Park Hyatt, Sydney

Pros

• The hotel features some of the best views in the city, perched at the water's edge and overlooking the Sydney Opera House.
• You'll be surrounded by The Rocks, the city's most historic neighborhood, and just a 15-minute walk along the waterfront to Circular Quay and the CBD (Central Business District). 
• A 2012 redesign incorporated lots of natural materials like local sandstone and red gum timber, as well as an extensive collection of works by renowned Australian artists.
• Most of the large, luxurious rooms include floor-to-ceiling glass doors, private balconies, and jaw-dropping views of the Opera House or Sydney Harbour.
• There are more panoramic vistas from the rooftop pool, complete with cabanas, bar service, and a backdrop of the Harbour Bridge.
• Experience a six-course tasting journey through Australian flavors and wines in The Dining Room, or opt for more casual harborside meals in The Living Room.

Cons

• Some rooms face the rear of the property and don't have harbor views, though they're still large and inviting.
• The on-site valet parking is pricey; you may want to find a public paid lot nearby if you're traveling by car.

Authenticity

The Park Hyatt Sydney has been around since the 1990s, but an extensive 2012 renovation elevated the harborside landmark into a 5-star hotel that pays creative homage to its surroundings. The J-shaped building hugs the curved waterfront, clad in the same sandstone that serves as a bedrock for the greater Sydney region. Inside, you'll find custom works by Australian artists, with paintings, sculptures, and carvings displayed throughout the common areas and guest rooms. Don't miss the Janus sculpture on the 4th floor—carved from native red gum, it tells the story of the meeting between the leader of the Aboriginal Australian Eora people and the captain of the First Fleet, who landed near this spot in 1788.

Location

The hotel sits at the northwest corner of Circular Quay, nestled in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge and directly across the cove from the Sydney Opera House. An address within The Rocks puts you amid Sydney's oldest and most historic neighborhood, full of cobblestone streets and heritage pubs. Step left out the door and into the green spaces of the Hickson Road and Dawes Point reserves—small parks with some of the best views in the city. Turn right instead to follow the waterfront promenade to Circular Quay's transport links and ferries in under 15 minutes, passing the Museum of Contemporary Art along the way. On-site valet-only parking is available for an added fee.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All of the 115 guest rooms and suites channel quiet, contemporary luxury, decorated with rich neutral tones, sleek furnishings, and Australian art. Some face the rear of the property and lack the showstopping views; for the full experience, make sure to book an Opera or City Harbour room. These options include floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to private balconies, electric blinds operated by bedside switches, and plush seating areas, plus marble bathrooms with rain showers, soaking tubs, Japanese-style heated toilets, and Le Labo toiletries. Suites have the feel of separate residences, some with multiple bedrooms, wraparound terraces, fireplaces, and state-of-the-art kitchens.

Amenities

The hotel's rooftop pool features harbor views on three sides, a backdrop of the Harbour Bridge's iron arches, and cabana-side service for light meals and drinks. Indoors, you can book a wellness treatment in the spa, hop between aromatherapy steam rooms, or work out in the 24-hour gym overlooking Dawes Point. Savor innovative takes on Australian ingredients in The Dining Room, which serves a six-course tasting menu accompanied by local wines and Opera House views. A bountiful breakfast is served in this same space come morning, with both buffet and à la carte options. The Living Room offers a more casual setting for harborside meals, and The Bar's leather armchairs are the perfect spot for a nightcap.

Family-Friendliness

The Park Hyatt Sydney's personalized service extends to even its youngest guests; families are welcome here, and you'll find a calendar of special children's activities and events, welcome gifts, and appealing kids' menus for even the pickiest eaters. Children 12 and under stay free in an existing bed, or you can add an extra bed to the spacious rooms for an added fee. Larger groups can opt for interconnected rooms (formed by closing off sections of the corridor for privacy) or spluge on a multi-bedroom suite.