The 27 best hotels in Sydney

There's a sense of history in every room of this former Carlton Brewery site. While its hotel rooms have all the mod-cons (and some have baths in the bedrooms), original features have been retained, and the result is one of Sydney's most divine hotels. There's an Art Deco-style bar (The Clare Bar) on the ground floor, a rooftop pool bar, some great food on offer, and plenty of action when you step out the door. 

Time Out tip: The Old Clare is in the centre of Sydney's coolest neighbourhood, Chippendale, so go exploring. Nearby you’ll find five-star restaurants, a party palace called the Abercrombie, a three-storey warehouse of contemporary Chinese art, and a beautiful, modern cinema complex.

Since opening in 1990, the Park Hyatt has played host to a steady stream of celebrities, heads of state and international jetsetters with money to burn. The carpets are so plush you’ll want to roll around on them like a dog – and the rooms are quiet, with the sound of the harbour's gentle waves optional if you open the huge glass doors. The biggest selling point here (beyond the deluxe rooms and spellbinding view of the Sydney Opera House) is the heated rooftop pool.

Time Out tip: The Park Hyatt’s food offerings are led by culinary director James Viles. Make sure you book in for a dining experience with one-hatted food and five-star views, at the Dining Room by James Viles.

Every detail in the Paramount House Hotel has been carefully considered, meticulously placed and kept affectionately local. The 29-bedroom hotel straddles the former Australian HQ of Paramount Picture Studios and its former film storage warehouse; the latter is where you’ll find the timber-floored, terrazzo-tiled guest rooms (some with chic Japanese timber bathtubs).

Time Out tip: Head downstairs to Paramount Coffee Project for an excellent flat white. Come sunset, go for dinner at Poly, then catch an indie flick at the Golden Age Cinema – all within the same building.

The rich history of Surry Hills' artistic, social and aesthetic evolution has been the inspiration behind the design of the Ace Hotel Sydney, the first of this luxury accommodation brand’s Australian outposts. Situated in the renovated Tyne House brick factory, the site of Australia’s first industrial ceramics kiln, the 264-key hotel also features a ground-floor all-day eatery, a lobby cocktail lounge and a rooftop restaurant and bar.  

Time Out tip: Start with a Martini in the always-buzzing lobby before heading upstairs to Kiln for a fire-powered feast you won't forget, then chuck on a vinyl in your room. This is like being in the '70s, but without the downer bits. 

The Darling Harbour structure that might just lay claim to the title of Sydney’s most interesting skyscraper has finally opened. The New York-born hotel chain is known around the world for its edgy architecture and luxury offerings. The hotel houses 588 rooms and suites that are futuristic – there are lots of shiny, reflective surfaces, light features, interesting shapes and pops of colour, with fancy features like the W Mixbar so you can make your own cocktail in the comfort of your home for the night.

Time Out tip: Don't skip the breakfast buffet at Btwn restaurant – we reckon it's one of the best in Sydney.

Waking up to a view of lions lazing in the sun against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour is a magical experience that every wildlife-loving Sydneysider dreams of doing at least onece. Taronga Zoo's 62-room retreat allows you to do exactly that: with the sustainably-designed hotel offering guests VIP access to the zoo, plus all of the indulgences you'd hope for from a luxury hotel.

Time Out tip: Staying overnight at the zoo gives you greater chance of catching a glimpse of Taronga's nocturnal residents.

This 590-room five-star high rise sits next to the International Convention Centre, in the heart of Darling Harbour. There are three bars, including a Champagne bar with an impressive selection of wines by the glass, and an onsite French restaurant called Atelier, which transforms into a decadent breakfast buffet each morning.

Time Out tip: 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 Ovolo Woolloomooloo occupies the front half of the heritage-listed Finger Wharf, which means you’ve got waterside wow-factor, knockout vistas and some of Sydney’s best dining at your fingertips. That’s a pretty tempting proposition in and of itself. Plus, you get to stay in the world’s largest wooden building, according to the Guinness World Records.

Time Out tip: The Finger Wharf is also home to some of Sydney's best waterfront restaurants – Otto is our top pick.

In its previous iterations, it hosted US presidents, our own Prime Ministers (Bob Hawke famously ran through the area in budgie smugglers), Princess Diana and, sadly, Michael Hutchence on the last night of his life. Since a major facelift in 2015, the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is at its best. There are 140 rooms and suites –all decorated in a contemporary, tasteful style that wouldn’t offend you, or your grandmother.

Time Out tip: Walk along New South Head Road to the Murray Rose Pool, a harbour beach and large swimming enclosure that’s ripe for a dip any time of year.

