Sydney is the kind of city that has a little bit of everything, whether you’re in the mood for city sights, sandy beaches or just an excuse to enjoy some seriously good coffee. You can go from taking in the views from the top of the Harbour Bridge to kicking back on Bondi Beach, all in a single day. And the best part? The best hotels in Sydney are just as varied and fun as the city itself.
From sleek, modern stays on the waterfront of the harbour to cozy boutique gems tucked away in quieter corners, you’ll find the perfect spot to suit your style.
So, whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation or a bit of both, this city has got you covered – and we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Sydney to make your stay even more memorable.
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Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney opened in 2023, set within Sydney’s former Department of Education building, a stone’s throw from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The sandstone property was built in the 1900s by NSW government architect George McRae and has been meticulously restored over the last seven years to house the hotel.
The Farrer Place lobby is filled with a carefully curated art collection including pieces from Australian artists Judy Watson, Otis Hope Carey and Georgia Bisley. As for accommodation, Capella Sydney features 192 elegant guest rooms and suites set across nine floors. The rooms are effortlessly luxurious; think soft woven rugs, sleek walnut furnishings and modern artworks adorning the walls.
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Top Suite: The Capella Suite
The top suite in one of Sydney’s top hotels, the Capella Suite is undoubtedly one of the most coveted keys in the city. While its location doesn’t allow for Sydney Harbour views, you can just about see the water over Woolloomooloo from the suite’s king bedroom. Head to the bathroom for the best views, where from the bathtub you’ll be able to gaze out at some of Sydney’s most historic sights and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The living space perfectly encapsulates Capella’s design language by blending historic and contemporary styles. The suite comes complete with a separate dining area and custom Italian Frette linen as well as 24-hour hotel service.
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Crown Towers Sydney
Perfectly positioned to Sydney Harbour, Crown Towers prides itself on its attentive butler service, luxury amenities and spectacular views. Rooms and suites have been designed to make the most of the views, with floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral color palettes.
Dining is a highlight here, with a Nobu and Oncore by Clare Smyth (the three-Michelin-starred stalwart of the London dining scene) making it one of the hottest culinary destinations in Australia. Grab one of the hotel’s coveted pool cabanas, where you can grab that all-important picture in front of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Top Suite: Crown Presidential Villa
Enough to make a Las Vegas resort blush, the Crown Presidential Villa is Sydney’s ultimate party pad. Look over Sydney with a bird’s eye view from this 88th-floor palace, complete with its own outdoor infinity pool, cinema room, baby grand piano and pool table. The villa boasts views usually reserved for helicopter tours, with the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge both in clear sight from the main living areas. If you celebrate too hard, take a rest in the suite’s private wellness center, including a massage suite, infrared sauna and fitness room.
Four Seasons Sydney
Affording views over Sydney Harbour and its landmark sites, this Four Seasons hotel boasts a particularly privileged setting. The hotel’s plush suites make the most of these views, with the pool-side restaurant La Cabana, stylish bar Grain and Endota Spa to seek out too.
A well-equipped gym and outdoor pool offer spaces to unwind. Positioned near Circular Quay, The Rocks and the financial district, Four Seasons Sydney is suited to both business and leisure travelers. Easy access to ferries, museums and theatres allows guests to experience the best of the city while returning to a comfortable and stylish setting.
Top Suite: Two-Bedroom Presidential Suite
Offering that comforting Four Seasons design language, the Two-bedroom Presidential Suite offers sophistication over style. Think dark woods complemented by rich and warm leather detailing. The signature Four Seasons king bed and 300 thread-count linen will be familiar to regulars, while the 34th-floor views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge will take your breath away. Those views are available in every room in the suite, including a palatial master bedroom. A second ensuite bedroom makes this perfect for family trips while a dedicated office space will keep you connected when duty calls.
