Best hotels in Sydney for every kind of traveller

Sydney boasts some of the best hotels in Australia, drawing big-name brands and boutique hoteliers to its buzzy sprawl. We list the properties that are a cut above the rest and share which ones best suit your travel style – whether you’re visiting with family and seeking a beachside escape, visiting for work, or looking for a luxury CBD bolthole for business travellers.​   

Shangri-La Sydney 

Best for: spectacular views

Mornings are on another level at the Shangri-La Sydney . Draw open the curtains to reveal a breathtaking panoramic view of Sydney Harbour, with large windows, contemporary interiors and soothing neutral palettes framing the view perfectly. Gaze over the glittering water and take in the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge from the comfort of your room. In the evening, head to Blu Bar on 36, where master mixologists craft the perfect cocktail – drink up the shifting colours of the sunset then watch the Sydney Opera House illuminate with a cosy glow.

Read our full Shangri-La Sydney review.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney 

Best for: old-world charm 

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a historic hotel. It occupies a heritage-listed General Post Office building and is every bit as grand as it sounds. This 151-year-old landmark is defined by its brilliant sandstone façade, crowned with a commanding clock tower. Inside, a vast entry hall opens up beneath a glass roof, letting daylight pour in and brighten the atrium. Throughout the hotel, historic character blends with refined touches, from polished columns to an elegant sweeping staircase. Make the most of your stay in such a storied site by joining the guided heritage tour and uncovering the building’s story.

Read our full The Fullerton Hotel Sydney review.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Best for: family retreats

From gentle child-friendly shampoo to your own in-room tent, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney’s thoughtful touches turn a family break into an easy, stress-free stay. In the room, a plush koala toy creates a cheerful welcome for little ones, child-sized bathrobes keep them cosy and the sweeping harbour views are sure to delight the whole family. The hotel is close to the CBD shopping district, with plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from. Better yet, it overlooks Circular Quay, where you can jump on ferries to explore suburban Sydney. It’s the ideal home base for explorers big and small...

Read our full Four Seasons Hotel Sydney review.

Ace Hotel Sydney

Best for: arty vibes

Once packed with art school students and grungy studios, the spirit of Surry Hills still lingers, and at the Ace Hotel it comes out in full force. This hotel ticks all the boxes for a trendy stay: a warm, retro-inspired palette, a historic brick factory backdrop and communal spaces where you’ll want to sink into a sofa and journal about the day’s adventures. Suites come decked out with record players or acoustic guitars, complete with soundproofed concrete walls so you can keep the music flowing late into the night. 

Read our full Ace Hotel Sydney review.

Capella Sydney

Best for: grand designs

After undergoing seven years of meticulous restoration, the former Department of Education building brims with classical glamour. Within its preserved sandstone walls, original ornate features shine, with updated touches that ground the building in the present. Grand, marble stairs are framed by fluid, minimalist archways, and suites showcase sleek floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with light. Wander into the courtyard where blooming wildflower-like lanterns hang from above. Their soft glow and graceful movement exemplify how modern technology and contemporary design can exist in harmony with their historic backdrop. 

The Brighton

Best for: beachside escapes

Searching for a sun-soaked getaway? This Sydney hotel boasts a fresh, spacious feel, with private balconies in each room. Sitting opposite Botany Bay, The Brighton offers a luxury retreat pairing ocean breezes with coastal-inspired decor. Its airy ambience makes it ideal for a relaxing wellness break, with a sauna and steam room that provide a moment of pause from your busy schedule. Enjoy a golden afternoon at Sands Beach Club, where you can stretch out on a sun lounger and relax by the pool with a crisp cocktail. 

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park 

Best for: business trips

If you’re looking for a polished and professional backdrop for your remote meetings, then the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is the one to book. A spacious desk provides ample room to work, while state-of-the-art meeting rooms are equipped with all the tech you need for client meetings. If you fancy a change of scenery, slip into the Sheraton Club Lounge and wind down with a cocktail. Exploring the city would be easy thanks to the hotel’s central location, with the CBD shopping district close by. 

W Sydney

Best for: city buzz

The W Sydney has a truly metropolitan spirit. From first glance, its curved glass façade and sleek lines exude urban character, amplified even more by its unusual location, sandwiched between two highways. Enter through the neon-lit doorway and ride the escalator through an illuminated tunnel to the third floor, where you'll be greeted by graffiti-clad columns and traffic streams whizzing past the glass walls. This hotel’s glossy aesthetic carries through every corner of the property, from its restaurants to rooms, keeping you immersed in the vibrant energy of the city.