BEST SERVICE
Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, NSW
For all the Instagram exposure and rave reviews of its seaside diner, Paper Daisy, service is Halcyon House’s strongest suit. There are many thoughtful extras: icy house lemonade in cut-glass tumblers on arrival, bottles of water for your onward journey, chocolate biscuits at turndown, a beach bag to take home, handwritten notes, help-yourself minibars. But its true character was revealed during this year’s devastating floods, when Halcyon general manager Mauro de Riso organised helicopters to shuttle guests to the airport. When it comes to exceptional service, this year there’s no contest. halcyonhouse.com.au
Finalists: The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney, NSW;
Crown Towers, Melbourne, Vic