The best luxury accommodation in Sydney

New kids in town 

As the name suggests, you’ll find 202 Elizabeth on Elizabeth Street in Surry Hills, a short stroll from Central Station. Each of the 38 rooms is unique with an eclectic, colourful design featuring boldly patterned wallpaper and bright tile. There’s a sunny rooftop terrace, plenty of eco-conscious touches, complimentary mini bar and even puppy treats at turn down for any four-legged guests. 

The Lizzy Suite at 202 Elizabeth, Surry Hills - Credit: Mega Phone Media/Islington Hotel

Opened in 1929, this Italian Renaissance building on Pitt Street in Haymarket was Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. After a stint as a backpacker hostel, it has been reborn as the elegant Hotel Morris, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. The new design honours the building’s Art Deco roots, with lots of arches, curves and rich red velvet. The chic Bar Morris on the ground floor is perfect for evening cocktails or Mediterranean-inspired breakfasts. 

Hotel Morris Sydney, Haymarket - Credit: Hotel Morris

Tucked behind the iconic Coca Cola sign in Kings Cross, Hotel Indigo embraces the neighbourhood’s reputation as a hub for entertainment and nightlife. The lobby is lined with black and white portraits of Sydney performers and there’s even a turntable where you can play vinyl records. The rooms feature design touches inspired by cabaret clubs and the drag scene, and walls are printed with the distinctive wrought iron railings of nearby terraces. Nab a room on a higher floor for views of the city and harbour.  

Hotel Indigo Sydney, Potts Point - Credit: Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point

Opening in summer 2024, The Eve Hotel Sydney will bring a new level of luxury to the gritty suburb of Redfern. With 102 rooms surrounded by a private jungle of greenery, it promises to be an oasis in the city. The hotel is crowned by a lush rooftop deck, complete with 20-metre swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges and cabanas. Hospitality legends Liquid & Larder are behind the food and drink, including a Mexican restaurant and mezcal bar. 

The EVE Hotel, Redfern - Credit: The EVE Hotel

Five-star vistas 

In late 2023, the much-anticipated W Sydney finally opened its doors. Occupying a striking ribbon-shaped glass building on the edge of Darling Harbour, the 588-room hotel is the largest W in the world. It’s filled with colourful artworks and fun furniture inspired by Australia, like bowerbird light fixtures and waratah wallpaper. Don’t miss a swim with a view in the infinity pool on level 29. 

W Sydney, Darling Harbour

Carved from sandstone, the Park Hyatt Sydney boasts arguably the Harbour City’s most coveted address. All of the luxurious 155 guestrooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies. Three elegantly designed rooftop suites – including the city’s largest at 350 square metres – showcase an almost 360-degree panorama spanning the glorious harbour, the sails of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. There’s an elegant spa, a rooftop pool and terrace, 24/7 butler service and a private wharf for glamorous arrivals. 

Park Hyatt, The Rocks

On Circular Quay’s eastern side, 68 spacious one and two-bedroom apartment-style suites overlook either the sparkling harbour or the Botanic Gardens at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. There’s an indoor pool with a 24-hour gym, sauna and sun deck with floor-to-ceiling views, a light-filled restaurant and  Hyde Hacienda, a Cuban plantation inspired waterfront bar.  

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay - Credit: Accor

Around the point at Walsh Bay, you’ll find Pier One Sydney Harbour in an historic wharf building nestled under the Harbour Bridge. Its absolute waterfront suites have balconies almost within touching distance of the passing boats. In the plush Admiral Suite, you’ll find the city’s best bathtub with a view. 

Pier One Hotel, Pier One - Credit: Dave Wheeler

Across the water, the five-star Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is in a towering skyscraper and has 590 luxurious rooms and suites with luxurious soaking tubs, wraparound harbour views, a Champagne bar and an alfresco pool. The glorious views are everywhere, from the spa to the gym, or book in to a Club Millésime suite for access to the exclusive retreat on the top floor to watch the sun set over complimentary canapes and drinks. 