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Located next to Darling Harbour in Sydney’s central business district, Hyatt Regency Sydney is best suited to corporate travelers and boasts over 43,000 sq ft of meeting and event space. But as the city’s largest premium hotel (878 rooms and suites), it seamlessly caters to tourists, too.
A rooftop bar offers a casual setting to take in panoramic views of the city, while multiple dining options cater to global tastes. The hotel offers the perfect platform to explore the vibrant waterfront precinct, with its mix of dining, shopping and entertainment. With a focus on functional luxury, it provides a seamless experience for guests seeking a central location with easy access to Sydney’s attractions.
Top Suite: Sydney Terrace Suite
Aimed at guests with something to celebrate, the Sydney Terrace Suite is all about its outside space. The 322-sq-ft terrace is the perfect place to relax in the sun during the day and a sophisticated dining spot by night. Enjoy panoramic views of Darling Harbour as you welcome up to 12 guests into your home away from home. Inside, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows, a large master bedroom and a butler’s pantry. Bringing the family? The Sydney Terrace Suite transforms into a three-bedroom abode seamlessly with two connecting king rooms.
InterContinental Sydney
Housed in a former treasury building, InterContinental Sydney combines historic charm with modern comfort. Arched windows, sandstone walls, and preserved architectural details reflect its heritage, while contemporary rooms offer city or harbor views.
The rooftop lounge overlooks the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, providing a striking backdrop for evening drinks. Located near Circular Quay, the hotel offers easy access to Sydney’s cultural landmarks and dining scene, making it a sophisticated base for exploring the city.
Top Suite: Presidential Opera Suite
Set 29 floors above Sydney Harbour, the Presidential Opera Suite offers panoramic views from every room, including a private terrace overlooking the Opera House. Vibrant interiors feature luxurious furnishings and a grand piano, perfect for elegant get-togethers. The suite includes a separate lounge, dining room, butler’s pantry and work desk, making it ideal for corporate or extended stays. The marble bathroom has a rain shower and soaking tub with views of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Eastern horizon. After a day in the city, unwind in the king-sized master bedroom, complete with pristine linens and a state-of-the-art cloud mattress.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Nestled right on the edge of Sydney Harbour, this low-rise hotel offers uninterrupted views of the Opera House and the world-famous eponymous bridge. Rooms are spacious, featuring natural materials and a soft color palette that complements the waterfront setting. Private balconies provide a quiet space to take in the view.
A rooftop pool and spa offer further relaxation. The Rocks and Circular Quay are just steps away, offering easy access to galleries, markets and historic sites. Park Hyatt Sydney is designed for those looking for a calm and luxurious retreat within one of the city’s most scenic locations.
Top Suite: Sydney Suite
Among the 115 rooms and suites, the Sydney Suite is the crème de la crème, featuring panoramic views of the harbor and Sydney Opera House that will sweep you off your feet. The oasis-like suite features soft cream and wood decor, as well as two bedrooms, marble bath, sauna, sitting area and a spacious outdoor terrace. It’s also perfect for entertaining thanks to the Bose sound system and full kitchen.
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline set the tone for a relaxing stay at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. The rooms and suites are designed for comfort, with large windows that maximize the scenery. Dining options include a renowned Altitude Restaurant, while the wellness facilities feature a spa, gym and indoor pool.
Positioned between Circular Quay and The Rocks, the hotel provides easy access to historic sites, ferry connections, and the city’s dining and cultural attractions. Whether starting the day with a sunrise over the Opera House or unwinding in the evening with a drink overlooking the water, the setting ensures a memorable experience in Sydney.
Top Suite: Royal Suite
Shangri-La Sydney’s Royal Suite offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House. The one-bedroom suite features a spacious living room with a grand piano and an opulent dining room, so it is well-suited to those looking to host an intimate gathering of friends. An executive study and a kitchenette also make it suitable for corporate and long-term stays. The master bedroom’s windows are particularly well positioned, as you’ll wake up to the quintessential view of the bridge and Opera House together.
