From the Harbour to the CBD, these are the 14 most luxurious hotels in Sydney
Discover the very best accommodations Sydney has to offer — with all the luxurious amenities you could dream of.
By Dani Maher, Ella Sangster and Hayley Peppin
WHETHER YOU’RE TRAVELLING from afar or seeking a night of luxury locally, the city of Sydney is a beautiful place to spend an evening — or a few.
From the bustling energy of the CBD, to the quaint charm of The Rocks, to the effervescent spark of personality embodied by any inner-city suburb; there’s a plethora of nooks and crannies to delve into in the rollicking metropolis.
But at the end of those exciting days of discovery, you’ll need a place to rest your head at night — and fortunately for you, you won’t need to skimp on your standards, because Sydney is home to a number of truly luxurious hotels for you to take advantage of.
Best hotels in Sydney in 2023
Read on for our guide to the very best hotels to rest your head in when visiting Sydney — from harbour-side, world-class hotel chains, to one-of-a-kind boutique accommodations in charming inner-city suburbs.
Related: Most luxurious restaurants to indulge in when in Sydney
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Woolloomooloo
Stay close to the heart of the city while escaping the hustle and bustle, by booking a stay at Ovolo Woolloomooloo. Situated on the picturesque and historic Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, the peaceful location offers five-star boutique accommodation with spacious, beautifully-designed private rooms and loft suites.
The luxe facilities include an indoor pool, restaurant, bar and a fitness centre, and the location is perfect for exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens, Opera House and The Rocks — but with that picturesque waterfront view, you’ll be hard pressed to leave your room.
Book your stay here.
Capella Sydney
Sydney CBD
For the consummate Sydney sea and city stay, visitors and staycationers should look no further than Capella Sydney. The art deco designed former Department of Education building on the corner of Bridge Street and Loftus Street — just minutes from the Harbour Bridge — is the latest luxury offering in the Sydney hotel scene. The first Capella Hotels and Resorts property outside Asia (there’s s award-winning venues in Bangkok, Hainan, Hanoi, Shanghai and Singapore) recently opened on March 15, following a seven-year transformation by the Pontiac Land Group.
The revitalised historic sandstone site offers 192 chic rooms and suites, some of which have harbour views and standalone bathtubs, across nine stories. On the ground floor, Capella Sydney offers three sophisticated dining destinations with Aperture, McRae Bar and Brasserie 1930. The latter brasserie setting oozes old world charm with high ceilings and checkered floors and, of course, an elegant food and beverage menu. Expect European brasserie classics using the best Australian produce such as oysters, Eastern rock lobster, a Spanner Crab pasta dish, Coppertree Farm rib eye and the venue’s anticipated signature, a whole roasted duck to share.
Amenities wise, the original top-floor gallery of the building now houses a wellness space featuring a relaxing spa and fitness centre, as well as a very luxe heated 20-metre indoor pool. Like other Capella hotels, Capella Sydney also honours its destination’s cultural roots with a thoughtfully-curated collection of contemporary artwork by First Nations artists. There’s also exclusive organised experiences led by Aboriginal elders, foodies and historians for guests to enjoy ranging from atmospheric walks, epicurean adventures and classic harbour sailing tours.
Book your stay here.
Oxford House
Paddington
If your brief is a vibrant summer stay, then you cannot look past Oxford House. The West Hollywood-inspired hideaway is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets, lined with lush greenery and home to 56 rooms and suites of warm hues, rich textures and an abundance of natural light, OH is the lifestyle hotel for the urban summer.
Sunny days can be spent basking by the sparkling pool — which is situated in the breezy central courtyard and alongside the curated outdoor bar — or wondering the leafy streets of Paddington, popping into the nearby bookstore or clothing boutiques. At night, the glittering options of Oxford Street are only a short walk away — but you need not even leave the building should you not want to, for the hotel’s restaurant boasts an unmissable array of Australian cuisine, served up alongside inviting decor and light-hearted atmosphere.
Book your stay here.
Related: Soho House continues soft launch in Australia with Oxford House takeover
Crystalbrook Albion
Surry Hills
On Surry Hills’ Albion Street, a former dilapidated boarding house has been transformed into a luxurious, thoughtfully designed and unique boutique hotel: Crystalbrook Albion. Inspiration for the interiors was drawn from the heritage building’s history, intertwined with a ’20s art deco direction and underlying ’70s feel. 35 rooms await, each perfectly appointed with every detail considered — expect bespoke bedheads, custom designed armchairs, a vibrant art collection, and only the best service from your gracious hosts. Suites are cleverly designed for work and play, with tables you can comfortably work at and lounges perfect for sinking into at the end of the day. Pet-friendly ground floor rooms are available on request with hardwood floors and direct access outside, too.