Sofitel Sydney, Darling Harbour

Sitting inside a glittering 275-metre skyscraper, Crown Sydney is the city’s tallest hotel, towering above Barangaroo. It also claims to be Sydney’s first six-star hotel, with sumptuous interiors across its 349 rooms and suites, a sprawling rooftop pool deck, lush Crown Spa, and 11 bars and restaurants. For something extra special, splash out on one of the 22 ultra-luxe private villas with jawdropping views and outdoor terraces. 

Crown Sydney, Barangaroo

Favoured by A-listers, The Darling's boutique feel belies its Star City casino address. Elle McPherson, Justin Bieber and George Clooney are but a few celebrities to sleep in the hotel’s 171 luxurious rooms and suites. There’s also a world-class day spa, 25-metre lap pool, custom-made beds, fine-dining Japanese restaurant and arresting harbour views.  

The Darling, Pyrmont - Credit: The Star Sydney

Luxury & legacy 

For generations, the Department of Education building in Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct has stood quietly, its golden facade forming an unassuming backdrop to the rhythm of the city. The heritage-listed icon is now welcoming guests inside its walls as Capella Sydney, the first Australian property from the brand. The hotel carefully bridges history and contemporary style, celebrating Australian art, stone and textiles across the rooms and public spaces. Learn more about the city on a bespoke experience created by the in house team of Capella Culturists. 

Capella, Sydney

The former Sydney Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board headquarters has been reborn as the stylish Kimpton Margot Sydney. A fusion of Art Deco heritage and modern touches, the grand lobby features the original pink marble columns beneath a huge skylight. Dine at Luke’s Kitchen by celebrity chef Luke Mangan and relax at the rooftop pool, a sparkling oasis amongst the skyscrapers. 

Kimpton Margot Sydney, Sydney - Credit: Kimpton Margot Sydney

In the centre of the city, steps away from Hyde Park, The Porter House Hotel is set in a revived 1800s heritage-listed building with the addition of a new tower next door. The 122 guest rooms, fitness centre and rooftop swimming pool are inside the modern tower while three dining and drinking venues are spread across the original building. Part of Accor’s MGallery collection, history is woven into the fabric of the hotel – look for the dates carved on the lobby floor and items uncovered during excavation displayed on the walls.  

The Porter House Hotel Sydney, Sydney - Credit: The Trustee for the United Development Sydney Unit Trust

History, luxury and legacy converge at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney in the one-time GPO building. The 416 stylish rooms are spread across the original building, designed by colonial architect James Barnet, and a gleaming modern tower, all with views over the bustling city below. Dine in-house on modern Australian fare with a Southeast Asian twist, enjoy afternoon tea in the bar and delve deeper into the 1874 landmark building’s storied past with a free history tour. 

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Sitting pretty in Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct, The Langham Sydney is the epitome of timeless elegance. Ninety-eight luxurious rooms and suites are housed within this low-rise Georgian building, which includes a health club, day spa, art collection curated by Sotheby’s and an indoor pool with a star-studded ceiling. Five-star suites overlook the harbour’s western side, while traditional English high tea and cocktails are served in the opulent Observatory Bar. Pampered pooches are also welcome. 

The Langham, Sydney - Credit: The Langham Sydney

Want boutique style, maritime heritage and harbour views? The multi-award-winning Ovolo Woolloomooloo fuses cutting edge interiors with a prime waterfront locale. Occupying a portion of the historic Finger Wharf, the longest timber-piled wharf in the world, it juts out into the harbour between the Royal Botanic Garden and the Garden Island Naval Base. The 100 rooms and public spaces retain unique elements of the historic architecture, complemented with quirky contemporary art. 

Ovolo Woolloomooloo - Credit: Ovolo Hotels

Boutique beauties 

Ace Hotel Sydney is the first Australian outpost of the chic boutique brand based in the US. Housed in a heritage former brick factory in Surry Hills, the hotel is a modern, urban space with 264 unique rooms featuring sound-proof textural walls and eco-friendly amenities. On the 18th floor, Restaurant Kiln is a destination in itself, led by award-winning Chef Mitch Orr.   

