Sydney is an unquestionably picturesque city, and one that is home to a plethora of equally beautiful hotels. Whether you’re in need of a staycation or you’re travelling interstate, Sydney is lucky to play host to a chic selection of design-led and iconic hotels that won’t only leave you feeling refreshed and recharged, but inspired.
From boutique hotels that feel like home to five-star hotels in the heart of Sydney’s bustling CBD, we have curated a selection of the most fabulous and stylish retreats where the only problem will be you not wanting to leave.
To help you make the most of your stay in Sydney, we’ve also included some helpful information on things to do, where to eat and how to get from A to B, navigating Sydney’s trains, buses and lightrail (or not).
Sydney’s best (and most stylish) hotels to book
Best for: those who want a vibe
A former wool warehouse and terminal for large ships entering Sydney Harbour turned ultra-stylish boutique hotel, the Ovolo Woolloomoloo is a delightful haven situated on a historic wharf. The interior is playful with an industrial edge, housing spacious rooms and split-level lofts, many with water views, that feature vibrant pops of colour and modern art complemented by exposed metal beams.
The five-star boutique hotel offers pet-friendly rooms, a free mini bar, on-site dining, and an indoor pool and fitness centre. Plus, guests now have complementary access to a PEUGEOT 408 GT Fastback Plug-in Hybrid car if needed thanks to an exiciting new partnership between Ovolo and PEUGEOT.
Be sure to book a table at Alibi restaurant which serves up seriously impressive plant-based dishes and appetising aperitifs.
The details:
- Spacious rooms with water views
- Free mini bar
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Walking distance to Sydney CBD and Botanic Gardens
- Complementary access to a PEUGEOT 408 GT Fastback Plug-in Hybrid car
Best for: luxury accommodation with a rooftop bar and pool
When it comes to boutique hotels across the globe, Kimpton is a name synonymous with style. With luxury properties in the likes of Barcelona, Tokyo, Tulum and London, Kimpton Margot opened in Sydney just a couple of years ago and, even more recently, has reopened a refreshed rooftop bar, restaurant and pool. Just moments away from the State Theatre and QVB, the five-star Kimpton Margot Sydney embraces heritage-listed Art Deco architecture with a modern Australian style.
Patrons are welcomed into an original Scagliola pillared lobby filled with bold patterns, plush furnishings and walls adorned with some 600 pieces of work from artists worldwide. The 172 deco-inspired rooms and suites embrace a worldy cosmopolitan aesthetic, and will leave you feeling anywhere but home.
The details:
- 172 deco-inspired rooms
- Rooftop pool, bar and dining
- Pet-friendly
- Prime location in Sydney’s CBD
Best for: A staycation
Set within the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios and the adjoining film storage warehouse, Paramount House Hotel is an urban oasis in the heart of Surry Hills. The 29-room accommodation sees a deft mix of heritage and new design merge together to form an industrial yet chic space. Sitting atop the hotel, is a recreation club which includes an expansive fitness pavilion, treatment rooms and everyone’s favourite A.P Bakery, set amongst a rooftop garden.
Within the Paramount House precinct is Paramount Coffee Project which serves breakfast, lunch and expertly made coffee, and Poly wine bar, which offers a spectacular Japanese-style menu.
The details:
- Architect-designed rooms all with unique features
- French linen sheets and premium mini bar
- Rooftop garden with fitness centre and A.P Bakery
- Paramount Coffee Project downstairs
Best for: those with an appreciation of architecture and modernist design
Opening in early 2022, Ace Hotel Sydney is located in the historic Tyne House brick factory – the site of one of Australia’s first ceramic kilns – and was designed in partnership with Ace Hotels and multi-disciplinary practice Flack Studio.
Since opening its doors, the Surry Hills hotel has become somewhat of an institution for locals and travellers alike, with people booking in just to experience the hotel and in-house restaurant, Kiln.
The 264 rooms vary in size but all feature a cohesive material and colour palette of eucalyptus and terracotta tiles, natural stained American oak, acoustic straw panelling on the walls, and custom joinery and storage that make for comfortable stay.
The details:
- David Flack-designed rooms
- Eco-friendly bath products
- Tivoli radio, premium mini bar
- Acoustic guaitar available in some rooms
- On-site bar and restaurant
Best for: those who like hotels that feel like home
Little Albion is a favourite haunt for design lovers, and for good reason. Contemporary additions have been made to the former Surry Hills convent which offers a local guest-house experience reimagined for the modern luxury traveller. No two rooms are the same in this pet-friendly hotel which intimately houses 35 chic guestrooms each awash with bold patterns and vibrant colours. Bespoke furniture pieces paired with unique fixtures and finishes contribute to its luxe feel.
The verdant rooftop offers alfresco seating, an outdoor shower to cool off and views over the vibrant and creative suburb of Surry Hills and the city of Sydney – it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun or to wind down over a chilled glass of wine.
