Park Hyatt Sydney

This harbor-front hotel is the undisputed favorite in Sydney, the go-to top spot for visiting celebrities and dignitaries. Once the location of the city’s water police station, it has incredible views of the waterfront and the Sydney Opera House from the dining room, the rooftop pool and bar. Opera View rooms—which have floor-to-ceiling windows—are undoubtedly the best options for jaw-dropping vistas. The 155 rooms spread over four floors all have sleek, modern interiors that come with electronic blinds and sliding doors, allowing guests to take in the stunning setting—even from the bathtub. Whether tracking greenhouse emissions or harvesting honey from a rooftop hive, the hotel is committed to best practices for sustainability. And when it comes to activities off-property, there is quite a selection: a neighborhood walking tour of the Rocks is a good place to start, along with sailing in the harbor (or flying above it in a seaplane) and events at the Sydney Opera House. Over-the-top room to book: the Sydney Suite, which has 360-degree panoramic views of the harbor, Opera House and bridge—and a private terrace.

The Standout: The iconic views of the harbor, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge

Don’t Miss: A visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can get up close and interact with native Australian animals, including koalas, quokkas, lorikeets and more

• The rooftop pool
• The picturesque harbor-view rooms
• The Sydney Suite featuring an outdoor dining space and sun loungers
• A private day out and picnic at a secret beach accessible by boat in Sydney Harbor
• Having the concierge secure opera tickets
• The Dining Room by James Viles, featuring regional and coastal ingredients

While the Park Hyatt has long been the undisputed top property in the city, it underwent a total overhaul in 2011 and reopened in the spring of 2012 with sexy new interiors and even more glass windows to take advantage of its spectacular harbor side perch. As soon as you enter the lobby, you are greeted with water views and a stunning angle on the famous Sydney Opera House. In true Australian fashion, there is a laid-back languor to the ambiance, so rather than a real lobby, there is a waterside living room where guests can gather or order light snacks. The long, low four-story building curves along the waterfront, and the Dining Room faces the boardwalk that runs along the harbor, giving diners the feeling of being in the midst of one of Sydney’s main leisure spots.

The 155 guest rooms have a sleek, urban aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling windows and residential touches like books and Australian artwork. Each is outfitted with the latest state-of-the art apartment wizardry, such as electronic blinds and sliding doors so the bathtubs can be open to the view or shut in for privacy. Of course, the best rooms have views of the harbor and/or the Opera House. Make sure to ask whether there will be any fireworks shows during your stay;

The rooftop has a small but attractive pool and its bar is a popular spot for a cocktail. As this is the city’s hands-down luxury property, it is where all of the celebrities and dignitaries stay when they are in town, so famous faces are frequently spotted here.

Tip: Ask whether there will be fireworks behind the Opera House during your stay. Many weekend nights and special occasions fireworks explode over the harbor and there are lots of good spots in the hotel from which to watch them.

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