When the Orient-Express Hotel group first put down roots in Australia 15 years ago it chose the historic but neglected Millers Point to build its 100-room hotel. It started with one of the city’s first – and arguably still its most indulgent – day spas, then added three floors of five-star comfort, with interiors modelled on the grand 19th-century colonial mansions of Elizabeth Bay and Vaucluse House. And they named it The Observatory, in honour of its grand neighbour, the 150-year-old Sydney Observatory. But spas, sumptuous rooms and memorable dining at Galileo restaurant aside, the hotel’s reputation has been built on service. This is a five-star hotel that will coddle you with soups when you’re sick or tailor unique experiences to suit any whim. Judges’ comments: "Superb on all counts: spa, rooms, service, dining and the attention to detail by every staff member is what makes The Observatory a truly world-class hotel."