Located on the east coast of Australia, Sydney is also known as the ‘Harbour City’ or 'Emerald City’. It is the most populous and buzzing city in the whole of Australia as well as Oceania. With a humid subtropical climate, the city is warm during summers and cool during winters, sometimes leading to extreme weather patterns such as a bush fire or a storm, given its opposite phases of oscillation. However, the city finds its strength through adversities. It is a hotspot of cultural attractions, historical artefacts, charming restaurants and bars. For a 360-degree view of the city, visit the Sydney Tower Eye. For a perfect base, check out this list of the best 5-star hotels in Sydney, Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) hotel ratings, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 01, 2024.
1. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney (from USD 261)
Sitting next to Martin Place, this hotel has a bar and a la carte restaurant serving delicious Southeast Asian and Australian delicacies. Their signature cocktails are much loved by guests. Hit their fitness centre or have a laid-back vacation in any one of their contemporary or classically designed rooms in the high-rise section or heritage building. Famous attractions such as Darling Harbour and Chinatown are about a 10-minute drive from the property.
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Address: 1 Martin Place
1.02 km (0.7 mi) from Darling Harbour
2. Swissotel Sydney (from USD 221)
Promising an elegant stay with astounding views of the city, you have access to the on-site Spa & Sport for relaxing your body and mind. The hotel also has a fitness centre and a heated pool for sporty guests. The rooms are comfortable and kitted out with mod-cons such as an LED TV, free wireless internet access, and a minibar. Complimentary toiletries, such as a toothbrush can be brought upon request.
When feeling peckish, head to the on-site restaurant and bar offering impressive Australian and Chinese menus with multiple beverage options.
Swissotel Sydney
Address: 68 Market Street
767 meters (0.5 ft) from Darling Harbour
3. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (from USD 277)
Reasonable pricing for a luxury hotel with stunning views of the harbour.
Well-maintained rooms with turn-down service, though gym and spa could be improved.
Conveniently located near Circular Quay with easy access to CBD and Barangaroo.
Excellent dining options with extensive buffet breakfast and exceptional in-room dining.
Located in Central Business District, this luxurious hotel overlooking the infamous Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House offers an amazing stay with amenities, such as a 350-sqm (3767 sq. ft.) state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa for relaxation.
Try out authentic Australian fare made of seasonal produce or get access to Lounge 32, which may be availed by all the guests staying at signature suites. In addition, there is a swimming pool which is great for unwinding oneself after a long day out.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Address: 199 George Street
1.61 km (1.0 mi) from Darling Harbour
4. The Darling at The Star (from USD 327)
Featuring a spa and a scented pool sitting alongside a bar, this 5-star hotel offers comfortable rooms with amenities such as an iPod docking station, a safety deposit box, a soft bed with Egyptian cotton and an en-suite bathroom. Some rooms look over Pyrmont, while others offer amazing views of the city skyline.
There are a total of 20 restaurants and bars, including ones run by world-famous chefs such as Luke Nguyen. There is also a grand casino where you can try your luck. For music lovers, Rock Lily Bar plays live music and offers a wide range of tequila. If you wish to venture out and explore, attractions such as The Rocks historic district and Sydney Opera House are less than a 15-minute drive away from the property.
The Darling at The Star
Address: 80 Pyrmont Street
874 meters (0.6 ft) from Darling Harbour
Sydney Tour Guide
Jo Henwood
Jo Henwood has been a Tour Guide since 1998, working primarily as a site Guide and Education Officer in many heritage sites around Sydney, building a rich understanding of Sydney’s history and culture, particularly around the Harbour. Jo is passionate about sharing stories about Sydney’s history, leading her own walking tours in Windsor and Liverpool, and women’s history tours of Sydney. Jo is an Accredited Storyteller with Australian Storytellers, an accredited Professional Guide with the Institute of Australian Tour Guides, and a member of Interpretation Australia and the Australian Folklore Network. She coordinates the Australian Fairy Tale Society. Jo’s qualifications include BA (Library Science), Tour Guiding Cert III, Grad Dip Museum Studies, Grad Cert Gifted Ed, and M. Cultural Heritage.
Tours by Jo
5. QT Sydney (from USD 340)
This centrally located hotel has spacious rooms with modern amenities, including an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. Some units also feature a bathtub. For a dose of pampering, head to the spa or spend an evening of bliss at the on-site Glit Lounge Bar.
