Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney

SYDNEY is one of those cities that everyone loves. Whether you’re a local or simply visiting for the weekend, it’s hard not to fall in love with the emerald (harbour) city. There’s the grandeur of the Sydney Opera House, the awe-inspiring Harbour Bridge, pristine beaches, a bustling dining scene, and of course, some of the best hotels in the country—both new and well-established.

Whether you’re simply stopping by for a night or two or perhaps are in need of some well-deserved R&R— the kind only a swish hotel stay can deliver on—below you will find Esquire’s curated list of Sydney hotels, premium, new and historic, that you’ll want to discover upon your next visit.

Check in to the eight best Sydney hotels below.


Crown Towers Sydney

1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Crown Sydney
Crown

Upon entering the newly-built Crown Towers Sydney, it’ll become very clear that every single touchpoint has been curated for a lavish, premium experience—no detail has been overlooked here. Really, Crown Towers has redefined what luxury means in Sydney—especially within the CBD—and you will find that its opulent offerings are some of the best in this country.

One of the first things you’ll notice about this sprawling hotel is its cultural formation is reminiscent of three petals twisting together towards the sky. That’s the design work of award-winning British architecture firm Wilkinson Eyre who, together with prestigious New York City-based Meyer Davis, have created an oasis that integrates Crown’s signature luxury with Sydney’s coastal landscape.

Rooms here at Crown Towers are spacious, comfortable and tech-led—your in-room iPad will control everything from lights and blinds to room temperature and more. Views are incredible no matter the floor, but if you’re lucky to score a Harbour view room, savour the spectacular views. Hungry? Head down to Crown Tower’s dining precinct, which boasts an array of world-class dining options.

Located within the gentrified area of Barangaroo, Crown Towers sits as a prestigious waterfront destination surrounded by parklands, restaurants and bars, and of course, only minutes away from the bustle of Sydney’s CBD.


Paramount House Hotel

80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

Paramount House Hotel
Kat Lu

Located in the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios, this boutique hotel is one of Surry Hills’ key attractions thanks to its unique hospitality offerings. Not only one of the coolest and modern boutique hotels you’re likely to experience, but Paramount House Hotel is every bit historic, paying homage to its rich connection to film (the Golden Age Cinema located in the old screening room of the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures will show weekly classics, cults, creepies and the best new indie film releases). Also at Paramount House Hotel, you’ll find a dedicated bakery, cafe and wine bar. Its rooftop bakery, AP is a must-visit for viennoiserie lovers.

The hotel’s wellness offering is also a huge drawcard. Until the end of August, Sydney massage studio The Calmm is hosting a winter residency on the Paramount Rooftop, in a tranquil space curated especially for the occasion by cult interiors store Jardan. Treatments are available for guests and the general public alike, and they range from The Calmm’s signature deep remedial massage to its transformative lymph detox treatment and, for the adventurous, compression therapy with NormaTec boots. A menu of in-room tinctures, such as the ‘Deep Sleep Package’, which includes Orchard Street dream drops, an eye mask and soundscape recorded with a local sound healer, is also available throughout the month – and rooms are 20 percent off until September 1. Did somebody say staycation? The perfect solution to that winter slump that always seems to peak in August.


QT Sydney

49 Market St, Sydney

QT Sydney
QT Hotels

Upon your next visit to Sydney, step into the wild, quirky and entertaining world of QT Hotels. Centrally located in the CBD, QT Sydney is a hive of energy and fun that really is unparalleled to other hotel offerings nearby. From elevator serenades (yes, the elevator will actually sing to you) to personalised in-room welcome messages, you really do feel at home when checking into QT Sydney. Rooms are spacious with just the right touch of “moody” appeal. Hungry? Head downstairs for breakfast, lunch and dinner at QT Sydney’s Parlour restaurant – a Brasserie-style restaurant that offers a taste of Paris. It is here that you will enjoy classic French dishes like steak tartare, goat cheese tarts, fish goujons, and steak frites.


