There’s nothing like staying in one of the beautiful Sydney hotels with harbour views. Just imagine, waking up at a hotel with views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the sun rising over two iconic monuments which make this beautiful city special as you enjoy your morning coffee.
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While some Sydney harbour view hotels are luxurious, others are more suitable for those with a modest travel budget, and I’ve tried to include a mix of beautiful Sydney hotels in this article. This way, you can pick the best Sydney hotel for you and your trip.
Aside from recommendations during my own time in Sydney, I’ve also based this list on which have the best customer reviews across all platforms.
There are various neighbourhoods to choose from for your stay. From hotels in the Central Business District and Sydney Darling Harbour to beautiful views from the North Shore, but all hotels on this list are central – or close to – all the main Sydney attractions
Read on to find out which top-rated Sydney hotels with harbour views you should during your trip!. I hope this list helps you pick the perfect hotel for your stay!
The 15 best Sydney hotels with harbour views
1. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
⭐️ Rating: 9.1 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
If you’re looking for the best hotels with Sydney Harbour views, you can’t get much better than the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
Directly overlooking Sydney Harbour, you’ll also have access to the hotel’s 350-sq-metre fitness centre, spa and wellness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. The onsite restaurant, Mode Kitchen & Bar, services Australian classics made with seasonable produce. Alternatively, head to the Grain Bar for cocktails, wine, local beer, or spirits.
‘Luxurious escape with all the wonderful service and amenities one might hope for! Perfect in every way!! Immaculately clean, impeccable, personal service, wonderful gym facilities, and a fantastic view of the Harbour from our room.’
SHANNON – READ MORE REVIEWS
When it comes to Sydney hotels with Opera House views, the Four Seasons makes it extra special; you’ll have panoramic harbour views from the comfort of your hotel room. Rooms are also fitted with an LCD TV, slippers, and Christian Lacroix toiletries.
For the best harbour view, we recommend booking a King Room or Deluxe Full Harbour Room; both include unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour.
2. Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
⭐️ Rating: 8.5 |📍 Location: Circular Quay | 🏩 View on Booking.com
This harbourside Sydney hotel is based in the iconic Circular Quay, where you can catch a ferry to Manly, Taronga Zoo, or Luna Park. The property is a stone’s throw away from Sydney’s most photogenic locations, such as the Opera House, the Botanic Gardens, and The Rocks.
The five-star Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour features spacious luxury apartments, each fitted with a gourmet kitchen, living area, and a spa bath. If you’re after Sydney hotels with harbour views and balcony panoramas, you’ll love watching the Sydney sunsets from the privacy of your room.
‘The view from our room was amazing overlooking the Harbour. Every morning we could sit on the balcony and watch the big cruise ships come in. It was lovely also watching the ferries come back and forward to the wharf.
The hotel is close to the Opera House which was great as we were able to see a show without having to book transport home. I would recommend you book in advance to get the best room possible.‘
ALISON – READ MORE REVIEWS
This five-star hotel also offers a fabulous onsite bar and restaurant with Sydney harbour views. Q-Dining has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour while tucking into Australian cuisine, whereas the onsite bar, Hacienda Sydney, serves snacks and Cuban-inspired cocktails.
The hotel also features a fitness centre. Previous guests loved the outstanding staff, superb location, and spacious rooms.
3. Sebel Quay West Suites
⭐️ Rating: 8.7 |📍 Location: The Rocks | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Located in the historic Rocks district, the Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney offers 5-star apartments just a 5-minute walk from Circular Quay.
Choose a hotel room with harbour views or city views, each fitted with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining, and living space.
‘We stayed in a deluxe 2-bedroom apartment with a harbour view. Very clean and modern with spectacular views of Circular Key, Opera house, and Harbour Bridge.
Could have sat watching the cruise ships & ferries all day! Great location, pool and apartment was well furnished and within walking distance to shops.’
LOUISE – READ MORE REVIEWS
When it comes to Sydney city hotels with harbour views, you’ll love the spectacular sun deck, which showcases remarkable views over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Besides the stunning scenery, the recreational level also features a sunken Roman-style swimming pool, spa, sauna, and gym.
Don’t miss the Quartier Bistro & Bar for a memorable dining experience, or head to the bar for cocktails and sharing platters. Room service is also available.
4. Sydney Harbour Marriot at Circular Quay
⭐️ Rating: 8.1 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
On the hunt for the perfect accommodation, Sydney Harbour views make any hotel seem extra special – and the Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay is no exception!
This top-rated five-star Sydney accommodation offers hotel rooms with harbour, city, or Opera House views. Perfect for travellers longing for exceptional Sydney scenery!
