Sydney is a big modern robust city and therefore has plenty of accommodations from budget to luxury.
As you know, I’m a Hyatt gal. These two hotels are some of the best hotels in Sydney with harbour views. So if you are looking for the best stay in Sydney, let’s review the
PARK HYATT SYDNEY V HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY
Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Sydney v. Hyatt Regency Sydney Naturally when visiting the oldest and biggest Australian city, I opted to stay at Hyatt. Both are located in a popular tourist district and on the water.
You can also easily navigate the city with hop-on hop-off city tours. Other than location, each also offered different amenities. Here’s my review of each:
PARK HYATT SYDNEY
7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000
$$$$
First, although expensive, busy and not that easy to find, Park Hyatt Sydney is my favorite of the two. Located in the best area to stay in Sydney, Sydney Harbour, it’s an easy walk to the Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Harbour Bridge and The Rocks. The views here are stunning in the lobby, in the dining area, in the pool, and if you’re fortunate, in your hotel room.
Use my Sydney guide to see what activities you should not miss while visiting Sydney!
Park Hyatt has 3 room categories. Hyatt describes the rooms as contemporary luxury with “rich layers of chocolate, cream and beige hues.”
There’s a standard room is 430-480 sqft (40-45 sqm), and the rooms have pretty good views of the city skyline. Next is the room with a harbour view and balcony. These rooms look out into the harbour and some even are at a pretty good angle to also view the Opera House. These rooms can be fun as they face the cruise ships and you can stand on the balcony and wave to cruise passengers as the ships come and go!
Then the room with an Opera House view. This is such an amazing sight as you can doze off to the Opera House lit up at night reflecting off the harbour waters. The balcony also makes it nice to have breakfast with unobstructed views of the Opera House.
The Park Hyatt spared no luxurious expense on its suites. Complete with floor to ceiling widows that open up to oversized balconies. The standard Cove Suite is 785 sqft (78 sqm) with a balcony off the separate living room and bedroom and you can take in the beautiful city skyline. The Quay Suite adds another balcony for wraparound views of the skyline and Circulay Quay.
The Rooftop Suite is massive at 1528 sqft (142 sqm) with its own private bedroom, kitchenette, and private outdoor terrace overlooking the city skyline and Sydney Harbour. The Harbour Suite is about the same size and has balconies that actually overlook the Harbour and Opera House. A bit larger is the Opera House Suite with a whopping six balconies and dining for eight to just admire the Opera House from every angle.
If that’s not enough views and balcony for you, then I’m sure you’ll love the Sydney Suite at over 3800 sqft (350 sqm) with a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining, sauna and steam room. And an impressive wraparound balcony for breathtaking views of the city, harbour, Harbour Bridge, and Opera House.
With no spared expense, all suites come with a private butler, breakfast, airport limousine service, wifi, and luxury amenities.
Harbour Room at the Park Hyatt Sydney
Room 326.
I stayed in the City Harbour Deluxe king room, which has incredible views of Central Business District. I could stare at the Opera House from the balcony while sipping my morning coffee or swigging on evening champagne. Or just wave at the massive cruise ships that dock in the harbour.
The room itself was spacious, with a king bed, a sitting area, a coffee Nespresso machine (loved it!) area and dining area, and all of it did not feel cramped in any way. The room was remarkably satisfying considering this was an upgrade during peak season with my Globalist (top tier) status with Hyatt.
Upon entering the room, the good sized bathroom was immediately to the left. It was equipped with a luxurious soaking tub and walk in shower with double sinks, which is always a bonus when traveling with someone. The floor and sinks had a nice clean marble look that followed the color scheme of the room. I didn’t expect anything less from this impressive hotel.
The cozy living area of the room had floor to ceiling windows complete with built in bedside remotes that raise and lower shades at the press of a button. Regardless of where I’m staying, I never feel that the room has enough natural light. When all the lights are on in the room, it still feels dim. Not the case with this Harbour Deluxe room.
In fact, I was able to thoroughly assess the state of my sunburn from Cairn the week before (face palm!)
Food and Drink at the Park Hyatt Sydney
The hotel itself offered amenities that if you weren’t in Sydney, you might not want to leave. First, the food was so delectable at any Park Hyatt Sydney Restaurant. The ground floor is divided in three areas: The Dining Room, The Bar and The Living Room, and all the Rooms allow you to dine and drink.
You can start your day at the best breakfast in Sydney at the breakfast buffet in the Dining Room with this incredible spread…And this incredible view.
Then The Bar serves heavenly drinks with an atmosphere that screams you are definitely on vacation… And if you take your adult beverage to the Living Room, you will have the same incredible view. There’s also an afternoon menu so you can grab a bite in the relaxed Living Room as you break from your afternoon shopping steps away at The Rocks.
The Dining Room is also open for lunch if you prefer to partake of the sustainable seafood and farm to table eats in a more formal setting. If afternoon tea is your fancy, look no further than the 5 star tea experience at the Park Hyatt Sydney high tea. Have it with or without a flute of Moet & Chandon (it’s not a true afternoon tea experience without at least one flute of champagne if you ask me).
If you’re an oyster connoisseur, The Dining Room serves fresh mouthwatering oyster dishes which changes seasonally. I highly recommend both these experiences. The oysters are so amazingly fresh and flavored that if the texture isn’t your thing, just wash it down with the Moet!
Park Hyatt Sydney Amenities
Feel like taking a plunge? The heated rooftop pool by itself is like any regular pool, but of course you have the view of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Feel like being pampered? Book an appointment at the serene day spa. One of those gym people (ugh!)? The fitness center will have all you need.
