Harbor views, palatial suites and world-class dining are all a part of the experience while staying at Sydney’s most luxurious hotels. We take a look at the best hotels in Sydney from the modern to the heritage listed.
Four Seasons Sydney
From its CBD location this five-star hotel commands impressive views over Sydney Harbor and of its most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. The interiors are then spacious, light-filled and classic yet contemporary in design, with the most luxurious accommodation, the Presidential Suite, affording 180-degree views of the surrounding area. Modern Australian cuisine showcasing local ingredients along with Australia’s fine wine is served in Mode Kitchen & Bar, while all-Australian treatments are delivered in Endota Spa.
Park Hyatt Sydney
This harborside hotel looks out across the water towards Sydney Opera House and owing to its setting in the historic Rocks neighborhood is just a short walk from sites such as the Museum of Contemporary Art. Floor to ceiling windows make the most of these views, with elegant furnishings featured throughout each room and suite. A wealth of wellness treatments are on offer at The Spa, and each dining area naturally comes with a panorama. The Dining Room specializes in modern European cuisine, while the Living Room provides a sumptuous setting for champagne afternoon tea. The heated rooftop pool then adds even greater appeal.
The Langham Sydney
Also situated in the Rocks, the Langham benefits from harborside views too, but this hotel appeals particularly to those in search of classic grandeur. With its grand façade, the Langham fits in with its historic surroundings, while inside the palatial interiors combine tradition with elegant modern design. The quintessential Langham experience, an Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, is hosted in the hotel’s Palm Court where cocktails and jazz become the focus each evening, then Bistro Remy brings the Australian fine dining plates of chef Dave Whitting to the table. The Day Spa by Chuan, health club and pool, meanwhile, provide a sanctuary for fitness and relaxation. Of the hotel’s rooms, the Observatory Suite is the most coveted with views of Observatory Hill and the Sydney skyline.
InterContinental Sydney
It’s in the restored 1851 Treasury Building that InterContinental Sydney lies, with spectacular harbor views in particular from Club InterContinental, high up on level 31. The hotel’s collection of restaurants and bars ranges from the award-winning fine dining restaurant 117 Dining, to Supper Club at the Champagne Bar on 32, and the central lounge for afternoon tea and tapas, the Cortile. Level 31 is where the hotel’s pool and sauna can be found, with the Odyssey Health Club & Spa on level nine, alongside Sebastian Salon, which looks out over the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
This high-rise hotel in the Rocks combines its location in Sydney’s historic neighborhood and views of Sydney Opera House and the harbor with high-ceilinged modern interiors and luxurious facilities such as CHI, The Spa; this Asian-inspired wellness space encompasses an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sundeck, with treatments placing the focus on traditional therapies in Asian cultures. Dine with a view at Altitude Restaurant and head to Blu Bar on 36 for champagne or a sunset cocktail.
The Darling
This award-winning boutique hotel is rated highly for its spacious contemporary interiors, luxurious spa and fusion cuisine. In addition to its treatment rooms, the spa comprises a hammam, steam room and Jacuzzi, as well as a fitness center with Kinesis wall. The restaurants and bars take inspiration from around the world, with Japanese influence at Sokyo, Italian fare at Balla, and Cantonese cuisine at The Century. The hotel is also connected to The Star casino, entertainment and shopping venue. For the most luxurious experience, stay in one of the hotel’s palatial penthouses.
The Old Clare Hotel
Found within two heritage-listed buildings, this luxury boutique hotel stands out for its character and distinct style, with attention paid to the building’s original features. Owing to its architecture and interior design, the hotel has become home to a number of art galleries, production houses and restaurants and bars. Restaurants here include the Automata, which serves contemporary seasonal cuisine, Kensington Street Social by the Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton and cocktail bar The Clare. In addition to having its own fitness center, the boutique hotel has a rooftop pool. Each room and suite is minimalist in design, reflecting the building’s heritage with original timber paneling and parquet flooring.