Sydney’s wow-factor gets a boost, thanks to these eight must-visit hotels

The Old Clare
The Old Clare can be found in Sydney’s hip Chippendale neighbourhood, where it is housed over two heritage buildings – the Carlton United Breweries and a former pub – that have been joined to include 62 rooms, a cool rooftop pool and three restaurants, including Automata, by local superstar chef Clayton Wells, and one from Michelin-star chef Jason Atherton. Inside the hotel, the industrial bones of the building have been softened with vintage furnishings and bespoke joinery.

1 Kensington St; tel: 61.2 8277 8277; www.theoldclarehotel.com.au

The Park Hyatt
Smack-bang on Sydney’s harbour, with killer views of the Bridge and the Opera House, The Park Hyatt’s flawless location means there really is no reason to leave. If you do head out, make sure to come back for a bite to eat in the Dining Room for the mammoth six-course Feed Me Menu, which comprises a selection of the chef’s favourite dishes of the day. Follow this with a post-prandial tipple in The Bar and work off any overindulgence with a few laps in the rooftop pool the next morning.

7 Hickson Rd; tel: 61.2 9256 1234; www.hyatt.com

Paramount House Hotel
The upper floors of the former 1940s HQ of Sydney’s Paramount Picture studios  and its connecting film storage warehouse in the Surry Hills neighbourhood has finally opened as a new hotel. There are 29 rooms, a wellness space on the rooftop, and the newest outpost of Ester, one of the city’s most popular restaurants, joins the already existing Paramount Coffee Project – a buzzing café on the ground floor – a co-working area called The Office Space, and the basement-located olden Age Cinema & Bar.

80 Commonwealth St; tel: 61.2 9211 1222; paramounthousehotel.com

Sofitel Darling Harbour
Next to Sydney’s new International Convention Centre, on prime waterfront territory in Darling Harbour, this is the city’s first newly built luxury hotel in 20 years. Its home inside a glass-fronted skyscraper means wrap-around views, while its location is a short 15-minute stride away from main shopping areas such as Market Street. After a day spent soaking up the city’s sights, make sure to come back for a dip in the infinity pool, followed by a pre-prandial glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar. With The Atelier serving up delicious French-inspired fare, and a host of restaurants just on your doorstep, you certainly won’t go hungry but, for those in between moments, if you plump for a room that has access to the top-floor Club Millesime Lounge, snacks and drinks are served throughout the day against a backdrop of city vistas.

2 Darling Dr; tel: 61.2 8388 8888; www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au

Ovolo Woolloomooloo
One of two Sydney properties from hip Hong Kong-based hotel brand Ovolo, the Woolloomooloo property occupies a century-old heritage building that runs the length of the historic Finger Wharf. Inside, the industrial bones of the property are offset with vibrant colours and sleek bold furnishings that give off a quirky glam vibe. Just 10-minutes from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and with an abundance of bars and restaurants on your doorstep, you won’t be short of things to see and do. But we do suggest staying in to sample chef Matthew Kenney’s plant-based dishes at Alibi.

6 Cowper Wharf Roadway; tel: 61.2 9331 9000; www.ovolohotels.com.au

Spicers Potts Point
Located mid-way between the city and Bondi Beach, in the affluent Potts Point neighbourhood, Spicers is a homely 20-room hotel that can be found within three heritage-listed Victorian terraces that have been seamlessly stitched together. After a day spent out and about, the hotel’s slick and cosy design provides the perfect haven to return to. And if you can’t be bothered to head out again, five of the top local restaurants handily also offer room service.

122 Victoria St; tel: Tel: 61.1300 525 442 spicersretreats.com

Shangri-La
Its home might not be the prettiest of buildings in Sydney, but what it lacks in architectural qualities, is more than made up for by its faultless location just steps away from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Make the most of these jaw-dropping views with a preprandial cocktail at the Blu Bar, on the hotel’s 36th floor, followed by a meal at the adjacent Altitude restaurant. Here, modern European dishes, like the cobia sashimi served with blood orange, horseradish and buttermilk are made using fresh, local and organic ingredients.

176 Cumberland St; tel: 61.2 9250 6000; www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/

QT Sydney
QT Sydney has made the most of its home within the former Gowings Department store and The State Theatre by taking its cues from the buildings’ history with a quirky and eccentric design featuring fun, cheeky details like the bowler hat lamps in a vibrant palette of yellow, magenta and royal blue. The restaurant, Gowings Bar & Grill serves up scrummy crowd-pleasing classics like steak frites served with shoestring fries and tarragon butter, while the spa is the best spot to wind down after hitting the shops, just outside the front door.

49 Market St; tel: 61.2 8262 0000; www.qthotelsandresorts.com