7 luxury hotels in Sydney for a sophisticated and stylish stay in the big city

Tucked away in the heart of The Rocks between the liveliness of Barangaroo and the tranquillity of Observatory Hill, The Langham has long-preserved its distinguished, discreet reputation as one of Sydney’s best hotels.

With one side looking out into the charismatic, historic streets of The Rocks and the other peeping out at Sydney Harbour, The Langham gives you the best of both the worlds of Sydney’s luxury hotels. Sophisticated, yet full of the reserved quality of a refined hotel, rooms here are expansive, elegant and classically European in their style.

Each room type—from the 85 deluxe and executive rooms to the 13 suites and residences—has its delights and virtues. From stylish couches and armchairs to tasteful lighting to scented candles, rooms here are the very definition of restrained luxury. All are filled with natural light, discerningly decorated and give you that notion of staying somewhere unique.

The only downside to staying at The Langham is that you’re likely to miss out on Sydney—you just won’t want to leave this beautiful hotel. Nor will you have to, with a selection of excellent in-house restaurants and bars, the award-winning Day Spa by Chuan and stunning subterranean pool, the Langham is a place of secluded luxury, sanctuary and romance.

Nothing says luxury like a room with a view of Sydney Harbour. Waking up to the sight of the sparkling waters of the world’s most famous waterway is the only way to start every day in Sydney. The incredible location of this waterfront hotel sets it apart from all others.

Nestled in Campbell’s Cove, the Park Hyatt Sydney’s bar and restaurant look out over the water directly at the Opera House and Circular Quay. From the doors of the Park Hyatt Sydney, you’re minutes away from ferries, The Rocks and Sydney’s CBD.

Every room has its own private balcony with a view of the harbour that’s so close you can hear the waves. Fresh, simple lines and colours give your room a sophisticated, contemporary feel. The spacious layout of all the rooms and suites at the Park Hyatt Sydney gives you that extra level of luxe.

Meanwhile, the heated rooftop pool and spa are replete with daybeds, cabanas and views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s an oasis designed for your relaxation away from the busy city at your feet.

Officially Sydney’s first ‘Grand’ hotel since its 2019 upgrade, the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park affords you every luxury. From here, you’re close to everything in the city, from the best shopping to the finest eateries and drinking establishments. However, the Sheraton Grand tempts you to stay with its own selection of elegant bars and sophisticated restaurants.

The Conservatory Bar, filling the hotel’s bright atrium, is the perfect spot for a sundowner, while the Sheraton Grand’s main restaurant—aptly named Feast—is a superlative of a dining experience.

Your hunger satisfied, there’s nothing more to do than spoil yourself in the hotel’s spa high up on the 22nd floor. The views over the park, the city’s cathedral and Sydney Harbour are only second to those from the rooftop pool.

With many of its 510 rooms and 48 suites offering leafy views of Sydney’s iconic Hyde Park, and the rooms themselves giving a feeling of residence, it doesn’t take long to make yourself at home here.

Located in the perfect spot between the Rocks and the CBD, the Four Seasons Sydney delivers the best of historic and modern Sydney to your doorstep. The oldest part of the city, The Rocks—and in particular its pub scene—is full of character and life, and a highlight on your itinerary while you explore Sydney.

Rooms at the Four Seasons have views of the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House or out over the lights of the city. Elegantly appointed and surprisingly spacious, accommodations at the Four Seasons Sydney offer you a dose of comfort, style and luxury.

For dining options, the hotel’s Mode Kitchen and Bar serves up high-level modern Mediterranean and Australian cuisine and a sharp, 1920s vibe. After dinner, the hotel bar Grain, one of the best cocktail spots in the city, offers something different. With a focus on whisky and intelligently-crafted drinks, Grain is the go-to for discerning locals and guests alike.

In a prime position in Sydney’s preeminent entertainment quarter, this waterfront hotel has superb views over Darling Harbour and Pyrmont Bay. From the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, you’re a moment’s walk from shops, restaurants and concert venues like the ICC. And every Saturday night during summer and autumn, the sky lights up with an elaborate fireworks display you’ll be able to enjoy from the comfort of your hotel room.

Indeed, you might not want to leave your spot in one of the 555 rooms and 35 suites. Rooms are elegantly furnished and decorated with a chic French decadence that is hard to close the door on.From your lofty perspective in Darling Harbour’s tallest building, drink in the skyline from your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Even better, sink into your deep-soak bath, and look out over the harbour and the city.

If you want to enjoy the view al fresco, take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool that looks down over the harbour and the Pyrmont Bridge. The bar up by the pool can bring you refreshments whenever you please. While Atelier—the hotel’s restaurant—offers exquisite cuisine inspired by the South of France, on the third floor you’ll find one the best champagne bars in Sydney.

An institution of a hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel is a keystone of Sydney and the home of luxury and glamour. Blessed with truly astounding views out across Sydney Harbour, over to the Opera House and down onto the Harbour Bridge, this luxury Sydney hotel gives you everything this city loves best.

Known for its high tea and light breakfasts, the friendly low-key Lobby Lounge is an easy win for daytime refreshments. But high on the 36th floor, Blu Bar on 36 is something very different. Its double-storey atrium bar faces the harbour and looks out over the Bridge. A sunset cocktail here is a must.

Rooms and suites are contemporary, generously furnished and spacious, with the biggest windows of any harbourfront hotel to make the most of the remarkable vistas.

Tucked away in the affluent, leafy suburb of Double Bay just east of the city, the InterContinental Double Bay offers you refinement and luxury with laidback bayside friendliness.

Bright and spacious rooms have their own private balconies or courtyards, comfortable furnishings and polished white Italian marble bathrooms. The crowning glory of the accommodation options at InterContinental Double Bay, the Royal Suite, features a butler’s kitchen, harbour views and a string of private balconies looking out over the water and across to the city skyline.

Above it all, the stunning rooftop pool offers views over Double Bay and the harbour, while the hotel bar, Stillery, offers one of the most extensive gin menus in the city and has all the old-world charm of a 1940s art deco lounge.

From the InterContinental Double Bay, you’re close to Rose Bay and Sydney’s only seaplane marina. Fly from the surface of Sydney Harbour to fine-dining destinations like the Berowra Waters Inn and Jonah’s at Whale Beach, which are only accessible by seaplane or boat.

It’s the ultimate way to experience the finest parts of Sydney living and to make your stay in this beautiful city one that you’ll always remember.