Sydney is a must for any visitor to Australia, with its natural beauty, interesting culture, and famous beaches. However the biggest draw is the Sydney Harbour, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. 54kms of water is surrounded by 240kms of shoreline, and the harbour is at its best on a sunny day, with vibrant blue water dotted with boats and ferries. On your holiday or business trip a harbour view hotel might be the best choice to enjoy this magnificent city.
The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Darling Harbour are also features of the city and we’ve done some extensive research on hotels in Sydney Harbour with perfect views of these attractions. We only selected harbour view hotels where rooms have clear, perfect views of Sydney Harbour. We looked at popular locations including Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, North Sydney, but also checked other areas that had different harbour views. Here are the best options to pick the best harbour view hotel for your trip to Sydney:
Harbour View Hotels – Circular Quay
Circular Quay is in a small inlet called Sydney Cove, and a vibrant area which is popular with tourists. The suburb has excellent views of the Harbour Bridge, and is the closest train stop located to visit Sydney Opera House, Botanical Gardens, and The Rocks.
SkyHouse
This luxurious, 3-floor penthouse is located in the Cove Building, and is considered to be one of the most incredible penthouses in the world. If it’s a special occasion and you want to splurge, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking 280º view of Sydney. All three levels of the penthouse overlook the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Heads, and gorgeous Sydney skyline, so while you’ll be paying $8500 a week, you’ll have the best view in Sydney and the chance to live like the rich and famous.
Guests can bask in 460 square metres of internal space, and 173 square metres of outdoor living, including a beautiful roof terrace. Some of the standout features include the curved floating staircase, gourmet kitchen, aquarium, sauna, and spa. When it comes to high-end luxury, the Skyhouse is arguably the best choice in Sydney. Guests can also make use of the home automation, 24hr concierge, gym, 20-metre pool, and home cinema.
Rating: 5*
Price: from $8,500/week
Address: 129 Harrington street, Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is close to all of the major attractions in Sydney, including the historic rocks district, the Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. This harbour view hotel has one of the most spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour, including the Harbour Bridge. Overlooking Circular Quay, the floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies allow guests staying in the Harbour View Suites to relax and watch the sunset in privacy. This really is the best of both worlds, with views to die for, and a central location close to major attractions and public transport services.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$413 – A$809
Address: 61 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia
InterContinental Sydney
InterContinental Sydney has positioned itself as an icon in Sydney, and it has indeed been the height of luxury in the city for the last 25 years. The views are, of course, breathtaking, with the rooftop Club InterContinental lounge overlooking the harbour. With 509 guest rooms, you’re sure to find a room which has the view you’re looking for. Try the King Opera House room, or treat yourself to one of the suites for a room with direct views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$272 – A$582
Address: 117 Macquarie Street, Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia
Marriott Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay
The location of this harbour view hotel can easily be described as “perfect”, and anyone looking to explore Sydney will be impressed by the amenities of Marriott Sydney Harbour, including the spa, indoor pool, and in-house bar.
The highlights of this luxury harbour view hotel are definitely the outstanding views, as the hotel overlooks both the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Guests can choose from rooms which have views of the bridge, harbour, or both, and follow up a day of sightseeing with some pampering in the spa, before indulging in a delicious meal at Icons Brasserie.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$409 – A$2399
Address: 30 Pitt Street, Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia
Hotel Location
Harbour View Hotels – The Rocks
The Rocks is a historic neighbourhood in the centre of Sydney, on the Southern side of the Sydney Harbour. Here you’ll find plenty of craft and souvenir shops, along with historic buildings and pubs. The area is known for its excellent coffee, charming markets, sandstone architecture, and cobblestoned lanes.
Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks
Rendezvous Hotel Sydney is great for guests interested in exploring the lively area of the Rocks, before unwinding in the heated outdoor pool, or enjoying a workout in the fitness centre. Guests can also cook their own meals in a well-equipped bedroom, or enjoy the tasty breakfast. This is a boutique harbour view hotel and the rooms can easily be described as charming. Two Studio Queen View room options offer outstanding views of the Sydney Harbour.
