TripAdvisor reveals where to find Australia’s most outstanding service - and it’s a long way from the capital cities

Morwell Motel has been named Australia’s No.1 hotel based on outstanding service. Source: Supplied

A list of the best hotels in Australia based on outstanding service has rewarded top-notch country hospitality, with only one of the top 10 located in a capital city.

The latest TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards rank properties specifically on service rather than amenities, as voted by reviewers on the world’s biggest travel site.

And the nation’s stand-out region when it comes to high-quality service is Gippsland in Victoria, which bagged two of the top three spots on the list.

FULL LIST: Australia’s top 25 hotels

Queensland hotels took the lion’s share of the top 25, with eight properties in the Sunshine State.

Seven NSW properties - from Broken Hill to Lord Howe Island to Hannam Vale, between Taree and Port Macquarie - earned a nod in the top 25. The Hunter Valley hamlet of Polkobin is home to two of the top 25.

Tasmania and Victoria each clocked up four entries, while South Australia was awarded two of the top 25.

Morwell Motel owners Grant Maddern and Anthony Mayer toast their success with dogs Jaffa and Max and Nigel the cat. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Limited

The hotel with Australia’s best service - Morwell Motel - is no stranger to glory, having previously been named best bargain hotel in an earlier round of Travellers’ Choice awards.

Motel owners Grant Maddern and Anthony Mayer said: “We look after our guests as if they are family, making sure all the little ‘one-percent-ers’ add up to a big 110 per cent experience – nothing is too much trouble.”

Friendly staff and little extras such as free Wi-Fi and Nespresso coffee were among highlights mentioned by TripAdvisor reviewers.

“TripAdvisor is pleased to shine the spotlight on properties around the world that are recognised by their guests for providing superior service,” TripAdvisor chief marketing officer Barbara Messing said.

“Travellers have millions of hotels to choose from, and service is one way to stand out in the crowd.

“It’s clear in reading our hotel reviews that when you have a happy customer, they spread the word.”

A TripAdvisor survey of more than 3300 respondents from Australia found more than 80 per cent of Australian travellers said good service was very important for a hotel.

Almost 90 per cent said they book hotels primarily based on their ratings for service, or from user reviews noting the quality of the service.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST HOTELS BASED ON SERVICE

1. Morwell Motel, Gippsland, VIC

Morwell Motel has also been rated as Australia’s best bargain hotel by TripAdvisor reviewers. Source: Supplied

2. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, SA

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s most awarded luxury hotels. Source: Supplied

3. Orbost Motel, Orbost, VIC

Orbost Motel in Gippsland, Victoria, is a boutique motel in an unlikely location. Source: Supplied

4. Gaia Retreat & Spa, Brooklet, NSW

Gaia Retreat and Spa near Byron Bay offers great service as well as stunning views. Source: Supplied

5. La Costa Motel, Gold Coast, QLD

La Costa Motel on the Gold Coast is Queensland’s highest-rating hotel when it comes to service. Source: Supplied

6. Splinters Guest House, Pokolbin, NSW

7. ADGE Apartment Hotel, Sydney, NSW

8. Mai Tai Resort, Port Douglas, QLD

The Mai Tai Resort is a boutique adults-only resort in the Port Douglas hinterland. Source: News Limited

9. The Bunyip Scenic Rim Resort, Boonah, QLD

10. Best Western Lazy Lizard Motor Inn, Port Douglas, QLD

11. Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS

Saffire Freycinet is Tasmania’s top hotel for service. Source: Supplied

12. Islington Hotel, Hobart, TAS

13. Spicers Balfour Hotel, Brisbane, QLD

14. Ballarat Premier Apartments, Ballarat, VIC

Ballarat Premier Apartments has also been named Australia’s No.1 hotel by Booking.com. Source: Supplied

15. Clydesdale Manor, Hobart, TAS

16. Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, Cairns, QLD

17. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW

The luxury Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island in NSW. Source: Supplied

18. Red Earth Motel, Broken Hill, NSW

19. Strath Motel, Strathalbyn, SA

20. Spicers Vineyards Estate, Pokolbin, NSW

Spicers Vineyards Estate is the second appearance from Pokolbin in the top 25 list. Source: Supplied

21. Xanadu Holiday Resort, Gold Coast, QLD

22. Henderson Park Farm Retreat, Rockhampton, QLD

23. The Villa At Hannam Vale, Hannam Vale, NSW

24. King Island Rocky Glen Retreat by the Beach, King Island, TAS

25. Samadhi Spa & Wellness Retreat, Daylesford, VIC

Source: The Australian - 13 May 14