Best Luxury Hotels in New South Wales

If you want to feel indulged in your stay in Sydney, choose the Langham. First off, it’s in The Rocks so ideally located, and second, the rooms are among the largest in the city. You’ll instantly relax in the muted pastel décor which includes a king-sized bed even in the cheapest rooms; the best have terraces with views of West Harbour. The hotel is a complete charm with an art collection curated by Sotheby’s, bespoke furniture, and elaborate floral arrangements. There is an over-pervading (but beautiful) sense of pink – there’s even a pink vintage car to take you on tours. There’s a lavish underground spa, health club, stunning indoor heated pool, and tennis courts for some energetic release. Dining options are terrific and it’s simply de rigour to have an afternoon cocktail in the Palm Court.

Chippendale is a nice choice for a stay in Sydney, being only 5 minutes away from the city centre. It’s also home to the Old Clare Hotel, a luxury conversion from two historic buildings. Previously a brewer’s headquarters, today its heritage features come together in a 62-room boutique hotel with style and character. Look out for the soaring ceilings, exposed brick and amazing lighting installations – all different in every room. You’re spoiled for choice for dining options including Kensington St. Social from star British chef, Jason Atherton. There is a rooftop pool but is under renovation so check the website for updates. There’s a gym if you want to work out or head out into the city on the bikes available to rent.

Wake up to the sound of the waves when you book a beach-facing room at this family-friendly MGallery property. An outdoor pool also looks onto the ocean, flanked by a glass balustrade. Guests have several options for dining at Manly Pacific; Zalis serves modern, laid-back Australian cuisine from breakfast through to dinner and Bistro Manly provides a contemporary coastal take on French food, crafted using fresh seasonal produce. For drinks, there’s Sable, a mezzanine wine bar and the Charlie bar, which incorporates a gaming area.

W Sydney, a new luxury hotel set in the distinctive Ribbon structure over Darling Harbour, is designed by the renowned Australian firm Hassell and features interiors by Bowler James Brindley. The design reflects Sydney’s maritime heritage with nautical-themed rooms, and its larrikin spirit seen in vibrant and unconventional spaces like the Living Room, which is reimagined as a social hub with electric blue décor and nest-like seating. The hotel offers 588 marine-inspired guestrooms, including 162 suites, and embraces a ‘Future Noir’ theme across various spaces. W Sydney enhances the local dining and nightlife with its four new venues, including BTWN which features local produce and a late-night dessert bar in collaboration with Janice Wong. Additional amenities include the AWAY Spa for relaxation, a well-equipped FIT Gym, and the WET Deck for poolside leisure, all contributing to the hotel’s dynamic and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates Sydney’s energetic culture.

The award-winning Capella Sydney is housed in the historic, heritage-listed Department of Education building. This eight-story, five-star hotel boasts 192 guestrooms and suites – each decorated with a harmonious blend of historical and contemporary. The hotel offers four opulent prestige suites – the Capella, Farrer, Liberty, and MacQuarie Suite – each uniquely designed to provide a spacious, serene haven and panoramic views. This hotel never sleeps and offers 24-hour hotel service, in-room dining, and access to the world-class Wellness centre which includes heated indoor swimming pool and vitality pool as well as a fully equipped fitness centre. Guests can savour exquisite gastronomy in Brasserie 1930 and Aperture or opt to indulge in a signature cocktail in McRae Bar. Capella Sydney is home to sophisticated event spaces that are perfect for catered business events for up to 80 persons, and even lavish weddings, in any of their high-tech, classic function rooms.

InterContinental Sydney, housed in the historical Treasury Building of 1851, seamlessly blends all of today’s comfort with the proud heritage of the hotel. This luxury stay boasts 509 beautifully decorated guestrooms and suites including 28 deluxe suites and an award-winning Club InterContinental lounge. The hotel prides itself on stunning views of iconic Sydney landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge – it is no wonder it is included in the impressive luxury portfolio of IHG Hotels. There are top-of-the-range wellness and leisure facilities including a 31-story-high indoor, heated swimming pool overlooking the Sydney Opera House. Intercontinental Sydney offers a range of elegant local and international dining experiences, plush social spaces, and a host of function spaces – perfect for hosting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, celebrations, and weddings – with a selection of exquisite packages on offer and a glamourous Vera Wang bridal boutique.

