Whether you want to awaken gazing at the Sydney Opera House, love to sleep in surroundings packed with personality, enjoy creature comforts on a budget, or are visiting with the family, here are four ways to experience the best of Sydney’s accommodation.
Aug 2024 -
4
min readLuxury
Park Hyatt Sydney
Locations don’t get much better than that enjoyed by the Park Hyatt Sydney in The Rocks, with some suites here dazzling with simultaneous Opera House and Harbour Bridge views, and ferries coming and going in between.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Credit: David Mitchener
Crown Towers Sydney
You’ll also glimpse the city’s major landmarks from the Crown Towers Sydney, set in a cloud-piercing highrise dominating the west harbour precinct of Barangaroo. Fourteen restaurants and bars await, as does the city’s sexiest pool.
Crown Towers Sydney, Sydney City - Credit: George Apostolidis
Pier One Sydney Harbour
By vertical contrast, Pier One Sydney Harbour is built over the water in Walsh Bay, in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge and steps from The Rocks, Circular Quay and the city’s premier theatre district. The private terraces in the waterfront suites sit so close to the water you can practically touch the boats sailing by.
Admiral Suite Bathroom at Pier One Sydney Harbour - Credit: Dave Wheeler
The Langham Sydney
Alternatively, bed down at The Langham Sydney, which occupies an equally low-slung building nearby in a leafy nook of The Rocks, the intimate property radiating indulgence. Pets are welcome to accompany guests (with the hotel offering a Pampered Pets Staycation, which includes breakfast in bed for you and your pet, a Langham branded pet bed and bowl to use while in residence, and a Pawesome Pet gift bag) and a visit to the on-site Day Spa by Chuan is almost a Sydney rite of passage (a dip in the elegant subterranean swimming pool is a must).
The Langham, Sydney - Credit: The Langham
Sofitel Darling Harbour
Sleep with your curtains open for floor-to-ceiling sunrise views at the Sofitel Darling Harbour, overlooking the action from its waterside perch beside the International Convention Centre. The view from the hotel’s infinity pool isn’t too bad, either.
Sofitel, Darling Harbour
Paramount House Hotel
Sydney is known for eclectic inner-city neighbourhoods; perhaps the most atmospheric is Surry Hills. Here you’ll find design-driven Paramount House Hotel, its rooms combining bespoke furnishings with lovingly restored heritage aspects of the former Paramount Picture Studios HQ building it occupies.
Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills - Credit: Tom Ross
Jonah's Boutique Hotel
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean when you arrive at Jonah’s Boutique Hotel, all crisp whites and ocean blues and tiered down a hill overlooking Whale Beach. You can drive to this northern haunt – it’s an hour from the city – or arrive like royalty in a seaplane from Rose Bay.
Jonah's Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Whale Beach
W Sydney
Inside the new 25-floor, 585-room W Sydney in Darling Harbour, guests will find a cocktail bar, an infinity pool that looks onto the harbour, a restaurant, gym and revamp of the old IMAX theatre. Guest rooms boast either city or harbour views through floor-to-ceiling windows, a nautical white-and-blue colour palette and bespoke furnishings.
W Sydney, Darling Harbour
Budget
Hotel Harry
Set above Surry Hills’ popular Harry’s bar and diner, Hotel Harry retains elements of its heritage 1912 building, but with a whimsical design twist. Rooms are spacious and light filled, and within an easy walk of major shopping and dining precincts.
Hotel Harry, Surry Hills
The Ultimo Sydney
In nearby Haymarket, the heart of Chinatown, The Ultimo Sydney bills itself as the world’s first “astrology hotel”, with packages tailored to different zodiac signs. Thoughtful details include original art throughout.
The Ultimo Hotel, Haymarket
Song Hotel Sydney
Song Hotel Sydney also enjoys an enviable setting close to the CBD, Oxford Street and Hyde Park, allowing you to always be close to the buzz. If you’re travelling solo you won’t be forgotten, with a selection of single rooms available.
Song Hotel Sydney, Sydney
Space Q Capsule Hotel
Famous in Japan, capsule hotels are a popular alternative to backpacker dorms for travellers on a budget. Located in the heart of the city on George Street, Space Q Capsule Hotel is designed like a futuristic spaceship, and each capsule offers a private, secure and affordable place to stay the night.
Space Q Capsule Hotel, Sydney CBD - Credit: Space Q Capsule Hotel
The Urban Newtown
On the other side of the city, the Inner West’s Newtown – with its endless parade of restaurants and quirky shops – hosts affordable boutique lodgings. Studios at the industrial-chic The Urban Newtown are so generous, there’s space for a well-kitted kitchen.
The Urban Newtown, Newtown - Georgina Project Pty Ltd
The Lord Nelson
The oldest continually operating brewery pub in Australia, The Lord Nelson has been pouring beers since the 1840s. You can sleep in this pivotal piece of brewing history, with a handful of comfortable ensuite rooms on the upper floors. Stop downstairs for a beer before heading out to explore the surrounding suburb of The Rocks, the birthplace of modern Sydney.
