"The bronze-tile pattern at the entrance of 57 Hotel—a 92-room boutique property in the heart of bustling Surry Hills—echoes the mosaic of windows that soar seven stories up. But the stamped-tin awning out front and the gold ceiling that undulates like a wave over the reception area (a plaster-and-metal base that was hand-painted gold) nods to Studio 54, the legendary New York club from which 57 Hotel owes much of its inspiration. The sunken lobby-lounge is the moodiest of the spaces, outfitted in black leather benches, shiny silver walls, spot lights and gray-and-black carpeting that recalls piano keys. This is the best place to catch up with friends over a complimentary Nespresso coffee or watch the Surry Hills scene unfold. Glass walls face lively Foveaux Street. The rooms upstairs offer a vintage-’70s vibe with a white-and-mauve palette playing backdrop to pops of color such as turquoise vinyl chairs in King rooms, topped with candy-striped pillows. The amenities are modern and include free Wi-Fi, in-room iPads, and a selection of films. The guest experience is also infused with groovy tunes curated by Sydney DJ Dre Branciamore, taking the Studio 54 theme full circle."

"Opened in time for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Establishment is a pioneering 31-room boutique hotel housed in an 1890s steel plant near the modern-day stock exchange building downtown. Managed by the hospitality group Merivale—which started as a fashion house specializing in fascinator hats and mini skirts—the hotel is popular among brand executives who book the 328-square-foot Loft Penthouse for product launches and photo shoots. Rooms feature wood furnishings, swinging metal doors, animal hides, and suedelike daybeds as well as such amenities as Apple TV, Bose surround sound, and Lululemon yoga mats. Bathrooms are particularly luxurious here, with marble floors, freestanding tubs, Bulgari products, and tall windows that open up to Sydney’s bustling business district. The best part about the Establishment, though, is the internal access it offers to some of the city’s hottest bars and restaurants, which are housed within the same complex as the hotel. And after enjoying live music and a few stiff cocktails at the speakeasy Palmer & Co, guests are welcomed to bed with Sleep Tight tea and a homemade chocolate chip cookie."

"The Four Seasons At the northern end of George Street, opposite Circular Quay and the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Four Seasons hotel offers everything guests might need, right on the doorstep of the Sydney Harbour. It’s no surprise this is one of the most popular hotels among business and leisure travelers, and it books out a year in advance for New Year’s Eve. In typical Four Seasons fashion, the hotel is outfitted with caramel-colored furnishings, dark woods, and romantic lighting—exemplified by the lobby’s crystal overhead lights and the hanging lantern installation—and the top-tier suites are dressed to impress. They all offer an apartment-style ambience and incredible harbor panoramas from their perch on the 34th floor; the Royal Suite is especially beautiful, with parquet floors, an ornate wardrobe, and Roman blinds. Whether staying for work or pleasure, all guests will appreciate the fine-dining restaurant, the cherry-wood bar that specializes in boutique beers and wines, the full-service spa, and the 24-hour gym. The Four Seasons also puts together exclusive guest experiences, such as a harbor tour led by a renowned local photographer."

"Chiseled from a sandstone-and-brick wool factory on the site of Sydney ’s first hospital, the Harbour Rocks Hotel is one of the most historic accommodations in the Rocks—and maybe the most haunted. Hotel staff say part of the building, named Scarlett’s Cottages after a well-known lady of the night, is watched over by Eric, a man who once lived here and who still searches for Scarlett in the labyrinthine corridors after she swore her love to him and then disappeared. Ghosts aside, the hotel’s 59 rooms are peaceful, with high ceilings, Georgian arched windows, brick walls painted dark gray, Old West–style textiles, and wool carpeting that recalls the building’s former life. The place is filled with fun artifacts, too, from the ancient luggage lift to old maps and letters framed on the walls. The early-20th-century history that pervades the building is also found in every direction outside its doors."

"The Eastern Suburbs’ most luxurious property is tucked away in the European-style village of Double Bay. It’s an exclusive retreat for those wishing to fly under the radar or travelers wanting a bayside vacation away from the city center. Draped in soft blues, whites, and grays, the hotel reflects its watery surrounds, and furniture pieces from Australia and abroad exude an air of elegance. Much of it, such as the large gray upholstered headboards and the bevel-cut mirrors and veneer side tables on either end, is custom-made. Many rooms feature harbor-view balconies equipped with Italian furniture that transports guests to a secluded European isle. That is, until the lorikeets and cockatoos sound their morning alarms, reminding visitors they’re most certainly in Australia."

"A longtime favorite among royalty, rock stars, actors, and visiting dignitaries, the Langham hotel completed a $30 million renovation in December 2014. London -based GA Designs was charged with retaining the hotel’s stately character—check out the original fireplace transplanted from the Sydney's beloved Elizabeth Bay House—while creating a sun-drenched new look dressed in white, amber, and silver. The new design also maximizes the property’s Darling Harbour views, most notably in the opulent lobby, whose Calcutta marble floor and gold-leaf paneling are reminiscent of a high-end spa. What hasn’t changed is the Langham’s superlative customer service. Guests can request a chartered yacht or helicopter to get to their show or meeting, and arrange a private picnic, tennis match, sunset Harbour Bridge climb, or tour of the hotel’s display of Sidney Nolan paintings ( Australia ’s largest private collection of his work). There’s even a discreet entrance and in-room check-in for guests who want maximum privacy, as well as an unpacking service for travelers eager to feel at home right away."

"Formerly the Diamant. This hotel has changed management. Just a block east of the iconic Coca-Cola billboard that stands at the entrance to Kings Cross is the Larmont. This 76-room property—sandwiched between Potts Point and Darlinghurst—is surrounded by top-notch restaurants, funky bars, and notorious nightclubs. No surprise that it attracts an edgy crowd of mostly twenty- and thirtysomethings looking for a central crash pad after a night on the town. But the Diamant is a far cry from the hostels of “the Cross,” and it does welcome a number of business and corporate travelers looking for an alternative stay outside the financial district. The décor is moody, with velvety green headboards, dark mauve curtains, and black leather furniture. A black-and-white fleur-de-lis print in each room complements the monochrome images of the local area shot by Australian photographer Michael Collins. All accommodations are equipped with free Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, and iPads loaded with maps, restaurant tips, and newspapers."

"Owned by Terry Kaljo—a former model and founder of the Contemporary Hotels collection of upscale rental homes and villas—the Medusa Boutique Hotel offers 18 unique accommodations in Darlinghurst, an eclectic area and the epicenter of Sydney ’s gay community. The 19th-century home is filled with wacky touches, from red Alice in Wonderland–style carpeting that runs up the grand staircase to pastel-pink walls studded with maple leaves in the entryway. The midcentury-modern rooms—with their retro primary colors, geometric patterns, and vintage chaises longues—attract fashion, media, and design professionals looking to get beneath the surface of one of Sydney’s liveliest neighborhoods. But there's still the opportunity to relax, as guests can settle in next to the fireplace in the lobby to read the newspaper, enjoy a complimentary pastry, or make new friends. Longtime staff members offer the kind of local knowledge and personal attention that keeps guests coming back."

"The cornerstone of the Kensington Street Precinct, at the heart of the funky Chippendale neighborhood, the Old Clare is the storied pub she used to be and so much more. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects built a glass-and-steel walkway between the former Clare Hotel and the neighboring Carlton United Brewery building, both dating to the early 20th century, to create a 62-room boutique hotel that simultaneously feels historic and edgy. Original wood panels and brick walls blend seamlessly into spotted gum floors and nude-colored walls, exemplifying the creative reuse that pervades the Chippendale suburb, an inner-city district of galleries and cafés situated at the crossroads of Glebe, Redfern, Surry Hills, Chinatown, and the Central Business District. The design echoes other landmark Sydney restorations by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer such as the Paddington Reservoir Gardens and Carriageworks, an arts complex located just down the road. The Old Clare also brings two more standout restaurants to Chippendale, including the first Australian venture by Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton. Whether guests soak in the egg-shaped tub in their loft room, take a sunrise yoga class on the rooftop pool deck, or sip a “Ginny Hendricks,” a watermelon-dill concoction with bitters and Hendrick’s gin, at the midcentury-modern bar, they’ll have a story to tell. The Old Clare is a tale that keeps getting better."

