The Best Hotels to Book in Haymarket, Sydney

The stars align at this astrology-themed hotel in Sydney’s Chinatown, a five-minute walk from Central Station. The exposed brick walls of this listed building nod to its early 20th-century beginnings, brought up to date with abstract art, a barista coffee station and snack-filled courtyard rooms designed for guests arriving with four-legged friends. But the main draw is undoubtedly its passion for the night sky – in-house astrologer Pia Lehmann offers “gastrology” consultation packages that include restaurant recommendations based on your star sign.

This place is very eager to please, in the creative Chippendale neighbourhood, surrounded by design studios, art galleries and chic dining spots. Smartly dressed staff here provide a warm service with welcome extras, including free bikes to use and a weekend check-out time matching your arrival time. It means if you don’t arrive until 8pm on Friday evening, you won’t need to depart until 8pm Sunday. There’s even $24 (£13) of hotel credit offered to all guests, which you are free to put on a bar tab (or more practical things, like parking).

This former wool factory is among the most characterful boutique hotels in Sydney, with the white walls of its bedrooms splashed in colourful spray-paint art. Large windows fill rooms with natural light, and those on the top floors have views towards the nearby harbour. Perks include a 24-hour gym, self-service laundry, complimentary drinks in the minibar and, most intriguing of all, a Riedel glassware gift for guests who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. We’ll drink to that.

A five-minute walk from the Capitol Theatre, this smart check-in is an ideal base for anyone wanting to sample Sydney’s respected arts scene. For a pre-show tipple, head for the hotel’s Sydney Brewery Surry Hills bar, where you’ll be able to choose from a selection of local craft ales via tasting paddles or schooners. There are two restaurants on site, with the pick of the menu choices being the 12-hour tamarind pulled goat leg with tzatziki and quinoa.

You’ll discover these open-plan penthouse suites in Surry Hills, neighbouring Sydney’s central business district. The technicolour carpets are zany and bright, with vibrant Smeg fridges in keeping with the theme. The large balconies allow guests to take in Sydney’s cityscape from on high. There’s a trophy-garnering Japanese restaurant downstairs in the lobby, with chef Raita Noda crafting a 10-course degustation menu inspired by seasonal food, including edamame nigiri and dobin mushi – Japan’s traditional seafood broth. In the bathroom, you’ll find an Appelles Black skincare range, for super-indulgent nights in.

The swagger of 1970s New York infuses this hotel, inspired as it is by the iconic Manhattan nightclub Studio 54. Some of its 92 spacious rooms even have a glitterball hanging from the ceiling. The hotel is popular for a range of “experiences”, including the Celebration package providing Chandon, chocolates and special room decor, and the Relaxation combo: unlimited Netflix, the latest magazines, a bottle of wine and a banquet of movie snacks. All rooms do the business with overhead rain showers, breakfast bites and a complimentary 24-hour coffee bar.

The Gatsby vibes are radiant at this attractive number in Chippendale, with a royal blue and gold lobby that reverberates with 1920s panache. The rooms are a little more sedate and functional – choose from well-presented family, triple, twin and double rooms. Like at its sister property, the 57 Hotel, here freebies include unlimited coffee, 24-hour gym access and breakfast nibbles. For more dining options, simply step outside – there are more than 200 restaurants within 1km (0.6mi) of the hotel.

This swanky harbourside skyscraper can boastfully lay claim to Australia’s largest hotel fish tank. Inspired by the country’s natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, the 12m (39ft), 12,000-litre (3,170-gallon) tank shimmies and flickers with more than 50 marine species, including clownfish, damselfish and blue-lined surgeon. For a view of the real thing, suites here come with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Darling Harbour, while the aquatic theme continues with a heated rooftop infinity pool. If you’d rather soak than swim, standalone room tubs await, with a “bath menu” of aromas and salts. Oh, and there’s tip-top seafood in the restaurant, Atelier by Sofitel.