A shimmering city on the edge of the water, Sydney is synonymous with its famous harbour. Brimming with architectural landmarks, lively restaurants, bars, boutiques and world-class galleries, this artsy, energetic Australian city has long been a firm favourite with travellers from across the world. Accommodation-wise, Sydney is home to a tremendous array of top-notch boutique boltholes, waterfront pads and luxury hotels, perfect for couples, friends and families alike. Our Gurus have gathered the best places to stay in Sydney all on one page — perfect for planning the trip of a lifetime!
Visitors to Sydney will undoubtedly find themselves gravitating towards the waterfront. Admire impressive collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Discover the hip food and nightlife hotspots of Circular Quay and The Rocks, or catch a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Keen museum-goers will adore the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, as well as the Sydney Museum and the Australian Museum.
Take to the water for a fabulous sailing excursion, or hop aboard the ferry to unwind in fashionable Manly. Join city dwellers in soaking up the sunshine on Bondi Beach, fill your bags with fresh produce from farmers’ markets, or enjoy a game at the Sydney Cricket Ground. You’ll find an astonishing variety of things to see and do within easy reach of the best places to stay in Sydney — reason enough to linger a little longer!
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
Sydney (Chinatown)
A stylish industrial conversion in bustling Chinatown, this red-brick landmark dates back to 1911. Now, 95 simple, grey-and-white painted rooms welcome families & groups — as well as pets. The best spaces have private terraces & big windows. Great rates & a lively location are the ultimate draw.
Sydney (Surry Hills)
An unusual, hugely affordable hotel in lively Surry Hills, close to the shopping of Crown Street & nightlife of Oxford Street. Simple guest rooms economise on space, with solo, twin & double options, plus modern bathrooms and smart TVs. A good choice for great rates & short stays in central Sydney.
Sydney (Australia)
A collection of great value guest rooms & multi-bedroom residences in the lively Surry Hills district. Interiors feature crisp white linens & bold patterned carpets, plus modern kitchens, sitting rooms & dining spaces. A top spot for long-stay guests seeking retro cool on a budget.
Sydney (Paddington)
A simple heritage hotel housed in a former bank branch building in leafy, laid-back Paddington. The 30 guest rooms & suites are clad in white and deep blue tones, with preserved period features and bold blue-tiled bathrooms. Very reasonably priced & friendly — plus close to cafes & eateries aplenty.
Sydney (Australia)
A boutique hotel on the beach with some great ocean views. Rooms are simple and clean, some with private balconies. Breakfast served daily in the communal dining area. Just a bus ride from the city centre and a short walk to some good restaurants and cafes - this is a good spot for local exploring.
Sydney (Bondi)
A playful Bondi base, showcasing bright original artwork just five minutes' walk from one of the world's most iconic beaches. Expect whitewashed walls, pale wooden floors & pops of colour in spacious guest rooms with extra bed options, plus kitchenettes & seating areas. Fun, fresh and affordable.
Sydney (Broadway)
A collection of 64 minimalist rooms & one- or two-bedroom suites in a restored warehouse, with monochrome interiors & lots of light. Suites have kitchens, cosy sitting rooms & balconies. The Hide café promises cracking coffee & pastries, and Lekker bicycles are available for exploring. Very trendy.
Sydney (Australia)
Georgian restoration meets modern design in the heart of Sydney's Rock District. Chic self-catering apartments and bedrooms overlooking the Opera House, with a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness centre. A bustling area with plenty of local restaurants and bars.
Sydney (Australia)
An old Quarantine Station which has been completely renovated to offer comfortable modern bedrooms, private cottages and two fantastic restaurants. With a private beach and shuttle to Sydney Harbour - this is great for families or wedding parties looking for something completely unique.
Sydney (Mosman)
An imposing 19th-century residence on Sydney's lower North Shore, transformed into a chic 26-bedroom boutique hotel. Blue & white-painted rooms & suites with velvet headboards, glittering chandeliers & free-standing tubs offer private balconies. Expect big buffet breakfasts & a fresh all-day menu.
Sydney (Australia)
An 1888-built heritage building near Darling Harbour, transformed into a thoroughly modern boutique hotel offering comfort & style in abundance. Centrally located in Pyrmont, the hotel boasts a buzzy Mediterranean restaurant & bar, swish meeting spaces and a fresh design-led feel. Also great value.
Sydney (Bondi Beach)
A collection of 16 stylish guest rooms & apartments facing iconic Bondi Beach. Spaces have a cool, coastal vibe, with floor-to-ceiling windows, pale pink, yellow & blue textiles & ocean views. With three hip bars & a cracking Mediterranean menu with superb seafood, this is a trendy seaside spot.
