Searching for where to stay in Townsville that nails the brief for coastal luxury with a modern twist? Ardo Hotel is the slick new contender raising the bar for North Queensland stays. With its rooftop infinity pool, Coral Sea views and interiors that channel barefoot elegance, this boutique escape blends laid-back tropical charm with sharp design credentials. The dining is just as compelling. Think refined plates spotlighting local produce and a rooftop bar made for sunset cocktails. Whether you’re in town for business, pleasure or a bit of both, this Ardo Hotel Townsville review shows why it’s already topping the list of Townsville luxury hotels and why it should be on yours, too.
Location: A Front-Row Seat to the Coral Sea
Opened in 2024, Ardo Hotel Townsville enjoys a prime position on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, with the Coral Sea stretching out in one direction and a marina full of bobbing yachts in the other. This Townsville luxury hotel makes the most of its waterfront setting. You’re just a short stroll from The Strand’s breezy promenade and the dining hub of Palmer Street, with the Magnetic Island ferry terminal and Castle Hill walking trails nearby.
Getting around is easy, with the airport less than 10 minutes away by car, but don’t be surprised if the tropical heat nudges you into a taxi rather than tackling the walk. If you’re wondering where to stay in Townsville that offers both convenience and a serious view, Ardo has you perfectly placed.
The Best and The Rest
✅ This is an amazing stay with incredible views.
❌ When you need a taxi or Uber, you are a bit in no man’s land. Too far to walk but not far enough for a good fare. Be prepared to wait.
Taking an early morning dip in the Ardo Hotel Rooftop Pool.
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Plan Your Trip to Townsville
Located on the north-eastern coast of Queensland, Townsville is the sun-drenched gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island, and the rugged beauty of Outback Queensland. It’s a regional city with a tropical soul — where palm-lined streets meet coral sea breezes and heritage buildings sit alongside contemporary waterfront precincts. Townsville is easily accessible with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, and just under two hours’ flying time from the Queensland capital. Once you land, it’s a quick 10-minute drive from the airport to the city centre, where hotels like Ardo Hotel Townsville put you within easy reach of The Strand, Palmer Street, and the Magnetic Island ferry terminal.
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Looking at the Coral Sea from the Ardo Hotel Townsville lobby
First Impressions: Coastal Luxury from the Moment You Step Inside
Walking into Ardo Hotel Townsville is one of those rare travel moments that makes you pause. The lobby is sleek and restrained, where pared-back elegance meets sweeping Coral Sea views and there’s that signature scent, subtle yet memorable, the kind that tells you you’ve just stepped into something special. Don’t worry if you fall in love with it. You can buy the scent and take it home from the check-in desk.
It’s a short stroll to the reception desk tucked at the far end of the space, but the warm greeting from staff more than makes up for it. While I’d been advised my room wouldn’t be ready for early check-in, luck (and perhaps a little North Queensland hospitality) was on my side. Moments later, I was heading upstairs to discover what Ardo had in store for my two-night stay at one of the most talked-about new Townsville luxury hotels.
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My King Bed Room in Ardo Hotel Townsville.
The spacious Ardo ensuite.
Inside the Stylish Comfort of a Townsville Luxury Hotel
Spacious, cool, and thoughtfully designed, the rooms at Ardo Hotel Townsville strike the perfect balance between coastal charm and contemporary convenience. Whether you opt for a king room, suite, or one of the luxurious penthouses, this Townsville luxury hotel delivers a refined tropical aesthetic that feels both indulgent and effortless.
My room may not have faced the open sea, but the view across the marina was still a delight — all bobbing boats and soft sunset colours. The king-size bed was dressed in crisp linens and offered a supremely comfortable night’s sleep, with bedside charging points conveniently placed for all my tech. There’s also a private balcony with two chairs and a table, ideal for sipping a sundowner — I mixed a cocktail using the in-room mixers and watched the last light dance over the water.
