16 Best places to stay in Sydney

The Shangri-La has had been around forever and yet seems curiously ageless. Perhaps the stunning harbour views have something to do with its longevity.

This imposing five-star tower is also the mistress of reinvention. The addition of Chi Spa has added to the hotel’s lustre, while its famous cocktail space (Blu Bar) and restaurant (Altitude) have never gone out of fashion.

The hotel’s elevated position in The Rocks guarantees some of Sydney’s best harbour views; ask for a room overlooking the Bridge and Opera House.

The Shangri-La does not rely entirely on its fantastic views, however, enjoying a reputation for fine food and enthusiastic service.

The location is paramount. For first-time visitors, Circular Quay – home to the Bridge and Opera House – is an excellent choice. The views are (literally) breathtaking, and you can walk to most of the best attractions.

For a luxurious urban sanctuary which just oozes style and sophistication, look no further than The Langham.

Located in the historic ‘Rocks’ district, Sydney’s first European quarter, this hotel adheres to the old motto that small is beautiful, with just 98 immaculate guest rooms and suites; some with excellent harbour views.

Despite its modest size this regal property is packed with delights, such as the day spa, glamourous indoor pool and superb culinary offerings. Guests have the use of a tennis (a rarity in this part of town) and a famous pink London cab to whisk them around the city.

It’s a short stroll to Circular Quay, home to the Bridge and Opera House, and Sydney’s heart. The restaurants and bars of Darling Harbour and Barangaroo are a short hop the other direction.

Once the site of a men’s department store, QT Sydney offers a level of theatrically unmatched by its city rivals – note the flamboyant door lady and art deco lifts that waft you to the reception area.

Perched on the corner of Market and George Street, the hotel is in the very heart of Sydney’s shopping and entertainment precincts; the ornate State Theatre is next door.

With its eclectic artworks, old school barbershop, spa and sumptuous rooms QT Sydney is therefore perfect for couples (and singles) of all ages who want to feel the pulsating energy of Australia’s biggest city.

If you like atmospheric back streets, then make a beeline for Crystalbrook Albion. Tucked away down narrow laneways, this former Catholic convent offers a stylish stay in Surry Hills, Sydney’s trendiest inner-city suburb.

Compact is the kindest way to describe the rooms here. Ditto for the cute rooftop terrace. This place may be short on in-house facilities such as a pool or gym, but there are bucket loads of funky bars, cafes and great restaurants nearby in this lively, effervescent neighbourhood.

It’s cashless, sustainable and pet-friendly, and the perfect choice for the urbanite traveller.

In Sydney, nothing is too far in a taxi, but this is not the location if you want the main sights on your step. You’re staying for the edgy local vibe.

‘Young, ambitious and wealthy’ describes the target audience for this uber-stylish, 31-room boutique bolthole right in the heart of Sydney’s downtown.

Coolly ostentatious in the New York loft style, with Philippe Starck pieces in rooms and suites, it’s ideal for those who seek Sydney’s urban delights.

Tucked away down a side street, you’re in party central close to bars, theatres, restaurants and shops, with convenient transport at hand.

The central city location is excellent for sightseeing and exploring Sydney on foot. It’s strolling distance from big hitters like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Sydney Opera House.

The ferry dock on Circular Quay is also nearby – as is the city’s new light rail system.

As bank branches are retired, Australia finds itself with a surfeit of these solid, unwanted buildings. A few, like this one in Paddington, are finding a new lease of life as hotels.

Mrs Banks, which dates from 1914, retains its art deco façade, but the interior has been transformed into a warm, welcoming space.

Despite a few flashes of design flair, this boutique property is fairly sober and grown-up. Rooms are not especially large but are extremely comfortable and clean.

Paddington is a character-filled suburb, filled with streets of immaculately restored Victorian terrace houses. It’s centrally located for exploring the wider city’s sights, but away from the main city crowds.

It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting a quieter, more atmospheric stay in a popular local neighbourhood.

Three grand 1870s terraces have been blended together to create one of Sydney’s most elegant small hotels.

The 16 guest rooms and four luxurious suites are individually styled with modern furniture, rich drapes and contemporary Australian artwork. The property does not have a restaurant, but guests do have the use of a charming breakfast room, an honesty bar and small library. The hotel does offer a la carte breakfast, plus complimentary drinks and canapes each evening.

Potts Point is a trendy, upscale residential suburb where the locals hang out in excellent restaurants and cafes. It’s an easy train hop or taxi to the city centre, so easy to access the main city sights, but benefits from also being close to the beautiful harbour bays, for walking, sailing, kayaking and swimming.

For most Sydneysiders an address with a harbour view is a lifetime ambition – but none is likely to rival that from the Park Hyatt.

Guests enjoy a jaw-dropping 180-degree view of the harbour; with the Sydney Opera House occupying centre stage.

The hotel’s crisp, modern interiors are the perfect foil for such a sumptuous visual feast. With its rooftop pool, graceful service and world-class facilities this hotel is truly in a league of its own.