Do try lip-smacking European cuisines at Gowings Bar and Grill. Parlour Lane Roasters café is famous for its freshly ground coffee. Various restaurants, bars and live music venues are within walking distance of the property. Royal Botanic Gardens is just a 5-minute drive away.
QT Sydney
Address: 49 Market Street
759 meters (0.5 ft) from Darling Harbour
6. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney (from USD 254)
Reasonable pricing for a CBD hotel with good value deals available.
Spacious rooms, comfortable beds, pool, gym, and helpful staff.
Centrally located in the business district, close to Circular Quay and major attractions.
Delicious buffet breakfast, exceptional restaurant food, and accommodating staff.
Featuring rooms with lovely interiors and marble bathrooms with a bathtub installed in some, this is the perfect hotel to enjoy a memorable vacation. The Lady Fairfax Room offers a delicious breakfast, while The Fax Bar is a great place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Bentley Restaurant and Bar is an award-winning establishment, which is an absolute delight especially during the nighttime.
This hotel is also the perfect place to stay if you wish to explore the city, as Wynyard Train Station and bus stops are within walking distance of the property. You may go out to shop at the Queen Victoria Building and Pitt Street Mall, which are just a 15-minute walk away.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Address: 27 O'Connell Street
1.3 km (0.9 mi) from Darling Harbour
7. Ovolo Woolloomooloo (from USD 214)
Expensive with pricey parking, but includes free minibar and self-service laundry.
Quirky, comfortable rooms, historic building, free self-service laundry, free minibar.
Excellent waterfront location near Sydney's main attractions and public transport.
Catered breakfast, vegan options, lolly bar, enjoyable dining experiences.
This 5-star hotel offer loft suites and private rooms with free Wi-Fi, a minibar and Google Chromecast for entertainment. It has a classy setting intertwined with modern amenities. Guests can spend their downtime relaxing in the indoor pool or sweating it out in the fitness centre. It also boasts exceptional services, such as in-room massages, a personal concierge and a valet for laundry.
You will be happy to know that places such as the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens are less than a 5-minute drive away.
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Address: 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
1.91 km (1.2 mi) from Darling Harbour
8. Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (from USD 228)
Known for its unique taste and design, the hotel features Conservatory Bar comprising of a varied set of craft beer, wines and local Australian distilleries sitting under a huge glass atrium. Feast restaurant offers a blend of distinct award-winning seafood buffet for lunch and dinner. For R&R, the hotel offers a rooftop health club comprising a swimming pool, a day spa, and a fitness centre.
The rooms offer a separate shower and bath with astounding views of Hyde Park and Sydney CBD. Some units have a spa bath and a private balcony with stunning front views of Hyde Park. By staying here, you will be within walking distance of noteworthy attractions such as St. Mary’s Cathedral, Westfield shopping center, and Hyde Park Sydney (to name but a few).
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Address: 161 Elizabeth Street
907 meters (0.6 ft) from Darling Harbour
9. Hyatt Regency Sydney (from USD 194)
This premium hotel is within walking distance of Darling Harbour. It offers elegantly designed rooms with impressive city or harbour views. It is home to Dundee Arms, one of the oldest pubs in Sydney and Lobby Lounge, which is popular for its tea. You can kick-start your day at Sailmaker, which is known for its buffet breakfast. International Convention Centre, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour are just a 10-minute walk away.
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Address: 161 Sussex Street
581 meters (0.4 ft) from Darling Harbour
10. Hilton Sydney (from USD 221)
Situated right across Queen Victoria Building in the heart of Sydney, this 5-star property features the largest health club as seen in a hotel. While all the rooms have been designed with modern settings, some rooms offer a work area with black-out curtains. The fully equipped wellness centre includes a steam room, sauna, a huge spa pool, a 25-m-long (3.2-ft) lap pool and a fitness centre, so your body, mind and soul are well looked after here.
Get cosy indoors or visit Sydney Aquarium and Darling Harbour, which are less than a 15-minute walk away.
Hilton Sydney
Address: 488 George Street
676 meters (0.5 ft) from Darling Harbour
Plan a trip to Sydney
Sydney is brimming with historical and cultural attractions. After a long day of sightseeing, you need a comfortable place to rest your head. If you’re after a 5-star experience, book any of the above hotels in Sydney, Australia and create indelible memories of joy and laughter.
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