The 9 Best Luxury Hotels In Darling Harbour: Find your stay in Sydney

View of the best luxury hotels in Darling Harbour Sydney

For many people travelling to Sydney and looking for the perfect area to stay, Darling Harbour might just be what you are searching for. It is home to some of the newest and most luxurious hotels in Sydney, making it an ideal location for many styles of travellers. There are also plenty of things to see and do in the area, which makes it an attractive destination for tourists looking to get out and experience Sydney.

Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, Darling Harbour has something for everyone.

I cut to the chase and only listed the best 9 hotels in Darling Harbour so you don’t waste any more time than you need to to find your stay in this popular area of Sydney.

This might just be the end of your search.

Contents

  • Where to Stay In Darling Harbour

    • Darling Harbour Map

    • Best Hotels In Darling Harbour

    • One, Two and Three-Bedroom Apartment Accommodation In the Darling Harbour Area

    • If I had to pick the best place to stay in Darling Harbour It Would Be…

  • Some Tips For Your Stay

    • Things to Do in Darling Harbour

    • Where To Eat In Darling Harbour

    • How Long To Stay In Darling Harbour

Where To Stay In Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour has a few areas within it such as Cockle Bay Wharf, King Street Wharf, Pyrmont Bridge and Darling Quarter. But before you think about where the best area in Darling Harbour is to stay, you need to know where Darling Harbour is within Sydney. It is better located to parts of the city like QVB, Sydney Tower Eye, Hyde Park, Chinatown, The Star and Sydney Fish Markets. You can however get on a ferry to Circular Quay, so in a way, it is conveniently located to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Take a look at the map below to get some idea of where Darling Harbour is within Sydney.

Darling Harbour AREA Map 

 

9 Best Hotels In Darling Harbour

If you are after the best hotels in Darling Harbour, I won’t waste your time. There are many great places to stay, but in my opinion, 9 hotels stand out from the rest. A couple in particular are in the top tier of best luxury hotels in this area of Sydney.

Things that make some of these hotels special are stunning outdoor infinity pools, outdoor balconies and terraces, and even each hotel’s style, and character, and who it best suits. Which hotel is best for honeymoons and which hotel is perfect for families?

Importantly, which hotel has the best view of Darling Harbour? It is worth booking a room with a great view of the fireworks whether that be the Saturday Fireworks or the main event each year, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks.

This list is roughly in order of best hotels in Darling Harbour based on my opinion and speaking to the rest of the Best Sydney Hotels team, but your priorities or the type of trip you are on may point you in a specific direction. But that’s ok. I want to help you find your stay in Darling Harbour.

‘If I had to pick the best place to stay in Darling Harbour It Would Be: Sofitel Darling Harbour’

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour (8.5 Booking.com Review Score)

Sofitel Hotel stands tall above other luxury hotels in Darling Harbour.

Let’s start with the best. Sofitel is my favourite place I have stayed in Darling Harbour. I stayed at this hotel shortly after they opened and was a very happy guest. Incredible Sydney Skyline and Darling Harbour views. The big outdoor infinity pool is something special for not only Darling Harbour hotels but would be well-ranked for for best hotel pool in Sydney. If you are after some great bathtubs, some of the room types, like the Luxury Corner Room offer a bathtub with a breathtaking view. As you can imagine NYE views are spectacular from here.

W Sydney (8.2 Booking.com Review Score)

The newest hotel in Darling Harbour is definitely in the contest for the best place to stay in Darling Harbour. It offers a feeling that is distinctly and uniquely W. It pushes design beyond the boring whilst maintaining luxury.
I visited W Sydney when it first opened and I was excited to check it out. Then as I walked in I was faced with the choice. Blue-lit stairs, a copper honeycomb escalator or a lift to get up to reception. The lift stood no chance, but the allure of the blue lights only narrowly lost to my intrigue of the copper structure that lined the walls. I surrendered to the escalators, travelling up to reception then up again on the next set, and again. If you stay at W Sydney I’m sure you will go on your own journey whilst experiencing a luxury stay in Darling Harbour.

The impressive hotel building is already a Darling Harbour icon in my eyes and am sure in the eyes of many others. You can’t miss it, then you can’t stop looking at it!


The Darling at The Star (9.3 Booking.com review score)

Whilst technically near Darling Harbour not in it, The Darling at The Star is still in my eyes a perfect place to stay to fully experience the area. You can get great Darling Harbour views from some rooms.

Located within The Star, is fully kitted out with things to do and eat. The Star Casino, Lyric Theatre and great food and drink options including Sokyo, one of my favourite Japanese restaurants in Sydney. Walking through the lobby here you do feel an air of opulent excitement that Casinos let off.

Hyatt Regency Sydney (8.2 Booking.com Review Score)

Guests enjoying their stay at Hyatt Regency Sydney

If you are after a room or suite with a balcony in Darling Harbour, you have landed on a great place to stay! Not only that, you should see the Suite with Terrace at Hyatt Regency for yourself. Amazing to have such a good-sized terrace with a beautiful view out over all of Darling Harbour.