Downstairs, enter through a festoon-lit courtyard reminiscent of a Melbourne alley, before making your way through the reception to the honour bar — a lush space of green velvets and all the miniature tipples your heart desires. Take the lift (or the art-filled staircase) to the roof and you’ll find a garden oasis perfect for golden hour drinks. In all, with its quirky-yet-lavish stylings and design flair, it’s like a touch of Melbourne charm in the heart of Sydney.
Book your stay here.
The Strand
Darlinghurst
Ready to wine and dine? The Strand is the hidden gem of Darlinghurst. Having recently undergone restoration under the creative eye of Ksubi co-founder George Gorrow, the hundred-year-old boutique hotel blends classic Parisian elegance with a cool, contemporary spirit.
It is moments from some of the city’s best dining locations, but you need not leave to bounds of The Strand if you don’t wish to. The connecting bistro offers a delectable dining experience with its modern approach to French cuisine (the leek pie and baguettes with cultured butter are a must-try). Culinary Director, Nick Mahlook, curated the menu to hero seasonal Australian produce and the extensive drinks list boasts an array of French and Australian options.
Upstairs, the Strand Rooftop is a tranquil escape from the bustling William Street below. Distinctly modern with a bohemian touch, the vibrant rooftop offers a sublime vantage point to watch the sun dip behind the skyline and the city light up. At the bar, the signature drinks — the French Ginger Mule and Thyme & Basil Daiquiri — can be enjoyed along with a menu of light dishes and snacks.
When describing the hotel overall as a drink, Gorrow intended that it feel like a dirty martini; classic, with a twist.
Book your stay here.
Pier One
Walsh Bay
Just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Circular Quay, nestled in slightly more peaceful arts and theatre district of Walsh Bay, is Pier One. Placing you directly on Sydney Harbour — the unique accommodation is built on and over the water on Walsh Bay’s gorgeous piers — Pier One is a repurposed Heritage building celebrating a unique maritime history with modern features complementing rustic charm in spades.
Luxury amenities abound — premium Hunter Lab toiletries, cotton bathrobes, flat screen TVs with Chromecast streaming, a Nespresso coffee machine; to name a few. Within the hotel itself you’ll find premium casual dining to be enjoyed al fresco on the pier or inside the Bar One lounge, which offers luxurious vibes and stunning water views. And if it’s fine dining you’re after, Pier One offers awarded harbourside dining at The Gantry too. The hotel has also recently partnered with Standen Charters to offer guests a truly luxe harbour experience, allowing you to enjoy Pier One’s five-star accomodation and dining before boarding a world-class Standen yacht to enjoy spa, entertainment, and water activities in style — keep an eye out for packages launching from October 2022.
Book your stay here.
QT Sydney
Sydney CBD
QT Sydney is a one-of-a-kind: Part art deco masterpiece, part heritage theatre. Decadent modern rooms are comfortable yet chic, nestling you right in the heart of Sydney between the Queen Victoria Building and the Sydney Tower. The eclectically-designed hotel is a visual delight, with quirky artistic flourishes brightening up your day everywhere you look.
There’s an in-house gym for all your fitness needs, along with the New York steakhouse-inspired Gowings Bar & Grill and crowd-pleasing Italian Parlour Cucina for your dining needs. There’s also the spaQ Day Spa, the charming antique-inspired spaQ Barber Shop, and the Adriano Zumbo-helmed QTea High Tea experience to fulfil all your luxuriating needs.
And speaking of luxury — QT has now announced a collaboration with Dyson that takes your stay to the next level. The iconic Dyson Supersonic hair dryer will be available in every room for a perfectly tamed mane, and the cordless Dyson Corrale straightener will be available across suites and on request. You’ll be wanting to extend your stay, for sure.
Book your stay here.
The Langham Sydney
Millers Point
Another of Sydney’s finest premium hotels, the Langham offers tranquility and beauty in opulent rooms that will make you feel like you’ve been directly transported to London. Generously spacious rooms feature magnificent marble bathrooms and plush couches; and the amenities available to guests are hard to beat.
While you’re visiting, you can add on buffet breakfasts; a signature London-inspired High Tea featuring Laurent-Perrier champagne and Wedgwood teaware; or a visit to the luxurious Day Spa by Chuan (which I guarantee you is worth every penny, having treated myself to a visit there once upon a time). There’s also a Roman bathhouse-inspired indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, and an outdoor tennis court to take advantage of — truly, what more could you want?
