Sydney hotels

If you’re looking for luxury, book the Park Hyatt Sydney in The Rocks. This stunner of a property is considered one of the best hotels in Sydney and was on my bucket list for ages.

I’m a sucker for the plush hospitality of a Park Hyatt hotel, but it’s the stellar views here that did it for me. The property is located just across the harbour from the iconic Sydney Opera House, which you can see from most rooms given the hotel’s unique positioning at the edge of the water.

The best part for me is the outdoor pool and lounge area, which looks and feels like you’re actually on the harbour. I recommend pre-booking a cabana and enjoying the sun and Opera House views with a cocktail or iced coffee. After all, Sydney is famed for its great coffee.

The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay is a comfy place to stay in a great location. It’s close to the airport while also being within easy walking distance of the harbour.

The mid-level hotel offers spectacular views of the entire harbourfront (including the Sydney Opera House), as well as welcoming staff who go out of their way to ensure you have an excellent stay.

I also really like the on-site gym, which boasts a well-equipped cardio room and a punching bag for those looking to practice boxing (one of my favourite forms of cardio and a rarity in a hotel gym). There’s also an indoor pool with huge floor-to-ceiling windows that create a stunning light-filled space for swimming laps.

The Pier One Sydney Harbour Autograph Collection offers a different kind of luxury for discerning travellers. It makes for one of the best hotels in Sydney if you’re looking for something cozier than the glossy 5-star hotels that dot the waterfront. This sophisticated spot has rustic decor that makes it feel almost like a chic cottage in the middle of the city—but the best part is its incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The hotel sits right on the waterfront and its position at the base of the bridge means you’ll be able to take in the view right from your bed or patio. Certain rooms and suites also have huge soaker tubs right in the window. Well worth the splurge if you dream of taking in the sights and sounds of Sydney while soaking in a bubble bath.

The Swissotel Sydney is definitely one of the best hotels in Sydney for those looking to explore the shops and restaurants in the heart of the Central Business District. The property is located within the Westfield Sydney shopping mall, which means you won’t even have to go outside to score some excellent souvenirs.

The hotel itself is incredibly handsome, with a generously sized rooftop pool that is amazing for relaxing or taking a dip under the gorgeous Australian sun. There’s also a beautiful on-site bar called Arches on Market, which I would recommend for afternoon tea or a glass of Aussie wine to enjoy while taking in the unique modern-meets-old-world architecture and decor.

Considered one of the best hotels in Sydney for watching the sunset, the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour blew me away. The unobstructed views of the harbour are amazing. Add to that the excellent hospitality and you’re onto a winner.

I really appreciate it when a luxury hotel doesn’t feel pretentious, despite its status and amenities, and this property is all class, no snobbery. The hotel is within walking distance of all the major attractions on the harbour and boasts a unique position on the waterfront.

It’s also worth noting that this property has fully self-contained apartments with multiple bedrooms available, a great option if you’re travelling with family or as a group of friends.

The Shangri-La is conveniently located within The Rocks, which makes it easy to explore on foot—but you’ll be hard-pressed to pull yourself away from this gorgeous hotel. I sure was!

Whether you’re a guest of the hotel or not, I highly recommend making a reservation at the on-site Altitude Restaurant. The decadent spot is well-loved by locals and travellers alike thanks to its position on the 36th floor, which results in incredible views.

It feels like you’re dining in the sky, high above Sydney Harbour, with a bird’s eye view directly onto the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The menu changes seasonally, but I recommend ordering the roasted cauliflower and turnip and the tuna sashimi if you get the chance.

The Four Seasons brand is known for its commitment to first-class hospitality, and the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is no exception. The 5-star property is located in the CBD, just next to The Rocks, which gives it a unique vantage point over the city and harbour. The luxury hotel offers some of the best guest experiences in the city and includes the option to book unforgettable adventures, like hiring a super yacht for a private dining experience on the harbour.

If you’re hoping for a little rest and relaxation, I recommend checking out the on-site spa and booking an organic relaxation massage, which uses essential oils, warm jade stones and special movements designed to relieve tension. You’ll come out feeling like a newborn baby, without a care in the world.

If you’re looking for a luxury stay with a nod to the city’s history, The Langham, Sydney is one of the best hotels in Sydney to book. This property is positioned right across from the Sydney Observatory, which was built in 1858 and has some of the best views of the night sky in the city.

It’s also worth noting that the Langham brand originated in London and is considered the birthplace of afternoon tea. If there’s one spot in all of Sydney to get a great British-influenced afternoon tea experience, this is it. I’d highly recommend booking the option with finger sandwiches and freshly-baked pastries.

The Langham is also incredibly pet-friendly and offers adorable amenities for all furry guests, including a pet bed and matching food and water bowls.

This is considered one of the best hotels in Sydney for its hospitality and architecture. The Intercontinental Sydney is located within a historic 19th-century building in the Circular Quay, making it an excellent option if you’re looking for a place to stay that’s just beyond the hustle and bustle of the waterfront.

The property still offers excellent views of the Sydney Harbour (book a harbourfront room!), but it’s slightly removed from the city’s pulse, which makes it a great option if you want a more relaxing spot while still being able to explore the CBD on foot.

The property also boasts a beautiful indoor pool that’s ideal if you’re planning to visit Australia during the fall or winter and still want to ensure you get some pool time in.

My stay at the Harbour Rocks Hotel was unforgettable, and it’s easy to see why this is considered one of the best hotels in Sydney from the moment you walk into the lobby.

One of the coolest boutique hotels in town, the property was built back in 1887 and boasts just 59 rooms and suites. The intimate spot is much cozier than some of the sleeker luxury hotels set along the harbour, with unique and well-appointed rooms offering views of the harbour or city centre.

One of my favourite parts of staying at this hotel was dining at the on-site Tayim Restaurant. The Middle Eastern-influenced restaurant boasts a delicious menu (don’t leave without trying the fried feta-stuffed olives) and has a lovely outdoor patio nestled on a quiet side street.