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney (8.3 Booking.com Review Score)

The driveway and lobby at Parkroyal Darling Harbour

A great option for families or anyone looking for interconnecting rooms or rooms with sofa beds. Still has some great views of Darling Harbour from some rooms and also from the Club Lounge, even with the W Sydney primely located in front. I noticed in the photos of an Executive Suite, a great view of Sydney Tower through the window.

Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour (8.0 Booking.com Review Score)

Whilst not one of my top couple of picks, It does have an outdoor pool which is a plus, especially on beautiful Sydney summer days. Has great views of the Darling Harbour Saturday fireworks when they are on.

Aiden by Best Western Darling Harbour (8.7 Booking.com Review Score)

A different offering than most. Stunning rooms. But they are tiny rooms. So if you are after intentional touches of luxury and some unique mural-view rooms, Aiden might be the place to stay you have been looking for.

Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour (8.3 Booking.com Review Score)

Having a private balcony area to relax in is a feature that stood out to me.

The outdoor pool area also looks like it has a good vibe.

Yes, I said that last line with a straight face.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, An IHG Hotel (8.6 Booking.com Review Score)

Another well-situated, designed and refurbished hotel worth considering for your trip to Darling Harbour. The rooftop pool is a feature worth pointing out.

One, Two and Three-bedroom Apartment Accommodation In Darling Harbour

Many people might jump straight onto AirBnb, where you always seem to find some interesting options. For me, Meriton Suites are a great place to look at. They have 5 properties in Sydney CBD that are all nicely located within the city. Whilst not by the water like most of the hotels I have listed, they are still great for a stay near Darling Harbour. I have stayed in many Meriton’s over the years and recently just stayed in another. Might not be the highest of luxury, but to me are approachable, nicely decorated, and reliable.

Meriton Suites Sussex Street, Sydney (8.6 Booking.com Review Score)

The hotel reception of Meriton Suites Sussex Street Sydney

I have personally stayed in one of these apartments and can say they are a great choice. They have you covered with a full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, and dishwasher. On top of that, you can book a room with a view of Darling Harbour! The 2-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom suites and penthouse are perfect for a luxury stay in Darling Harbour for families or groups looking to be able to cook and do some laundry after some big days in Sydney. And generally want more space than a hotel room.
Sometimes space and a home-cooked meal can be the biggest luxury when travelling.

Some Tips For Your Stay

Looking at boats and Cockle Bay Wharf Darling Harbour with Barangaroo in the background
The architecture and Koi Pond at the Chinese Garden Of Friendship

Top Things To Do In Darling harbour

As I write this, I am planning my own stay near Darling Harbour, and the first thing my family and I will do is get on a ferry. A great route is the obvious, Darling Harbour to Circular Quay. Why book a harbour cruise when you can see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House just as incredibly from the humble ferry.

I would suggest Darling Harbour Fireworks on a Saturday night. It is year-round but is not every Saturday so check your dates if you are planning for it.

Darling Harbour is home to many of Sydney’s attractions. Some museums and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium can be great things to do when it’s raining in Sydney or for families that are looking for more activities.

Darling Harbour is home to the Chinese Garden of Friendship which is worth a visit. Just walk around or even time a visit to feed the koi in the pond.

Seafood and luxury are words that often find themselves together. If you love visiting fresh markets or want to see where the best seafood restaurants in Sydney get their fish, Sydney Fish Markets is a great thing to do and an energising way to start your day. Jumping on the Light Rail is an option as there is a stop at the fish markets.

Where To Eat In Darling harbour

Delicious looking sausage ragu pasta at Fratelli Fresh

There are so many incredible places to eat in Sydney that will keep you running from one end of the city to the other, but if you want to stay local these are a few places that I like to eat at in Darling Harbour. If you are a meat eater, I love the energy of Braza Churrascaria. Tasty meats being carved in front of you. Yum. The type of place that can make both couples and large groups happy.

After our most recent stay in Darling Harbour, my family and I woke up and headed out in search of a tasty breaky. We found one in the form of beautifully folded and twirled scrambled eggs, and miso banana bread from Edition Roasters at Darling Square. Another place worth a mention is Cafe Alma which will get you properly set up for the day.

Whilst I haven’t eaten here yet, Palazzo Salato is definitely on my list of places to try. Looks like a refined yet cosy, trattoria-inspired Italian restaurant. Looks delicious. Fratelli Fresh is an Italian restaurant in Darling Harbour that I just had dinner at. The sausage ragu campanelle was thoroughly enjoyed. Could eat that every night. After sampling my daughter’s kid’s pizza, can say they do a good pizza too.

If you have had a big day experiencing Sydney and just feel like a burger, Betty’s Burgers is the place to fill that burger craving.

I found working in a Darling Harbour Hotel that many visitors are looking for the best seafood platters by the harbour. I had some mixed reviews from a few of the popular restaurants in the area. Located in Pyrmont and part of The Stars food offering, Flying Fish I have only ever heard great things about.

Now I have brought up The Star again, Sokyo is an amazing Japanese restaurant also there, that I have been to more than once and am sure I will eat there again.


How Long To Stay In Darling Harbour

If you plan to stay in Darling Harbour for your entire Sydney trip then you chose a great base. 4 nights should be a minimum amount of nights to stay in Sydney, particularly if it’s your first time or travelling from overseas. Sydney is a big city and can be quite spread out depending on where you visit and what you do.

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.

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