Hidden in the Hinterland of Mullumbimby Creek, beside Mount Koonyum, this adults-only estate is made up of low rise pavilions. The site was originally a banana plantation and many of the original materials have been salvaged and reused in the build of Blackbird. Its resulting aesthetic is earthy and simple, yet stylish. Accommodations come with Egyptian cotton linen, burnished concrete floors, reclaimed timber joinery and Moroccan tiled bathrooms A magnesium lap pool was built into the mountainside and provides enviable ocean vistas, Named in Tatler’s 2020 annual travel guide as one of the ‘Top 101 Hotels in the World’, Blackbird is one not to miss.

Laidback luxury is the philosophy at this guest house in the centre of Byron Bay. It offers TV-free accommodation for over 21s only, with the option of a private plunge pool, lighthouse view, outdoor showers and claw-footed tubs. Owner and interior designer Deb Garske has created a slow living feel, incorporating wellness touches like local beeswax candles, Hunter lab skincare and an immune-strengthening Grander water system, as well as a personally curated local guidebook. Breakfast here is typical of Byron, with paleo granola, organic yoghurt and moonshine coffee appearing on the menu. Guests at 28 Degrees have shared access to a gourmet kitchen, a pool area and a reading room.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is a luxurious, waterside haven with the essence of French influence present in design and feel. There are 590 luminous guestrooms and suites boasting spectacular views of the harbour, Jones Bay, and the city from floor-to-ceiling windows. The award-winning Atelier by Sofitel serves a range of French culinary experiences made with locally sourced produce while anything from coffee and croissants to tantalising tipples can be found at the elegant on-site establishments – Le Rivage Pool Bar, Champagne Bar, Lumière on Thirty Five, and Esprit Noir Lobby Bar. This sophisticated hotel is an ideal location for hosting your dream wedding but especially for conducting business – with the International Convention Centre just across the street and a wide range of meeting and event spaces on offer. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour also features state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities including a fitness centre complete with Peloton Bikes and a towering infinity pool.

The EVE Hotel Sydney is a tranquil retreat in a neighbourhood filled with everything you need during your stay. The hotel offers serene accommodation options that have been specially designed to allow for relaxation and connection with nature. There is a selection of luxurious guestrooms and suites with the hotel’s premier accommodation, The EVE Suite, overlooking the Wunderlich Lane precinct. Rooftop dining is available at Lottie, where a bold combination of local and Mexican flavours meet in an idyllic setting. Bar Julius Lobby Bar invites guests to try expertly crafted drinks in a lavish setting surrounded by art. The hotel boasts a 20-metre rooftop pool with private cabanas and offers poolside dining throughout the day. Guests can enjoy the on-site fitness facilities and access to nearby spa treatments and The Parlour Room.

Located in the heart of the city, Kimpton Margot Sydney, is a treasured icon reimagined. The hotel combines art deco heritage with eclectic style and the result is guaranteed to delight guests. Guest rooms are modern with plush beds, stylish bathrooms, art-lined walls and even include a yoga mat! The hotel presents four restaurants each offering a myriad of dining experiences; from refined drinks and light bites in the elegant 1930s-style cocktail bar through to the flagship restaurant, helmed by renowned Australian chef, Luke Mangan. The hotel very much embraces a social spirit hosting nightly drinks receptions, pop-up events and much more. For energetic guests, there is a fully equipped on-site fitness centre with the latest Technogym machines and custom-designed Kimpton Lekker bikes for riding around town are available upon request. The rooftop swimming pool is the perfect place for a sun-soaked swim or simply a place to enjoy city views in style and comfort.

Enjoying one of the best locations in the city, the 5*Park Hyatt is luxury in every sense. Boasting views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, the S-shaped hotel hugs the cove of Dawes Point. Sophisticated and elegant, the large rooms are finished in neutral earthy tones and have big picture windows, marble bathrooms, and the latest in-room technology. The jewel of this hotel is undoubtedly its rooftop pool and terrace with incredible views. Other leisure facilities include a spa with a full menu of treatments and a fitness centre. Dining comes with a view in two restaurants, while the bar welcomes you in for a casual drink and some light bites.