If you're seeking an enriching local escape to reset, Sydney is an idyllic destination. Boasting pristine sandy beaches, iconic sights, lush national parks, and a world-renowned drinking and dining scene, the Harbour City is ideal for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay.

Brimming with epic boutique-style hotels, Sydney has a slew of awesome accommodation to ensure you're well-rested during your vacay—and energised to get out there and explore. From the heart of the CBD to Bondi Beach, there's a hotel to suit every visitor.

To help renew your holiday plans, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Sydney you can book right now.

The latest addition to Sydney’s hotel scene is a bloody exciting one. Late hotelier Alex Calderwood first opened the Seattle Ace Hotel in 1999, changing the game and giving your stay a blend of luxury and rockstar suite grunge. Think natural textures and tones, custom-designed furniture and in-room record players. Making its way to Australia, the Sydney outpost has taken over the iconic Tyne Building as the first southern hemisphere Ace Hotel. With bookings now open for the start of May opening, we recommend locking in a room as soon as possible for a weekend getaway. Book here.

If you’re after a boutique hotel with serious charm, class and a rooftop pool thrown in for fun–look no further than the Old Clare Hotel. The Chippendale hotel sits conveniently atop The Clare bar, a blend of classic Aussie pubs and hotel cocktail bars. You’re also right above foodie strip Kensington Street, with options like pan-Asian heaven Spice Alley at your doorstep. Or if you feel like staying in, an urban oasis cocktail by the pool and a 1pm late check out should sort you out. You can even book in a pet-friendly room if you bring your furry child. Book in here.

Nestled on the harbour near Vaucluse, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is a Sydney institution known for its Hamptons-chic style fit-out, mouth-watering seafood and sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. 

Just a quick ferry away from Circular Quay and Manly or a ten-minute drive from Bondi, the luxe bayside retreat boasts boutique contemporary accommodation, slick waterfront dining and a Beach Club, where all the action takes place. Blue and white umbrellas, hidden flamingos and nautical everything emanate summer vibes all year long. Check yourself in for the luxe yet relaxed stay you deserve. Book your room here. 

Located inside the iconic art deco building once home to the Paramount Picture Studio offices, the Paramount House Hotel is the beautiful neighbourhood accommodation you should strongly consider booking. In the building alone, you’ll find the Paramount Coffee Project café, wine bar Poly, the Paramount Recreation Club for rooftop exercise classes and the Golden Age Cinema/cocktail bar. As for rooms, each is thoughtfully designed to make the experience feel closer to home than hotel. And touches like LP’s Quality Meats and local craft brews stocking the mini-fridge also go a long way. Book your room here.

Talk about enviable locations, Ovolo offers waterside accommodation on Woolloomooloo Bay’s history Finger Wharf, with heritage industrial features on the outside and a luxurious and contemporary feel on the inside. You don’t have to go far for a great meal with attached Alibi restaurant offering everything from high tea to an 8-course tasting dinner menu. And if you’re looking for something that sets Ovolo apart, it’s the freebies they throw in. More than just breakfast and gym access, the hotel will shout you the mini-fridge at no extra cost, a loot bag of goodies and a round of cocktails at the bar for “social hour”. Book here.

The location of this boutique hotel sells itself. The rooms are casual with a coastal feel, perfect for letting in the cool sea breeze. Book yourself a room at QT to stay across the road from one of the most famous beaches in the world–Bondi Beach. Not only will you be a stone’s throw from the iconic one-kilometre stretch of sand, but you’ll have access to the suburb’s amazing restaurant and café scene. Book in here.

A jaw-dropping designer boutique hotel in the heart of Surry Hills, The Little Albion Guest House is the ultimate hotel stay for design aficionados and art lovers alike. Reminiscent of someone's epic architectural mansion rather than a hotel, each corner, curtain, light fixture and lick of paint has been meticulously curated, creating a unique experience that will transport you to the dapper hotels of yesteryear. Made with the modern traveller in mind with a penchant for opulence, the enchanting 35-room guest house is also pet-friendly—we repeat, pet-friendly—making it the perfect place to hole up for a weekend—and when you can't bear the thought of leaving your pooch at home. 

Sofitel bills itself as the ultimate urban resort–with good reason. The luxury hotel offers nearly 600 rooms and four in-house bars and restaurants, including a cocktail bar with a mind-blowing champagne menu. All in view of the city skyline and Darling Harbour. Not to mention the outdoor rooftop infinity pool overlooking the harbour for one of the most boujee morning laps you can possibly imagine. Book your spot here.

Located above the Wynyard Walk, Little National Hotel places you in the ideal spot to explore the CBD. Wake up in compact luxury for a morning workout in the state-of-the-art gym, wander down to the lounge and library to unwind by the fireplace or get a bit of work done, before heading out to the rooftop courtyard to take in the city sunset. Once it’s dark, take a five-minute stroll to your choice of CBD bars like Maybe Sammy or Cantina OK!–both recognised on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list. Book here.

For more information on how to Feel New in Sydney, visit sydney.com.

Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Destination New South Wales. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.

Images sourced from Instagram. 

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