By definition, boutique hotels are the smaller, more fashionable, niche hotels which offer its guests enhanced levels of service. Previously we’ve covered some of the coolest hotels in the world, but given the rising popularity of independent boutique hotels, we thought we’d show off some of the best in Australia.

1. The Prince [Melbourne]
The Prince, St. Kilda, Melbourne is the 2008 Winner of Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel and rightly deserves it. Behind its eye-pleasing art-deco exterior each of the 40 guestrooms and suites are richly decorated with colour and texture. If staying at the Prince wasn’t unique enough, dip into the in-house Aurora Spa Retreat. Prices start at $450.

2. Orpheus Island Resort [Queensland]
Join the likes of Nicole Kidman, Elton John and Phil Collins on the list of past guests who have stayed on Orpheus Island. Everything about this resort is sophisticated and exclusive. A maximum of 42 guests can stay at any one time in the chicly appointed rooms. Far enough away from civilisation yet only 15 miles offshore is this true Great Barrier Reef island. The only way to arrive at the the island, of course, is by sea plane. Prices start at $725.

3. Sea Temple Resort and Spa [Port Douglas]
Nestled away in Queensland’s Far North, the Sea Temple Resort and Spa is a gorgeous place to stay. Although the Sea Temple Resort is larger than most boutique stays, its studio rooms, apartments, villas and penthouses retain that fashionable feel being so beautifully detailed and well finished. Guests staying can enjoy the tropical rainforest walk to the secluded beach, meander around the massive lagoon and even play some golf on the 18 hole championship course. Prices start at $384.

4. Adelphi Hotel [Melbourne]
A fantastic hotel situated in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, close to all the restaurants and theatres. The Adelphi is distinctively boutique in every way. Rooms are large, decorated in a funky style and the long-but-skinny rooftop pool which overhangs the edge of the building adds a real touch of excitement to the premises. Prices start at $305.

5. Longitude 131 [Uluru / Ayers Rock]
The renovated Longitude 131 is a luxury, green and romantic hotel situated in Australia’s Red Centre. Completely burned down in 2003 in a bush fire the hotel reopened in 2004 welcoming guests back again to stay in the 15 private luxury tents. From the rooms guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of Uluru from the comfort of the deluxe camping accommodation. If you fancy a break here then it’s time to break out your card and prepare for some serious financial damage! Prices start at (an eye-watering) $1618.

6. Cape Lodge [Margaret River]
The Cape Lodge is an ideal retreat for wine connoisseurs. Set in its own vineyard within 40 acres of native forest, the resort is renowned for its cuisine, seclusion and natural beauty. Prices start at $425.

7. The Hatton Hotel [Melbourne]
The Hatton is a 4 star boutique hotel with 20 suites decorated in a vibrant contemporary style. Just South of the Yarra River, very close to the Royal Botanic Gardens and only a few tram stops to the CBD, this gorgeous little hotel is a stunner. Prices start at $215.

8. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa [Katoomba]
For a costly but award winning stay consider the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa. Renowned as a haven of relaxation and just a few hours inland from bustling Sydney this 5 star hotel’s historic building is set in 2 acres of manicured gardens. Prices start at $705.

9. The Richmond [Adelaide]
Inside of this grand 1920′s-era building, The Richmond offers 30 beautifully renovated guestrooms and suites, generously sized with ample room Rated as one of ‘Australia’s Top 15 Small Hotels’ by Vogue Australia, the Richmond also has an exciting bar fusing stylish comfort with culture and fashion. The hotel follows an open plan theme throughout its lounge, restaurant and balcony which overlooks the Rundle Mall. Prices start at $180.

10. Kims Beach Hideaway [Toowoon Bay]
Only an hour’s drive from Sydney lays Kims Beach Hideaway occupying the prime beachfront position at the horseshoe shaped Toowoon Bay. Inside the resort bungalows and spa villas are luxuriously decorated and well facilitated with private pools, indoor spa bath, or outdoor jacuzzis. Prices start at $454. [pictured above]

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One of the things that hotels, and international hotel brands in particular, are often criticised for is a lack of identity, the feeling of being somewhere but nowhere simultaneously. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. One of the emerging trends in the industry is the personalization of hotels around a style or a theme, so feast your eye on 7 of the coolest and most individual themed hotels from around the world!

Hotel Tomo [San Francisco, United States, above] Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown, this hotel is uniquely themed around Japanese pop culture. Anime murals and other related art work are just the tip of this theme’s iceberg. The real reason that people love this theme hotel is because there are gaming suites that let adults plop into bean bag chairs and play video games as though they’re just kids hanging out in Tokyo. The on-site Kabuki Springs Spa gives a little bit of a luxury adult edge to the hotel and reminds visitors that it’s a great place for grown-ups.

Aria Hotel [Prague] Prague is a city known for its musical history and that’s the theme of this hotel located in the heart of the region. It’s a five star luxury resort where musical virtuosos and their fans can immerse themselves in music from the very first step they take on the property. From the Italian mosaic formed from a Gregorian chant to the surround-sound features in each room, every detail of the place is inspired by music.

The Block at Tahoe [Nevada, United States] The mountains of Lake Tahoe are a popular place for skiers and snowboarders to spend their winters so it was only a matter of time before a snowboarding theme hotel cropped up. Each room is themed around some aspect of snowboarding culture from the trendy DVS shoe brand they love to the Jones soda they drink. The Delta 9 poker-lovers’ room and the Vivid porn star room are other favourites in this hotel which is designed around the central idea that snowboarders are the world’s newest pimps.

Hotel Cocoon [Salvador, Brazil] This hotel prides itself on being the world’s first spaceship hotel. Minimalist design, contemporary colouring and a pool designed to feel as though it’s a lake in outer space are a few of the things that help to set the space ambience of this hotel.

Moscow Hotel Dubai [United Arab Emirates] There is a luxury hotel in the Middle East where you can pretend that you’re visiting Russia. Aspects of the hotel that enhance this theme include a recreation of the Bolshoi Dome, influences from Russian theatre design, A Tolstoy Library, a Russian restaurant and a coffee shop selling strong coffees from Russia.

The Iron Horse Hotel [Wisconsin, United States] This motorcycle-themed hotel hasn’t even opened yet and it’s already taking reservations from Harley riders interested in being among the first to enjoy the place. Located within walking distance of the brand-new Harley-Davidson Museum, this hotel is a luxury spot with special amenities for bikers. Those amenities include indoor bike parking, on-site bike washing facilities, and on-site stores selling everything a motorcycle rider might need.

Disney All Star Movies Resort [Florida, United States] The Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida has numerous hotels with themes ranging from African Wildlife to modern sports. One of the most fun theme hotels there, though, is this one which is all about the different movies that Disney and Pixar have put out over the years. Orlando is truly a family destination and this theme hotel is designed to appeal to families with kids of all ages. Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians and Fantasia are a few of the room themes to choose from.

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