Vivid and vibrant, Sydney beckons you with its pulsating energy, burgeoning arts and cultural events, fine dining experiences, and a laid-back beach vibe. The New South Wales capital is Australia’s largest and oldest city with settlements taking you back to the colonial era.
While Darling Harbour with its iconic sights is the crown jewel of the city, you will find an array of swanky hotels, boutique retreats, heritage properties, and spa resorts vying with each other to offer the best in accommodation and showcase some of the best views. From six-star luxuriant havens to a palatial outpost of an international chain, here are some of the best hotels to stay in Sydney for your next holiday.
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Best hotels in Sydney
Enter a realm of plush luxury and old-world charm in this regal residence located in the oldest precinct of Sydney at The Rocks. Indulge in traditional afternoon tea with chocolates and cookies, pamper yourself in the decadent spa, relax in the indoor pool designed like a Roman bathhouse, taste the interactive buffet at Kitchens on Kent and get high on wine at the Observatory Bar.
The bespoke interiors with marble flooring, pleasing pastel palette and floral fragrance evoke nostalgia while the Langham is home to an exclusive Sotheby’s curated art collection.
Stay in one of the largest rooms in the city decorated with velvet furnishings, see stars from the luxurious Observatory Suite, play tennis with your private butler or take a city tour in one of the pink vintage cars. Pet friendly and a delight for children, Langham rolls the red carpet for families with picnics and special royal teas, treats and themed rooms.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.1/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.2/10
(Image Credit: langhamhotels.com)
- Address 89-113 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- Website Find out more here
Larger than life with epic proportions, Crown Sydney is the very epitome of opulence with Sydney’s tallest tower at 275 metres, and a dazzling eight-metre-tall chandelier adorning a grand lobby.
The first six-star palatial residence with 349 rooms including 22 luxury villas boasts of a massive infinity pool with private cabanas that overlooks the harbour, a hedonistic spa with aqua retreats, waterfront yoga terraces and infrared saunas and a dining precinct with 14 restaurant and bars, including famed international outposts.
While breakfast is a buffet of Western, Asian and Indian stations at Epicurean, don’t miss A’Mare, for delicious Italian cuisine or Nobu for Japanese. Located in Barangaroo, which is the new harbourfront precinct, this is undoubtedly the most luxurious address in Australia.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 3.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.8/10
(Image Credit: crownsydney.com.au)
- Address 1 Barangaroo Ave, Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia, 2000
- Website Find out more here
Bold and historic, this waterfront harbourside hotel, greets you with an azure view of the Finger Wharf, located near Circular Quay. Almost all the icons are a walk away from the Royal Botanic Garden to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The heritage luxury boutique hotel, painted in shades of pink and purple has its “gram” worthy hangouts from kissing booths to hammock nooks.
There are 100 private rooms and loft suites that are a throwback to the 70s and 80s with cool music, quirky designs, and retro-chic décor. While there are several dining options around the hotel, you must try the exclusive plant-based menu at Alibi Bar and Restaurant, enjoy a sundowner at the complimentary social hour, and relax in the indoor pool which is open 24 hours.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.6/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.9/10
(Image Credit: ovolohotels.com)
- Address 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Website Find out more here
Welcome to the largest hotel in Sydney with 878 keys, overlooking the Darling Harbour lending a tinge of blue to the entire atmosphere. The waterfront retreat caters to discerning business travellers as well with state-of-the-art 4000 sq metres of flexible spaces for meetings and events.
Do upgrade to access the premium Regency Club Lounge on the 11th floor with complimentary drinks and canapes. Head to the sky-high open-air cocktail rooftop bar Zephyr to enjoy pristine views of the harbour or have a drink at the atmospheric 19th-century Dundee Arms which is one of the oldest pubs from the era.
While the Sailmaker is the primary restaurant, you should head to Jackalberry which is dubbed “an adventurer’s sanctuary.”. Enjoy your Australian getaway with personalised services from the Hyatt E concierge.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.2/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.3/10
(Image Credit: hyatt.com)
- Address 161 Sussex Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
- Website Find out more here
The first Australian outpost is a heritage-listed sandstone edifice, located near the Royal Botanic Garden, showcasing a blend of history and art, while the concierges dubbed “Capella Culturists” will assist you in the luxurious Living Room lounge.
The suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the harbour and you can choose between the Prestige, Liberty and Capella Suites. Head to the 6th floor for your self-care rituals with massage pools and yoga terraces where you will find a 24-hour wellness centre.
The Brasserie 1930 with its Art Deco decor stands out in this Baroque revival building where you can enjoy the best of local cuisine with seasonal produce from local farmers. Don’t miss the high tea at the Aperture Afternoon. Enjoy your cocktails at the McRae Bar or if wine is your poison, then sommeliers will help you choose from a collection of 400 wines.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.7/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.6/10
(Image Credit: capellahotels.com)
- Address 24 Loftus Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia, 2000
- Website Find out more here
The Sydney residence located in the heart of Circular Quay is an icon by itself, set within a 19th-century Treasury Building with 509 rooms. A mosaic of heritage architecture and contemporary design, the harbour is literally a part of the landscape as you can see the views from the 31st level if you upgrade to the Intercontinental Club.