Rating: 3.5*
Price: A$129 – A$403
Address: 75 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
Holiday Inn Old Sydney
This harbour view hotel is just one street from the Sydney Harbour, and is known for impeccable service, amazing views from the rooftop, and modern facilities. The Lobby Lounge and Bar has plenty of cafe-style food available, and guests can also help themselves to the breakfast buffet each morning. Be sure to choose the 1 King Bedroom Deluxe Harbour View room for the best view of the harbour, or enjoy your view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House while you’re floating in the rooftop pool.
Rating: 4*
Price: A$297 – A$364
Address: 55 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Two-thirds of the rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney have harbour views, and the customer service at this harbour view hotel is almost unbeatable. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, an award wining spa, and 24-hour business services. The Four Seasons is known for five-star luxury, and staff who go out of their way to make sure you have a great stay. Harbour rooms offer impeccable views of the Sydney Harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$395 – A$5895
Address: 199 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Located just a five-minute walk from the Sydney Opera House, this harbour view hotel offers the best in relaxation, with an on-site spa, along with a hot tub, sun deck, and sauna so you can unwind after a long day. You can also dine at Altitude Restaurant to take in the night views of Sydney’s iconic attractions. All 565 rooms available have harbour views, accompanied with state of the art contemporary furnishings.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$340 – A$760
Address: 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
The Sebel Quay West
This 5-star apartment hotel, featuring spacious and luxurious interior design, is suitable for business travellers. Equipped with conference facilities, The Sebel Quay West is a great location to hold meetings with most major attractions within walking distance. Here you’ll find 1 or 2 bedroom apartments offering panoramic views which are also perfect for families, with the choice of either a City View or Harbour Bridge View Suite. You’ll also experience a little luxury, with granite marble bathrooms, modern kitchens, and a heated swimming pool.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$321 – A$564
Address: 98 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
The Langham Sydney
Last year The Langham underwent a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, which lasted four months and gave a facelift to one of the most prestigious hotels in Sydney Harbour. You can expect to find a Parisian style here, with hand-designed rugs, handmade lighting, and marble fireplaces, along with the ever-popular High Tea, and the indoor heated pool which has a star-dappled ceiling depicting the night skies of the Southern Hemisphere.
Each room type (from the Grand Langham to the Observatory Suite) boasts views of either the Sydney cityscape or Western Harbour, and guests can usually state a preference for one or the other. If you’re travelling with your pooch and expect him to be treated as an honoured guest as well, The Langham is a great choice, being one of the rare pet-friendly luxurious hotels in Sydney Harbour.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$400 – A$3650
Address: 89-113 Kent Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
Pier One Sydney Harbour
Pier One Sydney Harbour is in an enviable location, offering views of some of the best sights in Sydney. Guests wanting to spend some time gazing at the Sydney Harbour can choose from the Harbour View Balcony Suite or the Harbour View Suite, and there are also other rooms offering views of The Rocks and Walsh Bay. The contemporary style and special elegance of this harbour view hotel make it hard to beat for anyone looking for a stunning view of the Sydney Harbour.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$359 – A$1200
Address: 11 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
Park Hyatt Sydney
Think of luxury, and you probably picture a harbour view hotel like the Park Hyatt Sydney. This is a hotel which has consistently gone above and beyond, especially when it comes to small touches, luxury furnishings, plush carpets, and designer lighting. Park Hyatt is also known for its impeccable service, with a dedicated team offering 24-hour service for all guests.
Park Hyatt have taken advantage of the excellent location, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening out onto private balconies which have impressive views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. You can choose one of the Opera House View Rooms, which are available in standard, view, deluxe, or suite.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$940 – A$1495
Address: 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour YHA
Sydney Harbour YHA is the only backpacker hostel in The Rocks, and features spectacular panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The hostel is just 700 metres from Wynyard Station, and has shown excellent commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, with solar hot water panels, low energy light bulbs, and sensor and motion controlled lighting.
Rating: 1*
Price: A$30 – A$50
Address: 110 Cumberland Street, Sydney, Australia
Hotel Location
Harbour View Hotels – Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a lively urban centre located just 10 minutes from the CBD. It’s one of the largest precincts for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Sydney, and is famous for its outdoor events. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Sydney can be found here, including the Sydney Zoo, Chinese Garden of Friendship, and Sydney Aquarium.