"Formerly the 1888 Hotel. What used to be a wool shed in the middle of a sheep farming area is now a youthful hotel that celebrates the Pyrmont district’s heritage while featuring the full suite of modern amenities. Opened in 2013, the hotel is an extravaganza of wool, which is found in the felted black lampshades attached to old pulleys in the lobby, in the lower wall panels in the hallways, and as carpeting throughout the building. The old Wool Brokers Arms is visible across the street from the heritage rooms on the west side of the hotel. Modern and cheeky touches also abound at this boutique property, known as the world’s first Instagram hotel. There’s an empty “Selfie Frame” hanging amid mismatched furniture in the lobby, and guests with at least 10,000 Instagram followers are offered a free night’s stay. (Mere Instagram mortals have a chance to win, too, by using the hashtag #1888hotel to be entered into a monthly photo contest.) 1888 is also a leader in sustainability; the hotel preserved the building’s original ironbark beams and built desks from recycled floorboards. The minibar is more conscious than usual, too, stocked with Alter Eco chocolates, Charlie’s juices, coconut water, and fresh milk. The best things about 1888 are the little surprises. Even the hotel’s name has a double meaning: 1888 was the year the building was constructed but was also the year that the Kodak camera debuted."

"Formerly Blue Sydney. Carefully constructed around support beams and pipes from a 100-year-old wheat and wool wharf, this hoteloffers a beautiful mix of old and new that juts out into the Woolloomooloo harbor. The Heritage Level is where you’ll find original wooden pier pilings, metal wheels, and conveyor belts that date to 1910, but classic touches such as early-20th-century photographs of Sydney are scattered throughout the property. Goose down bedding, plush furnishings, walk-in showers, and in-room iPads make modern travelers feel right at home, and the bar that runs the length of the central atrium—hanging Swarovski crystals shine pink and purple in the evening candlelight—often hosts fashion shows and cocktail events. Most rooms have sliding glass doors that take advantage of the hotel’s over-water location between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Rushcutters Bay; they open to either the city skyline or the Potts Point naval base. Maritime history buffs should book the latter and check out the site on the wharf from which sailors boarded ships for Gallipoli."

"Why we love it: Former movie studio headquarters turned stylish lifestyle hub and hotel The Highlights: - A location in lively Surrey Hills - Unique amenities from building neighbors, like cafe room service and complimentary yoga - Striking, industrial-chic design The Review: Just outside Sydney’s Central Business District, the beloved Surry Hills neighborhood is considered a hub for the city’s latest and greatest, from top restaurants and bars to cool shops, designer flea markets, and cutting-edge galleries—with lots of leafy greenspaces and winding alleyways in between. It was also once home to the Aussie headquarters of Paramount Pictures Studios, which has since been transformed into a lifestyle hub that houses an indie cinema with a bar; a gourmet cafe; a rooftop rec club with a gym and spa; a wine bar; and, as of 2018, the charming Paramount House Hotel. Though they are all individual tenants, the spaces work together like one big family, with the cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and coffee via room service, and the rec club providing hotel guests with complimentary access to fitness, yoga, and Pilates classes. (The wine bar has plans to deliver selections from its small plates menu and 160-vintage-strong wine list to the guest rooms, too.) The rooms themselves range from cozy Nooks and mid-sized Sunny options to bi-level Lofts, each gorgeously designed in an industrial-chic style and outfitted with French linens, terrazzo-lined bathrooms, jewel-toned fabrics, and mini-bars stocked with locally sourced wines, beers, and snacks. (Lofts also have separate living areas and timber-encased bathtubs.) With rooms this warm and welcoming, it may feel hard to leave the building—lucky for you, there’s much to enjoy under one roof."

"The award for most prized piece of Sydney real estate must go to the Park Hyatt. The hotel is tucked directly beneath the Harbour Bridge, and many rooms showcase head-on views of the Sydney Opera House, perfectly framed in floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. In 2011, the Park Hyatt was layered with sandstone and marble to reflect the local Rocks neighborhood, which was built from sandstone in the Georgian period. Carvings, sculptures, paintings, and photographs by eight renowned Australian artists—including Robert Billington and Bruce Armstrong—further connect guests with the hotel's setting. Travelers get what they pay for here; every room, no matter the price, comes with a balcony, butler, and harbor views from the tub. Guests also have access to the coveted rooftop pool deck—where a sunset cocktail is highly recommended. The Park Hyatt is unbeatable for New Year’s Eve, the Vivid Sydney festival, or really any time of the year."

