Whether it’s a weekend away, a staycation, business or pleasure, Sydney has so much to offer as a dream travel destination, especially when it comes to the city’s growing list of boutique hotels.
From the stunning harbour with Australian icons like the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House to fine dining, entertainment and all its natural beauty (hello, countless beaches) there’s a seemingly endless list of things to do and see.
That’s probably why 36 million people visited Sydney in 2023, spending a total of 30.7 million nights in the city, according to data from the NSW government.
So before you plan your travel hit list, you’ll need to find the perfect hotel. In our opinion, there’s no better option than a luxe splurge or niche boutique hotel for really taking in the feel of the city. Luxurious, modern and far from your plain, run-of-the-mill rooms, a luxury or boutique hotel will elevate your stay in Sydney.
There’s no shortage of stunning boutique hotels in Sydney either, the best of which we’ve rounded up below.
The Best Luxury & Boutique Hotels In Sydney
Hotel Morris
Location: Sydney CBD
Located in the heart of Sydney’s Haymarket, Hotel Morris is just the ticket for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to travel far. The boutique hotel’s intimate setting exudes moody elegance with a 40-seat wine bar designed by Tom Mark Henry providing the perfect space to slip into and check out.
And if it’s a real weekend inside you’re after, there’s no need to leave, with a vibrant menu by Head Chef Kezia Kristel (ex-Icebergs and Bennelong) offering up day-to-night dining with a difference.
Plates of creamy burrata with sundried tomato sauce, kingfish tartare spiked with dashi cream, and wagyu topped with lashings of Café de Morris butter are just some of the standout dishes complemented by a fun and approachable drinks menu to shift your night into the next gear.
Then, whenever you’re ready to retreat, finish off the day with an ice cold negroni delivered to your art deco-inspired suite before putting your feet up and drifting off into staycation bliss.
The Little National
Location: Sydney CBD
Following the stunning success of their Canberra location, Little National recently opened their Sydney hotel in the heart of the city, above Wynyard Park.
As the name indicates, The Little National is cleverly designed to make a small space feel luxurious. With supersized king beds pressed up against floor-to-ceiling windows you’ll feel as though you could spend all day in bed—a very likely possibility given the hotel has partnered with Uber Eats to create a room service menu of the city’s best food offerings.
Sheraton Grand Sydney
Location: Sydney CBD
For those who love to stay in the heart of it all while indulging in the ultimate relaxation, Sheraton Grand Sydney perfectly blends historic grandeur and relaxed charm with its CBD location overlooking the tranquil Hyde Park.
With stunning suites and endless amenities, from the indoor rooftop swimming pool and spa to the exclusive 23rd floor lounge and hatted Sydney Common restaurant, you won’t need (let alone want) to leave the hotel. But, if you do venture out, everything you could desire is just a stone’s throw away.
Crystalbrook Albion
Location: Surry Hills
The Crystalbrook Albion has lived many lives in its 120-year history from former convent to women’s shelter and hospice, all of which is reflected in the hotel’s contemporary renovation with an understated elegance. The 35-room boutique hotel’s aesthetic is an eclectic mix eras from a ‘60s sunken lounge to Art Deco inspired pink terrazzo floors.
It’s also in a great location – just 450 metres from Sydney Central train station and about 1.2 kilometres from Hyde Park.
Old Clare
Location: Chippendale
For old world charm with a contemporary twist and a focus on community and creativity, this boutique hotel is one of the best. While no two rooms at Old Clare are the same, each has been architecturally designed in an Art Deco style inspired by the hotel’s curved façade. There’s plenty more to love about the space including stunning roof top bar complete with lap pool, pet-friendly room options and 24-hour room service.
For those visiting Sydney for the first time, this hotel’s location is still very close to the action. It’s about 500 metres to Sydney Central station and 700 metres from the Capitol Theatre and the Chinatown lightrail stop.
Paramount House Hotel
Location: Surry Hills
Located in the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios, the hotel shares the stunning heritage space with Golden Age Cinema, Paramount Coffee Project, Poly, The Office Space and A.P House. So you can ask the hotel’s team about special offers with these businesses (including room service options from Paramount Coffee Project and A.P House).
Each of the five tier level rooms honour the building’s history with a modern and architectural finish. It’s also just 700 metres to Sydney Central train station and around 500 metres to Musuem Station and Hyde Park – so no matter what you’re after, you’re guaranteed a beautiful stay.
Pier One
Location: Circular Quay
Part of The Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Pier One is one of a kind. The 5-star luxury hotel has one of, if not the best, locations and views in the city, located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can hear harbour water lapping your private pontoon as you drift off to sleep or take a relaxing soak with a bubble bath overlooking the bridge.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Location: Watsons Bay
Set on the shoreline of Watsons Bay, views from this hotel over the city’s skyline are second to none. With a Hamptons feel and finish, Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is the perfect seaside escape outside the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s about 12km from Sydney’s CBD or a 30 minute ferry ride, making it a favourite spot among Sydney-siders’ for sunset drinks and long lunches.
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