6 hotels in Sydney with stellar harbor views

Sydney is my adopted home and I love exploring all of its secret beaches, viewpoints, and parks. But none of these places hold a candle to Sydney Harbour, the icing on the cake of a city that’s already pretty close to perfection. That’s why I highly recommend that visitors stay near the harbor, since you can soak up all the epic views that you came for, plus you’re within walking (or train or ferry distance) from all of the city’s main attractions, including the Opera House.

If I’m suggesting hotels to family or friends (or booking a staycation with my dog), these are the six hotels in Sydney with harbor views that I absolutely love.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo isn’t your average hotel. This former fish market, wool storage center, and a cargo facility on the historic Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf is now a beautifully designed luxury boutique property with lofty, industrial spaces. Set right on the harbor, it’s playful and quirky, but also relaxing, with exceptional hospitality and easy access to lots of popular bars and restaurants along the wharves.

Room scene: Rooms are tastefully designed, with fun pops of vibrant color and funky artwork that nods to Australian culture and the Ovolo building’s unique past. All rooms are spacious and inviting, but I love the Deluxaroo Loft, as it’s one of the property’s signature loft room types—there’s something so unique about the split-level space, with a large lounge for entertaining or pre-dinner drinks.

Restaurant report: It’s a bold move for a hotel brand to go completely meat-free in its restaurants, but that’s just what the Ovolo group has done. Alibi is this property’s signature dining option, offering delicious plant-based cuisine that will appeal to everyone, vegan or not, in a modern, light-filled atrium-style space.

Don’t miss: With Ovolo’s V.I.Pooch package, it’s easy to travel with your pup in tow. It’s also easy to love the hotel’s included extra touches, such as a ‘loot bag’ of snacks and an open minibar, a complimentary sundowner cocktail, and in-room iPads.

Who should go: Creative types, plant-based diners, and design aficionados.

The stylish, low-rise InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is in one of Sydney’s chicest waterfront neighborhoods. Double Bay is a leafy, glamorous suburb, right on the harbor, known for having some of the best cafes, restaurants, and bars (plus boutique shopping) in the city, but the dining options within the hotel are also worth traveling for—you can’t beat poolside oysters, a luxury afternoon tea, or rooftop cocktails.

Room scene: All rooms and suites have a muted gray and white style of decor and lots of lux finishings, including Byredo toiletries, Espressotia coffee machines, and Juliet balconies. The Classic Balcony Bayside rooms will guarantee your view of Double Bay, or upgrade to a one-bedroom Bayside Suite for additional lounge space.

Restaurant report: Don’t be misled by its simple name—The Bar is one of the city’s most glamorous spots for dinner, with heavy velvet curtains, waiters in white suit jackets, and European vermouths and wines. If James Bond came for a drink in Sydney, this is where you’d spot him.

Don’t miss: The hotel’s French provincial-style courtyard is one of its most beautiful places to relax with a lazy morning coffee before a day of sightseeing or shopping.

Who should go: Fashionistas, foodies, and honeymooners.

I moved to Sydney on a backpacker budget, so I always have a soft spot for the Youth Hostels of Australia (YHA) properties, offering clean, quiet, and affordable private or shared accommodation across the country. Arguably one of the best is the YHA Sydney Harbour, with prime positioning in the Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighborhood. It might be technically a hostel, but the YHA Sydney Harbour feels like a hotel.

The best gathering point on the property is their rooftop, offering unbelievable views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, with regular barbecues and events held for guests. However, the ground floor of the YHA is just as intriguing as its rooftop, as the hotel is built above the Big Dig, one of Sydney’s largest colonial-era archaeology sites.

Room scene: For the best possible rates, book a co-living room, the YHA’s shared accommodation types. The shared rooms for four or six are also a popular option with families. However, for private rooms, the best views are found within the newly refurbished Opera Harbour View rooms, available with queen or king beds and wide-screen TVs. All rooms are adorned in a colorful, modern, and simple style.

Restaurant report: With Trails Cafe and a summertime rooftop pop-up bar, it’s easy to make new friends on your stay here, or just enjoy a coffee with a good book. However, you’ll also find spacious kitchen facilities, making it easy to cook your own meals if you’re trying to save cash. There are also plenty of great bars and restaurants within a two-block radius, including Maybe Sammy, one of Sydney’s best cocktail bars.

Don’t miss: If you’re here during the winter Vivid Sydney festival, know that the rooftop is one of my favorite places to view the harbor light installations.

Who should go: Budget-conscious travelers of any age, archeology buffs, social butterflies, and groups.

