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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

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

  • 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

Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel

  • 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?

  • Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Sydney
  • Consider our Guru’s collection of the 5 Best Hotels in The Rocks, the Best Hotels in Bondi or the Best Hotels in Darlinghurst
  • Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
    • Pier One Sydney (Walsh Bay) 189 rooms from $200

      Sights nearby  -  Twenty minutes' walk to the Opera House and Botanic Gardens
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

      Situated next to the Harbour Bridge, this luxury hotel is built on a private pontoon with spectacular views across Sydney Harbour. Slick nautical decor inside completes the look. Enjoy top Australian cuisine at the restaurant. See More

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    • Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney Sydney (The Rocks) 563 rooms from $199

      Sights nearby  -  Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour only five minutes' walk away
      Spa  -  With hot tub
      Swimming Pool  -  Indoor
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParking

      This luxury hotel is situated in the heart of Sydney Harbour, and offers large contemporary rooms with magnificent views. Childcare services, a fitness centre, spa and award-winning restaurant make it ideal for a relaxing city break. See More

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    • Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Sydney 65 rooms from $288

      Sights nearby  -  Located by Botanic Gardens and Opera House, plus city centre half a kilometer away
      Views  -  Out to the Sydney Opera House
      Swimming Pool  -  Indoor
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParking

      Family friendly luxury self-catering apartments with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. Situated just metres from the Opera House, the building also boasts an indoor pool, gym, restaurant and bar, plus child care services. See More

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    • Park Hyatt Sydney Sydney (The Rocks) 155 rooms from $671

      Sights nearby  -  Located at Sydney Harbour and close to Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Bondi and Manly Beach
      Spa  -  The Spa facilities include a rooftop heated pool, a gym and a relaxation room
      Outstanding location
      Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking
      Recommended by  -  Tablet

      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. See More

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    • Ovolo Woolloomooloo Sydney (New South Wales) 100 rooms from $318

      Local exploring  -  Boasting an enviable location right in the heart of Sydney Harbour and with many sights just a short walk away.
      Great walks  -  The hotel is located just 2 minutes from the picturesque Royal Botanical Gardens.
      Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to the nearby St Mary's Cathedral.
      Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParkingNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

      A hip industrial property running the length of the Finger Wharf. An impressive lobby and lounge are of epic proportions. Rooms are equally spacious with all the mod cons and cool contemporary style. Perfectly located just minutes from some of Sydney's best sights and eateries. Superb. See More

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    • Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel Sydney (Watsons Bay) 31 rooms from $197

      Views  -  Panoramic views of Sydney Harbour
      Sights nearby  -  Shakespeare by the Bay Evenings (seasonal)
      Great walks  -  The coastal walk along The Gap
      Lively  -  Hip and happening.
      Air conditioningDisabled accessViewsParking

      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. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Wednesday, 13th December 2023