No expense was spared in the development of Penrith's first five-star hotel, which is in the Penrith Panther's district, opposite the Rugby League club, as well as activities such as iFLY and Aqua Golf. Each room has a sleep therapy menu, accessible via a tablet, so you can support your shut-eye time with sleep masks and high-tech pillows. The mini bar is stocked with boutique booze, and there are great eateries and bars within the hotel. And when you're ready to burn off your indulgences, there's a hotel fitness and wellness centre, which was designed in partnership with the high-performance team at the Penrith Panthers NRL club.

Time Out tip: Dine at the hotel's restaurant, Marcel Bar & Bistro. Hotel restaurants can be hit or miss – this one is a hit. We had the Grande Tasting Menu, a fine feast for $110 a head.

In Sydney, waking up to the sound of waves crashing tends to be a luxury reserved for the wealthy, but at this harbourside hotel in Watsons Bay, anyone willing to splash out on one of the waterfront rooms can enjoy a slice of that Eastern Suburbs' lifestyle for a day. The 31-room hotel was renovated in 2013, but its roots as a pitstop by the beach date back to the 19th century, when it was called the Palace Hotel. 

Time Out tip: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is five minutes’ walk from the turquoise waters and golden sands of Camp Cove. Take a book, or your snorkel gear, and get to know the locals gathered by the beach kiosk. 

The Sheraton Grand Hyde Park is a hotel whose name reflects its offering: it’s opulent and old-school in the very best way. And though it would be easy for this hotel to rest on its laurels – with its super-central location guaranteeing its popularity – the team manages to deliver something that’s at once intimate and awe-inspiring. With 588 rooms and 48 suites stretching above the city for 22 expansive floors, this is a hotel that reminds you that you’re in one of the world’s major cities.

Time Out tip: The restaurant downstairs – Sydney Common – is truly exceptional, and with a pool on the rooftop, there's really very little reason to leave.

The spectacularly grand 192-room Capella is housed in Sydney’s historic Sandstone Precinct, and is actually part of the No.1 Best Hotel Brand in the World. Here, your dream to live like royalty, even if just for one night, can become a reality with a naturally-lit 20-metre indoor pool, Italian frette linen, 24-hour room service controlled by a tablet, and goodies from natural (and lavish) skincare line Haeckels. Brasserie 1930 – a magnificent Australian brasserie – occupies the ground floor, so you won't need to leave the building for one of the most exceptional meals in the city.

Time Out tip: Head to McRae Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail (you might well find yourself back there after you've eaten for a digestif, it's that kind of place).

Little National perfected its combination of upmarket finesse and petite chic in Canberra, and has executed yet again at its purpose-built 230-room Sydney hotel, which sits atop the Wynyard Station complex, a stone’s throw from the Barangaroo precinct, Martin Place and Circular Quay. Luxury touches, such as Brogo bathrobes, complimentary movie access and Appelles Apothecary and Lab toiletries, plus other little perks like in-room T2 tea service and the Little National’s own in-house newspaper, make the rooms feel cosy rather than cramped.

Time Out tip: The hotel has partnered with Uber Eats to create a room-service menu that spans the entire CBD – order dinner from a city eatery straight to your bedroom.

This 35-room hotel gathers together a kaleidoscope of design cues that, far from feeling anachronistic, honour the many style revolutions this building has borne witness to. There’s a ‘60s-inspired sunken lounge, an honour bar that Gatsby would covet, flashes of Deco chic in the pink terrazzo floors and brushed-brass room numbers, a bohemian roof terrace with ecclesiastical views, and a ‘70s-worthy lime-green patterned carpet.

Time Out tip: You can bring your pooch.

Not unlike the gleaming exterior of the elegantly curved sapphire shard that now dominates Sydney’s skyline, bling is the watchword of the Crown Resort aesthetic. All that glitters may not be gold (although there’s still a lot of it), but it will otherwise likely be silver, chrome or crystal, like the six-storey chandelier atrium in the hotel lobby. Encrusted in no fewer than 396 sparklers, accented with a pulsing LED light show, it punches a hole straight through the building, offering guests on the first six floors a glimpse of the comings and goings below.

Time Out tip: Book in the warmer months – spending time at the infinity pool that looks out over the water at Barangaroo is a must.

Australia’s largest upscale hotel overlooks the water at Sydney’s Darling Harbour – it takes in views of the CBD waterways, as well as providing vistas of the peak of the graceful ANZAC Bridge and the beginnings of the Parramatta River. The best bit: because the harbourside rooms face west, you get stunning views at dusk, as the sun sets over the water. The 887-room Hyatt Regency undertook a multi-million dollar upgrade, emerging with a chic new look channelling a subtle nautical vibe inspired by its harbourside setting. 

Time Out Tip: Head up to Zephyr Bar for a sunset cocktail overlooking the city, then downstairs to Sailmaker for a remarkably affordable, sustainably-sourced seafood feast.

