The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Parramatta, New South Wales

Tucked up by the Parramatta River, contemporary-yet-cosy rooms and suites in soft tones are a stone’s throw from Church Street, famed for its food scene. Explore the city on foot, then return to languish by the sparkling pool or lift weights in the gym. Everyone will love the high tea menu blending sweet and savoury bites, from cucumber with dill cream cheese and curried egg and parsley to blueberry and oreo cheesecake and macaroons – choose fine teas or mimosas to help it all down.

Slap in the heart of Parramatta, how could you not fall in love with these opulent suites housed in a glass and steel tower? Created as self-contained apartments, suites feature modern Japanese minimalism – all pared-back, pale woods, and light tones. You’ll be awe-struck by the soaring three-storey tiled atrium lobby. Then there’s the 25-metre outdoor infinity pool, manicured gardens, pool deck for sipping iced sundowners on, a spa, sauna, and gym. Dine around the globe on Middle Eastern, Malaysian, and Japanese dishes in the local restaurants, just steps from the door.

Parramatta Mission operates this comfortable ‘hotel with purpose,’ which means your stay benefits those less fortunate. Part of the Westmead Medical Precinct, sophisticated rooms and suites feature inky-blue walls, and pretty framed art – deluxe versions add neat kitchens. Perk yourself up with a strong coffee at Keramic Cafe & Restaurant, housed in a cute cottage in the grounds. It’s also three km from the Riverside Theatre Parramatta.

If your kids are in tow, you’ll love this towering hotel, just over a kilometre from Sydney Children’s Museum. You’ll feel right at home in contemporary, light-filled rooms, suites, and apartments with colourful sink-into sofas and kitchens – upgrade for a relaxing spa bath. If not, there’s an outdoor pool with a refreshing water feature, inviting spa, and gym with all the gizmos. Want to chill in-house? Sample fresh, seasonal Australian dishes and tempting light Asian salads, at the sleek Social House Dining and Bar.

If you like horse racing, you’ll love these light and airy rooms and suites across the road from the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, with track and city skyline views at this space-ship like hotel. Anytime you feel a little tired, splash around in the indoor heated pool before a bliss-out in the Turkish steam bath. You don’t have to go far for food or drink – the Stock Café brews good coffee, tasty breakfasts, and light bites. Relax at the end of the day in Champs Bar and Dining, or hit The Post for a cooling beer in the tiled garden.

On the fringe of Parramatta’s CBD, shoppers will love this modern home away from home minutes from one of the biggest shopping centres in Australia – handy if you’ve forgotten your swimming costume. Either way, soak up the sunshine poolside, perfect your backhand on the tennis court, or shape up in the gym. Come evening, you can sip a cocktail al fresco at M Bar and Terrace. Layers of drapes, wood, framed art, and big comfy beds create a comfortable at-home feel. Book the King Executive Spa Suite, with a separate living area and a soothing corner spa for that romantic or family getaway.

Originally called The Halfway House, once a haven for weary travellers to quench their thirst and rest their heads and horses, this 18th-century building continues to celebrate its rich history. Today, 14 light-filled rooms offer a more modern welcome with spacious industrial-chic rooms lined with fireplaces and grey and black design-led furniture. Downstairs the deco-like bar and bistro echo old-school charm with warm, well-worn floorboards and leather seating for noshing salt and pepper prawns. After, stroll the half an hour or so to Bicentennial Park, a vast swathe of green in the city.