It’s not hard to find a little luxury in a city as prone to glamor as Sydney. It may have something to do with the glittering harbor that undulates across the city centre, bringing its infectious beauty from the Central Business District to the genteel suburbs that line its edges. Or the allure of ocean beaches framed by stunning cliff views and picture-perfect coastlines, where Sydneysiders lay their tanned bodies next to Aperol Spritzes.
Find the swankiest places to stay below; from well-known, famous properties with expansive marble lobbies and courteous staff within an inch of their lives; to outliers with a little more character but no less luxury. These are the best luxury hotels in Sydney.
How do we examine
Every hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are often hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.
Sydney is a property-hungry town, and the Park Hyatt is located at the top of the city. Wake up to unobstructed views of Sydney Harbor and the Opera House, begging you to get out of bed and explore. But you might just want to lie down and gawk at its beauty. Look up from your morning laps at the rooftop pool; these are the Art Deco curves of the Harbor Bridge above you. The staff provides the highest level of personalized service; The general manager even leads group work. Upon arrival, let the reception know how you will drink your morning coffee or your pillow preference. There are many great restaurants with a view in Sydney, but at The Dining Room on the hotel’s ground floor, you’ll have your fill of the city’s most remarkable views.
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If you’re after a true five-star experience (afternoon turndown service, in-house pastry kitchen, pillow menu pages upon pages) look no further. All rooms feature views of the Western Harbor or Sydney skyline, comfortable and enormous beds and large, elegant bathrooms. It feels like a mock-English country house hotel, with pastel pink and green armchairs, elaborate floral arrangements and an impressive collection of art curated by Sotheby’s. Its location is in a part of The Rocks that few people see, but it’s within walking distance of Sydney city center and Barangaroo. The 20-metre heated indoor pool is a symbol of Sydney; its ceiling is painted with a mural depicting the night sky.
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The only Four Seasons hotel in Australia is a true five-star property located in the epicenter of Sydney’s tourist area. There are uninterrupted views of the city’s crown jewels: the Harbor, the Bridge and the House, especially if you opt for the Full Harbor King Room at the corner of the building. The service is complete, from customized running maps of the city to the organization of marriage proposals. Lounge 32 has outstanding views where you can enjoy breakfast, pastries, evening drinks and canapés; A convenient express check-in and check-out service is also available here. Dinner at Mode Kitchen and Dining is a fine dining treat, followed by a whiskey flight at the Grain Bar, where you can choose from over 200 varieties. The rooftop pool, heated in winter, is the ideal place to relax the next morning.
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This five-star hotel is located in the bayside residential community of Double Bay, a sophisticated and quiet harborside area known for upscale boutiques and upscale restaurants. Formerly known as The Ritz Carlton, it was the Sydney retreat of Princess Diana, Elton John and David Bowie. Sydney’s new restaurant and bar, run by hospitality bad boy Maurice Terzini (of Icebergs Dining Room and Bar fame), has brought back some of its former glory, with a piano bar complete with martini carts and a menu that leans towards the better. things in life: think oysters and blinis with clotted cream and caviar. The rooftop lap pool features stunning views down to the harbor and airy, fabric-covered cabanas that ooze poolside luxury.
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With its sleek glass exterior, wraparound harbor views and its own champagne bar, this newly built hotel has brought style to Darling Harbour. Bathed in natural light filtering through soaring glass windows, the lobby features a soft color palette of ocher and blue, a nod to Australia’s indigenous heritage. Guests staying on the 27th and 34th floors have access to Club Millesime, which serves breakfast, light snacks, canapés and drinks throughout the day. Express check-in and check-out service is also provided here. The brand new, two-story spa features a variety of wellness journeys, including the “half-day journey,” a five-hour treatment that combines exercise, nutrition, wellness and beauty treatments and ends with a light lunch and guided meditation. Those who need more introspection can use the meditation area or “thinking deck.”
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The two-story Horizon Club offers private check-in, light breakfast and dining options, snacks throughout the day and cocktails in the evening. The Shangri-La Sports Club and Wellness Center on the second floor is home to a 25-metre indoor heated pool, sauna, gym and Chi Spa for holistic treatments and pampering; Try the Chakra Healing massage for complete rejuvenation. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Altitude, is a popular spot for visitors, celebrations and make-or-break relationship moments; Located on the 36th floor and with floor-to-ceiling windows, it is one of the most romantic spots in the city.
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From the welcome glass of bubbles on arrival to the exceptional service at The Gantry, Pier One outdoes itself. The staff strikes the right balance between professionalism and warmth. A bottle of chilled sparkling wine is offered to all guests during cocktail hour. The service at both breakfast and dinner is pretentious and full of charm. Fitness classes for active travelers include personal training and group yoga classes. The hotel is housed in a historic building updated with bespoke fittings and a casually elegant atmosphere; making it a coveted spot to relax and view Sydney Harbor at its sparkling best.
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The first thing you’ll notice upon entry is the striking sculpture of a giant red swallow, and that sense of whimsy continues into the light-filled lobby, soaring with playful color mixes and designer carpets by the Sydney design legend. Akira Isogawa. The hotel is located within the bustling Star City casino complex; but the hotel itself is a design haven. The spa, which includes a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool as well as a Moroccan bath room, jacuzzi, couples treatment rooms and La Prairie and ESPA products, is considered among Sydney’s best. Walking down dark, moodily lit corridors, with forest-inspired soundscapes in the background, is almost as immersive as the massage and meditation experience. Sokyo is one of Sydney’s most sought-after sushi spots; It is also a fine dining restaurant with exceptional service. Those who want to step out and book Penthouse will be rewarded with their very own karaoke room.
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At Sydney’s first six-star hotel, where the infinity pool overlooks Sydney Harbour, you can order poolside meals from your private cabana, which also comes with your own safe, cheeseboard, minibar and television. There are 349 rooms (including 22 luxury villas), each with king-size beds with luxury linens and feather pillows by Jaspa Herington. The Crown Spa features terraces, relaxation rooms and infrared saunas for yoga and meditation, while separate men’s and women’s water relaxation areas each feature a vitality pool that operates at the same temperature as the human body. ‘Experience showers’ spray hot and cold water onto your body from many different angles; sounds scary; not like that. There seem to be 100 restaurants in the Crown area, but there are actually only eight. Clare Smyth’s first and only international restaurant, Oncore, is on the 26th floor; Nobu remains at the second level; and must-visit Amare for saucy pesto pasta (yes, it’s just pesto, but trust us) among many other places on the ground level.
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In Carly Simon’s (modified) words, you should enter this hotel as if you were walking on a yacht. Everything sparkles, from the marble floors to the massive dandelion-shaped light fixtures and, of course, Sydney Harbor saluting through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Across the road the Royal Botanical Gardens beckon, and guests can choose between green or blue views (top tip: ask for the harbor view, the price difference is minimal). The rooms are apartment-style—yes, you can do your laundry in this leafy place—and are extremely spacious. There is a stylish, heated indoor pool with a 24-hour gym, sauna and sun terrace with floor-to-ceiling views. Dinner at Q Dining is a glamorous affair with plenty of options if you’re interested in sampling local seafood. Hacienda, the on-site cocktail bar, has become a favorite spot for CBD locals.