‘Fabulous hotel. From check-in to check-out, the staff were courteous and helpful. The room was great. Wonderfully comfortable bed and a great shower. Room service was also exceptional.
Fantastic location with the city and opera house a short stroll away.’
ANET – READ MORE REVIEWS
Rooms also feature a TV, minibar, and coffee facilities. Elsewhere, you’ll find the luxurious day spa with a sauna, an indoor pool, and a well-equipped gym.
For casual outdoor dining, enjoy a meal at The Customs House Bar, a 19th-century pub with an open-air beer garden.
5. Sydney Harbour YHA
⭐️ Rating: 8.6 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
If you were hoping to find a cheap hotel or Sydney hostel with harbour views, you’re in luck. The iconic Sydney Harbour YHA has been impressing budget travellers since it opened with its rooftop lookout, convenient location, and superb facilities.
‘Great location and a rooftop terrace with the best view over Circular Quay and the Opera House!!! Very clean, good kitchen and bathroom facilities. Felt more like a hotel than a hostel. Very comfortable and relaxed accommodation.’
JULIA – READ MORE REVIEWS
Choose between air-conditioned private rooms, which include tea, coffee and towels, or opt for a budget-friendly shared dormitory room with a private locker and PowerPoint.
The rooftop is the hostel’s best asset, with its amazing rooftop views of Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and beyond. Other communal areas include a TV lounge, billiards, 24/7 front desk, laundry and communal kitchen.
6. Park Hyatt Sydney
⭐️ Rating: 9.1 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
With a heated pool, spa and wellness centre, this modern luxury hotel is the perfect spot for pampering and rejuvenation. That said, there’s a gym on-site if you’re feeling energetic!
Undoubtedly one of the best Sydney hotels with views, the Park Hyatt Sydney is ideally located between the Opera House and Harbour Bridge! This is the perfect spot for special occasions, girls’ trips in Australia, or simply treating your loved one.
‘The Hyatt staff were very accommodating, from the greeting to small touches such as a posey of jonquils for the room. They assisted whenever they could and always had genuine smiles.
The location of the hotel is perfect for taking in all that Vivid [the Sydney light festival] had to offer and it was all within walking distance. Watching the sunset and the Opera House sails light up was amazing.’
ROSEMARY – READ MORE REVIEWS
Rooms are furnished with luxury details in mind, with plush carpets, modern bathrooms and designed lighting. My favourite feature is undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto private balconies.
Another unique attribute is the paintings and artwork by Australian artists on display around the hotel, which were specifically commissioned by the hotel. Wrapping up your stay is the hotel’s dedicated butler team. Yep, guests at the Park Hyatt have a 24-hour personalised service!
7. Pier One Sydney Harbour Autograph Collection
⭐️ Rating: 8.6 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, is undoubtedly among the most romantic Sydney hotels with harbour views.
In fact, this unique accommodation was built on the water beside Sydney Harbour Bridge itself and even has its own private pontoon.
‘This hotel is beautifully designed and centrally located with views of the Harbor Bridge. The amenities and extra touches were a nice bonus and a perfect way to end our trip in Sydney.‘
ELIZABETH – READ MORE REVIEWS
Each room and suite is decorated with a contemporary, nautical theme, and includes a TV and minibar. Select rooms have a spa bath and sofa bed.
Furthermore, if you’re after pet-friendly Sydney hotels with views, then you’ll be pleased to know that the staff at Pier One Sydney Harbour love your pup as much as you do! Enquire about their dog package, which includes a dog bed, bowels, dog meal options, and treats!
8. Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks
⭐️ Rating: 7.8 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Just a 15-minute scenic Sydney walk from the iconic Opera House, Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks is conveniently located to enjoy the city centre and beyond.
Each self-contained studio features a kitchen, cable TV, microwaves, a minibar, and coffee-making facilities, and guests can select a room with a Sydney harbour view upon booking.
‘Fabulous location – a few minutes walk from Circular Quay Station (so convenient from the airport and lots of shops and eating places in The Rocks. Easy walk around the harbour to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as well as theatre events at Pier 1/2/3 in Walsh Bay.
My apartment had a balcony with a view of the Bridge and Opera House! The room was huge, sofa with a coffee table as well as a comfy reading chair and small table, and lots of storage in the wardrobe. Large bathroom also with bench space for toiletries. Great wifi and climate control. Heaps of power points and lamps for the room.’
NATASHA – READ MORE REVIEWS
The hotel also contains an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and hot tub. Meanwhile, The Rocks district is famous for its wonderful selection of cafes and restaurants, just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
Previous guests note the helpful staff, spacious rooms (even compared to more expensive Sydney hotels), comfortable beds, and fabulous location.