The bathroom setup is a standout. Generously sized and beautifully finished, it features a long shelf that easily accommodates my suitcase and would comfortably fit two, should you be sharing the space. The expansive bench around the basin meant there was no juggling for space here either, and the inclusion of a make-up mirror (an often-overlooked luxury) was a thoughtful touch. While the bathroom opens into the bedroom, a large, mirrored sliding door allows you to close it off for privacy or simply enjoy the view back out from the tub. The separate toilet and large walk-in shower with double shower heads round out a layout that’s as practical as it is stylish.
For travellers who prefer a relaxed start to the day, there’s also an indoor dining table and chairs. I enjoyed breakfast with the air con humming gently and a view of the marina just beyond the glass — a peaceful way to ease into another sunny Townsville morning.
Balcony view from Marina Room Ardo Hotel.
Relaxing on a sun lounge beside the Ardo Rooftop Pool.
Rooftop Pools Queensland Dreams Are Made Of
The rooftop infinity pool at Ardo Hotel Townsville is nothing short of spectacular. I snuck up there shortly after check-in, curious to see if it lived up to the hype and was instantly wowed. With its infinity edge spilling towards the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island shimmering in the distance, this is hands down one of the most mesmerising rooftop pools in Queensland.
While it’s a popular spot during the day, particularly with families, the early morning hours are a hidden gem. I managed a peaceful swim just after sunrise, the water warm (heated to a blissful 28 degrees year-round) and the view even more magical in that soft golden light. It was the kind of moment that makes you start planning your return visit before you’ve even unpacked.
There are plenty of comfortable sun loungers dotted around the pool deck, and the entire space is designed to encourage lingering. Whether you’re working on your tan, dipping in for a post-breakfast swim, or just gazing out to sea with a cocktail in hand, this is coastal relaxation at its finest. And if you’re after a deeper kind of unwind, there’s a day spa tucked below with treatments designed to ease you into Townsville’s slower pace.
For those wondering where to stay in Townsville that offers both style and soul-soothing downtime, Ardo’s rooftop pool alone makes a compelling case.
Whether you’re checking in for a short city break, a romantic escape or an extended business trip, Ardo Hotel’s rooms deliver a premium experience and solidify its reputation as one of the best hotels in North Queensland.
Sunset drink at Ardo Hotel Townsville Rooftop Bar
Dining at Ardo: Local Flavours, Elevated
Dining at Ardo Hotel Townsville is a delicious reflection of the region’s evolving food scene. At Marmor, a steakhouse located next door in The Ville, expect bold flavours and refined techniques. Think dry-aged cuts, local seafood and seasonal produce plated with precision in a space that feels polished yet relaxed.
At Terra, a stylish Japanese restaurant on Ardo’s ground floor, the focus shifts to clean, considered flavours with a coastal edge, offering a menu that feels both curated and contemporary.
I only had time for a quick drink at the Rooftop Bar, but the sunset was nothing short of spectacular. With sweeping Coral Sea views and a buzzing crowd, it’s the kind of place where light bites and cocktails meet sky-high ambience. It’s pub-style food elevated with a North Queensland twist.
This luxury Townsville hotel has great views over the city.
Who Will Love Ardo Hotel Townsville
- Couples looking for a boutique escape with rooftop pool views, coastal-chic rooms, and a relaxed luxury vibe.
- Business travellers who value stylish design, in-room comfort, and a central location close to everything.
- Food and wine lovers eager to explore North Queensland’s local flavours without leaving the hotel.
- Weekend escapees chasing sunshine, poolside cocktails, and one of the best hotels in North Queensland for a mini-break with flair.
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Ardo Hotel has its own gin.
Final Thoughts: Why Ardo Hotel Tops the List for Where to Stay in Townsville
With its waterfront setting, sleek design and strong sense of place, Ardo Hotel Townsville effortlessly earns its spot among the best hotels in North Queensland. From the chic, coastal-inspired rooms to the rooftop infinity pool and bar with Coral Sea views, it delivers a relaxed kind of luxury that feels distinctly tropical yet thoroughly modern. Add in standout dining, thoughtful service and a location that puts the best of Townsville within easy reach, and you’ve got a stay that ticks every box. At Ardo Hotel, Townsville’s tropical spirit finds its most glamorous home.
Disclaimer: Eat drink and be Kerry was a guest of Townsville City Council.
Rooftop pool vibes at Ardo Hotel Townsville.