Book your stay here.
Crown Towers Sydney
Barangaroo
You can’t miss Crown Towers — that shining peak standing proudly on Barangaroo point like a glimmering beacon of luxury. Designed by award-winning British architecture firm, Wilkinson Eyre, the sculptural form of the building aims to emulate petals twisting towards the sky — while functionally, it ensures that each and every room immerses you fully in the Sydney landscape, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled views of the city.
Modern décor complements intuitive technology, with luxurious touches including in-room tablets to control blinds, lights and 24-hour in-room dining; spacious ensuites; complimentary Wi-Fi; LCD televisions; Nespresso coffee machine with complimentary pods; and Crown Towers bathrobe and slippers. While staying, you’ll find it difficult to even leave the building — facilities include a stunning pool terrace with cabanas; a private gym; a day spa offering La Prairie treatments; luxury shopping; a tennis court; and the 83rd-floor sky deck offering panoramic city views.
Book your stay here.
Park Hyatt Sydney
The Rocks
The Park Hyatt may come with the highest price tag, but it offers a stay like no other — nestled beneath the Harbour Bridge and directly across the water from the Opera House. 155 spacious guest rooms and suites offer contemporary décor and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to private balconies. If you’re after true luxury, look no further — there’s even a dedicated 24-hour personal butler service, to make you feel truly regal.
Amenities include an on-site restaurant and bar; a rooftop swimming pool offering sweeping views of the harbour; a fitness centre; and a beautiful day spa offering renewing holistic treatments.
Book your stay here.
Ace Hotel Sydney
Surry Hills
If a boutique hotel is more your vibe, you’re in luck — because the brand new Ace Hotel which just opened in Surry Hills will tick all your boxes. Their first location in the southern hemisphere, Ace Hotel is just outside of the main area of the CBD, but right in amongst the charm of the inner-city suburbs. Located in a former brick factory, it has all the rustic charm you want with considered, cosy and contemporary touches. Colourful and custom art pieces find their way into each nook from public spaces to private rooms, offering personality galore.
Multiple restaurants and “a bar for every mood” are on-site too: there’s The Lobby, filled with craft cocktails, wines and beers in additions to snacks and small plates; LOAM offering delightful meals for all dietary requirements; the day-to-night cafe and bar Good Chemistry; and the soon-to-be-opened Kiln restaurant.
Book your stay here.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
The Rocks
You can’t go wrong with a Four Seasons stay, and their Sydney spot — located in the quaint area of The Rocks beside Circular Quay — is no exception. Rooms offer striking views of the Sydney skyline, with classic premium hotel touches: Christian Lacroix bath amenities, 300 thread-count linen, a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary Wi-Fi, BOSE speakers and more.
Facilities include dining at Lounge 32; fitness facilities complete with saunas and steam rooms; an outdoor pool with a bar; and an in-house Endota Spa.
Book your stay here.
The Old Clare Hotel
Chippendale
A boutique hotel built within two iconic heritage buildings, The Old Clare is down-to-earth, yet super luxe — somewhere to feel comfortable yet well taken care of. Located just beyond the CBD in Chippendale — a hot spot for art galleries, design studios, cafés and restaurants — the hotel features Art Deco and post-modern inspired design features and beautiful amenities.
Downstairs, you’ll find top-rated restaurant Automata in a 1930s-warehouse-style interior as well as the Clare bar, which mixes the classic Aussie pub with upmarket hotel bar vibes; or you can head upstairs to find the gorgeous rooftop pool and bar.
Book your stay here.
Paramount House Hotel
Surry Hills
Located in the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios in Surry Hills, which were originally built in 1940, Paramount House Hotel is adjoined by a café, restaurant, cinema, bakery, bar, and health club — making for a quaint boutique accommodation experience.
Each room, from the smallest to the largest, effortlessly blends the hotel’s heritage origins with new-age touches for a cosy and unpretentious experience. Expect French bed linen, and toiletries you’d actually want to use at home. And don’t forget to enjoy the fellow tenants: A.P House by All Purpose Bakery offers possibly the best baked goods this writer has consumed; Paramount Coffee Project ensures your caffeine and brunch needs are well met; Paramount Recreation Club offers an expansive fitness pavilion and a kiosk among a rooftop garden; Poly provides chic wine bar dining; and the one-of-a-kind Golden Age Cinema and bar turns the original screening room of Paramount Pictures into the best location to enjoy a bespoke program of classics, cults, creepies and the best new film releases — with a David Lynch-inspired bar to boot.
Book your stay here.