Wake up to the dawn breaking on the Sydney Harbour as you see the pristine moment from your bed with the flick of a button. Don’t miss Australia’s oldest elevator in The Cortile, while sipping your afternoon tea where you can see the last vestiges of the heritage building. Breakfast at The Conservatory, drink and dine at The Treasury or enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop lounge at Aster before heading to the pool and spa.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.3/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 8.9/10
(Image Credit: sydney.intercontinental.com)
- Address 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
- Website Find out more here
With 270* views of the icons, the towering Shangri La with its 506 rooms and suites nestled in 36 levels is located right amidst The Rocks, adding to the luxury quotient of the precinct. Get yourself a glass of wine and appreciate gorgeous Sydney from every corner, The opulent decor glittering with marble and gold pales in comparison.
Every hotel room is gram-worthy for the breathtaking views, especially against the rosy sunset hues. The panoramic scenery is a constant as you dig into an elaborate breakfast in the sky at Altitude or gaze upon ravishing starlit Sydney with a cocktail from the Blu Bar on Level 36. If these are not indulgent enough, then pamper yourself with the exclusive Arabian Oud Renewal Therapy at the Chi Spa which is a wellness destination by itself. The Horizon Club is at your service as always where a glittering chandelier beams like a “lighthouse”.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.2/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.4/10
(Image Credit: shangri-la.com)
- Address 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
- Website Find out more here
Located right in the heart of Circular Quay with sweeping views of Sydney’s crown jewels, this is as close as it gets. Check into the Full Harbour King Room and you can get all the Big Three in one frame with sunrise and sunsets adding a dash of colour. An epitome of elegance, there are over 500 rooms and suites but the hallmark of the hotel lies in exceptional service with attention to detail. There are special interconnected rooms for families and treats and special menus for children. Besides picnics, trips to the Taronga Zoo and Aquarium are arranged as well.
Mode Kitchen and Bar whips up delicious Australian dishes with seasonal produce and they have a collection of local wines as well. If you prefer whisky then Grain with an impressive list of 250 whiskies is your destination. Pamper yourself in the therapeutic spa with its relaxing sauna after a busy day in Sydney.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.1/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: fourseasons.com)
- Address 199 GEORGE STREET, SYDNEY, NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA
- Website Find out more here
Tucked away in the leafy enclave of Surry Hills, this Sydney retreat with 257 keys was once a brick factory and you can see the remnants in the decor and design. The spacious rooms are a throwback to the Australian home of the 70s and local art and artists are celebrated in the property.
A favourite of both locals and guests, the hotel is an epicurean delight with Loam, a bustling restaurant in the lobby which specialises in classical Australian dishes but it is Kiln by celebrity chef Mitch Orr, located 18 stories above the hotel which draws the crowds. There is a bar for every spirit from The Lobby that crafts cocktails and wines while you can head to the Good Chemistry, located in a former chemist shop and chill with a glass of beer or socialise over coffee.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: acehotel.com)
- Address 47 – 53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- Website Find out more here
This showstopper on Pitt Street is a renovated Sydney Water Board building from the 1930s and is Kimpton’s first Australian outpost. With its opulent interiors and style, the property is a poster child of Art Deco architecture with 172 elegant rooms and suites. The pet-friendly property pampers your furry and feathery friends with treats at no additional charge. No limits on pets, as many species are welcome and there are plush beds, toys, mats and other goodies for them.
Fitness and wellness take precedence with a yoga studio, a massive gym and a rooftop lap pool. You can even get your own private yoga tutorial in your room. Guests and visitors throng the signature restaurant, Luke’s Kitchen helmed by the celebrity chef Luke Mangan and the stylish cocktail lounge, The Wilmot. Don’t miss the complimentary wine-tasting social gatherings in the evening at the mezzanine. You can also explore Sydney’s entertainment and shopping precincts with a Lekker bike.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: ihg.com)
- Address 339 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia, 2000
- Website Find out more here
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(Feature image credit: sydney.intercontinental.com)
Related: Some Of The Best Things To Do In Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the top tourist attractions in Sydney?
The Darling Harbour and the iconic Harbour Bridge along with the Opera House are the Big Three tourist attractions. You can also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Bondi Beach and go for a walking tour around The Rocks, the first colonial settlement in Sydney.
– What are the in-budget stay options in Sydney?
Some of the budget hotels in Sydney are Song Hotel Sydney, The Darling, The Urban Newton, Cremorne Point Manor, Australian Heritage Hotel, and Wake up Sydney among others.
– Are there any luxury resorts in Sydney?
There are several luxury hotels in Sydney like Four Seasons Sydney, Intercontinental Sydney, Shangri La Sydney, The Langham Sydney, and Crown Towers among others.
– What are the best hotels near the airport in Sydney?
Some of the hotels near Sydney Airport are Ibis Budget Sydney Airport, Novotel International Sydney Airport, Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport, Aerotel Sydney, and Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport among others.
– What are the best hotels near the railway station in Sydney?
Central Studio Hotel Sydney, The Pod Sydney, Rydges Sydney Central, Mercure Sydney, Crystalbrook Albion, Ace Hotel Sydney, and The Old Clare are some of the hotels located near the Central Station in Sydney.
Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture and believes that people make places. A slow and mindful traveller from India, you will often find her listening to stories of people or just sitting in a cafe and watching life pass by. Travelling is a way of life for this former media professional ..Read More
