We don’t mean to brag, but let’s face it, Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. But rather than trying to cram beside the tourists in Circular Quay to get your winning Instagram shot, why not snap to your heart’s content in the privacy of your own Sydney waterfront hotel?
We’ve bundled some of our favourite hotels in Sydney with million-dollar views that guarantee the perfect pic. Happy snapping!
Sydney’s newest five-star waterfront hotel is an absolute treat. Situated on the banks of Circular Quay, the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is a quiet oasis in the middle of one of the most bustling areas of Sydney.
Rooms are filled with contemporary furnishings and signature Sofitel beds. For the best views of the Sydney skyline and Darling Harbour, go for the Luxury Rooms. These corner rooms boast floor to ceiling glass windows, and arguably one of the best views of the Harbour in the entire city.
Weather permitting, schedule an afternoon to head the hotels’ poolside bar, ‘Le Rivage’. This infinity pool and bar have been designed to give patrons a taste of the French Riviera in the heart of the Sydney CBD.
When you think of water views in Sydney you may initially think of an expensive price tag. At The Macleay, you can appreciate stunning vistas of Sydney Harbour all the while saving your pennies for that much-needed Café Latte on nearby Challis Avenue. Think million-dollar views for a hundred-dollar price. Although technically not on the waterfront, you can still appreciate panoramic harbour shots.
Word has it that journalists flock to this Potts Point locale each New Year’s Eve to secure their top shots of the Sydney fireworks. So why not follow the experts, and check into one of the rooms for a weekend of stellar views? When you’re ready for some tucker, head downstairs to the coveted on-site restaurant, Billy Kwong. Head Chef Kylie Kwong draws inspiration from Australian native bush foods and celebrates locally grown, organic and biodynamic produce.
When you hear the words Four Seasons, you can’t help but think of seamless luxury. It’s only fitting that Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel fits the criteria superbly. Oh, and did we mention it has pretty sensational water views? Positioned in the historic Rocks district, you can explore the local labyrinth of pint-size alleys teeming with restaurants, bars, and pubs.
At Four Seasons, appreciate five-star bedrooms that are appointed with all the necessary amenities for a luxurious stay. Think a marble bathroom, APPELLES bathroom amenities, 300-thread count linen, and a custom-designed Four Seasons Bed with three unique topper options. In the morning, freshen up in the heated outdoor swimming pool, then kick-start some afternoon drinking at Grain B.
Pier One affectionately refers to itself as the ultimate B&B: bed and bridge. If you’re hoping to get a handsome shot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you can’t get a better location than Pier One—it’s wedged directly under it. The hotel blends early 20thcentury Federation architecture with contemporary furnishings from Australia and regional France. Think exposed timber beams alongside French-inspired brocade cushions and subtle tones.
If you love your pooch about as much as stunning water views, you’ll bark with joy over Pier One’s Dog-Friendly rooms. Your furry friend can appreciate the likes of a bed, a water and food bowl, and some tasty treats stocked in the Dogue Mini-Bar. This leaves you time to sink into a deep standalone tub filled with lavish APPELLES bath amenities—bliss!
When a hotel is positioned on a wharf, water views go without saying. At Ovolo Wooloomooloo, you can appreciate all the luxuries that the Ovolo brand has become known for along with some spectacular harbour views. Smack bang in the heart of Cowper Wharf’s thriving bar and restaurant scene, a stay at Ovolo Wooloomooloo truly makes for a class-A experience.
Blending heritage charm with modern luxury, rooms offer an industrial-chic aesthetic – classic furnishings, exposed metal beams, and modern artwork. For some fun, head to LoLounge for a cocktail, then make use of the 24-hour in-room dining that is characteristic of the Ovolo brand. And the best bit? You’ll have the best seat in the house, right in the comfort of your own water-view room.
Home to the Opera House, and directly opposite the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay is a popular hangout for tourists wanting to grab some gorgeous Sydney snaps. If you fancy the idea of staying in this buzzing location, Pullman Quay Grand is your ideal solution. Embodying chic style and sophistication, any discerning traveller is likely to fall smitten here.
Harbour View Suites offer king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, and private furnished balconies overlooking picturesque Sydney Harbour. Following your afternoon balcony sojourn, venture downstairs to in-house Q Restaurant, where you can sample a five-course degustation menu carefully crafted by Head Chef, Stefan Brandemann.
If you’re guilty of being more of a beach bunny, Bondi Beach should be your first port of call. And your second? Ravesis, of course! The art-deco-inspired hotel stands proudly on the Bondi Beach promenade and offers two floors of boutique accommodation. Before retreating to your room, get some glistening water views from the in-house bar—cocktail in hand obligatory!
Rooms boast an elegant aesthetic, pairing modern furnishings with splashes of Safire blue and gold. Oh, and they offer sweeping coastal views too!
Darling, sweetie, darling – let’s stay at The Darling! This is THE kind of place that would be more than fitting for the Ab Fab gals, and anyone else looking for a slice of luxurious water views for that matter. And it’s not just us who think The Darling is pretty cool – this establishment is the first and only hotel in Sydney to have received the prestigious FORBES five-star rating. Located in Pyrmont, this hotel is just a short walk from the edges of Darling Harbour.
Various rooms and suites are available, but if you’re craving that added touch of pizazz, go for the Adored Suite. You will simply ‘adore’ the breathtaking harbour views, deep soaking spa, rain shower, and complimentary Molton Brown bathroom amenities. Then satisfy your ‘epicuriousity’ at one of the six in-house restaurants that serve a mixture of cuisines, ranging from Japanese to modern Australian.
If you’re hoping to take things down a notch and retreat from the frenetic energy of Circular Quay and the Rocks, you can find solace at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Rooms feature soft hues and tasteful furnishings and offer uninterrupted views of the glistening harbour.
In the morning, sample a continental breakfast, then dig into some hearty lunch and dinner fare at in-house restaurant, The Beach Club. For those planning a wedding, corporate, or social event, why not make use of the hotel’s award-winning events team? Because let’s face it, any event is better with water views.