Capella Sydney

24 Loftus St, Sydney

Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney

Capella Sydney might be one of the newest hotel offerings in Sydney but the luxury hotel chain has already established itself as the premium destination for the sophisticated traveller. Premium touchpoints make up this swanky stay, from the dedicated service of Capella staff (who will remember your name throughout your entire stay), the lavish lobby and bar, and the spacious rooms decked out with all the latest tech (a dedicated iPad will control lighting, blinds, and room service) and premium amenities.


Ace Hotel Sydney

47-53 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills

ACE Hotel Sydney
ACE Hotel Sydney

A stay at one of the global Ace Hotel locations is reminiscent of a stay at your favourite aunt and uncle’s house; it’s fun, carefree and just a little bit cheeky. Ace Hotel Sydney is no different, offering a playful yet refined hub for creatives and alike to mingle, wine, dine — and of course, stay. The boutique rooms are quaint but well appointed, with iconic Ace touchpoints including in-room guitars, vinyl players and more. Downstairs, you’ll find the laidback LOAM restaurant, an all-day neighbourhood spot that heroes seasonal produce from NSW and its independent farmers, ranchers and fishermen. Upstairs, Ace Hotel Sydney’s rooftop bar and restaurant Kiln is the place to be seen. This sophisticated older brother to LOAM offers contemporary Australian cuisine with a fusion of Japanese and Southeast Asia peppered throughout the menu.


Pier One

11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay

Pier One Sydney
Pier One Sydney

There’s no going past Pier One, a hotel that offers some of the best city and waterfront views in all of Sydney. This five-star hotel features 189 unique and beautifully fitted rooms, such as the “Bridge View” room with an outlook of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The hotel also boasts sophisticated dining options, like the awarded Gantry Restaurant, which is perfectly framed against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour and Walsh Bay. 


Little National Hotel

26 Clarence St, Sydney

Little National Hotel Sydney
Little National Hotel

It might be small, but the Little National Hotel Sydney is large on its offerings for those seeking a little bit of R&R. One of Sydney’s newest hotels, Little National Hotel Sydney is luxuriously appointed but extremely practical in every sense of the word; it’s everything you need and nothing you don’t. Curating the best of Sydney (but without the price tag), you can expect a stylish, delicious and inspiring adventure from the moment you check in thanks to a luxurious wellness space featuring the latest Technogym equipment, a rooftop lounge and bar, and a dedicated library lounge to unwind and relax with your favourite novel.


Kimpton Margot Sydney

339 Pitt St, Sydney

Kimpton Margot Sydney
Kimpton Margot Sydney

The new Kimpton Margot Sydney — the first Australian outpost for the global hotelier — is a hotel mecca for the finer things in life. Firstly, it’s super luxe; expect lavish design aesthetics that pay homage to its 1930s Art Deco heritage. Rooms and amenities are ever-so plush — there are 172 rooms and suites, with bathtubs accompanying most — as are the hotel’s communal offerings, like the open-air rooftop pool, a handsome lobby bar and a 24-hour fitness centre. The hotel will even loan you dedicated Lekker bikes for the duration of your stay, so you can whiz around the city in style. The hotel’s all-day restaurant, Luke’s Kitchen, will also serve you up delicious modern-Australian cuisine by celebrity chef Luke Mangan.


The Porter House Hotel

203 Castlereagh St, Sydney

The Porter House
The Porter House Hotel

When The Porter House Hotel opened its highly-anticipated hotel and multi-level bar and dining venue in downtown Sydney last year, you could see why the fresh new establishment was so widely touted. Presenting as the perfect contrast between old and new—the super sleek hotel is situated in a historic 146-year old building—The Porter House Hotel has everything you need for a magical stay in Sydney. Its ultra-modern offerings will please even the fussiest of travellers, while its centralised location is ideal for those that prefer to wander the city on foot. Moreover, its epic dining options, which include restaurant Dixon & Sons and rooftop cocktail bar Spice Trader, make this a hotel you might just never want to leave.


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