The details:
- Rooftop garden and bar
- Bespoke, beautifully-furnished rooms
- Private bathroom
- Pet-friendly
Best for: those who love pub-style accommodation with a luxe twist
Old and new come together in this reimagined 69-room hotel that has been uniquely conceived within two iconic heritage buildings in Chippendale. The buildings’ salvaged features juxtapose elegantly with the sleek and understated interiors that have been peppered with modern furnishings. Head up to the rooftop for an an idealistic spot to take a dip and have a drink (or two) at the pool and bar. For the ultimate luxury experience, go on a culinary adventure at Longshore, a seafood-centric diner and wine bar, which is located on site.
The details:
- Spacious, mocern and stylish rooms
- Close to Central Station and The Capitol Theatre
- Rooftop bar and pool
- On-site restaurant
Best for: Bougie on a budget
The Little National Hotel’s ethos centres on the idea of embracing luxury without being excessive. This chic accommodation offers a unique fusion of low-cost, yet high value, for those willing to forgo traditional hotel frills, while still catering to the design-savvy traveller.
The 230 well-appointed and well-considered guestrooms are cosy and sleek, boasting a decidedly Tokyo feel to them. Here, the designers have drawn light in through floor-to-ceiling feature windows which highlight the room’s pièce de résistance, a super king-sized bed. The spectacular indoor/outdoor area with double-height ceilings houses a library/work-space and an atmospheric lounge and beautifully landscaped rooftop bar area where guests can drink and socialise all while enjoying the city skyline.
Details:
- Modern minimal rooms
- Affordable rates
- Rooftop terrace and bar
- Great inner-city location
Best for: a celebration or romantic getaway
Those looking for a more traditional hotel stay shouldn’t look past the Sofitel’s Darling Harbour outpost. Renowned for their luxurious, resort-style accommodation, the Sofitel group have not disappointed with this retreat that overlooks the city skyline and harbour. The 590 guestroom hotel offers everything you’d expect from a five-star hotel, including French bathroom amenities, a stunning outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym and four delightful bars and restaurants.
The details:
- Located on Darling Harbour
- Infinity pool and rooftop bar
- City and harbour views
- Spa and wellness centre
- In-house fine dining restaurant
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Best for: immersing yourself in Sydney’s nightlife
If you’re looking for something a little bit different, the QT Sydney is an eclectic hotel with glamorous design elements. Conveniently stationed in Sydney’s CBD and set in the site of the historic Gowings Department Store and Sydney State Theatre, this hotel combines an impressive mix of Gothic, Art Deco, and Italianate influenced architecture.
The Sydney flagship offers a personalised guest experience, unforgettable dining and a signature touch of quirk with a playful take on five-star luxury.
Details:
- Acclaimed in-house spa, spaQ
- Luxurious rooms with flair
- Several in-house restaurants and bars
- Close to restaurants, bars and Pitt St Mall
- Conveniently located next to the Sydney State T
Best for: A relaxing weekend soaking up views of Sydney Harbour
Built on and over the water of Sydney’s iconic harbour and housed within a repurposed Heritage building, Pier One is undoubtedly one of the city’s most spectacular hotels. Natural light, contemporary art and Federation-style touches culminate to create welcoming and stylish accommodation against a spectacular backdrop of Walsh Bay and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Dog-friendly rooms are also available with direct pier access.
The hotel takes full advantage of its waterfront location which can also be enjoyed from the premium bar or The Gantry restaurant which serves up a delicious modern Australian fair.
The details:
- Private pontoon and panoramic harbour views
- Located in the heart of Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct
- 20-minute walk to Sydney Opera House
- In-house restaurant, The Gantry Restaurant & Bar
- Spa and balcony rooms available
Things to do in Sydney
From gorgeous beaches and gardens to galleries, restaurants, bars, theatres and more, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sydney, it really depends on what you want to do, what’s on and what kind of budget you have. If you simply want to explore the city and see all the main attractions: the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park, then you can spend a day walking around the Harbour City, stopping for lunch or a picnic in the park along the way. If you’re looking to book an experience, the Sydney BridgeClimb is popular, or you could visit the Sydney Aquarium or get the ferry across to Taronga Zoo. Check out Sydney Tourism for more ideas, attractions and itineraries to suit. For dining recommendations, check out Gourmet Traveller’s guide to the best restaurants in Sydney.
Getting around Sydney
Train, bus, lightrail, ferry, or by foot, there’s plenty of ways to get around Sydney, the best mode of transport depends on where you’re staying and where you’re going. If you’re staying in the CBD and aren’t travelling far, walking is a fabulous way to see the city. You can jump on and off the lightrail if you get tired of walking. The City Circle train can take you around the city, from Central Station to Circular Quay and there are buses and trains that can take you to Bondi, the inner-west, North Sydney and beyond. Ubers and taxis are aplenty in the city and never hard to get. A ferry ride is a great way to see Sydney Harbour and there are ferries that can take you to the north, east or west.
You can always hire a car if you need, but be sure to check that you’re hotel offers parking. If you’re staying at Ovolo Woolloomoloo, you have complementary access to a PEUGEOT 408 GT Fastback Plug-in Hybrid car which is handy if you want the freedom to explore or get out of the city for lunch or a scenic drive.
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