The 6 Best Hotels on Sydney Harbour

SydneyImage by Patty Jansen from Pix

Most visitors to Sydney can’t resist the glittering pull of the harbour for long, and if you’re staying in one of the best hotels on Sydney Harbour you won’t need to. This part of Sydney offers more than just the elegant sails of the Opera House, and the ‘coat hanger’ charm of the Harbour Bridge, the harbour runs along beside the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks (which was the first part of Sydney to be settled), and even Taronga Zoo, if you get on the ferry and travel. We have centred our recommendations around the Inner Harbour, within walking distance of many of Sydney’s major sights, and a ferry or train ride from most of the others. 

For the best harbour views

Pier One

  • Pier One, on Walsh Bay, is right by one of the pillars of the Harbour Bridge, a large and luxurious hotel with spectacular harbour views and slick, nautical decor.
  • The Shangri-La Hotel towers over Sydney, offering magnificent views over the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour. A modern luxury classic, this is a the kind of large hotel to meet all your needs and more.

For Circular Quay

  • The Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is a luxurious collection of self catering apartments right on Circular Quay. The fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities make this a perfect - and memorable - spot for families. There's a pool, gym, restaurant, bar and even childcare facilities.
  • Sydney's Park Hyatt is a five star luxury classic in a fantastic spot at the end of Circular Quay beside the bridge and opposite the Opera House. As well as opulent decor and a range of room styles, the Park Hyatt has a heated rooftop pool and fully equipped gym and spa.

In Woolloomooloo

BLUE Sydney

  • BLUE Sydney is a collection of rooms and loft-style suites just off the pier at Woolloomooloo. As well as being on the harbour, you're right by the Botanical Gardens, around the point from the Opera House surrounded by hip eateries and bars.
  • Ovolo Woolloomooloo shares the location on the old Finger Wharf, but is larger, with 100 rooms in spacious proportions. Cool and contemporary this is a great spot.

For Watson’s Bay

  • The Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is right on the beach at Watson’s Bay and offers panoramic harbour views and a lively yacht club atmosphere. Each of the 31 rooms has a unique, beachside feel and the bar and restaurant are local hotspots.

Still not sure?

The 6 Best Hotels on Sydney Harbour

Park Hyatt Sydney
Park Hyatt Sydney

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.

  • Foodies - Foodies will adore The Dining Room, where Chef James Viles creates sensational tasting menus paired with wondeful wines
  • City Style - An exceptional city hotel with dazzling harbour views, elegant interiors and fabulous dining options
  • Museums - Discover the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales
  • Designer Shopping - Browse the designer boutiques of Darling Harbour for fantastic pieces by Australian designers
from $712 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Pier One
Pier One

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.

  • Great walks - Scenic strolls at the Barangaroo Reserve are wonderful for those eager to immerse themselves in nature while still in the city
  • Romantic Break - Hide away in harbour-facing suites for a romantic weekend together, complete with craft cocktails & sink-into tubs
  • Theatre - Catch a show at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, just a few minutes' walk away, or at the Sydney Opera House
  • Weddings - A brilliant wedding venue, with enchanting Walsh Bay views, and a real sense of contemporary cool
from $181 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney

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.

  • Weddings - A glamorous wedding venue with multiple events spaces, fabulous cuisine & seamless attention to detail from the expert team
  • Honeymoons - A beautiful honeymoon hotel, complete with gourmet fare, a superb spa & sensational harbour-view suites
  • Museums - The Museums of Contemporary Art houses an excellent array of ever-changing exhibitions
  • Theatre - Catch a performance at the Sydney Opera House, which sits within walking distance
from $188 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

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.

  • Groups - Groups will adore the glamorous apartments with kitchens, sitting rooms & gorgeous views, plus a lively bar & eatery
  • Close to nightlife - Join Sydney's hip, well-heeled crowd at the bars and eateries of Circular Quay and the Rocks, all close to the hotel
  • Families - Two-bedroom apartments are great for families, who can expect cots and extra beds for little ones
  • Great walks - Strolls through the Royal Botanic Gardens are lovely for guests of all ages
from $259 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel
Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel

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.

  • Romantic Break - Spacious blue and cream-clad suites are wonderfully romantic, perfect for couples' weekends away
  • Local exploring - Brilliant for exploring the Watsons Bay area, with its beach, cafes, bars and restaurants
  • Great walks - Follow the lovely coastal paths along The Gap for gorgeous views and a fresh sea breeze
  • Hotel Entertainment - Enjoy live music on weekend evenings at Watsons
from $307 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Ovolo Woolloomooloo

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.

  • Groups - A great base for groups, who will love the lively vibe, the industrial-chic design and the proximity to Sydney's sights
  • Local exploring - Boasting an enviable location in the heart of Sydney Harbour and next to the Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Museums - See works by Australian and International artists at the Museum of Contemporary Arts.
  • Great walks - The hotel is located just 2 minutes from the picturesque Royal Botanical Gardens.
from $193 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

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