Simply put, the views of Sydney Harbour couldn't be better from these hotels if they tried.
Nothing says Sydney perfection like being able to see sun sparkle off the harbour while relaxing in your luxurious hotel room. Add a balcony and breakfast delivered direct to your door and your trip is complete.
These hotels are the crème de la crème of Sydney accommodation. Each hugs the Sydney coastline and features some of the most spectacular views of the harbour, and they’re pretty swanky to say the least.
1. Pier One Sydney Harbour
This boutique hotel is nestled underneath the Harbour Bridge and is the epitome of luxury. For an exceptional experience with unparalleled views, check out the Harbour View Balcony Suite. It comes complete with its own private deck and overlooks the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Luna Park, which all participate in Vivid Sydney.
Our pick for harbour views: Harbour View Balcony Suite
2. Park Hyatt Sydney
Many a celebrity has checked into the Park Hyatt in Sydney and it’s easy to see why. With its on-the-water location, sweeping harbour views, first-class service and plush rooms, there’s little we can find wrong with the Park Hyatt.
It's also right on the doorstep to Sydney's Campbell's Cove with unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House.
Our pick for harbour views: Opera View Room
3. Shangri-La Sydney
While the Shangri-La Sydney isn’t right on the harbour like the other hotels, its sheer height (it rises 36 storeys above the ground) makes it ideal to capture the sights of the city from above.
Aim for a room on one of its top levels or wine and dine your night away in Attitude Restaurant on the 26th floor.
Our pick for harbour views: Premier Grand Harbour Room
4. Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Neatly tucked into the Harbour and minutes away from Sydney’s Opera House, Pullman Quay is one of those hotels you save for a special occasion.
The Pullman Quay's rooms come equipped with a spa and a private balcony. Even if you don’t nab a room with a view, you can still head down to the bar for a spectacular photo-op of the glowing harbour.
Our pick for harbour views: 1 Bedroom Suite Harbour View
5. Sydney Harbour Marriott
Smack bang in the middle of Circular Quay, with the Opera House on its right and the Harbour Bridge on its left, is the Sydney Harbour Marriott.
With its modern design and luxurious amenities, you’ll be hard pressed to leave your bed. We suggest you just inch your way to your windowsill to enjoy the view for a moment or two. It’s worth it. Promise.
Our pick for harbour views: Executive Level or Harbour Suite. Each offers a complete view of either the Harbour Bridge or the Opera House and a partial view of the other.
6. Quay West Suites
If this spectacular view of the harbour hasn’t sold you yet, we’re not sure what will. This one is for those who prefer a luxurious serviced apartment instead of a hotel but still want that amazing view.
It combines the best of both worlds with the high-quality service of a hotel (as well as these stellar views) along with the bonus of apartment amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, separate lounge space and flexible event spaces for anyone here on business.
Our pick for harbour views: One Bedroom Harbour Room Suite
7. Four Seasons
Located at the entrance to The Rocks and Circular Quay, the Four Seasons sports some of the finest views of the harbour and cityscape in Sydney.
You're so close you can smell the action. You're minutes away from the MCA and Customs House. Of course, you're also just a short walk from The Rocks and Sydney Harbour.
This 5-star hotel screams indulgence. It features a heated pool, an Australian spa, an on-site concierge and twice-daily housekeeping. To top that off, it sports a generous number of full harbour-view suites of varying sizes and prices, making it an easy choice when looking for that perfect hotel room.
Our pick for harbour views: Premier Full Harbour Room
8. InterContinental Sydney
You’ll sleep tight with this view of the bridge in your sights. The InterContinental is one of those iconic hotels you talk about all the time but have never stayed at. Until now.
Inside this luxury hotel, you’ll not only nab one of the best seats in the house to see the harbour from, but you’ll also be pampered to no end with lush spa treatments, a concierge service, fitness facilities and a pool. Enough drooling and more booking!
Our pick for harbour views: Deluxe Harbour Suite
9. North Sydney Harbourview Hotel
For something different, try a view from the other side of the bridge. Situated high atop a hill on Sydney’s lower north shore, the North Sydney Harbourview Hotel is renowned for some of the most unique vistas on the harbour.
From the hotel, you can gaze upon the whole cityscape, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Luna Park.
Pretty, right?
Our pick for harbour views: Queen Room with Harbour View
10. Harbourside Apartments Sydney
Still looking for that ultimate view of Sydney Harbour? North Sydney has more than a few to offer. In the suburb of McMahons Point, which is at the foot of the Harbour Bridge and right below Luna Park, you’ll find Harbourside Apartments.
It’s a 4-star apartment with 5-star views and amenities such as a picnic/BBQ area, a fully equipped kitchen and an outdoor swimming pool.
As for views? We think the picture here speaks for itself.
Our pick for harbour views: Studio Apartment (Harbour View)
Compare Sydney hotels with harbour views
| Hotel | Location | Our pick for the best views |
|---|---|---|
| Pier One Sydney Harbour | Dawes Point/The Rocks | Harbour View Balcony Suite |
| Park Hyatt Sydney | The Rocks | Opera View Room |
| Shangri-La Sydney | The Rocks | Premier Grand Harbour Room |
| Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour | Circular Quay | 1 Bedroom Suite Harbour View |
| Sydney Harbour Marriott | Circular Quay | Executive Level or Harbour Suite |
| Quay West Suites | The Rocks | One Bedroom Harbour Room Suite |
| Four Seasons | The Rocks | Premier Full Harbour Room |
| InterContinental Sydney | Circular Quay | Deluxe Harbour Suite |
| North Sydney Harbourview Hotel | North Sydney | Queen Room with Harbour View |
| Harbourside Apartments Sydney | McMahons Point/Lavender Bay | Studio Apartment (Harbour View) |