Ace Hotel Sydney, Surry Hills - Credit: Anson Smart/Ace Hotel Sydney

Oxford House is an ultra-cool, boutique hotel set in the heart of Paddington. Styled with minimalist tones, the 56 light-filled rooms feature contemporary artworks and photography. Upstairs there's an exclusive rooftop pool and bar with a DJ spinning on weekends, and downstairs is a relaxed diner-style restaurant by ex-Chin Chin chef Tyler Preston. 

Swimming pool at Oxford House, Paddington - Credit: Oxford House

Set inside the former headquarters of the Paramount Picture Studios, Paramount House Hotel has just 29 unique rooms filled with natural light and leafy plants. The property is a collaboration between Sydney’s top creatives, from the Henry Wilson lighting to the Marrickville craft beer you’re offered at check in and the LP’s Quality Meats goodies in the mini bar. Have dinner at Poly on the ground floor and breakfast at A.P. Bakery on the roof. 

Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills - Credit: Tom Ross

Sleep with the animals at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, a luxurious sanctuary set inside Sydney’s most famous zoo. The 62 rooms are surrounded by a private reserve that houses native animals, so you could wake up with a koala at the window or an echidna snuffling in the flowers beneath your balcony. In keeping with Taronga’s conservation efforts, the hotel has serious eco-credentials and the onsite restaurant Me-Gal heroes native flavours.  

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, Mosman

Made up of three heritage-listed 1870s terrace houses,Spicers Potts Point marries Sydney heritage with contemporary interiors and striking artwork by Australian artist Martine Emdur (renowned for her underwater paintings). With just 16 rooms and four suites, it feels more home than hotel. Enjoy a drink in the communal lounge (complete with honesty bar) or step outside to find some of Sydney’s most popular restaurants within walking distance. 

Spicers Potts Point, Potts Point - Credit: Spicers Retreats

Melding the creative vision of Singaporean hotelier Loh Lik Peng with Chippendale’s industrial past, the The Old Clare Hotel is an innovative reimagining of a curvaceous former pub and the administration building of the Carlton & United Breweries, dating back to the 1930s. Today there are 69 retro-style rooms complete with wood panelling and mid-century furniture as well as modern touches like glass box bathrooms. The stylish bars, high end restaurant and sparkling rooftop pool make it something special. 

The Clare suite at The Old Clare Hotel - Credit: SONRAC Services Pty Ltd

Seaside luxury

From humble beginnings as a roadhouse, Jonah’s multiple incarnations have seen it evolve into the much-lauded retreat par excellence it is today. A fine dining restaurant, infinity pool and 11 elegant rooms with spa bath, private balconies, Frette robes, high-pressure walk-in showers and AH Beard king beds offer sensational views over Sydney’s Whale Beach at every turn. For the ultimate rock star arrival, splurge on a 20-minute seaplane flight from Rose Bay.  

Jonah's, Whale Beach

The swanky InterContinental Sydney Double Bay has prime position in this leafy Eastern Suburbs enclave, offering 140 spacious rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the water or the charming French provincial courtyard. Public areas are clad in acres of marble and guests can make use of the club lounge, spa and 24-hour gym. Its trump card is the Amalfi Coast-inspired rooftop pool with cabanas for soaking up the legendary harbour vistas.  

Intercontinental Hotel, Double Bay

A $30 million renovation, completed in 2023, transformed the tired Novotel into the glamorous Manly Pacific. The design is inspired by Manly’s brand of coastal cool, with ocean-themed artwork and custom surfboards decorating the walls. The rooftop swimming pool has views over the Norfolk pines and beach beyond, as do the stylish Coastal Suites. For next level luxe, check in to the Infinity Residence with its huge outdoor terrace, fireplace, stone bathtub and personal Beach Butler on call. 

Manly Pacific, Manly - Credit: Manly Pacific

Just a short skip from the sand of Sydney’s most famous beach, QT Bondi offers 69 oversized studios and apartments. It’s ideal for a longer holiday, with extras like a kitchenette and washing machine/dryer – perfect for all those wet beach towels. Grab one of the free bikes or surfboards and set out to explore the neighbourhood. 

QT Bondi, Bondi - Credit: QT Sydney