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The Best Luxury Hotels in Sydney for a High-End Stay

The Park Hyatt Hotel is tucked right underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Park Hyatt Hotel is tucked right underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge | Courtesy of Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection

Marvel at the Opera House views or dip in the rooftop pool under the Australian sunshine at these high-end hotels in Sydney. Scattered around the glittering harbour like confetti is a colourful mix of high-end hangouts and charming boutique hotels, so if you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Sydney, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are gems to be found in almost every neighbourhood – and these are the best.

The Darling Hotel

Bed and Breakfast, Casino Hotel, Hotel

A living room at The Darling Hotel with a terrace overlooking Sydney
Courtesy of the Darling Hotel / Expedia

Foodies, hold on to your chopsticks: the Darling’s dining options will blow you away. Try Sokyo, serving a blend of Sydney and Tokyo cuisine (it’s in the name) with a sophisticated menu designed by ex-Nobu chef Chase Kojima. Slope upstairs afterwards to luxury rooms featuring 1,000-spring king-size beds, bespoke art works, marble bathrooms and rain showers. Wake up rested, ready to burn off the night before. Grab a running map from the front desk, or enjoy laps in the outdoor heated pool. Spend the rest of the day in the Darling Spa equipped with a Moroccan hammam, steam room and jacuzzi.

Primus Hotel Sydney

Hotel

A huge, white lobby with scarlet pillars at Primus Hotel Sydney
Courtesy of Primus Hotel Sydney / Expedia
Like your hotels with a side of history? The Primus Hotel Sydney is in a heritage-listed building in midtown Sydney first erected in 1939. Original features – such as the striking terracotta-tiled facade and panelled skylight in the grand lobby – were restored in all their Art Deco glory in 2015. Upstairs, 172 generously sized rooms and suites combine modern design details with heaps of historic charm. Deluxe rooms have a king bed, writing desk and chaise lounge, plus walk-in shower and Appelles toiletries. There’s also an all-day dining restaurant and a New York-style rooftop pool; the lobby bar is the place to be for a classic high tea or cocktail hour, or both.

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

Hotel

A spacious and stylish bedroom at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park with a white double bed and terrace
Courtesy of Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park / Hotels.com

Arrive at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park on a Sunday and you’ll see well-dressed diners gathered around the grazing table, couples taking advantage of the free-flowing champagne and multigenerational families wrestling with giant crustaceans. Like the Grand Sunday brunch, the hotel itself feels both formal and relaxed. Many of its rooms come with gorgeous views of Hyde Park. For those looking to experience the best of Sydney, this grand old dame is in prime position.

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection

Hotel

A spacious, white bedroom at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Marriott Autograph Collection
Courtesy of Pier One Sydney Harbour, Marriott Autograph Collection / Expedia

Watch the boats come and go from your room at Pier One Sydney Harbour. With a wealth of accommodation types, from deluxe rooms to dog-friendly digs and superior suites, it’s the perfect place to sleep in luxury in the city. See the sights by day and delve into fine fare – such as oysters and kangaroo at the Gantry – by night. The restaurant has one Chef Hat (awarded by the Good Food Guide), is right on the waterfront and serves fresh, often foraged, food.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Hotel

A long outdoor pool at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour with sun loungers across the right side
Courtesy of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour / Hotels.com

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour won Best Luxury Hotel in Australia 2019 at the prestigious HM Awards for a multitude of reasons. The design was inspired by the port city Marseille and the indigenous clans of the Eora nation – the traditional owners of the land. Rooms here are flooded with natural light and benefit from views over Darling Harbour, an area of Sydney that has reinvented itself in recent years. There’s a French restaurant, Atelier, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the harbour.