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The Darling
The Darling hotel is the jewel in the crown of The Star entertainment complex, and it oozes glamour—think high ceilings and modern artwork, as well as an all-star lineup of restaurants and bars. It prides itself on being a boutique hotel with five-star service. The hotel is known for its award-winning spa, which offers a range of treatments designed for relaxation and well-being.
Rooms and suites each have their own sense of individuality, but one common theme that connects them all is the panoramic view of Sydney Harbour. Darling Harbour and Barangaroo’s dining scene are a short walk away, offering further options for exploration. With personalized service and a focus on modern luxury, The Darling caters to guests looking for a stylish yet comfortable stay in Sydney’s vibrant waterfront district.
Top Suite: Penthouse Suite Deluxe
The Penthouse Deluxe Suite stretches across 1,507 sq ft and features wraparound windows framing the Harbour Bridge, a large dining table, contemporary lounge furniture, precious artwork, full kitchen, optional private chef and walk-in wardrobe. Of the five penthouse suites, we’d recommend booking the one that includes a karaoke lounge. However, if singing isn’t your forte, you can choose from other themes including the fitness suite, which comes with a dedicated exercise room featuring a top-of-the-range Technogym treadmill and exercise bike, as well as a Pilates ball and floor-to-ceiling mirrors.
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Housed in the former General Post Office building, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney combines historic architecture with modern hospitality. The high ceilings, arched windows and sandstone exterior reflect its past, while the interiors feature contemporary rooms with warm, neutral tones. A central atrium provides a striking space for dining, and a well-equipped fitness center offers additional amenities.
Positioned in the heart of the city, the hotel is within walking distance of shopping precincts, business districts and cultural attractions. Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests can appreciate the blend of heritage and modern comfort in one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings.
Top Suite: Martin Place Suite
Located in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District, The Martin Place Suite provides guests with a refined living experience. The suite features a well-designed bedroom, ample space and a stylish living area that offers comfort and sophistication for both business and leisure stays.
The Langham, Sydney
Offering quintessential English charm The Langham, Sydney, brings the iconic London hotel’s understated style to Sydney’s most historic neighborhood, the Rocks. Still fresh from a recent renovation, the rooms mix pastel color palettes with elegant furnishings and ornate gold fixtures.
A renowned spa, an indoor pool with a star-lit ceiling, and a suitably regal afternoon tea experience set this hotel apart. A la carte dinner is available in the Observatory Bar, where you can also find a selection of signature cocktails. Barangaroo Reserve is within walking distance, offering a mix of scenic walks, dining and cultural sites.
Top Suite: Observatory Suite
Awash with soft shades of white, gold and green, The Observatory Suite is the hotel’s most luminous option. The 1,313-sq-ft suite spoils guests with views of Observatory Hill and the Sydney skyline. Every inch has been thoughtfully designed, from the luxurious sheets to the double drawing room, regal fireplace, Chuan Spa toiletries, marble bathroom and grand dining room.
W Sydney
Rising over Darling Harbour in a mesmerizing curved structure, W Sydney only opened in October 2023 but is already one of the city’s landmark hospitality institutions. Located within the city’s The Ribbon, W Sydney, by W Hotels, brings modern luxury and vivid energy to the harbor, with acclaimed Australian architectural firm Hassell behind the hotel design.
The hotel’s interiors have been designed by London-based brand Bowler James Brindley, who sought inspiration for W Sydney’s ambience and aesthetic through exploring the history, culture and spirit of the city.
Top Suite: Extreme WOW Suite
The Extreme WOW Suite’s dark hues are inspired by the HMAS Onslow submarine, a retired warship that traveled 358,068 nautical miles during service. Although with five independent zones to stream music via a dedicated tablet and a list of premium wines and spirits, we think the Extreme WOW Suite may be a lot cozier than the submarine’s living quarters. Far from being under the surface, this 27th-floor suite offers lovely views over Darling Harbour, which are best enjoyed from the crescent-shaped bedroom or the circular bathtub.
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