Overall Impression of Park Hyatt Sydney
Last, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the hotel is if the service is awful. I found the staff to be attentive and helpful, but not pushy. Smiles and pleasantries were always exchanged, even when the hotel was busy. I would say, beyond pleasantries, I expect the staff to be knowledgeable. Meaning if I ask for a recommendation, I don’t expect the answer to be: “it’s all good.” Or if I ask about something on the menu, I don’t expect the answer to be: “let me check.”
I expect it even more so at the price point at one of the best hotels in Sydney Harbour. The Park Hyatt’s staff did not disappoint. Overall, not only is Park Hyatt Sydney the favorite of the two, but is my favorite hotel in this beautiful city.
Plan your trip for the right time to visit, then book your fabulous stay right now at the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney!
HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia 2000
$$
The Hyatt Regency Sydney offers loads of extras for Globalists. Located across from Darling Harbour, it’s an easy walk there and also to the Central Business District, the Aquarium, and the Sydney Tower Eye. After crossing the bridge to Darling Harbour, you have a plethora of dining options, from pizza to seafood and then dessert and coffee, you really can’t go wrong if you don’t want to venture too far to dine.
The standard room is about 320 sqft (30sqm) and you can upgrade to a harbour view or a harbour view with a balcony room. Although the room itself may seem standard, the hotel offers great amenities and cozy relaxing areas where you may want to spend your time anyway.
There are 3 suites. The Harbour View Studio, the Harbour View Studio with balcony and the Regency Executive Suite. All the suites have panoramic views of Darling Harbour. This is one of the best Sydney hotels with harbour views right from your room.
Although there are plenty of things to see and do right in Sydney where the Hyatt Regency is centrally located to plenty of these things, to get the best out of your time Down Under, I recommend taking an awesome day trip to really get the full Sydney experience.
Harbour Suite Room at the Hyatt Regency Sydney
Room 764.
With my Globalist status, I was able to upgrade to a Harbour suite, which has incredible views of, you guessed it, the harbour. From my balcony, I was able to snap this gorgeous evening sunset, unfortunately clouded with smoke from the bushfires. The room itself was spacious with a king bed, a coffee area, a sitting area and a desk.
The bathroom was the most impressive part of the room, and after all the walking and shopping in Sydney, this soaking tub, NOT the one in Park Hyatt, was my best friend.
Food at Hyatt Regency Sydney
My flight arrived really early and I was at the hotel at about 8am. Of course, my room wasn’t ready and I didn’t expect it to be. At check-in, they took my luggage and asked if I wanted breakfast. Being a Globalist, I have access to the Regency Club with included breakfast.
But since I technically didn’t stay the night before, I really wasn’t entitled to enter the Club yet. I did take them up on the offer and had a delicious full breakfast to fuel me up for the morning through Sydney.
The Regency Club then serves evening canapes in the Club. The Club atmosphere was spacious and beautiful with a nautical theme which was fitting to go along with the great view of Darling Harbour. I was able to enjoy the Club much better at the end of my day.
The Club even had great service with a few servers actively stopping by to check on you. I found this level of attention rare for the Hyatt Clubs, but it did add a personal touch. Because of this, I wanted so much to like the food, but I didn’t. I don’t think there was a single item that I thought was tasty. I drank my wine and enjoyed the view. And later, dined elsewhere…and some more wine.
Sailmaker. A savory seafood experience right that’s easily located right off the lobby. A combination of fresh produce and fresh seafood makes for a truly local dining experience. Reserve a patio table and overlook Darling Harbour as you dine. Sailmaker’s menu is simple, and there’s even a high tea option on Fridays and Saturdays.
Jackalberry. Ready for some amazing cocktails and food pairing. Stop at Jackalberry for some globally inspired foods and drinks and take your taste buds around the world without leaving Sussex Street. Looking for high tea with a kick? Be sure to come on Saturdays at 2pm for Jackalberry’s Traveller High Tea with Mr. Black spirits.
Zephyr. A rooftop bar with outstanding views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney skyline. Not only the perfect place when the weather is perfect, but sit, sip and enjoy the evening sun going down on Sydney.
Hyatt Regency Amenities
After a long flight and a day of getting acquainted with Sydney, I was craving a nice serene spa. Although the Regency did not have a spa like the Park Hyatt, there was a massage therapy menu. You can call concierge to set up a time and type of massage directly to your room.
The therapist will bring everything including the table and towels and spa music. It was nice to have this quiet intimate setting, and it was also nice to have time in my own spa tub after. But it was a bit chaotic before and after the massage. Imagine the therapist setting up the table, sheets, music, towels, oils… Then packing it all up.
It was at least a good 15 minutes after my massage before the therapist was ready to leave and because she was struggling with the table and her other belongings, I ended up helping her carry things out of the room. So that was my workout for the day, no need to stop by the fitness center here.
Overall Impression of Hyatt Regency
The Regency is also located on prime real estate, within walking distance of so many attractions and dining delights. I just think I’m partial to Park Hyatt because I’m an Opera House groupie. But just like the Park Hyatt, the Regency had impeccable service.
I didn’t expect to be offered breakfast upon arrival and to add, I was even offered another room to freshen up or take a nap until my room was ready. I declined as I already had plans in the city, but the gesture made me feel valued.
Also, upon my return, I was greeted by name and immediately informed that my room was ready.
Unless otherwise indicated, the thoughts, opinions and photos shared here are entirely my own.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PARK HYATT SYDNEY V HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY
I love that both Hyatts are located in prime real estate on different harbours. They both have food that’s well worth staying in the hotel, harbour views, and cozy comfortable rooms. For a more luxurious stay, I would recommend Park Hyatt. For great lounge access complete with a great breakfast variety and evening hor d’oeuvres, I would recommend Hyatt Regency Sydney. Either way, you will have a blast in Sydney!
You can find good deals on flights to Sydney and this will help you decide what to bring with you when packing for Aussie weather.
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