The best Darling Harbour hotels

This 590-room five-star beauty is Sydney’s first luxury hotel built in the CBD since 1999. The high-rise sits next to the International Convention Centre, towering above the surrounding buildings. There are three bars, including a Champagne bar with an impressive selection of wine by the glass, and an onsite French restaurant called Atelier, which transforms into a decadent breakfast buffet each morning, complete with three stations and just about every breakfast food you can think of. And you’ll want to spend some time in the infinity pool, which juts out dramatically over Darling Harbour and has its own bar for waterside cocktails. The decor in each room is simple and very chic – no need to overdo things when most rooms have views of the city or the ANZAC Bridge through a floor to ceiling window – and plenty of consideration has been given to visitor comfort. There’s a handy control panel next to each bed where you can set the lighting and adjust the air conditioning. Even basic things like the placement of power sockets and the selection of Lanvin toiletries have been properly thought through, and the Sofitel MyBed in each room is exactly what you want from a bed: a little cushioning comfort but properly supportive. But if you want to really soak up Sydney without getting one of the 34 suites, splash out a little on one of the corner rooms with a view of Darling Harbour. The bedroom has a long wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, but the bathroom has one of the best views

Offering views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline, ParkRoyal Darling Harbour features a restaurant, a fully equipped fitness centre and free cable TV. It is located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), 5 minutes’ walk to Chinatown and Town Hall Station.The spacious Barkers Restaurant is perfect for both business meetings and dining. It serves buffet breakfast. The newly opened ABODE Bistro and Bar offers modern Australian cuisine featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients.All rooms feature an ergonomic work desk with high-speed internet access and a safety deposit box. Each room has a large marble bathroom. Many rooms enjoy views of Darling Harbour or the city skyline.With the bars and restaurants of Cockle Bay on the doorstep, ParkRoyal Darling Harbour is only 10 minutes by train from Sydney Opera House and The Rocks. Westfield Sydney is just a 10-minute walk away.Facilities at ParkRoyal Hotel Darling Harbour include 24-hour room service, valet parking and a tour desk. Members of the ParkRoyal Club Lounge receive priority check-in and checkout, free laundry services of up to 2 items per day, and regular refreshments throughout the day.The fully equipped fitness centre offers plasma-screen TVs and state-of-the-art training equipment including weights and yoga mats. Free bottled water and towel use are provided.

Seasons Darling Harbour is a boutique apartment hotel perfectly positioned at the southern end of Darling Harbour, in Sydney CBD (Central Business District).With a selection of hotel suites and serviced apartments, this property is suitable for short or extended stays.Facilities at the Seasons hotel include 24-hour reception, concierge and a fitness centre. For guests travelling without a laptop, computers with internet are available in the lobby.Seasons Darling Harbour is located within a few minutes' walk from Chinatown, Haymarket, Sydney CBD and train stations.

Just 100 metres from Chinatown and 5 minutes’ walk from Darling Harbour, APX Darling Harbour offers self-contained accommodation with air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, a DVD player and CD player. Guests can enjoy the free in-house movies and free Wi-Fi.APX Darling Harbour is located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), just 2 minutes’ walk from the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Qantas Credit Union Arena (previously known as Sydney Entertainment Centre) and Paddy’s Market. Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.A kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator and toaster is standard in all rooms. The modern bathroom includes a hairdryer and guest toiletries. Some rooms also have a private balcony.APX Darling Harbour tour desk can book trips to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. The hotel also offers a guest laundry and luggage storage facilities.

Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel is located 270 metres from Pyrmont Bay Ferry Wharf and a 5-minute walk from the Star Casino. It offers a rooftop terrace, barbecue facilities and free Wi-Fi access.The heated guest rooms are fitted with a fridge and a desk. Guests can prepare simple meals in the shared kitchen and dine in the dining room.Hotel Darling Harbour Sydney is a 15-minute walk from Sydney's city centre. It is a short 10-minute ferry trip from Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House. The property is a 5-minute light rail trip from Chinatown and the Qantas Credit Union Arena.

Boasting stunning views over Cockle Bay, free Wi-Fi and an indoor pool, Darling Harbour Getaway is just 300 metres walk from vibrant bars and restaurants in Sydney CBD (Central Business District). Guests enjoy a fitness centre, a day spa and free secure parking.Darling Harbour Getaway Apartments is within 10 minutes’ walk of Star Casino, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Australian Maritime Museum. King Street Wharf and Chinatown are within 15 minutes’ walk.The stylish air-conditioned apartments feature a furnished balcony, a fully equipped kitchen and 2 bathrooms. Each apartment has a dining setting and a lounge area with a sofa, flat-screen TV and DVD player.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Darling Harbour Apartment offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi access. Guests can prepare a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, or relax in front of the HD flat-screen TV.Darling Harbour Apartment is positioned a short 2-minute walk from the Powerhouse Museum. The colourful Chinatown area and the Chinese Garden of Friendship are a 10-minute walk away. Sydney’s fabulous Darling Harbour is just a 15 minute walk from your doorstep.This one-bedroom split-level apartment boasts cable and satellite TV, a seating area and full laundry facilities. Your private bathroom includes a shower and a hairdryer. Linen and towels are provided for your convenience.

Situated opposite Qantas Credit Union Arena (previously known as Sydney Entertainment Centre), Novotel Rockford Sydney offers spacious rooms with Darling Harbour views. Facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre and heated indoor pool.Each stylish modern room at Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour features a minibar, in-room movies and cable TV. All rooms have views over the peaceful Chinese Gardens or bustling Chinatown.Guests can enjoy a drink or meal in the Pumphouse Bar & Restaurant. Ceezens Restaurant is open for breakfast each morning and Brew Cafe in the hotel lobby serves light snacks, sandwiches and barista coffeeNovotel Darling Harbour is 10 minutes' walk from Town Hall Station and the heart of Sydney CBD (Central Business District). Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are 30 minutes' walk away. Sydney Airport is 15 minutes' drive away.

This is a no-frills, get-what-you-pay-for option in a good location. The rooms are on the small side, but were refurbished with a cool new look in late 2007. For location alone it’s still good value for your money, especially if you manage to get a cheap internet rate. Some rooms have views of Darling Harbour and the city, while others look over Pyrmont. The Ibistro bar and restaurant has an outdoor terrace. Bar. Disabled-adapted rooms. Internet (high-speed). No-smoking floors. Parking ($25). Restaurant. TV (cable). CityRail Town Hall/Monorail/LightRail Convention. Rates $189-$400 double. Rooms 256. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V.