If you prefer to stay ‘local’ this is an excellent choice. The Larmont sits at the confluence of Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Potts Point – three upscale, residential suburbs packed with funky restaurants, bars and boutique shops. It’s a short and pleasant walk to the city centre one way, and to delightful harbour bays the other.

Aimed at travellers looking for a more stylish and intimate atmosphere, there are 103 gorgeous and well-appointed rooms and suites, designed by Hassell Studio.

The hotel lacks in-house facilities like pools and bars, but guests do have access to a nearby fitness centre and some excellent restaurants in the Potts Point and Kings Cross area. There is also ample onsite parking – a rarity in Sydney.

Located on one of Sydney’s original wooden piers, Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a unique, 5-star overwater hotel with bags of personality – and fantastic modern facilities, including an indoor pool, restaurant and bar.

But the hotel’s major drawcard is its 100 guest rooms. While all rooms are pretty snazzy, the Cityvoo King apartments are particularly spacious and packed with mod-cons, such as Smart TVs, coffee machines and iPads.

The location is ultra-convenient – just 15 minutes’ walk from downtown – and the waterside setting lovely. Beneath the hotel is a buzzy wharf packed with expensive cruisers and yachts, dinky bars and stylish restaurants.

Long before the term ‘boutique hotel’ entered the language there was The Hughenden – a charming country villa located in one of Sydney’s wealthiest suburbs. It’s the sort of place that wealthy graziers might have once used as their city address.

A makeover has brought it into the 21st Century, with modern bathrooms, stylish interiors and the latest digital gizmos. Some of the rooms are truly hobbit-size, while the grander suites offer open fireplaces and kitchenettes. For Victorian charm Sydney-style, The Hughenden is in a league of its own.

The location is central and convenient – half way between downtown Sydney city and Bondi Beach in the other direction, easily accessed by bus or taxi.

If want to be somewhere quieter, more genteel, out of the main city hubbub, yet close to all of the main sights, this is a great choice.

Stepping into the buzzy reception area at QT Bondi is to enter a citadel of global coolness.

The QT brand is about having fun in the sun and looking obscenely gorgeous. If you tick any of these boxes, you’ll love this beachside pleasure palace, with its retro murals, designer chairs and chilled vibe.

There is plenty to love about this hotel: firstly, its sense of playfulness evident in the surf-themed pop art in the foyer; and secondly, its location, just five minutes from the pounding surf on Bondi Beach. Need to tone your body before hitting the waves? No worries. There’s an excellent fitness club onsite.

For many decades the Four Seasons has been the benchmark for five-star luxury in Sydney. An extensive make-over has lifted this hotel to dizzying new heights.

Its legendary service is now coupled with sleek, new interiors and an expanded food and drink offering, including sophisticated high teas at Mode Kitchen & Bar and a fabulous selection of barrel-aged cocktails at the hotel’s Grain Bar.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the dress circle location, which gives guests unrivalled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House.

Dating back to the 1950s this small guesthouse has welcomed visiting artists, writers, world travellers and the occasional movie star over the years. Located at the southern end of Australia’s most famous beach, the property offers just five immaculate, sun-drenched suites.

Although compact, the guest rooms are superbly equipped with luxurious beds, Smart TVs and modern ensuite bathrooms. Guests also enjoy a breakfast selection of tea, coffee, waffles, jams and organic muesli.

It’s a homely, relaxed place to stay, that’s all about location – just 200m from Bondi Beach, and sufficiently set back from the hubbub.

But remember, Bondi is far removed from Sydney’s main sights – this is not the place if you’re coming for sightseeing. Stay here if you want to spend your days on Bondi’s iconic beach, with its buzzing beach lifestyle, world-class swimming and surfing, and a magical coastal walk.

Sydney’s newest hotel is the sort of place that might have appealed to Bond creator Ian Fleming. The glass tower, representing three flower petals twisting together, combines designer excess with the latest digital gimmickry, such as tablets providing multilingual 24-hour service.

Adjoined to a casino complex, the property is shamelessly dedicated to opulence and no expense has been spared on its flamboyant interiors.

It offers an immaculate range of rooms, suites and private villas, plus three upmarket restaurants, a stunning rooftop pool and a lavish spa.

The location is not the most scenic but is hard to beat for a central location close to restaurants, nightlife, theatres, and the city’s main sights.

It’s the perfect choice for urbanites, who appreciate over-the-top luxury.

For an institution dating back to 1916 there is nothing stuffy or predictable about Taronga Zoo. It’s newest attraction is an urban eco-lodge located inside a specially designed wildlife enclave called The Sanctuary. Guests share this space with celebrated native species such as kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and platypus.

The Retreat offers a wide range of individually styled rooms, including Animal View Rooms and Treetop Suites, and a fine dining restaurant called Me-Gal.

Apart from being able to see plenty of wildlife from your accommodation, guests also enjoy complimentary access to the zoo itself. Revenue from the Retreat supports conservation work.