Best Luxury Hotels in New South Wales

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.

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.

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.

Best described as quirky, this luxury hotel with 189 rooms sits on the waterfront with incredible views of the Harbour Bridge and Walsh Bay. Pier One is a great base for tourists being only a 5-minute walk from The Rocks and King George V Memorial Park. Rooms are modern, spacious, and stylish with large picture windows, while suites boast waterfront terraces. The excellent restaurant and bar also have fabulous views and there’s also a barbecue restaurant right on the harbour. Guests can enjoy leisure time in a well-equipped fitness centre. This pet-friendly hotel also has plenty of meeting facilities for business travellers.

A stroll away from Darling Harbour in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the Hyatt Regency is the ideal choice for leisure and business travellers. This is Australia’s largest hotel (892 air-conditioned rooms) and pitched at the top end of the conference and business market and facilities are mainly aimed at business customers or customers who want a luxurious base for sightseeing without too many on-site facilities. There are excellent conference facilities and the hotel is only 15 minutes walk from the International Convention Centre. The Sailmaker restaurant serves delicious food and guests can enjoy fabulous views while sipping a cocktail in the Zephyr sky bar or a workout in two fitness rooms.

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.

Porter House Hotel Sydney by MGallery, is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and Hyde Park, Australian Museum, Darling Harbour, Capitol Theatre are all within close proximity. The design of the hotel is very much one where history meets modern elegance and this style flows throughout. Rooms and suites include all the amenities guests would expect of a hotel of this standard.  The hotel restaurant has a warm and sophisticated atmosphere, where groups, couples or solo diners are all as welcome as each other – the bistro-style menu has classic dishes with an Australian influence. Enjoy the all-day buzz of the European deli inspired café, where bread and wine are the order of the day – sit down and relax or grab and go! Guests have full use of the heated outdoor swimming pool and an onsite fitness centre is also available.