The Best Places to Stay Near Sydney Harbour

Pier One Sydney Harbour, part of the Autograph Collection, is an elegant waterfront hotel. This five-star stay provides relaxing accommodation by the water and offers spellbinding views of the harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge from its rooms, restaurants and chic lounges. There are several nearby attractions, including the Rocks, the Observatory and Barangaroo Reserve. Enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine at stylish restaurant the Gantry, work out in the fitness centre or take a stroll along the pier.

A short walk from the oldest neighbourhood in Sydney, the sparkling-new Rydges Sydney Harbour is close to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay, a heritage site established in 1926. Boutique shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants line the cobblestone streets, and the iconic Sydney Opera House and Museum of Contemporary Art are easily accessible. Enjoy superb contemporary Australian dishes at the Playfair Terrace Restaurant – and be sure to ask about the selection of wine, which they have in abundance.

New to Sydney, this hotel basks in the urban cool of the CBD, a happy blend of street-food joints and world-famous sites. The tucked-away location makes it the ideal place to return to after a busy day. Enjoy a cocktail under the stars at Above 319, one of the swishest rooftop restaurant bars in Sydney, located on the top floor. A heated pool completes the ambience of the rooftop, where you can laze around on summer days or warm up in winter.

Soak up the maritime vibes of the nearby harbour from your floor-to-ceiling windows at this upscale hotel, which offers unbridled five-star luxury in the metropolitan Rocks district. There are elegantly furnished rooms here that will impress even the most well-travelled guests, and the expansive terraces add an extra touch of luxury. Featuring an indoor pool 20m (65ft) long with twinkling lights above it, the spa area is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city.

Within walking distance of Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, this hotel occupies a prime position in the heart of the CBD and is decorated in a classical heritage style without being too overbearing. A chandelier is the focal point of the lobby area, which is embellished with striped armchairs, Persian rugs and wood-panelled walls. In keeping with the spirit of the heritage building, the rooms are beautifully old-world style. The theme is continued with an on-site whisky bar and a high tea ceremony in the afternoon, serving up fluffy scones with home-made jam and cream.

The Establishment Hotel is in Bridge Lane, a quaint street lined with chic bars and restaurants. A historic building with a boutique feel, this 31-suite hotel has an intimate vibe and is staffed by an approachable, close-knit team. A prestigious publishing house in the 1930s, this property maintains many of its original features, such as rustic beams, vaulted ceilings and cast-iron fixtures. The hotel is in a central location, so you can stroll to the Opera House, explore the Rocks or take a trip through the Royal Botanic Garden.

It’s no secret that Barangaroo is one of the newest and most up-and-coming destinations in Sydney, and this charming hotel is a great addition to its urban landscape. In addition to a dazzling array of food and hospitality venues in the area, there’s a contemporary architecture district with art installations to explore and a 15-acre (6ha) headland reserve nearby. Enjoy easy access to iconic attractions, including Barangaroo and Martin Place, via covered pathways – and it’s just a hop from Sydney Airport via Wynyard Station. A minimalist, spacious design completes the atmosphere.

Luxury is the hallmark of this hotel. From the moment you arrive you’ll be indulged, with private transportation, a spectacular lobby that has sweeping harbour views and approachable, attentive staff. In the rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows show off the sparkling city streets below and sleek Italian furnishings set a sophisticated tone in every suite. There are aquatic treatments at the on-site spa, or you can immerse yourself in the surroundings with a glass of wine after sunset.