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Shangri La Sydney

Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) is the vibrant heart of Australia’s largest city, where iconic landmarks meet cutting-edge modernity. With smart designer shopping, an exciting culinary scene and the glorious harbour views that Sydney is known for, the CBD is an ideal base for visitors exploring Sydney’s top attractions like the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour and the historic Rocks district. Here, we’ve handpicked some of the best hotels in Sydney’s Central Business District, from affordable city escapes to extravagant suites boasting the best harbour vistas – meaning you can get the pre-requisite Opera House selfie from the comfort of your own room. After all, in stunning Sydney, views are everything...

Best hotels in Sydney with harbour views

Four Seasons Sydney

  • Shangri-La Sydney is a five-star icon with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Expect truly refined luxury, first-class dining at Altitude and an exceptional (in fact, award-winning) spa.
  • Another waterfront marvel, the Four Seasons Sydney has unbeatable views of the harbour from many of its rooms, along with top-tier amenities like a lavish spa and the biggest heated hotel pool in town.
  • Housed in a striking Edwardian building, Capella Sydney offers panoramic views of the water from select suites. Its immaculate contemporary interiors, spacious rooms and ritzy dining options make for a truly exquisite stay.

Best luxury hotels in Sydney CBD

Kimpton Margot Sydney

  • Kimpton Margot Sydney is a boutique luxury hotel that shines with Art Deco flair and boasts a prime location. With a rooftop pool, chic but understated rooms and a 1930s-style bar, this is an artsy urban landmark in Sydney.
  • Surrounded by colonial buildings and quaint churches, The Langham Sydney has bags of old-world charm. Plush rooms, a tranquil spa and an indoor pool with a star-dappled ceiling add to a feeling of quiet elegance.
  • The quirky, design-focused QT Sydney manages to straddle edgy aesthetics with high-end comfort. Expect sophisticated lighting, chic interiors and a buzzing bar scene.

Best affordable accommodation in Sydney's CBD

West Hotel Sydney

  • Stylish, compact, and budget-friendly, Little National Hotel Sydney delivers sleek modern design and great value. While the rooms are small, the hotel’s focus on comfort and functionality includes a library as a smart workspace and a nice rooftop bar in which to unwind at the end of the day.
  • The swish but affordable West Hotel Sydney is centred around a garden atrium with a lively bar and restaurant. Expect crisp white linens atop big beds in compact rooms and workspaces – and great proximity to Barangaroo.
  • Housed in the former General Post Office, The Fullerton is a mid-range luxury option offering excellent value for its central location. Expect superb Asian and Australian fusion fare, craft cocktails and a fab wellness centre.
  • The stylish boutique Establishment Hotel combines sleek, atmospheric interiors with a buzzing bar scene and award-winning restaurants. Lively, fun and cool.

Still not sure where to book?

The 10 Best Hotels in Sydney's CBD

QT Sydney

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.

  • Theatre - Catch a show at the Sydney State Theatre, just steps away and boasting a fantastic array of annual events
  • City Style - A chic, design-led city hotel with a lively, fun feel and hip bar and dining spaces
  • Sights nearby - Centrally located in the CBD close to the Botanic Gardens and Circular Quay
  • Local exploring - Centrally located, within easy reach of Sydney's hip bars and clubs
from CA$347 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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 CA$263 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

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.

  • City Style - Swish and stylish rooms and suites offer impressive city views, and the hotel is a smart fusion of old and new architecture
  • Business meetings - A brilliant hotel for meetings and events, with a variety of conference rooms & a huge ballroom
  • Sights nearby - Within walking distance of the Opera House, Darling Harbour and the Art Gallery of NSW
  • Restaurant - Savour Asian and modern Australian cuisine at The Place
from CA$267 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Establishment Hotel

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.

  • Foodies - Savour dazzling Australian, Thai & Italian cuisine, plus delicious Cantonese fare just next door at brother restaurant Mr Wong
  • Museums - Admire fantastic exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a walk away
  • Romantic Break - A romantic urban bolthole with heaps of character, swish interiors and a sophisticated grown-up feel
  • Yoga - You'll find a Lululemon yoga mat in each room, perfect for early morning sun salutations
from CA$350 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Langham Sydney

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.

  • City Style - Palatial, immaculately decorated suites, wonderful French cuisine and Sydney's favourite bar- all overlooking the harbour
  • Total relaxation - Unwind in style with unbeatable service and a sumptuous state of the art spa offering hot tub, pool and sauna
  • Great walks - Perfectly placed for exploring the quaint sandstone cottages and colonial era pubs and churches of The Rocks.
  • Tennis - Challenge friends and family to a game of tennis on the hotel's courts
from CA$377 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Four Seasons Sydney

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.

  • Sights nearby - Stroll to Circular Quay, catch a ferry to Manly and walk to grassy North Head or Shelly Beach, one of Sydney’s finest.
  • Honeymoons - Glorious bay views, a sumptuous spa, superb suites and delectable cuisine make this a glamorous honeymoon favourite
  • City Style - Following an extensive 2019 re-design, the Four Seasons promises one of the smartest luxury stays in the city
  • Other Activities - Climb the Harbour Bridge, get up close to the Opera House, sip ‘schooners’ at pubs in The Rocks.
from CA$306 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Little National Hotel Sydney

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.

  • City Style - A chic city hotel in a fantastic central location, with a library space for business travellers and a roof terrace to unwind
  • Sights nearby - Connected to some of Sydney's iconic attractions via undercover pathways, there's easy access to Bangaroo and Martin Place
  • Local exploring - Close to a number of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars, this is a top spot for on-foot explorers to see the city
  • Close to nightlife - A short stroll from the lively bars and restaurants of Darling Harbour, which are fabulous for an evening out
from CA$245 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Capella Sydney

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.

  • Honeymoons - An exceptional romantic city hotel, ideal for magical honeymoons with fabulous suites, candlelit dinners & a serene spa
  • Historic - Housed in the Sydney Department of Education’s stunning Edwardian Baroque building, dating back to the 19th Century
  • Other Activities - The 'Capella Curators' can craft fantastic private experiences — including guided walks, art tours & yacht trips
  • Local exploring - Situated right in the centre of Sydney's CBD, so all the city's highlights are easily accessible
from CA$694 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
West Hotel Sydney

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.

  • Business meetings - Corporate travellers will appreciate the hotel's central location & great amenities, including private dining & meeting rooms
  • City Style - A smart city stay, with contemporary interiors, a modern Australian restaurant & lively bar with garden atrium
  • Restaurant - Enjoy big buffet breakfasts with à la carte options, and modern Australian dishes using superb seasonal fare at Solander
  • Great walks - Stroll the 300 metres to the iconic Darling Harbour, where you can soak up marvellous waterfront views
from CA$224 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kimpton Margot Sydney

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.

  • Historic - Built in 1939, the former Sydney Water Board building is one of the city's most striking examples of art deco architecture
  • Foodies - Foodies will adore Luke Mangan's delectable cuisine at Luke's Kitchen, a gourmet restaurant in striking surroundings
  • Cycling - Zip around the city on the hotel's lovely Lekker bicycles — complete with wicker baskets for pre-ordered picnics
  • Restaurant - Savour gourmet fare at Luke's Kitchen, headed by famed Australian chef Luke Mangan, or cafe-style fare at Pantry at Margot's
from CA$493 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by John Ovans

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