The Darling
This five-star harbour view hotel is currently undergoing a face-lift, which is exciting news, since there wasn’t much room for improvement. The Darling aims to offer features which are so “Distinctively Darling”, and while it may sound cheesy, it works. The signature Darling bed and top-of-the-line integrated control system would make staying here worth it, even before you take the spectacular views into account. All rooms offer an unobstructed view of the harbour, but the penthouse is the ultimate suite where you’ll be pampered with royal luxury.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$306 – A$689
Address: 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia
Astral Tower & Residences at The Star
All rooms at this harbour view hotel have panoramic views, and guests can choose between a king or two double beds. This is a good harbour view hotel for those who appreciate the little touches, as the hotel prides itself on its attention to detail. The heated outdoor pool is set to 26º, and the Astral also offers complimentary wifi. Guests can choose from 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartments, and will be able to enjoy sweeping views of the Sydney lights at night if they choose a Harbour View Room.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$305 – A$565
Address: 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour is located just footsteps from some of the world-class attractions of Darling Harbour. The premier 1 Bedroom King and Twin View rooms feature a balcony, courtyard or partial harbour view.
In this neighbourhood you’ll also find some of the best dining and hippest bars in Sydney. Adina Apartment facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, and fitness centre which overlooks Cockle Bay.
Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$249 – A$369
Address: 55 Shelley Street King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
Metro Apartments On Darling Harbour
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour offer 24 full equipped and contained apartments, many of them overlooking Darling Harbour. Executive Loft rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows which reveal magnificent views. These apartments are good for long-term stays as they offer most of the services of a harbour view hotel including complimentary wifi, in room laundry facilities and extra TV channels.
Rating: 3.5*
Price: A$181 – A$399
Address: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
Hyatt Regency Sydney
This is going to be the largest hotel in Australia, after a recent multi-million dollar redevelopment. The exceptional location means you’re surrounded by all of the major shopping and entertainment districts in Sydney, and you’ll enjoy exceptional views as well. The Harbour View rooms are impeccable and offer modern, comfortable spaces for your visit to Sydney. The harbour view hotel is brand new, with a reputation for high standards, and a panoramic rooftop bar.
Rating: 4*
Price: A$225 – A$600
Address: 161 Sussex Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour
The Ibis is located right in the heart of Darling Harbour, and is one of the most popular mid-range hotels in Sydney Harbour. The affordable rates are a huge plus, and guests can choose between rooms which offer views of either the city or Darling Harbour.
The breakfast buffet is a great way to start the day, and those who like tasty meals cooked with fresh local produce will enjoy the Ibistro Restaurant. The Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour is also just a 10-minute walk from the Sydney Aquarium, Maritime Museum, and the Star Casino.
Rating: 3*
Price: A$188 – A$215
Address: 70 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
The Novotel is perfectly located, and its stunning views include both the Sydney City Skyline and Darling Harbour. This harbour view hotel is within walking distance of some of the top attractions in Sydney, including the Zoo, Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, and Star Casino. Choose the Superior or Executive Darling Harbour View rooms, or the Junior or Loft Suites for the best view of the harbour. The Novotel offers the most feature-rich app in the industry, called Novotel Virtual Concierge-excellent for technology junkies.
Rating: 4*
Price: A$254 – A$401
Address: 100 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
Hotel Location
Harbour View Hotels – North Sydney
North Sydney is a commercial district in Sydney, and trains run from the Sydney CBD across the Harbour Bridge and into North Sydney regularly. Located just 3km North of the CBD, the area is perfect for those wanting to stay a little outside of the thick of things, but close enough to easily get to the main attractions in Sydney.
Milsons Point Penthouse
If you fancy breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from your private rooftop swimming pool, the Milsons Point Penthouse is the place to stay. The hardwood floors draw your attention to how spacious this self-contained apartment is, and the location is hard to beat, with Luna Park, North Sydney Olympic Pool, and Milsons Point Train station just a 5-minute walk away.
The penthouse won the AIA Design Award in 2010, and you’ll see why once you get a look at the master suite, which has a stunning ensuite with a freestanding stone bath, as well as a walk-in dressing and wardrobe area. Glass doors open out onto a large wooden terrace, which boasts 180º views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Olympic Pool.
Rating: 5*
Price: A$855 – A$1500
Address: 7/3 Northcliff St, Milsons Point, Sydney, Australia
Milson Executive Apartments Sydney
Milson Executive Apartments offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments for both short and long term accommodation. All apartments are fully furnished and serviced, and feature separate lounge and dining rooms, master bedrooms, private ensuite bathrooms, full laundry facilities, and private furnished balconies with your choice of view, either Lavender Bay, the surrounding area, or panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour. Each apartment is different and vary in both views and design.
Rating: 4*
Price: A$300 – A$500
Address: 48-50 Alfred Street, Milson Point, Sydney, Australia
View Sydney
The Harbourview Queen Room and King Suite both have panoramic views of the harbour, and the hotel is perfect for both leisure and business travellers since it’s located minutes from the central business district in Sydney. This hotel is great if you’re doing business in Sydney and want to enjoy gorgeous views of the harbour during your time off. With a short stroll to North Sydney train station, you can easily get to the key attractions in the city, such as the Botanical Gardens and Opera House.
Rating: 4*
Price: A$195 – A$389
Address: 17 Blue Street, North Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Harbourside Apartments Sydney
Harbourside Apartments are the only waterfront executive and family serviced apartments in North Sydney, and are uniquely situated on the edge of the harbour at McMahon’s Point. Guests can choose from views of either the Sydney Harbour or Lavender Bay, and all of the highlights of Sydney are just a ferry ride away. If you don’t mind being outside of the city, you’ll enjoy views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and Luna Park.
Rating: 4*
Price: A$209 – A$650
Address: 2a Henry Lawson Avenue , McMahons Point, Sydney, Australia
Hotel Location
Other Harbour View Hotels
For those who want something a little different, there are a few other areas well worth considering for perfect harbour views. In fact staying a little outside of the thick of things can mean a more relaxed experience, while the nearby public transport options allow you to easily get back into the CBD.
Balmain Wharf Apartments Sydney
The Balmain Wharf Apartments are located in front of Balmain East wharf, and the regular ferry services mean that you’ll easily be able to get to Darling Harbour, North Sydney, and the Sydney CBD area.
This sandstone building is 200 years old and features just 4 serviced apartments. All apartments have retained their original structure, as well as the sandstone walls from the 1800’s. A recent refurbishment has upgraded the interiors, which have been designed with both comfort and style in mind. All four apartments feature panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour and Harbour Bridge. Guests are treated to a welcome basket and wine when they arrive, along with free wifi, luxury bed linen, fluffy towels, underfloor heating, heated towel rails in the bathrooms, and weekly cleaning.
Each apartment is unique, so guests can choose the style and location which suits them. Along with easy access to the highlights of Sydney, you’ll find Balmain to be both quaint and cosmopolitan, with plenty of shops and entertainment waiting for you.
Rating: 4*
Price: A$500 – A$1000
Address: 10 Darling Street, Balmain East, Sydney, Australia
Macleay Hotel
The Macleay Hotel is actually a serviced apartment, and provides visitors and business executives with a home away from home. This is a smaller hotel with only 126 rooms, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the spacious and airy ambience. The views are excellent, without a hefty price tag, and those who want to enjoy the harbour can stay in either a Queen, Double, Triple or Twin Harbour View room.
Rating: 3.5*
Price: A$124 – A$650
Address: 28 Macleay Street, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, Australia
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is both iconic and memorable, and has a million dollar, unobstructed view of Sydney Harbour. The 32 boutique suites are elegant and timeless, with marble bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows, and guests can choose from views ranging from Sydney Harbour to Robertson Park. Try the Watsons Bay Hotel Beach Club Bar, which has an all-day dining option, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy views of both the Sydney Harbour and city skyline. They also cater for weddings and other functions if you fancy a picture perfect location.
Rating: 3.5*
Price: A$439 – A$659
Address: 1 Military Road, Watsons Bay, Sydney, Australia
Hotel Location
As you can see, there are plenty of options for those who want to enjoy perfect harbour views while visiting Sydney. In fact there truly is something for everyone here, from hostels to 5* hotels.
Have you stayed in any of these hotels in Sydney Harbour? Which harbour view hotel do you think has the best views, and provides the best experience for someone new to Sydney?
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