This 99-year-old French-inspired hotel, bistro and bar located smack-bang on the corner of William and Crown Streets is full of understated yet seriously luxe touches. Freshly renovated and restored, this historical Sydney venue boasts 17 boutique rooms, chic bathrooms, custom-made olive-green bathrobes, and your very own Nespresso machine for your morning brew. Great if you’re a traveller looking for a base in the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider in need of a staycation. 

Time Out tip: After you check in, head upstairs to the hotel's French-Moroccan rooftop bar for some incredible views and adventurous cocktails. 

At the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel, you can get a Peloton ordered to your room. Health shots are free for everyone, every morning. The turquoise rooftop pool is spiced with magnesium, instead of chlorine. The list goes on – this is a coastal wellness paradise, but if what you're after is a good Martini and a big bowl of pasta, you'll find that here too.

Time Out tip: There are dog-friendly rooms available, and fantastic dining options on site. If you're keen to head out though, our guide to eating and drinking in Manly should help.

If you’re wondering why so many boutique hotels in Sydney are built in old woolsheds, it’s because colonial Australia was built on a sheep’s back. Renovated in 2016, the hotel offers the “full Sydney” view. The decor is Hamptons holiday house, with a touch of global nomad – in the form of woven hangings and ikat print cushions.

Time Out tip: Walsh Bay is the centre of Sydney’s mainstage theatre precinct. Sydney Theatre Company is 20 minutes on foot from the Opera House.

Relaxation isn’t a word most people associate with airports, but as you watch planes cross the tarmac from the retro-chic, eighth-floor bar of this hotel, you might start to wonder where all your travel stress comes from. The Citadines Connect Sydney Airport is one of the newest hotels near Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport, and it’s a brilliant place to stay if you need quick access to the terminals. 

Time Out tip: Perch yourself at the bar that overlooks the runway and pretend you’re Don Draper on very important business.

If the thought of a red-lit, golden-windowed New York-meets-Italian art deco hotel enchants you (but you don’t have the funds to pop over the ditch), Hotel Morris could be the answer to your dreams. Housed within a towering Renaissance-style building that was once Australia’s tallest hotel, Hotel Morris is the closest most of us in Sydney will probably ever get to living out our best Great Gatsby imaginings. With 82 bespoke suites on offer, Hotel Morris is a boutique hotel filled with warm, unusual corners.

Time Out tip: Head downstairs to Bar Morris early, Piccolo Hour runs from 3.30pm until 5.30pm

Nestled comfortably in the middle of Sydney's historic district, the Rocks, Sydney Harbour YHA is fitted is a brilliant (budget-friendly) accomodation option right in the heart of Sydney. It's comfy, colourful, and fitted with everything you'll need for a week or so in the city – but the thing to really write home about is the view from the rooftop terrace. The hostel is surrounded by colonial pubs and is only a short trip via public transport to Sydney's favourite nighttime spots.

Time Out tip: Head up to the rooftop at literally anytime of day for million dollar views that won't cost you your left leg. 

Talk about a breakfast of champions. The aptly named Horizon Club Lounge up on levels 30-36 is where Horizon Club guests can lap up an Asian, Continental or whatever-you-like brekky buffet alongside views of Sydney Harbour, the Bridge and the Opera House. Ferries and cruise ships putter around below you like toys in a bathtub, and the view extends from the Blue Mountains in the west to the heads and the Pacific Ocean in the east. 

Time Out tip: The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is perfectly located for access to the historical area of the Rocks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting the Sydney Opera House, and ferries to Taronga Zoo and Manly.

For a quirky high-end stay in the heart of the CBD, you can’t go past QT Sydney. It packs 200 individualised rooms, a day spa (spaQ), men’s barber, two bars, a café and a restaurant into the heritage-listed Gowings building – and still feels boutique rather than behemoth.

Time Out tip: Though its central location makes a night out in the city easy, there's really no need to leave the hotel for an evening sampling Sydney's finest fare. On the first floor, Gowings is an opulent New York-inspired space serving up perfectly decadent steaks and excellent Martinis, and downstairs you'll find Parlour; a sultry space that will transport you to the intimate bistros of Paris.

Located just a ten-minute shuttle from Sydney Airport, this hotel is your ultimate runway to play – whether you're just arriving or heading out of the Emerald City. As a guest here, you'll score a complimentary cocktail plus a lift to the airport on the hotel's bright pink shuttle bus. There's also a 24 hour gym for when jet lag sets in, plus 55-inch flat screens in every room and retro phones by the bed which will serenade you to sleep with a bedtime story.

Time Out tip: There’s a 24/7 snack and drinks corner for your late-night cravings, or if you can hold out until the morning – downstairs, Little Baxter has you covered with Double Roasters coffee and fresh pastries from Sonoma.