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, The Rocks
YHA Sydney Harbour
YHA Sydney Harbour is the only budget traveller hostel in Sydney's historic harbourside Rocks precinct. Boasting amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the hostel features a large self-catering kitchen, spacious communal areas, free Wi-Fi, a movie room, an on-site grocery store, a cafe and a large rooftop terrace, making it a very convenient stay.
YHA Sydney Harbour, Sydney City - Credit: YHA Australia
Family
Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo
You don’t need to travel to Africa to fall asleep listening to monkeys chattering and elephants trumpeting; catch a ferry to the North Shore suburb of Mosman to check into Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo. A stay here gives you exclusive after-hours access to the animals, and you’ll bed down in safari-style tents with unbelievable views over the harbour.
Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore, Mosman
Glamping at Cockatoo Island
You can also sleep in a tent in the middle of the harbour on Cockatoo Island, its scenic campground just steps from the water. Your canvas tents and sleeping mats are provided, with luxe add-ons like linens, toiletries and sun lounges available.
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Pullman Quay Grand Harbour Hotel
If you prefer your slumber within four walls, cruise back to Circular Quay to the Pullman Quay Grand Harbour Hotel. The one- and two-bedroom apartments here come with garden or water views, as well as living areas, full kitchens and laundry facilities.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay - Credit: Accor
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
The Family Fun package at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney includes a welcome pack for kids (with cuddly koalas and an activity book), a kids' movie with snacks, themed bed linen and a tent experience for suite stays.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, The Rocks
Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach
Similar amenities are on offer at Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach, with light-filled one- to three-bedroom apartments enjoying the added bonus of being within walking distance from Australia’s most famous curve of sand.
Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney, Bondi Beach - Credit: TFE NSW
Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour
The Novotel Sydney in Darling Harbour makes a great base for families. Nearby attractions include the sharks, penguins and dugongs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the koalas at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Australian National Maritime Museum, where you can climb aboard a submarine.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square, Darling Harbour
Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney is a grand luxury hotel just five minutes' walk from Circular Quay in a heritage-listed sandstone building. Enjoy an in-room dining credit, hot chocolate and native shortbread for the kids, and a bottle of champagne for the adults, plus an in-room teepee (for kids up to 12) and access to the Little Stars program – a roster of activities created with local experts.
Capella Sydney, Sydney CBD - Credit: Capella Sydney
Quirky
Harbour Rocks Hotel
As its name suggests, the Harbour Rocks Hotel is near the water in the historic Rocks district – you’ll only need to walk a couple of minutes to reach Circular Quay. The setting is a grand 1887 building, with many flourishes preserved to create individually styled rooms and suites.
Garden Terrace, Harbour Rocks Hotel
QT Sydney
Still in the city, the QT Sydney is seriously fun. There’s something to distract wherever you look, whether floor-to-ceiling neon installations in the lobby or elevators that customise music and lighting depending on passenger numbers. Funky rooms sit over two historic buildings, above a popular restaurant and bar.
QT Sydney, Sydney City
Crystalbrook Albion
Travel a suburb east to Surry Hills for Crystalbrook Albion, which feels more like an upscale home than a hotel. From customised velvet curtains to designer armchairs and deep-soak tubs, no two rooms are the same. End your day with a glass of wine on the rooftop patio.
Crystalbrook Albion, Surry Hills
The Old Clare Hotel
Chippendale’s Spice Alley is one of the city’s most happening culinary precincts and home to The Old Clare. The hotel’s design-forward rooms, suites and lofts occupy heritage-listed buildings from the former Carlton United Brewery – architects have lovingly restored elements of timber panelling, parquetry, cornices and lighting throughout, and topped it with a dreamy pool and bar.
The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale
Q Station
For more than 150 years, the Quarantine Station at North Head was the first port of call for passengers arriving in Sydney, designed to protect the community from any diseases they brought with them. Today, the accommodations at Q Station are much more comfortable with rooms, suites and cottages dotted across the peninsula. Just keep an eye out for the ghosts that are rumoured to wander the grounds.
Q Station, Manly
Lilypad
Floating in the calm waters off Palm Beach, Lilypad is a luxurious villa that feels like staying on your own tiny private island. It’s a blissful escape for two with a king-sized bed, open fireplace, infrared sauna, impressive wine cellar and water toys like stand-up paddleboards. There’s also a chef, masseuse and concierge service on call.
Lilypad Palm Beach - Credit: Ian Davidson, The Lilypad Group Pty Ltd
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
If the playful lobby at Ovolo Woolloomooloo doesn’t win you over, then its art-filled rooms surely will, sprawling across a historic finger wharf with commanding views of sparkling water and superyachts.
Ovolo, Woolloomooloo
Hotel Palisade
Gain a different perspective of the harbour from Hotel Palisade in Millers Point, its eight rooms arrayed in seafaring shades, with marine murals to remind you of your waterside setting. If you forget, the Harbour Bridge is just outside your window.
View of the Hotel Palisade rooftop bar from Observatory Hill, Millers Point