Sydney (CBD)
A swish contemporary hotel close to the lively Barangaroo development in the CBD. Crisp white linens top big beds in compact rooms with city views, workspaces, marble bathrooms & a modern industrial feel. The action centres on the lively restaurant & bar, with garden atrium & velvet seating.
Sydney (Australia)
A beautifully furnished boutique hotel housed in a converted city townhouse, brilliantly blending old and new in 18 understated guest rooms. Set in the heart of Darlinghurst, Sydney's vibrant restaurant district, you'll find foodie hotspots right on your doorstep. Romantic, intimate & charming.
Sydney (The Rocks)
Built in 1887, this beautiful historic building houses 59 chic guest rooms & suites in hip The Rocks. Attractive interiors have moody charcoal walls, leather chairs & woven Middle Eastern textiles. Expect cracking Middle Eastern flavours, a busy bar, convivial courtyard & creperie. A lively spot.
Sydney (Australia)
Hip & happening, Oxford House is a seriously cool spot in lively Paddington. The 55 minimalist rooms & suites are clad in pale wood with crisp white linens, original artwork, design books & moody bathrooms. Life centres around the pool, with live music & zingy margaritas, plus a cosy wine bar.
Sydney (Surry Hills)
A seriously cool hipster hangout in the former Australian headquarters of Paramount with 29 rooms & suites. Think earthy tones, plant-filled balconies, designer sofas & wooden tubs. A funky arts space in Surry Hills, alongside a retro cinema, coffee joint, bistro-bar, bakery & rooftop Pilates gym.
Sydney (Bondi Beach)
Five gorgeous suites with wooden floorboards & terrace-facing French doors behind a blue-painted façade in Bondi. Quirky spaces are bedecked in antiques, with original artwork, lots of light & organic breakfast provisions. A Bondi icon since the 1950s, this intimate retreat oozes easygoing charm.
Sydney (CBD)
Cool & contemporary, this slick 230-room hotel in Sydney's CBD boasts white, black & cream interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows & soft lighting. The library is a smart workspace, whilst the rooftop & terrace bar encourage well-heeled travellers to unwind over after-work cocktails. Very smart.
Sydney (Potts Point)
A 20-bedroom B&B tucked behind the elegant façade of three Victorian townhouses, with an honesty bar and hidden courtyard. The soft white, grey & blue-green colour palette adds to the sense of romance. The best rooms have tree-facing terraces, bathrooms with big tubs & cosy sofas. Chic & intimate.
Sydney (Australia)
Situated next to the Harbour Bridge, this luxury hotel is built on a private pontoon with spectacular views across Sydney Harbour. Slick nautical decor promises crisp white & blue guest rooms & suites with dazzling vistas. Enjoy top Australian cuisine & craft cocktails at the restaurant.
Sydney (Millers Point)
A chic, adults-only bolthole in Millers Point, this small hotel boasts striking harbour views from its blue-and-white clad guest rooms & lively restaurant-bars. Expect cocktails at rooftop Henry Deane, plus craft beers & a laid-back vibe at the Public House — both have private party spaces. Lovely.
Sydney (Circular Quay)
A grand traditional hotel, housed in a red-brick building from 1890. Think glittering chandeliers & an impressive collection of art & antiques, plus crackling fireplaces & big beds in spacious suites. A swimming pool, restaurant & whisky bar add to the appeal, and the high teas are terrific.
Sydney (Australia)
A converted brewery oozing timeless cool. Featuring a rooftop pool, hip bar, art gallery and excellent seafood restaurant, there's plenty to keep you busy in-house. The rooms shout out urban chic with exposed stone, contemporary bathrooms and all the mod-cons. A hard one to beat.
Sydney (Australia)
An indulgent 5* hotel in the heart of Sydney Harbour, with magnificent views of the iconic Opera House. Contemporary rooms are clad in cream, light blue & golden tones, with striking vistas & impeccable marble bathrooms. A vast health club, acclaimed spa & award-winning restaurant add to the appeal.
Sydney (Australia)
Impeccable contemporary interiors fuse old and new in the historic General Post Office building, set in the heart of the city. A landmark hotel with city views, smart suites & an array of event spaces. Expect excellent Asian & Australian fusion fare, craft cocktails & a great wellness centre.
Sydney (Australia)
A hip industrial property running the length of the Finger Wharf, with an impressive lobby & lounge of epic proportions. Rooms are equally spacious with all the mod cons and cool contemporary styling. Perfectly located just minutes from some of Sydney's best sights and eateries. Superb & great fun.
Sydney (Coogee)
A laid-back seaside spot with a 150-year-old history & top-notch reputation for live music & entertainment. Airy rooms & studios with kitchenettes, workspaces & balconies are set in two buildings at this Coogee Bay landmark. Buzzy bars, eateries & event spaces ooze a carefree coastal spirit.
