Harbour Rocks by Ode Hotels

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of Sydney hotels, but Harbour Rocks actually surprised me – and honestly, that doesn’t happen often anymore. The moment you walk into this place on Harrington Street, you get it. They’ve taken this heritage building (I mean, you can feel the history in the sandstone walls) and turned it into something that feels both old-world Sydney and genuinely luxurious without being stuffy about it.

The location is what really sold me though. You’re literally in The Rocks – not just “near” it like some places claim – which means you can stumble out the front door and you’re already among the cobblestone streets and weekend markets. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: Harrington Street is actually one of the quieter strips in the area, so you’re not dealing with the George Street crowds but you can still walk to Circular Quay in about three minutes. I watched the sunrise over the harbour from my room (request a harbour view if you can swing it) and then grabbed coffee from that little place around the corner before the tourist buses even started rolling.

What struck me most was how they’ve nailed the details without making a big show of it. The staff actually knows the neighborhood – when I asked about dinner recommendations, the concierge didn’t just hand me a generic list but told me which restaurants have the best harbour views for sunset and which ones locals actually go to. The rooms feel substantial, you know? Heavy doors, thick curtains that actually block out light, and – this might sound weird but it matters – the air conditioning doesn’t sound like a jet engine. I’ve been in plenty of five-star places where you’re choosing between comfort and sleep because of the noise. The bathroom amenities were proper too, not those tiny bottles that run out after one shower.

I’ll be honest, it’s not perfect – the elevators are a bit slow (heritage building problems, I guess) and if you’re the type who needs a massive fitness center, you might be disappointed. But there’s something about this place that just works. Maybe it’s how the stone walls keep everything cool even on those brutal Sydney summer days, or how the lobby feels like somewhere you’d actually want to hang out with a drink rather than just pass through. The whole vibe is sort of… confidently understated? Like they know they’re good without having to shout about it.

If you’re coming to Sydney and want to feel like you’re staying somewhere with genuine character – not just another glass tower with harbor views – this is your spot. You’ll pay for the privilege (it’s definitely not budget territory), but you’re getting that rare combination of location, comfort, and authentic Sydney atmosphere that’s harder to find than you’d think. Plus, you can walk to pretty much everything that matters in the city, and after a long day of playing tourist, coming back to those thick sandstone walls feels like coming home.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $280. Heritage Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $295. Heritage Superior Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $295. Heritage Superior Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $359. Studio King Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• A very pleasant stay – Robert from Australia – 14 July 2025 (9/10)

  Everything wasgood
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Old style ambiance that is close to everything ! – Ken from Australia – 12 July 2025 (8/10)

  Room was very large and motel location is excellent – so close to Circular Quay. The old style ambiance is very evident and fits perfectly into the Rocks area. Everything we needed for our stay was within walking distance and the private Garden Patio was excellent for a relaxing coffee.
  
  What could be improved: No lift in the building and our room smelt a little musty, but not overly concerning to us. We were told they may be doing restorations in the near future so maybe this was something they planned to address in those works ??

• A great hotel in a great location with great staff. – Mike from United Kingdom – 5 July 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location. Staff very attentive. Nice little extras like coffee being go topped up and water refills.
  
  What could be improved: The gym equipment wasn’t fully functioning.

• Excellent location, lovely intererior, rooom spacious and comfy beds. Staff very helpful. – Anne from Isle of Man – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location in the 'Rock's' area of Sydney was ideal for us and very convenient for sightseeing, eg for Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay with ferries, Botanical Gardens, main shopping area and historical Rocks area.
  Main reception area very welcoming, staff were helpful and friendly (Harrison in particular).
  The room was a twin room and the beds were very comfortable. Plenty of space with a comfortable sofa.
  
  What could be improved: Design of bathroom was a little outdated and a couple of things were a bit annoying – the shelf above the sink was too low so it was awkward brushing teeth etc.
  Taps in shower weren't labelled and I found not straightforward to use. Shower head was a little low for me and too low for my friend who is tall.

• Great – Jacqueline from United Kingdom – 27 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location , good breakfasts
  
  What could be improved: We stayed twice, during the first stay the air conditioning was noisy and leaking

• Very nice and cosy location in the rocks. – Chris from Australia – 26 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location is superb. The staff were very nice and friendly. The foyer was a great place where we met some other fellow travellers.
  
  What could be improved: The room was nice however the bathroom was a small space.

• Fantastic place to stay before boarding your next cruise – Renrob from Australia – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location close to OPT. So may pubs resturants & cafe in walking distance. Great staff. Comfortable Beds. Has a Resturant but I have not taken advantage of this, as only stayed overnight.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing comes to mind

• Fantastic stay we will be back – Kerri-ann from Australia – 19 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was close to everything
  
  What could be improved: No lifts

• Satisfying – Guilford from New Zealand – 18 June 2025 (9/10)

  It smelled beautiful. Infusers

• Location is excellent. Close to the theatres and Opera House ( our reason for travelling to Sydney) – Linda from Australia – 16 June 2025 (9/10)

  Only issue for us was that there is no lift……my husband has a disability and had to negotiate 2 flights of stairs up to and out of the room. We have requested a ground floor room for our next stay.
  
  What could be improved: See above

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities