Sydney’s biggest drawcard is its beautiful Harbour, a feature that sets it apart from other major cities around the world.
With so many iconic attractions along the foreshore, it can be worth spending a little extra for a hotel room with a waterfront view.
We’ve researched, tested and reviewed seven of the best Sydney hotels where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Harbour.
Top 7 Sydney Harbour Hotels:
| Hotel | Precinct | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Park Hyatt Sydney | Circular Quay | Book |
| 2 | Shangri-La Sydney | Circular Quay | Book |
| 3 | InterContinental Sydney | Circular Quay | Book |
| 4 | Four Seasons Hotel Sydney | Circular Quay | Book |
| 5 | Crown Towers Sydney | Barangaroo | Book |
| 6 | Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour | Darling Harbour | Book |
| 7 | W Sydney | Darling Harbour | Book |
Our recommended Sydney Harbour hotels are located in the following areas:
- Circular Quay
- Barangaroo
- Darling Harbour
When booking, be sure to request a room that comes with those desired Harbour views because they’re typically not guaranteed.
On a lower budget but still want those views?
Try YHA Sydney Harbour, a traveller hostel located in The Rocks with a stunning rooftop entertainment area with the best views of Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline.
Keen to stay in a hotel with history?
Check out our guide to the best heritage hotels in Sydney.
1. Park Hyatt Sydney
Park Hyatt Sydney is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, located on Hickson Road just south of the Harbour Bridge and directly opposite the Opera House. For unrivalled Harbour views paired with first-class service, this is hard to beat.
Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors and private balconies, allowing guests to take in the Harbour in complete comfort. Facilities include a spa, relaxation room, steam room, rooftop swimming pool, and gymnasium.
The hotel’s waterfront restaurant, The Dining Room, is also worth a visit, serving relaxed harbourside meals inspired by coastal Australian ingredients.
| Park Hyatt Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks (map) |
| Views: | Opera House, Circular Quay, city skyline |
| Stars: | Five |
2. Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney is a luxury hotel in the historic Rocks district, just a short walk from Circular Quay.
Its sweeping views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are a major drawcard for the many tourists who choose to stay at this glamorous hotel each year.
The hotel offers almost 600 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, along with award-winning dining, a luxurious spa, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool for a complete city escape.
| Shangri-La Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks (map) |
| Views: | Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay |
| Stars: | Five |
3. InterContinental Sydney
Housed in the heritage-listed Treasury Building on Macquarie Street, InterContinental Sydney has been a luxury fixture in the Circular Quay area since 1985.
The hotel offers more than 500 guest rooms, including 28 luxury suites, along with a spa, an award-winning Club InterContinental lounge and a choice of vibrant dining venues.
Guests can also enjoy the heated indoor pool on the upper floors, where some of the best Harbour views in Sydney await.
| InterContinental Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 117 Macquarie St, Sydney (map) |
| Views: | Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay |
| Stars: | Five |
4. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Located on George Street between The Rocks and Circular Quay, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney offers five-star accommodation with major attractions, shopping, and dining all close by.
Many rooms feature views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House or the city skyline, making the most of its prime location.
Facilities include a restaurant, spa, pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a boutique fitness centre for guests to enjoy during their stay.
| Four Seasons Hotel Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 199 George St, The Rocks (map) |
| Views: | Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay |
| Stars: | Five |
5. Crown Towers Sydney
Crown Towers Sydney in Barangaroo is one of the city’s newest luxury hotels, housed in an already iconic skyscraper in a prime waterfront location.
The hotel offers more than ten room types across a wide range of price points, many with impressive Harbour views. Rates generally range from $700 to $1200 per night, depending on the room and dates.
Facilities include an outdoor infinity pool with a poolside bar, tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, as well as two acclaimed restaurants.
A stay at Crown Towers Sydney is more than just about the views. It is a complete luxury experience, with plenty to enjoy both inside the hotel and in the vibrant Barangaroo precinct.
| Crown Towers Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo (map) |
| Views: | Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Darling Harbour |
| Stars: | Five |
6. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
In the heart of Darling Harbour, the Sofitel Sydney sits right on the waterfront next to the new International Convention Centre.
This luxury high-rise hotel offers nearly 600 spacious rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views. Facilities include an outdoor infinity pool, a fully equipped gym overlooking the city skyline, a top-floor executive lounge, and four bars with a restaurant.
It’s a prime choice for those who want a Harbour view stay in one of Sydney’s most lively precincts.
| Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 12 Darling Dr, Sydney (map) |
| Views: | Darling Harbour, city skyline |
| Stars: | Five |
7. W Sydney
W Sydney is a five-star hotel in Darling Harbour, housed in one of the city’s most recognisable buildings.
It offers a full luxury experience with Harbour views, featuring a rooftop swimming pool, indoor pool, spa facilities, fitness centre, and a quality restaurant and bar. It’s worth mentioning that the indoor pool looks out over Darling Harbour, which is an amazing view.
Step outside and you’ll have Darling Harbour at your doorstep, Barangaroo a short walk to the north, and the vibrant Darling Square precinct just to the south. The CBD is also within easy walking distance, with convenient access to trains, metro, and light rail.
| W Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 31 Wheat Rd, Sydney (map) |
| Views: | Darling Harbour, city skyline |
| Stars: | Five |
Conclusion
Choosing where to stay in Sydney can take time, but if your visit is short, it’s worth spending a little extra on a hotel with Harbour views.
Before booking, think about what matters most to you. While the Sydney CBD is walkable and well connected by train and metro, the Darling Harbour and Circular Quay precincts offer very different experiences in terms of views, transport options, attractions, and atmosphere.
If we had to choose a favourite, it would be Crown Towers Sydney in Barangaroo. This hotel delivers pure luxury with superb facilities, exceptional service, and a location that offers some of the best Harbour views in the city.
Check out our guides for activities in Sydney:
