Best Luxury Resorts in Sydney Australia
Lavish experiences in an adventurous place
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
The luxurious five-star Fullerton Hotel Sydney is situated in the heart of Sydney's central business district. Originally the General Post Office, built in 1887, this iconic structure is noted for its stunning late 19th-century architecture. It is a heritage-listed site, which means it cannot be altered in any way that would jeopardize the historic value of the building. Both locals and international travelers frequent this monument for its well-preserved architectural features and distinctions that date back to its founding.
At the core of the structure is a grand lobby with all that one would expect of such a space—high ceilings, elegant furnishings, and of course, moldings that are almost parodic in their adherence to the fancy fraternity that historicism has become. In fact, one may never know how close this lobby is figuratively and literally to the ceiling of the Sydney Opera House, which happens to be located just up the street from this very hotel.
Hotel Ravesis
At Bondi Beach, Australia, stands the famous Hotel Ravesis. It offers extraordinary panoramic views of the ocean, not to mention its delightful and surprisingly cozy combination of luxury contemporary style and classic charm, ingredients that make it both a local haunt and a popular destination for tourists.
Step inside Hotel Ravesis, and you might as well have stepped into one of the beach houses that dot the coastline just across the way. From the decking around the hotel and the upstairs lounge, you can practically reach out and touch the sand; it is that close to the entrance to the beach. And in terms of appearances, the hotel backs up half the equation of the beach: sand by day, surf by night.
Accommodations comprise something of a spectrum between rooms (six kind of rooms) and suites (three kinds of suites). All are designed for maximum comfort, with contemporary amenities that bridge the halfway point between ludicrous excess and the kind of basic stuff that makes a room feel like a home. A stairway runs from the lobby to the bar area.
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney is a famous luxury hotel, situated right in the heart of Australia's bustling capital. Its location could hardly be better, right on the edge of one of the world's most beautiful natural harbors, almost directly across from that iconic architectural duo, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Even before you glide into the lobby, you know you are in a special building. The foyer is extravagantly high, with dozens of gorgeous chandeliers. Even though it's a big hotel—and a lot of hotels tend to feel like shipping containers—this one feels airy, like there's actual oxygen circulating, with plants and warmth. Even the colors are warm, with a gradient from light to dark going up to the ceiling. The Bass and the Quad Mural are the two big pieces of art that get SeaChange's much-talked-about moment of zen across to guests upon entering the hotel.
Wild Life Retreat at Taronga
The Wild Life Retreat at Taronga offers an extraordinary eco-friendly accommodation experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Australia’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Located within Taronga Zoo in Sydney, this unique retreat provides a rare opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying modern comforts. Guests can expect lush landscapes and stunning views of Sydney Harbour, creating a serene escape from the bustling city. The retreat features thoughtfully designed lodges that blend into the natural surrounds, providing a tranquil environment for individuals and families. Each lodge is equipped with luxuriously modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay just steps away from vibrant wildlife. One of the standout features of the Wild Life Retreat is the immersive wildlife experience. Guests can engage in exclusive encounters with native Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, and a range of bird species, that are part of Taronga’s collection.
These experiences are both entertaining and educational, offering a chance to learn about and appreciate the conservation work Taronga does to protect the unique wildlife down under and the habitats in which they thrive. Guided tours provide insights into the behaviors and characteristics of the animals, which really enhances the overall experience. The architecture of the lodges resembles something you might find in the outback, with warm timber accents, high ceilings, a lot of space, and plenty of natural light. They’re massive, and beautifully designed, and they sit at the end of a kind of raised boardwalk that delivers you over 100 meters into the trees and right to the front of your balcony. The view is of an animal encounter zone, where kangaroos and wallabies and a couple of emus all come right up to the front of your balcony as you sit out there with your morning coffee.
Whether for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, this destination promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the sights, sounds, and sensations that are the elemental aspects of the natural world.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney stands as a premier luxury accommodation in the very heart of Sydney's central business district. It offers guests breath-stealing vistas of not just Sydney Harbour but also the very many sights that dot its perimeter, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge. But the very many attractions that line or are nearby this particular stretch of the harbour are arguably made more accessible thanks to the hotel being sited at this very specific location on the city map. These proximities allow hotel guests easy access to—without needing to travel far or trade time in transit for the touring of other sights—such well-known (and well-walking-rated) locales as the historic Rocks district, the Pitt Street Mall, or the Royal Botanical Gardens. To actually enter and check into the Four Seasons, however, is to be welcomed into what feels like sheer elegance and sophistication.
