Sydney’s hotel scene perfectly balances contemporary design with luxurious comfort, offering visitors extraordinary places to stay that reflect the city’s vibrant character. From harbor-side elegance to urban sophistication, these design hotels showcase the best of Australian hospitality and architectural innovation.
1. The Darling at The Star
The Darling stands as Sydney’s first and only Forbes five-star rated hotel, setting new standards in luxury accommodation. Its striking glass tower exterior houses rooms and suites, each featuring custom-made textiles and distinctive décor elements that blend contemporary aesthetics with comfortable luxury.
The hotel’s sophisticated design extends to its award-winning spa, featuring 16 private rooms and a Moroccan hammam cave. The crown jewel of The Star entertainment complex, this hotel seamlessly integrates high-end gaming facilities, world-class dining, and entertainment options. What truly sets The Darling apart is its attention to technological innovation, with customized control panels managing everything from lighting to temperature.
2. The Langham Sydney
Nestled in the historic Rocks district, The Langham Sydney epitomizes classic luxury with a modern twist. The hotel’s design pays homage to its heritage location while incorporating contemporary elements through its sophisticated color palette of soft whites and rich golds. Each of the rooms and suites, among the largest in Sydney, features handcrafted furniture and elaborate marble bathrooms.
The property’s stunning afternoon tea room, adorned with custom chandeliers and plush pink seating, has become an Instagram sensation. The underground pool area, designed to mimic a Roman bath with star-dappled ceilings, showcases the hotel’s commitment to creating unique, immersive spaces.
3. 202 Elizabeth
202 Elizabeth represents the pinnacle of modern urban design in Sydney’s bustling CBD. This boutique hotel seamlessly blends industrial chic with warm Australian hospitality through its innovative use of exposed concrete, steel, and native timbers. The rooftop garden, featuring indigenous plants and stunning city views, serves as a green oasis amid the urban landscape.
Each room showcases bespoke furniture crafted by local artisans, complemented by an impressive collection of Australian contemporary art. The hotel’s signature restaurant space integrates indoor and outdoor dining through clever use of retractable glass walls and vertical gardens.
4. Crystalbrook Albion
Housed in a meticulously restored 1903 convent building, Crystalbrook Albion represents a masterclass in adaptive reuse architecture. The hotel perfectly balances heritage features with contemporary design elements, creating an intimate room boutique experience. Each room tells its own design story through carefully curated artwork and furniture pieces sourced from local designers.
The rooftop garden and honor bar system create a unique social atmosphere that feels more like a private club than a hotel. The property’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its use of recycled materials and energy-efficient systems, all while maintaining its luxury appeal.
5. Meriton Suites World Tower
Occupying the upper levels of Sydney’s World Tower, Meriton Suites offers a dramatic perspective on urban living through floor-to-ceiling windows and sophisticated interior design. The suites feature a minimal yet luxurious aesthetic, with clean lines and neutral palettes maximizing the impact of the spectacular city views.
The hotel’s design emphasizes space and light, with even the standard suites offering separate living and sleeping areas. The indoor pool area, situated on level 61, features infinity edges that create the illusion of swimming in the sky. Custom lighting systems throughout the property adjust automatically to complement natural light conditions.
6. Zara Tower – Luxury Suites and Apartments
Zara Tower represents the perfect fusion of residential comfort and hotel luxury in its architectural design. The building’s distinctive glass facade creates a striking presence in the Sydney skyline, while the interior spaces showcase a commitment to sophisticated urban living. Each suite features custom-designed furniture and smart home technology integrated seamlessly into the living space.
The penthouse level includes a spectacular communal space with an outdoor kitchen and lounge area, designed to maximize social interaction. The property’s innovative use of space-saving design elements makes even the studio apartments feel expansive and luxurious.
7. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
Housed in a heritage-listed building, the Radisson Blu Plaza masterfully combines historic architecture with contemporary design elements. The grand sandstone facade gives way to thoroughly modern interiors, where original features like high ceilings and marble columns complement new design interventions.
The hotel’s rooms feature a sophisticated color palette of blues and grays, reflecting Sydney’s harbor setting. The stunning atrium space, crowned by a glass ceiling, serves as the hotel’s heart, flooding the interior with natural light. The property’s spa and wellness areas showcase a Scandinavian-inspired design aesthetic, emphasizing clean lines and natural materials.
8. The Grace Hotel
The Grace Hotel occupies a stunning Neo-Gothic building from the 1930s, representing one of Sydney’s most remarkable examples of Art Deco architecture. The interior design pays homage to this heritage while incorporating modern luxury elements throughout its rooms and suites.
The restored central staircase, with its ornate railings and marble steps, serves as a focal point for the hotel’s design narrative. Each floor features unique Art Deco-inspired artwork and furnishings that reference the building’s rich history. The rooftop fitness center combines historic architectural elements with state-of-the-art facilities, creating a unique exercise environment.
9. Meriton Suites Mascot Central
Located near Sydney Airport, Meriton Suites Mascot Central breaks the mold of traditional airport hotels with its contemporary design approach. The property features a striking glass facade that maximizes natural light throughout its suites. The interior design emphasizes functionality without sacrificing style, utilizing a modern palette of whites, grays, and natural wood tones.
The hotel’s common areas showcase innovative acoustic design elements that create peaceful spaces despite the proximity to the airport. The indoor pool area features a unique lighting system that changes colors throughout the day, creating different moods and atmospheres.
10. Park Hyatt Sydney
Occupying one of the most coveted locations in Sydney, the Park Hyatt showcases world-class design that complements its harbor setting. The low-rise building features a contemporary design that maximizes views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Each of the rooms features custom-made furniture and artwork by prominent Australian artists, creating unique spaces that reflect local culture. The rooftop pool and terrace area offers a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living design, with seamless transitions between spaces. The hotel’s use of natural materials, including local sandstone and hardwoods, creates a strong connection to its Australian context.
Sydney’s design hotels offer more than just a place to stay – they provide immersive experiences that showcase the best of Australian design, architecture, and hospitality. From historic buildings reimagined for modern luxury to cutting-edge new constructions, each property brings its unique perspective to the city’s hospitality scene. Whether you’re seeking harbor views, heritage charm, or contemporary luxury, these hotels demonstrate why Sydney remains a global destination for design enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.