9. Rydges Sydney Harbour
⭐️ Rating: 7.8 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Formerly the Holiday Inn Old Sydney, the newly renovated Rydges Sydney Habour is here to delight new guests with its rooftop swimming pool overlooking the harbour.
‘We absolutely loved the location…so close to many of the activities and places that we had planned to visit. The facilities were comfortable and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating.
We loved the Happy Hour in the lobby bar…met some nice, friendly people. We enjoyed watching the cruise ships come and go out our window. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Sydney!!’
LYNNETTE – READ MORE REVIEWS
Modern rooms feature bathtubs, TVs, refrigerators and work desks. You can choose between soft or firm pillows. Meanwhile, visit The Lobby Lounge and Bar for cafe meals and a fabulous range of local beers and wines. You’ll also find your a la carte breakfast served in the Playfair Terrace Restaurant.
Perfectly located just 3 minutes from Circular Quay and the Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ll also find the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are just a 15-minute stroll away.
10. Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
⭐️ Rating: 8.1 |📍 Location: The Rocks | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Why not treat yourself to a hotel with views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour? The magnificent Shangri-La Hotel Sydney overlooks them all.
But that’s not all. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre, pool, and CHI, The Spa – is a luxurious retreat of spa suites, offering a range of massages and treatments. You’ll also find a hot tub, sauna, and sun deck.
‘Wonderful position. Amazing views of the Opera House and Sydney bridge from our room and from the restaurant at the delicious breakfast. Delightful and very helpful staff. We had a fabulous 2-night stay which was beyond my expectations.’
JANICE – READ MORE REVIEWS
Or, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, relax in the bath in your sumptuous marble bathroom. Rooms also feature coffee facilities, room service, iPod docks, slippers, and fluffy bathrobes.
For the best Sydney views, head up to the award-winning Altitude Restaurant! Meanwhile, the Blu Bar on 36 serves up its famous innovative cocktails
North Sydney hotels with harbour views
If you’ve visited Sydney before, you’ll know that many of the best views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera house don’t just come from the harbour itself. You’ll find amazing lookout points from many Sydney coastal walks, surprising little coves, and even city parks.
For this reason, I’ve included some of these wonderful North Sydney hotels with harbour views. While they are a little further away from the city centre, they’re only a short ferry ride away. And besides, there is a lot to do in North Sydney too – such as Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and many beautiful beaches to enjoy.
I’ve also added a couple of budget hotel options, in case you’ll be watching your wallet during your upcoming Sydney holiday. If that’s you, it’s extra important to book in advance, as the cheaper options do tend to book up quickly.
11. Meriton Suites North Sydney
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 |📍 Location: North Sydney | 🏩 View on Booking.com
With a heated indoor lap pool, 24-hour fitness centre, spa, and sauna onsite, Meriton Suites North Sydney provides guests with all the facilities they need for a relaxing Sydney holiday.
Each suite offers gourmet kitchens, laundry facilities, coffee machines, and contemporary bathrooms with scented toiletries.
‘Great location; easy to walk across harbour bridge into central Sydney, fantastic suite, extremely clean and well furnished. great levels of equipment (kitchen, washing machine, tumble dryer, to name but a few), staff very responsive to additional requests…
Great view over harbour, opera house and bridge.’
PETER – READ MORE REVIEWS
Make sure you book a Harbour Suite for excellent views of the iconic Sydney attractions, right from your balcony.
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from North Sydney Train Station (two stops from the city centre), a 15-minute walk from Lavender Bay, and 4 minute drive to Luna Bay.
If you’re looking for the most memorable North Sydney hotels with harbour views, this is undoubtedly your best option.
12. Views Sydney
⭐️ Rating: 8.4 |📍 Location: North Sydney | 🏩 View on Booking.com
This aptly named hotel is close to many of North Sydney’s fun attractions, while also providing exceptional views, a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.
Many rooms at Views Sydney overlook the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while also featuring a TV, work desk, and coffee facilities. Some rooms offer a bath and pet-friendly facilities, which you can select upon booking.
‘Out of this world views, amazing price – Amazing location and view!! This is where you should stay if you go to Sydney. Extremely good value for money and thoroughly recommend it. The staff were very friendly!’
LYNSEY – READ MORE REVIEWS
The LB’s restaurant offers bistro-style dishes for lunch and dinner, and there is also a bar and fitness centre onsite. Previous guests note that they found the hotel conveniently located and good value for money.