Empire Hotel
The core of the city's heart—the Empire Hotel. It brings to mind the words "luxury" and "elegance" more than any other structure. Its splendidly designed facade makes it an instant landmark. When one asks if any hotel can be just as good as its first impression, the answer is hardly ever anything but "no." The moment a guest sets foot in the open space of the impossibly high lobby, with dazzling chandeliers and a collection of chairs that had to be designed for the lobby's specific furniture space, while being just as comfy and visually exciting as any living room in the city, one has arrived where one's expectations not only have been met but also have been exceeded in far more ways than could ever be counted. Except for one way, which is this: the junior suite first opened up on one's left as the lobby opens up into a large and magnificent space where guests walk straight ahead towards the elevators while really being tempted to turn left into the junior suite or to turn right into a large, plush, straight-through space that goes all the way to the rooftop pool. This hotel is as awesome as the architecture must have suggested it would be. Every sight and sound and sensory encounter, both inside and outside, has been curated to unforgettable perfection. The bar is perfect.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is a luxury hotel located in the midst of quite an important district, right at the heart of Sydney. This 19th-century heritage building is a fine example of restored and preserved architecture. That said, the hotel is modern in elegance and appearance, and quite a contrast to the elegance of the lobby itself. The look of the lobby sets you up perfectly for what to expect as you move about the hotel:
- a modern appearance, scene, and vibe,
- contrasted with a good number of remnants and historical nods that go back ages,
- using design language that makes the balance between the two seem effortless.
Next to the hotel is one of Sydney's pedestrian-friendly streets, where access to several sites adjacent to the hotel is just a matter of a short stroll. If you don't want to walk, there are plenty of public transport options nearby. Among the areas you can reach by foot are Sydney Town Hall, the Queen Victoria Building, and Darling Harbour. Of course, you'll also want to stroll in and around the hotel itself, as some of your short walks will turn into visual highlights of your being in Sydney. Then, on the hotel's 423 guestroom and suite level, you'll find rooms that are thoroughly modern, and packed with visual and sensory treats that go along with their being well-appointed spaces.
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Located in the heart of Australia's biggest city, the Hyatt Regency Sydney is a first-class hotel with an elegant, luxurious atmosphere. It stands overlooking the Darling Harbour, the gateway to Sydney's many cultural and recreational attractions that stretch far beyond the immediate area. Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Central Business District (CBD) are all within easy reach of the Hyatt, not to mention a plethora of shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options that lie close at hand. If the business traveler has any need for that kind of access, the hotel's just as convenient for them as well.
Not only is the Hyatt near a number of Sydney's tourist attractions, its rooms offer breathtaking views for a good many hotel guests. Dining at the establishment is another highlight of what makes the Hyatt something special to put on your itinerary. It has range, with its on-site restaurants alone; those in the area of hospitality know how to serve up some memorable meals. As for serving up the beer, wine, and spirits, I'm told the café has the casual vibe to help with that, and the bar, Aer Bar, has the conveniently placed upper deck. After all this talk about the place, I did sort of skim over the reason I really wrote this. Listen closely (or read closely, as the case may be): If you take my recommendation, the Hyatt Regency Sydney will figure as a bookend to your stay in Sydney at either end.
Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney is a five-star hotel that very much captures the vibrant spirit of Sydney. The hotel is located in a beautifully restored, 19th-century heritage listed building. It seamlessly (or at least, very comfortably) combines the charm of the historic with the elegance of the modern. Accommodations run the gamut from spacious rooms to very opulent suites (and there are more than a few of those), with each kind offering stunning views of the Sydney skyline, Sydney Harbour, or the parklands that are quite near to the hotel. The furnishings in each room are high-end, as are the state-of-the-art amenities. For all sorts of reasons, really, but especially because it is our first night in Sydney, and because we generally make a habit of dining at the hotels where we are staying, we had dinner here last night at the hotel's signature restaurant. And wow, what a way to start! First rate all the way.
Meriton Suites World Tower Sydney
The Meriton Suites World Tower Sydney is a premier accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Australia, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience. Situated in the iconic World Tower, one of the tallest residential buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, this suite hotel provides stunning panoramic views of the Sydney skyline and harbor. The Meriton Suites features a variegated lineup of not-too-different suite options; they mostly differ in size, ranging from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom configurations. There are a couple of short-term stay options and a couple more of long-duration stays; the suites appear to be set up to best accommodate that.
There are next-to-no direct route obstacles for getting to this location from the nearby public transportation system. Access to the public transportation system within the city is really easy—walking or taking a direct public transportation route to the Meriton. The staff here really go out of their way to make sure that you have a good experience; whether they are making your bed, helping you find public transportation, or getting you some direct-access tickets to the nearby Sydney Tower, you can pretty much count on their direction and assistance, which is really nice. They also have a couple of pretty rad places for you to chill and get your unwind on. The Meriton Suites World Tower Sydney is a really choice suite hotel, is located in a really famous and easy-to-access part of the city, and the service has a pretty high likelihood of being really good.