If only the best will do, the Park Hyatt Sydney occupies prime harborfront real estate, with some of the most gorgeous views of the Opera House you’ll come across. The views here are best appreciated from the Park Hyatt’s irresistible infinity pool, of course. It’s one of Sydney’s largest outdoor heated pools, so you can relax on the sleek deck and lux lounge chairs year-round. It’s a favorite with celebs too, so you never know who might set up camp next to you.

Designed in neutrals and sandstone, blending in with the sandstone architecture of the Rocks, this low-rise, five-star hotel may be part of the Hyatt chain, but feels beautifully boutique, with personalized service, Le Labo bath products, and a sophisticated style that makes you feel like a million bucks, even if you booked with your Hyatt points.

Room scene: Each room and suite is adorned in neutral, cream colors, with soft carpet and soothing spa vibes. You can’t go wrong with any of the rooms, but to wake up to those magical harbor views, book one of the Opera View rooms. Check-out time is 11 a.m., but trust me, you won’t want to leave.

Restaurant report: While some hotel restaurants can feel a bit soulless, The Dining Room by James Viles is a notable exception. With gorgeous Indigenous artwork and a seasonal menu that stars Australian coastal seafood and regional meats and produce, the cuisine here is just as impressive as the harbor views. Sometimes though, you just can’t pull yourself out of your bathrobe, but that’s no problem—the room service here is decadent.

Don’t miss: New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular times to visit the Park Hyatt, with the concierge running exclusive events for guests during that time, including boat tours around the harbor and cocktail masterclasses.

Who should go: Jet setters, spa seekers, and anyone fully embracing the ‘treat yourself’ mentality.

If the kids are up for a wild time, there’s nowhere better to stay than the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, an eco-retreat in Mosman, right on the harbor. It’s part of Taronga Zoo, one of Sydney’s most popular tourist attractions, renowned for its conservation efforts. Both the Zoo and the Wildlife Retreat are run by Taronga Conservation Society Australia, a not-for-profit that supports wildlife and their habitats around the world.

You’ll love the unique N’gurra Lounge, the property’s signature communal lounge, designed in the shape of a bird’s nest to mimic the bushland landscape. It’s the perfect place to settle in for your wildlife adventure with a welcome juice or cocktail.

Bonus: Each night’s stay includes two days of admission to the Zoo and an exclusive Sanctuary tour, a private wildlife reserve of native Australian animals, that’s only for Retreat guests.

Room scene: While you can book a Harbour View Room that looks out over the north side of Sydney’s harbor, I’d recommend an Animal View Room, which looks directly onto the Sanctuary. You’ll be able to observe wallabies, pademelons, and echidnas, all right outside your window. Yes, you’re likely to get woken up early by the beautiful bird songs, but that’s part of the appeal.

Restaurant report: Your Wildlife Retreat stay includes a filling buffet breakfast at Me-Gal Restaurant, but I also suggest booking in for dinner there too, as part of the fun of staying here is immersing yours in the serene, relaxing settings. All meats and produce served here are sustainably sourced, with a modern Australian menu (complete with wine pairings) that changes with the seasons. I love that Me-Gal is plastic-free too.

Don’t miss: During the Australian school holidays, Taronga runs a raft of zookeeper-led adventures and behind-the-scenes tours for kids, a fun addition to your stay—book ahead of time though, as these programs are popular with Sydney locals too.

Who should go: Conservation and wildlife enthusiasts, kids of any age, and those who want to feel miles away from the big city.

The location of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is unbeatable—right on George Street, where the Rocks meet Circular Quay. But despite its prime positioning, this is one of the best hotels for relaxing in Sydney. The on-site Endota Spa is the perfect place for an afternoon massage, and there are plenty of large common areas where you can relax, catch up on the news, or enjoy a coffee. However, you’re just moments away from the action, whether you want to walk down to one of the nearby train stations or stroll over to the Opera House or the Royal Botanic Garden.

Room scene: The Partial or Deluxe Harbour Rooms are worth the splurge. With a clean white and navy design palette, huge marble bathrooms, and a plush, cushioned seating area adjacent to the window, there’s nowhere better to enjoy your room’s amazing harbor views.

Restaurant report: The Four Seasons is home to one of my favorite bars in Sydney, Grain. This dimly lit cocktail bar makes a mean old fashioned and has exceptional bar staff and live music each evening. It’s perfect for a quiet date night. Also on-site, Mode Kitchen & Bar, an Italian bistro, is a delight for fresh, flavorful meals, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu using local Australian produce.

Don’t miss: If you can swing access to Lounge 32, you’ll enjoy the property’s exclusive 32nd-floor club, with access to unbelievable views—head up at sunset for canapes and sommelier-selected Australian wines.

Who should go: Urban explorers, minimalists, and early risers who will love watching sunrises over the harbor.