style interiors will be a soothing antidote for anyone who’s gone too hard on the bottomless spirits, but for a quick fix, opt for a Sodashi facial in the spa. Or beeline for Long Chim next door for what’s been praised as the country’s best Thai fare – and a fittingly top-shelf hangover cure.