This was published 6 years ago
Sydney's best places to stay: Top hotels reviewed by the experts
The Darling hotel, Sydney.
Overwhelmed by Sydney's accommodation options? Traveller's experts are here to help. Here's our pick of the top 10.
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
The Ovolo sits on Finger Wharf, one of the oldest timber wharfs in the world. Once a busy cargo dock, the waterfront space has now been transformed into a collection of hip bars and restaurants. TripAdvisor named the Ovolo Woolloomooloo the No.1 hotel in Australia in its 2019 Travellers' Choice Awards. We wouldn't go as far as that, but it is a very cool place to stay or just to hang out in. The included extras are a great bonus.
One of the oldest five-star hotels in the country, it's good to see the Wentworth keeping pace with its newer rivals. With real estate hard to come by in Sydney, the Wentworth will always have the advantage of its location.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★
Radisson Blu
Just outside the centre of the CBD, the Radisson Blu is a short walk from the heart of Sydney, with the Pitt Street Mall, Martin Place, the Museum of Sydney and the State Library. Despite the controversy over New South Wales' lockout laws, there are plenty of places to get a drink or a fine meal in the city these days. These revamped digs may be part of a large chain, but the hotel has made good use of the distinctive history of the building to ensure it's no cookie-cutter experience for guests.
Our rating: ★★★★½
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
Sheraton on the Park
While it may be an award-winner with business travellers, the Sheraton on the Park's location and comforts make it equally attractive to leisure visitors seeking a luxurious stay. Overlooking the city's Hyde Park, the Sheraton is in the heart of Sydney, just a block from the Pitt Street Mall and a short walk to Darling Harbour, the Town Hall and Martin Place.
Our rating: ★★★★½
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
The Darling
The Darling is one of three accommodation options within the large Star casino complex, on the edge of Sydney's Darling Harbour's Pyrmont side, a short walk from the CBD and the new International Convention Centre. Despite being part of a large complex, the Darling manages to feel something like a boutique hotel. In particular, the staff are friendly, efficient and helpful, making guests actually feel like guests and not just customers.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
Primus
Credit: Mark Heriot
The hotel is on Pitt St, between Bathurst and Liverpool Streets. The 1939 art deco building is now a 172-room, five-star hotel channelling '30s glamour. If you've got the means, the suites are the way to go. Otherwise, the highlight of this hotel is the rooftop, a rare creature in Sydney. Pack the swimmers for a dip in the heated 20m pool and order a glass of sparkling. So what if a hundred apartments are looking down on you? Show 'em how to live.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
Pullman Grand Sydney
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney harbour view suite.
Ideally located slap bang in the middle of the action on the eastern side of Circular Quay. Ferries, buses and trains on your doorstep, and the Opera House, the Botanic Gardens and The Rocks all within walking distance. It might not be the hippest kid on the block, but when it comes to convenience and practicality, the Pullman has few peers.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
QT Sydney
A triumph: QT Sydney is hip, humorous and deeply historic. It is proof that old buildings can come back to life with smart choices in art and architecture. With service at traditionally professional levels but with some quirky innovations, the whole thing sings. If you must leave the building, turn left and in less than a minute, you're at the Queen Victoria Building for some serious Sydney shopping.
More than a century old, the Pier One building began its life as a working cargo wharf and passenger transit point. Pier One offers one of the most beautiful locations in Sydney and with the Gantry restaurant it offers a great location for a romantic escape or special occasion. You'd be hard pressed to get closer to the bridge fireworks than here.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★
Swissotel Sydney
Squarely in the CBD, Market Street's shopping area is buzzing at 4pm. While Louis Vuitton, is not on the (credit) cards, there are plenty more affordable mainstays in the stunning Queen Victoria Building and Westfield. The Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour are in walking distance.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
With new hotels opening and expanding, Sydney is finally catching up to demand. The Sofitel Darling Harbour is an excellent addition to the city's accommodation landscape and will no doubt prove a hit with tourists and business travellers alike. The 35-floor, 590-room tower is now Darling Harbour's tallest building. The facilities make the most of the location, with the hotel's champagne bar and restaurant offering views across the harbour to the city, as does the impressive infinity pool on the fourth floor.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
ParkRoyal Darling Harbour
The ParkRoyal is not a place of unique character or charm, but for those looking for a stay close to Sydney's heart, this is a fine option at a reasonable price. Both the Darling Quarter precinct and the Sydney CBD are within five minutes' walk so you can enjoy the waterfront and the city during your stay, plus there is easy access to transport to other places around the city.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★½
Fraser Suites Sydney
On Kent Street in the heart of Sydney's CBD, Fraser Suites is in a great location for exploring the city. The 41-storey building features 201 rooms in various configurations, ranging from simple studio apartments through to a three-bedroom, 192-square-metre penthouse. Fraser Suites offers serviced apartments, not just a room, so everything you need to take up residence is here.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★
Hyatt Regency Sydney
On the edge of the CBD, facing Darling Harbour, the Hyatt Regency is in one of Sydney's premier locations. With a whopping 890 rooms, this is the largest hotel in the country. A bar and large restaurant can be found on the ground floor, with a striking rooftop watering hole on the 15th floor. Despite its size, the Hyatt Regency doesn't feel overcrowded and offers an excellent location for both leisure and business visitors to Sydney.
Our rating: ★★★★
TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.