Here’s an update for you: It’s time to book your next luxury Sydney hotel staycation. Why? Some might say ‘why not’, but if you’re erring on the side of twiddling thumbs, below we’ve rounded up some compelling reasons to push you over the booking edge.Â
We’ve done the arduous, difficult task of selecting the 6 best luxury hotels in Sydney. Perhaps you know some of them, perhaps you’ve never quite had the pleasure, but what we do know is that it won’t be a decision you regret.Â
What’s the best thing about a staycation?
Proximity. Don’t worry about booking in endless hours of nanny time that’ll drain your bank account faster than sand through your fingertips, and forget about piling yourself onto a plane that sits on the tarmac for an extra hour. These inner city gems have all the best bits to offer, and they’re in your very own backyard.Â
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Think: Beautiful duck down pillows and deep, generous baths. Perfectly charred rib eyes and uber fluffed bathrobes, knowing grateful smiles from equally contented guests and artisan tea bags stuffed with aromatic sleep inducing herbal tisanes. Even dare to think of a gym, swim and uninterrupted sauna sesh.Â
Let’s go on a mini holiday.
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Our pick of the 6 best luxe hotels in Sydney
Pier One
This boutique hotel on Sydney’s lapping waterfront is about as iconic as it gets. Nestled below the Harbour Bridge, stones throw from the sails of the Opera House and a hop and jump away from The Rocks, this hotel has found it’s home within a 1912 heritage ocean wharf. The wharf was originally created so passengers could board ferries between the harbour and North Sydney, and was later refurbed to become a hotel in 1998, with facelifts along the way. Expect five-star offerings: water views, glass open windows, Who Is Elijah amenities, stone vanities, Nespresso machines, Juliet balconies and a restaurant that absolutely serves. Imagine stracciatella with cooled cucumbers and a mint dressing, rib-eye fillet on coals with a marrow butter, and a butter lettuce salad that’s so perfectly dressed you’ll forget yourself (the art of a great salad dressing is a hit and miss affair). The menu changes with the season, and it is a highlight of their offering. You can’t miss their seafood plates, too.
Ace Hotel
Part of a chain of hotels that are speckled over the world, Sydney’s iteration of the Ace Hotel is a funky 5-star boutique hotel in the belly of Sydney. They promise ‘everything and more’, and it’s easy to see why. This place oozes cool meets function. Choose from Accessible rooms – king or a double all the way up to a Large which will boasts a king bed, extra high ceilings and likely some beautiful bay windows to observe the goings on below. Take heed of the ‘Rule Of Three’ deal with great things coming in a neat bunch of three: brunch and Bloody Mary’s, parking and a 3pm checkout.
Capella
With more than a few awards under its belt, Capella is the luxury hotel du jour in Sydney, and will likely retain the title for years to come. Hidden in plain sight within a sandstone building that was formerly the Department of Education, this stay is an experience in itself. Curated, sophisticated and polished, there are 192 guestrooms to choose from, signature restaurants serving beautiful seasonal produce and gritty, teeth-chatteringly good martinis and a wellness offering that’s world class.
Psst: If you’re keen to treat yourself to some daytime self-care, sign up to DayAway, a community-based membership that offers packages which include a 60-min massage and 2 hours of exclusive access to Capella’s wellness facilities including the gym and pool.
Paramount House Hotel
Another example of a prior practical bricks and mortar set up that’s been refurbed into an inner-city sanctuary, Paramount House Hotel is a formed film-studio-turned-hotel. Sandwiched in between buildings with the Sydney CBD, Paramount is plant-adorned, bright bolthole. Expect lofty-style rooms, exposed brick, copper accentuations, glass sliding doors, handwoven rugs, Aesop aplenty, merino throws and Japanese-style soaking tubs. Day on a plate: breakfast and seriously good coffee from The Coffee Project, lunch is a no-brainer at Poly nearby (whipped lardo toast, king prawn baked noodles, scotch fillet with feet fat yoghurt) and dinner at Sydney’s Chin Chin for Thai fiery plates.Â
 The Langham Sydney
This pick is all about location and traditional know-how. The team at The Langham have been fluffing pillows and welcoming in (somewhat cashed up) guests for eons. It’s five-start tried-and-tested service with sinky, heavenly beds, terrace views overlooking the harbour, panelled walls, hand-crafted furniture and a beautiful light palette, because let’s be frank how it looks is always high on the agenda. Don’t forget that it offers marble bathrooms, a heated pool, slippers and one of the best day spas – which happens to be underground – in the city. Located won in Barangaroo, you’re in the heart of everything.Â
Oxford House
Paddington’s ‘newest lifestyle hotel’ is a little more ‘burbs and a little less CBD. This is all sunbeds, sandstone pool, pale blues and light beige, relaxation with a side of great food and shopping within a small lurch of movement away. Enjoy the energetic artwork on the walls which pairs with the subdued coulour palette, sip on a sundowner Negroni at the pool bar followed by dinner at Busby’s, a dimly lit, jammed-in-together natural wine bar that offers both dinner and breakfast the following morning, if you’re so inclined.Â
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