13. Glenferrie Lodge
⭐️ Rating: 8.2 |📍 Location: Kirribilli | 🏩 View on Booking.com
This budget Sydney hotel comes with a large garden, communal lounge, and optional breakfast.
Every room at Glenferrie Lodge comes with air-conditioning, a desk, a refrigerator and a TV, while you can opt for a balcony with water views upon booking.
‘Excellent location! Comfortable beds and nice to have a few kitchen amenities. Loved staying here more than we ever did in Sydney CBD. The harbour view was stunning from this side. Ferries are easy to hop on/hop off. Loved it!’
REBECCA – READ MORE REVIEWS
Kirribilli suburb is popular with Sydney locals and has many cute cafes and lovely harbourside walks from which to enjoy the harbour. The hotel is also a 700m walk from Luna Park.
Regular ferries depart to Circular Quay from Kirribilli Wharf, which is a 1 minute’s walk away, so it’s ideally located for exploring the city or taking a Sydney day trip.
Sydney Hotels in Darling Harbour:
While nothing beats a hotel with views of Sydney harbour, I thought it was worthwhile including these accommodations in Darling Harbour too!
This waterside spot is abundant with cafes, restaurants, and attractions, while also being just a stone’s throw away from the main harbour too.
14. The Langham Sydney
⭐️ Rating: 9.2 |📍 Location: Sydney CBD | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Australia meets Europe with the stately Georgian-Style architecture at The Langham Sydney. The interior speaks for itself; this 5* hotel is truly fabulous.
Aside from panoramic city or bay views, you’ll also have a stylishly decorated bedroom, with mahogany furniture and a marble bathroom.
‘Absolutely everything. The staff were amazing (in all sections) and could not do enough for you. The room & bathroom was beautiful & large, spotlessly clean, beds were so comfortable. Loved how quiet it was. Buffet breakfast, delicious & huge variety.
The pool, jacuzzi & steam room, are incredible, used it every day & so relaxed on the very comfortable banana lounges. Was a perfect stay, will stay again.‘
HELEN – READ MORE REVIEWS
Previous guests loved the location, day spa, helpful concierge, buffet breakfast, and spacious rooms.
The Langham Sydney also features a swimming pool, fitness centre, and sauna. Meanwhile, foodies touring Sydney will love the Observatory bar, which offers excellent food, creative cocktails, and an exclusive wine list. Alternatively, enjoy the culinary offerings at Kitchens on Kent.
15. Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
⭐️ Rating: 8.0 |📍 Location: Darling Harbour | 🏩 View on Booking.com
Enjoy views of the city skyline from your spacious room at Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour. Rooms also include a TV with cable channels, 24-hour room service, and coffee-making facilities.
‘We had a wonderful stay. Excellent value for money. The staff were lovely & the reception & lobby areas were beautiful & homely & even smelt amazing. Can not fault anything.‘
NIC – READ MORE REVIEWS
The hotel also houses a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and tennis court. The Tenery Restaurant welcomes guests to enjoy dining at the Grill Kitchen, Asian Kitchen, or Wine Bar.
Tips for picking a hotel with Sydney Harbour views
Firstly, while most of these harbourview Sydney hotels have wonderful views from the restaurants, communal, or bar areas for all guests to enjoy, that doesn’t mean every single hotel room overlooks the Opera House.
If you want to view the harbour from your actual room, make sure you select the correct room upon booking. Understandably, harbourview rooms are usually slightly pricier than rooms with a city view. But, if you’ve already read this post, then you probably agree that it’s worth it!
Make sure you book your accommodation in advance! Top-rated Sydney hotels get booked up sometimes a month in advance. If you’re visiting during school or public holidays – especially peak times like New Year’s Eves – weekends, or during the high season, it’s definitely recommended to book as soon as you’ve confirmed your holiday dates.
Not only will you be left with less than ideal accommodation if you leave it to the last minute, but it will likely be more expensive and less value for money, too.
- Closest hotel to Sydney Harbour Bridge: Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection
- Best harbourside Sydney apartment: Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney
- Best budget-friendly hotel with views of Sydney Harbour Bridge: Sydney Harbour YHA, though the cheapest option is Glenferrie Lodge.
- Best luxury Sydney hotel for special occasions: Park Hyatt Sydney or the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
- Best hotel in North Sydney: Meriton Suites North Sydney
- Best hotel in the Sydney Central District Business: The Langham Sydney.
There is something so magical about Sydney, and ever since the first moment I walked around the harbour shortly after arriving in Australia, I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous city.
No matter which Sydney hotel you pick for your Aussie vacation, I hope you enjoy this special part of the world as much as I do.