"You can hear water lapping beneath the floorboards of this boutique hotel, inhabiting a 1912 pier just west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is where ferry passengers used to wait to cross the harbor before the bridge was built. A hotel was first constructed in 1999, taking care to preserve the original pier pilings and steel support beams, incorporating them into hallways and guestrooms. Today, Pier One is a 189-room beauty that’s part of Marriot’s Autograph collection of unique properties. Co-owner Ruth Magid put extra love into the 18 sunny suites, which she designed like waterfront apartments. Some feature modern globe lights juxtaposed against the original wood-beam rafters, as well as brass sink basins, twin rain showers with side jets, and egg-shaped tubs. Two balcony suites take guests eye-to-eye with the Sydney Harbour Bridge."

"The name hints at the experience, but it doesn’t quite do it justice. Pretty Beach House is not just pretty; it’s stunning. Nestled into a seven-and-a-half-acre swath of semitropical Bouddi National Park, roughly a 90-minute drive or 20-minute seaplane ride from the Harbor City, Pretty Beach House is an intimate retreat immersed in nature. Four distinctive accommodations, from the copper-sheathed, wood-beamed Bayview to the two-level Retreat pavilion that’s nothing less than its name suggests, encourage guests to disconnect, soak in their bathtubs or outdoor plunge pools, and spin a record from the in-room vinyl collection. That is, if they’re not already out exploring the wild landscapes. Owners Brian and Karina Berry, who run the beloved Bells at Killcare retreat nearby, know a thing or two about hospitality, farm-to-table restaurants, and experiences that offer a sense of place. Every evening at Pretty Beach House, guests witness a traditional welcome ceremony by a member of the Darkinjung Aboriginal tribe, who might share some of the indigenous culture that steeps the land. Afterward, a luxury Italian dinner is served inside the main house—which is crafted from local mud bricks, hand-cut sandstone, and rail pylons from the 1880s. Original works by Australian artists such as Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, and John Olsen frame floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, the peninsula’s peaks and waterways beckon guests out the next day—to hike, kayak, or ride the resort’s yacht to get closer to land and sea."

"The Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park Sports fans, go west. The Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park allows guests to sleep at the site of the epic Summer Olympic Games that Sydney hosted in 2000. But Olympic Park is not just for Olympics buffs; it’s also home to ANZ Stadium, the home field for teams ranging from the National Rugby League (NRL) South Sydney Rabbitohs and Australian Football League (AFL) Wallabies to the national soccer and cricket teams. If that’s not enough, the park houses large entertainment venues such as Allphones Arena, where the likes of Madonna perform. In addition to sports and entertainment, guests of the Pullman come to Olympic Park to attend conferences and business meetings, and everything from the ergonomic work spaces in rooms to a speedy menu at the restaurant cater to the corporate set. That doesn’t mean the place is stuffy, however. The interiors are modern and inviting; the restaurant has hip red accents and a wall-size wine rack; and the property is based at the heart of Australia’s sporting and entertainment culture, which can mean only one thing: fun."

"Shangri-La Hotel Towering over the tin roofs of the historic Rocks district, the Shangri-La Hotel has helped set the standard for Sydney hospitality, not to mention harbor views. Alongside the Asian influences, personal attention, and secret scent (it’s not just the cascading floral arrangements) that Shangri-La is known for, the Sydney hotel also incorporates earthen Aussie tones and a host of foodie surprises—ranging from an award-winning deconstructed carrot cake to a 36th-floor restaurant with 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling vistas. In 2014, all the premium suites and the Horizon Club Lounge were spruced up with pops of turquoise to complement the color palette of cream, gold, and dark wood. Behind the scenes, the Shangri-La has worked hard to become more sustainable and socially conscious; initiatives include adding energy-efficient and water-saving fixtures, producing much of its food in-house, and donating money to local charities such as OzHarvest."