You should find a comfortable base from which to explore New South Wales and the rest of Australia’s financial center, Sydney. Accommodations in Sydney range from five-star hotels overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to hostels in converted 19th-century quarantine buildings. Our top picks for hotels in Sydney are listed below.
City Center Pier One, Sydney Harbour
There’s no denying the beauty of Pier One’s waterfront setting, which captures the spirit of Sydney in every elegant suite. From the bathtub in the bathroom and the balcony, guests can take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. This waterfront apartment is on a pier in the resurgent arts district of Walsh Bay Wharves Precinct, not far from the excitement of Circular Quay and the trendy Rocks district.
CBD Park Hyatt Sydney
What an amazing place to visit. The Park Hyatt could just be the best spot in all of Sydney, thanks to its five-star services and unobstructed, 360-degree views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour from its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The rooftop pool is accessible year-round (heated in the winter) and provides spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is so close that you may be tempted to swim backwards. When it comes to five-star hotels in Sydney, the Park Hyatt is without peer. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a spectacular spa and a well regarded onsite restaurant.
CBD Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney
The top of the Shangri-La’s luxury high-rise offers unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the CBD, setting it distinct from other nearby buildings. Each of the 564 stylish rooms and suites has views of the water and is equipped with a seat by the window. If you’re looking for a room with a view of Sydney’s most recognizable landmark, the Deluxe Opera House City View Rooms are for you, while the Deluxe Darling Harbour View Rooms face the harbor and offer breathtaking sunset views.
The Shangri-La is most notable for its destination bar and restaurant, Altitude and Blu Bar, located on the hotel’s 36th floor and boasting some of the best views in all of Sydney.
Hotel Paramount, Surry Hills
The polished cement flooring, indoor plants, and exposed brickwork of Paramount House make it a hip place to stay. The Paramount Recreation Club provides yoga classes and other wellness services on its airy rooftop, while the Golden Age Cinema showcases classic films and the Coffee Project serves as a social hub for Sydney’s artistic community.
It’s only a 20-minute stroll to the hip district of Surry Hills, where you’ll find many of Sydney’s best eateries and nightclubs.
It’s Woolloomooloo all the way, Ovolo!
When it comes to hotels in Sydney, Ovolo is among the most intriguing options. Heritage-listed Finger Wharf, built a century ago and said to be the world’s longest timber-piled wharf, now houses trendy bars with gumball machines, billiard tables, and bathrooms with grid tiles reminiscent of the 1980s.
Even if you aren’t vegan, you should check out the hotel’s restaurant, Alibi, because of its reputation for excellent vegan options. There are a number of restaurants in the nearby Woolloomooloo and harborside neighborhoods, and complimentary minibar restocking is provided each day.