Stay In The Best Hotels Close To The Sydney Opera House (My 8 Picks Ranked By Distance).
How can you stay as close as possible to the eye-catching wings and sails of the Sydney Opera House but still stay in a luxury hotel? I have curated the best accommodation that you can stay at and be able to walk to the city’s most famous and recognised building.
Even after being around for 50-odd years, it holds onto its status as an icon of modern Australia.
“Stay so close to the Opera House that if you have long arms you might think you could reach out and touch it!”
The Opera House sits on Bennelong Point. But I am going to be geographically incorrect and simplify.
Think of the Opera House as near Circular Quay, just around the corner from the ferry wharves.
It’s not surprising that some of the best luxury hotels in Sydney are near the Opera House.
“I have to say it.
I feel that If I were to be booking myself, say for a special occasion or if I was on my first trip to Sydney, I would book a big, high view over a low close view of the Opera House.
A stay at Park Hyatt would change my mind though I’m sure.”
So let’s get into the list.
I have ranked the list by walking distance to the Sydney Opera House.
8 best hotels Close to The Sydney Opera House (My Picks Ranked by distance)
1. Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour | 230 metres | 4-minute walk
The closest hotel to the Opera House is Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
This is my pick for the closest hotel to the Sydney Opera House. I have found that many people are looking for Accor hotels near the Opera House, and also looking for rooms with views of the harbour.
If that is you then you have found your stay.
This luxury hotel is an Accor property.
“The location is unmatched for how close it is to the Opera House.”
2. Sir Stamford at Circular Quay |400 metres | 6-minute walk
This cosy boutique hotel wraps up charming decor and classic luxury with a perfect location.
3. InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel | 550 metres | 8-minute walk
“If you ask me, it is the best hotel to stay at if you want to stay as close to the Sydney Opera House in the comfort of a luxury hotel.”
After years working at this luxury 5-star hotel and giving guests walking directions to the Opera House, I know how easy those directions are.
InterCon is very close to the Opera House.
Either head straight down the hill to Circular Quay and follow it around to the Opera House, or walk down Macquarie Street until you reach the roundabout at the end of the road. Google estimates it as an 8-minute walk but it certainly feels quicker than that. Especially as once you can see it, you feel you have already arrived.
If you are after a hotel with the best view of the Opera House, this could be your stay.
Stay in a room with Club Access.
From the Club Lounge on the top of the hotel, the views are incredible.
You feel like you are on top of Sydney looking out above the Opera House. I love the birds-eye-like high vantage of Sydney Harbour from up here.
4. Capella Sydney | 750 metres | 11-minute walk
Only a recent addition to Sydney’s hotel landscape but has found itself right at the top of luxurious places to stay in Circular Quay and the city as a whole.
“If you are excited to visit the Opera House for its remarkable architecture and history, I will say there are common threads with Capella.
It has a very intentional and stunning design edge that make Capella stand out. Like the Opera House does, in a remarkable way.”
5. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney | 800 metres | 11-minute walk
One of Sydney’s long-standing luxury hotels. For good reason.
With recent room refurbishments has a fresh look that is right up there for me in terms of places to stay near the Opera House. The fact that it’s just as close to the Harbour Bridge and Pylon Lookout as well as the Opera House is an advantage for sure.
I just gave the InterContinental a wrap for its high vantage view of the Sydney Opera House. Well, the Four Seasons view is very similar, just from a different side. This angle is a great one too.
6. Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay | 850 metres | 11-minute walk
If you love Marriotts around the world then this Sydney Harbour edition will be perfect for your stay. Right on one of my favourite little lanes, Bulletin Place, and a comfortable stroll to Circular Quay and the Opera House.
7. Harbour Rocks Hotel | 900 metres | 13-minute walk
This hotel is on the smaller side and would be fitting to label it as a great cosy hotel in Sydney to stay near the Opera House.
8. Park Hyatt Sydney | 1200 metres | 17-minute walk
If you stay at Park Hyatt Sydney you can have this phenomenal view of the Opera House from your suite, room or balcony!
A stay at this remarkable Sydney hotel would definitely be up there for the top hotel to stay at to get the best photo of the Opera House.
It is right there.
Even if walking 1200 metres is starting to sound like a long-distance run at the Olympics, it’s only a narrow stretch of harbour standing between you.
The view of the Opera House at night from Park Hyatt is incredible.
Book a suite or room and find out what it’s like to go to bed and wake up with this amazing sight in front of you.
A Cheeky Approach To Staying At The Best Hotel That You Can Visit The OPera House From
I know you want to stay close to the Opera House, but these next few places are just in case all you wanted was to minimise walking and taxis and be able to access the Opera House with ease.
Staying near and using ferries I think is a great way to get out on the harbour and enjoy seeing the big Sydney attractions.
I know this will be a very cheeky few additions but if you are to add on a ferry trip and a walk, here are 4 great places to stay that you will be walking for 11 minutes or less with the help of ferries.
They are also ranked in order of active walking time.
Sofitel Darling Harbour |8 minutes of total walking with a 26-minute ferry trip.
Crown Towers Sydney | 10 minutes of total walking with an 11-minute ferry trip.
The Darling | 11 minutes of total walking with a 26-minute ferry trip.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay | 11 minutes of total walking with an 18-minute ferry trip.
More Reasons To Staying Near The Opera House Than Just The Opera House
I have spent a lot of time in this part of Sydney. From years and years studying and working, to just visiting because it’s a great place to visit.
To me, I think there is not just one heart of Sydney.
Circular Quay and the areas surrounding it, to me, is one of the hearts of Sydney City.
OK. Well said, but why?
There is a blend here or CBD meets tourists, blended with history like what is offered visiting The Rocks and iconic sites.
Even as a student or when I was working in hotels buying lunch swarmed by suits and business energy, but then heading into the Royal Botanic Gardens and soaking in the peace and sun. Then seeing the Opera House, then the Harbour Bridge, and people taking a journey on the recognisable green and cream Sydney ferries.
All whilst many visitors to Sydney are seeing all this for the first time.
I always appreciated this area of Sydney.
Great location to make the most of a trip to Sydney. Close to a lot of the main things to do as when as having great access, by say ferry, train or bus across Sydney City and surrounding areas.
There are some great places to eat, restaurants, cafes, gelato spots which should always be a consideration for the best Sydney trip. Where do you want to spend valuable meal opportunities.
This article was about hotels though. So I will finish with this.
“Where you book can have a big impact on your experience of Sydney.
Choosing which hotel to sleep in as close to the Opera House as possible is an understatedly crucial decision.
You only get one night a day.” 🤔
On second thought I will finish with something interesting I found out about sleeping overnight inside the Opera House. It may be a possibility in the future.
It has been propositioned a couple of times but has had opposition for many reasons.
The idea of a ballet or lottery to decide who gets the huge privilege does seem like a fair way to open this experience up if it were to happen. It would be a unique experience that’s for sure.
Just when I thought I didn’t uncover anything surprising today.
It no longer matters when the Opera House closes!
Opera House sleepovers.
There you go.
WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE?
Hi, I’m Chris. I started Best Sydney Hotels to share recommendations on where to stay in Sydney because I love hotels. I love staying in them, I have loved working in them, and there is no trip to Sydney that can't be enhanced by choosing the perfect hotel for you.
But why listen to me?
Based on my experience living in Sydney.
Because of the countless nights staying at 5-star hotels in Sydney and across the world.
I have spent many years working in Boutique and Luxury hotels in Sydney.
Through our hotel, house and apartment recommendations, me and the team at Best Sydney Hotels can help you find the ultimate accommodation in Sydney.