Lots of hotels dress like Hollywood starlets on the red carpet. However, just as at Oscars time, it takes more than a pretty face and plunging neckline to impress the judges (or guests, for that matter).

Below are 5 hotels that have managed to blend outstanding performances with striking looks to scoop a number of highly prized Australian hotel industry awards in recent years.

The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, WA - best superior accommodation

In 2011, the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle strode up to the stage at the Australian Hotels Association national awards to collect the gong for best superior accommodation.

With its colonial style, choice of dining options and location near so many tourism attractions, The Esplanade has always been popular. Serving up some impressive touches on top, such as a choice of spacious room types all with great balcony views, two swimming pools, three spas, a sauna and Sunday afternoon high tea with fresh scones and it deserved the nod.

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The Grace Hotel Sydney – best superior hotel NSW

The neo-gothic Grace Hotel Sydney won the AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence Superior Hotel Accommodation of the Year in 2010. The beautifully renovated 1920s Grace Brothers building is in an ideal CBD location for leisure and business travellers, just a few minutes walk from Pitt Street Mall, the State Theatre, Martin Place and Darling Harbour.

There’s a rooftop health centre with a lap pool and spa, an award-winning brasserie and spacious rooms with king size beds. Gracious winners indeed!

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Sebel Playford Adelaide – best deluxe hotel and hotel restaurant SA

Three times a charm! The 5 -star Sebel Playford Adelaide (pictured) has won the AHA SA award for Best Deluxe Accommodation in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and Best Restaurant in Accommodation in 2011.

The Playford restaurant is particularly special, with its art nouveau atmosphere, boutique wine list and fine cuisine, plus a lounge bar with live entertainment on Saturday nights.

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Hilton Cairns – best deluxe hotel QLD

So what makes this 5 star hotel a cut above it’s fellow nominees? Some of the 2011 Queensland Hotels Association Awards judges will probably say it’s the waterfront location and lagoon-style pool, others the day spa or tech-speced rooms with iPod connectivity.

Of course, if they’ve got kids of their own, the children’s menu, activities and babysitting service could have made all the difference.

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Grand Hyatt Melbourne – bar of the year VIC

While the official Happy Hour is Monday to Thursday from 5- 8pm, every hour at RU-CO in the Grand Hyatt Melbourne is a happy one – especially since the Australian Hotels Association (Victoria) awarded them Bar of the Year 2011.

This is no mere mortal drinking hole—the decor features sculpture artworks, a stunning courtyard, fireplace and exclusive private area – plus a long list of signature martinis, margaritas, classic cocktails, single malt whiskeys and cognacs to go with the setting. Did we forget to mention the 2700 premium bottle wine room?

The rest of the hotel is also worth raising your glass to. Not least, the Collins Street location and luxurious rooms offering uninterrupted views over the city. Add Collins Kitchen restaurant and Sanctuary Spa to the mix, and you’re good to go (or in this case, stay).

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