Sydney (Australia)
The best of Sydney’s five-star gems, this waterfront favourite boasts great food and cocktails, sophisticated rooms and suites, the biggest heated hotel pool in town, fabulous views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and unbeatable Four Seasons service.
Sydney (Darling Harbour)
Poised opposite the International Convention Centre in bustling Darling Harbour, this glittering high-rise hotel has chic interiors & elegant French influences. Expect one restaurant & four glitzy bars, plus a rooftop swimming pool & sumptuous spa. Five-star style with a top reputation for events.
Sydney (Double Bay)
A luxurious hotel with elegant contemporary interiors housed in a historic Double Bay building. Following a careful restoration, the property boasts sumptuous suites with marble bathrooms and smart seating areas, plus a rooftop pool & lounge-bar. A smart city base away from the crowds.
Sydney (Australia)
In prime position overlooking Darling Harbour, this luxurious hotel is as startling inside as out, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a mix of gritty urban and sleek nautical design features, a rooftop pool and a dessert bar amongst its food offerings.
Sydney (Darlinghurst)
A boutique bolthole in Darlinghurst known for its trendy rooftop bar, laid-back pub & buzzy French-inspired bistro. The 17 guest rooms are largely monochromatic, with a sophisticated French sense of style & curated photography by local artists. A library & vinyl listening room add to the appeal.
Sydney (Australia)
The quirky restoration of a historic building ensures a stunning setting for this hip boutique hotel with day spa in the city's CBD. Funky decor, sophisticated lighting and super-soft beds make for a colourful, unforgettable stay in the heart of Sydney. A chic bar & grill complete the picture.
Sydney (Australia)
A chic boutique hotel in Sydney's lively CBD, boasting swish, sophisticated interiors in a former publishing house. Think atmospheric spaces with mood lighting & all the mod-cons. Multiple hip bars & three gourmet eateries await: Cantonese, Japanese & Australian. Lively, fun-loving & very cool.
Sydney (Australia)
Luxurious, family friendly apartments with fully equipped kitchen & laundry facilities. Situated just metres from the iconic Sydney Opera House, the building also boasts an indoor pool, gym, hip restaurant & bar specialising in modern Australian cuisine. A light, airy & glamorous self-catering spot.
Sydney (Australia)
The Langham is a luxury downtown hotel situated in the heart of The Rocks district. Elegant, magnificently furnished bedrooms with views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. A fitness suite and swimming pool are on offer as well as a number of dining areas and cocktail lounges.
Sydney (Surry Hills)
Originally a convent school, this Gothic building has been re-imagined as a stylish B&B with Art Deco & 1970s-inspired elements. Guest rooms feature patterned curtains, cosy beds with bold textiles & hardwood floors — plus indulgent bathrooms. The rooftop terrace & honesty bar are brilliant.
Sydney (Australia)
On the beach and recently restored, this hotel boasts panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and a lively Yacht Club atmosphere. Each of the rooms has a unique beachside feel. The hotel Beach Club bar is a local hotspot, serving cocktails and quality seafood. A real vibrant seaside atmosphere.
Sydney (Surry Hills)
A hip boutique bolthole in trendy Surry Hills, The Elizabeth boasts 38 bright guest rooms. Tropical wallpapers, soft striped linens & marble bathrooms are a delight. Some rooms have private balconies but there's also a roof terrace, courtyard garden & chic cocktail bar. An adults-only gem.
Sydney (Surry Hills)
Housed in a former tile factory in trendy Surry Hills, Ace Hotel has a trendy, retro-cool vibe, with original pieces by the artist in residence adorning the walls. Expect an earthy colour palette, striped woollen blankets & slick bathrooms. The hip lobby bar, two restaurants & cafe are top-notch.
Sydney (CBD)
The most impressive art deco building in the city now houses an indulgent hotel with an exquisite sense of glamour. Guest rooms & suites feel chic & understated, clad in white, blue velvet & black; whilst the 1930s-inspired bar, gourmet eatery & roof terrace have a hip buzz. An artsy urban landmark.
Sydney (CBD)
An exceptional luxury hotel housed in a striking Edwardian building with immaculate contemporary interiors. Think sophisticated cream & white tones with black accents, clean lines and crisp linens in rooms with superb city views — plus a serene spa, gourmet eateries & a courtyard garden. Exquisite.
Sydney (Barangaroo)
A dazzling five-star hotel with casino, sumptuous spa & gourmet eateries overlooking Sydney Harbour. Exquisite contemporary guest rooms & suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, crisp white linens & blue accents, plus big bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. A premier entertainment venue promising opulence.
Sydney (Australia)
Five star luxury at its best, with an unbeatable location between Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. This opulent hotel, rooms in rich chocolate, cream and beige hues will not disappoint. Enjoy private balconies and dining rooms, plus a fully equipped gym and spa.