The Best Luxury Hotels In Circular Quay: This is Where to stay in Sydney
Stunning View Of The Opera House From Circular Quay
Planning a trip to Sydney? A common thought is, where to stay in Sydney that is close to the Sydney Opera House. Is that area even a nice place to stay? That area is Circular Quay, and here you can stay in some of Sydney’s finest boutique and 5-star hotels.
The best luxury hotels in Circular Quay have some common themes. Great location, memorable service and let’s not forget, views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. After you are wowed by these Sydney views you will find it hard to stay anywhere else in Sydney!
I know this area and some of the hotels in Circular Quay like the back of my hand. I have stayed here, studied here for 3 years, and even worked in a 5-star hotel in Circular Quay for over 5 years after that.
“This area is where I would recommend staying in Sydney, especially on a first trip, or honeymoon, or any special occasion that the harbour view matters.”
Contents
Where to Stay In Circular Quay
Hotels in Circular Quay Map
Best Hotels In Circular Quay
House and Apartment Accommodation In the Circular Quay Area
If I had to pick the best place to stay in Circular Quay It Would Be…
Some Tips For Your Stay
Things to Do in Circular Quay
Where To Eat In Circular Quay
How Long To Stay In Circular Quay
Where To Stay In Circular Quay
Where Is Circular Quay Map?
Best Luxury Hotels In Circular Quay
The Arrival Experience In The Capella Sydney Lobby
Voted in 2023 as the best hotel brand in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, Capella has left many speechless with one of the newest hotels in Sydney.
If the rooms at Capella Sydney had harbour views, it would be almost unstoppable. Luxury almost doesn't suffice. Opulence at its best. Highlighting natural light and space. Filled with bespoke design and commission art. The heated indoor swimming pool also looks stunning. See my article “Should You Book A Stay At Capella Sydney: Do You Get What You Pay For?”
The Treasury, InterContinental Sydney
I would definitely recommend a stay at InterContinental Sydney. I actually worked at this hotel for more than 5 years and it is an amazing hotel. Recently refurbished and looking good. I always had an attachment to the lobby and bar area, now called The Treasury. The redesign has continued that attachment. It is such a welcoming space. Surrounded by sandstone, marble, greenery and heritage features. The views from the now Aster are truly inspiring. My eyes have not come across a better view in Sydney.
The Luxurious Reception At Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
I have walked past the driveway of the Four Seasons countless times. And every time I do, I just feel luxurious hotel energy. That feeling continues when you head through the doors and into the lobby. Amazing location right at a junction of Circular Quay, The Rocks and the CBD. Recently renovated rooms make this an incredible place to stay in. Other perks are an outdoor pool and some one-bedroom suites with breathtaking Opera House views.
The Red Carpet Treatment At Sir Stamford Circular Quay
Arriving at Sir Stamford, you can't miss the iconic red carpet and canopy stretching out on Macquarie Street. It’s something that I have always loved about this hotel. It gets you feeling like this hotel is special. Stepping inside that is reiterated with well-aged charm.
With so many hotels in Sydney undergoing refurbishments and redesigns, this hotel holds onto a touch of old elegance. Chandeliers, Marble bathrooms and fireplaces. Even having rooms with balconies looking over Sydney Harbour.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
This hotel offers a great location overlooking Circular Quay. They have a mix of refurbished and non-refurbished apartments. If you are after harbour bridge views, one and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, washing machines and spa baths then the Pullman is worth a look.
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
Another hotel with a strong combination of location and rooms with harbour and opera house view rooms and one bedroom suites.
House and Apartment Accommodation In the Circular Quay Area
Here are some more options on where to stay in and around Circular Quay. These options are not hotels, but holiday apartments. Great if you are after a more home-like feel. Most have pretty complete kitchens, with ovens, cooktops and dishwashers. Washing machines and dryers are also not uncommon if you look at this style of accommodation. The places I have listed below are listed on Booking.com but there are also some nice Airbnbs in the Circular Quay area.
CLDN4- Studio in Central Sydney CBD with Pool
A nice option with a kitchen near Circular Quay.
A by Adina Sydney
Whilst not set right in Circular Quay, if you are after a studio, one or two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen then this is a modern designed option.
“If I had to pick the best place to stay in Circular Quay It Would Be: InterContinental Sydney.
Why? It has the best views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House that I have seen. Both from the rooms and from Aster.”
If seeing the Opera House from your room is not as important as it was to me when writing this article, then the most luxurious hotel in Sydney when it comes to design and feel is Capella Sydney. Its new addition to the luxury Sydney hotel landscape has left many speechless. Me included.
Some Tips For Your Stay
People walking and enjoying ice cream at Circular Quay Ferry Terminal - It’s the perfect Sydney location to jump on the ferry, train or bus and explore Sydney!
Top Things To Do In Circular Quay
The Sydney Opera House is a must-see, but when you are booking your stay in Sydney, take a look at what is on at the Opera House. They have some incredible musical and theatre performances you can experience. Not only that but they often have some of the most unique things to do in Sydney. For example, Draw The House is a once a month experience where you can explore drawing techniques and see new perspectives with an artist.
A visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is great for exploring modern and contemporary art exhibitions in a stunning waterfront setting.
You will love starting your day in Sydney with a walk or run in the Royal Botanic Garden. Some of my most peaceful moments in the city are in this garden.
Get a ferry to Manly, or Darling Harbour. Or anywhere. The best value Sydney Harbour Cruise you can do. Being on the water will give you a different view of Sydney too 🙂
Where To Eat In Circular Quay
Working in this area and in hotels too, I definitely have my favourites.
Aria is a popular and sought-after fine dining option, that many luxury travellers ask about and love.
If you feel like authentic Italian in the Circular Quay area then Alfredo is a sound choice. Tucked away in Bulletin Place.
Many Indian guests I spoke with gave a nod to The Spice Room as a contender for the best Indian food in Circular Quay. Reliably tasty. I have been back many times and it is also a great option for takeaway food in Circular Quay.
For coffee in Circular Quay, there are some standouts. Head down a laneway called Bulletin Place to Cabrito Coffee Traders. This is my go-to on weekdays, and is the best coffee in Circular Quay in my book.
How Long To Stay In Circular Quay
Circular Quay is one of the absolute best areas to stay in Sydney. If you use it to discover Sydney then 4 nights is a minimum. If you have less you will still have a memorable time, but Sydney has so much to do!
Considering you will be staying right near the Circular Quay Ferry, take a look at some great ways to build your Sydney Itinerary to include a Ferry or two ;)
Need some inspiration? Manly is a great area to spend the day at the beach. Maybe a cruise around to Darling Harbour is in order. There is a wharf at Taronga Zoo too if you were thinking of including a visit. They also have an incredible Wildlife Retreat too for rooms with not only harbour views but animal views!
If you are in Sydney for a romantic weekend or only have room in your itinerary for a couple of nights, then Circular Quay is a great area to base yourself to make the most of a short stay.
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.