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay

Hotel

An outdoor pool with sun loungers and a view over the ocean at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Courtesy of InterContinental Sydney Double Bay / Hotels.com
This luxurious hotel gives you the key to the door of Double Bay, a ritzy beachside suburb dotted with boutiques, cool cafes and cocktail bars. Relax in a poolside lounger on the rooftop while watching the tiny yachts tack across the harbour. Later, enjoy happy-hour drinks in the Gatsby-esque Stillery Bar. If you have time, pencil in high tea, considered one of the best in Sydney; they even offer a children’s version, as well as vegan options.

Park Hyatt Sydney

Hotel

A terrace at Park Hyatt Sydney with a view of the Sydney Opera House
Courtesy of Park Hyatt Sydney / Hotels.com

The Park Hyatt is one of Sydney’s most luxurious hotels. It’s tucked underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with most rooms, the restaurant and rooftop pool looking across the water to the beloved Sydney Opera House. To make your stay extra special, check into the hotel’s spacious Opera Suite, with six balconies, each offering outstanding views. Pamper yourself in the spa with an Australian clay and hot oil massage, guaranteed to release any muscular tension.

The Langham

Boutique Hotel

A white social space with blue furniture and a bar at The Langham
Courtesy of the Langham, Sydney / Expedia

When boutique hopping along Pitt Street becomes too much, retreat to Kitchens on Kent for lunch. The restaurant (and its afternoon tea) is reason enough to book into the Langham Sydney, as is the Observatory Bar, which serves the best Australian wines and beers, plus an array of carefully concocted cocktails. Rooms are bright and spacious, with sleek marble bathrooms and soft bathrobes to snuggle up in. Tennis fans will be pleased to hear there is a championship court, just across the road, available to use for a small fee.

Spicers Potts Point

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Double bed, sofa, large TV, desk, chair and fireplace in white room with doors to a balcony at Spicers Potts Point
Courtesy of Spicers Potts Point / Hotels.com

Spicers Potts Point tells the architectural story of the city. It’s housed within a trio of dinky 19th-century Victorian terraces, complete with cornicing and elaborate wrought-iron railings. Enjoy the well-stocked honesty bar in the 20-room hotel, which also has a hidden courtyard garden. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, wander around Kings Cross Farmers’ Market. Mardi Gras is the perfect time to book; the morning after, you’ll find men and women dancing down the street, heels in hand, after the biggest night on the LGBTQ calendar.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Indoor Ovolo Woolloomooloo common area with pool table
Courtesy of Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Located near Sydney’s Royal Botanical Gardens, Ovolo Wooloomooloo comes with waterfront views across the colourful flora and fauna. The building’s original industrial features include high ceilings and exposed metal beams offset by bright, bespoke design choices. Rooms are kitted out with all the latest tech – think iPads, Apple TVs, Alexas and Nespresso machines – plus there’s a 24-hour indoor pool and gym waiting downstairs whenever you start feeling restless. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, book yourself into the rock’n’roll-themed Ultraroo Suite, a loft space that includes a private (and free) cocktail bar, a unique play area, plus free snacks and an upgraded minibar.

Hilton Sydney

Hotel

A huge and luxurious bar space at Hilton Sydney
Courtesy of Hilton Sydney / Expedia

Ask the dapper concierge at the Hilton Sydney what to do and see, and they will likely point you to the striking sculptures within the nearby Royal Botanic Garden or recommend a bottomless brunch at the hotel’s Glass Brasserie. Run by Aussie restaurateur Luke Mangan, it serves up a world-class brunch, with the barramundi, saffron mussels and fig, peach and blackberry pavlova particular highlights. You can also take a dip in the indoor pool or, if sightseeing doesn’t tire you out enough, sign up to one of the many classes offered at the gym.

Judy Cogan contributed additional reporting to this article.

If you’re heading down under with your partner, combine love and luxury with a stay in one of the best romantic hotels in Sydney, or opt for a room with a view at one of the best hotels with a balcony in Sydney. Heading to Surry Hills? Check out our guide and book with Culture Trip. For a super relaxing time, discover these top spas in Sydney.

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