ibis Sydney Darling Harbour

Hotel Description

You know what strikes me first about the ibis Sydney Darling Harbour? It’s actually in a pretty sweet spot that most people don’t realize exists. I mean, everyone thinks staying in the CBD means you’re stuck in some concrete jungle, but this place sits right on Murray Street where you can practically smell the harbor water – and I’m not being dramatic here, you literally catch those salty harbor breezes when you’re walking back from dinner.

The hotel itself is, well, it’s an ibis, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. Clean, functional, no fancy marble lobbies or anything like that, but honestly? That’s kind of refreshing. The staff at check-in were surprisingly chatty (maybe it’s the Australian thing), and they actually gave me useful tips about avoiding the tourist traps around Darling Harbour. The rooms are compact – I mean really compact – but they’ve managed to fit everything you need without making it feel like a shoebox. The bed was decent enough, though if you’re over six feet tall, you might find yourself doing some creative positioning. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night, considering you’re basically in the heart of everything. Sure, you’ll hear the occasional late-night reveler stumbling down Murray Street, but it’s not the constant traffic noise you’d expect.

Here’s what makes this place work though – you’re literally a five-minute walk to the Convention Centre, and if you cut through the right streets (the concierge will show you), you can hit Cockle Bay in about the same time. I spent most evenings just wandering around the waterfront, grabbing a coffee at one of those harborside cafés, and watching the ferries come and go. The location means you can easily duck into the city proper for shopping or business stuff, but then retreat back to this quieter pocket when you need a breather. Parking was actually manageable too, which – let’s be honest – is half the battle in Sydney. The hotel’s got a deal with a nearby garage that won’t completely destroy your budget, and the staff were upfront about the rates instead of giving you that vague “we’ll arrange something” response you get at fancier places. Look, it’s not going to blow your mind or anything, but sometimes you just want a clean, well-located place that does exactly what it promises without any surprises on your credit card statement.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $214. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $226. Superior Queen Bedroom with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $232. Standard Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $235. Superior Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $242. Superior Room with One Queen Bed and One Single Bed with 1 single bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good – Debbie from Australia – 12 July 2025 (8/10)

  The location was ideal for the musical at the star
  The beds were very comfortable
  
  What could be improved: In all the hotels that I have stayed at in Sydney this is the strangest dining room experience. No table service you have to go to the bar to order, the staff were nice but it was a very strange experience

• Fine and no problems. Slept well. – Stewart from Australia – 11 July 2025 (8/10)

  Great location close to everything especially the light rail. Great views over the city. Staff were terrific. Also loved duo providing entertainment. Very good. Pictures used here were from the room window day/night.
  
  What could be improved: Rooms a little tired and could do with updating. No power points near main bed (I use a CPAP machine) but the excellent desk staff organised an extension lead.

• Very good – Jean from New Zealand – 10 July 2025 (8/10)

  Great location!!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Good – Alison from Australia – 10 July 2025 (7/10)

  The dinner was good. The welcome drink is a nice touch.
  
  What could be improved: The new construction taking the nice view.

• Good location, nice room, pleasant stay. – Shelley from Australia – 23 June 2025 (7/10)

  Our stay was pleasant enough, the room etc was good, location also good.
  
  What could be improved: On check-in I specifically asked to pay cash, and for my credit card not to be charged. At check-out in the morning, I discovered that the night staff had charged my credit card, and it was a nightmare trying to get this credited back. This was a disappointing end to the otherwise pleasant stay which didn't need to happen at all.

• Very good – Simone from New Zealand – 22 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location was perfect for what we were doing.
  
  What could be improved: On the 5th night woke with some itchy bites, on the 6th night saw and found bed bugs.

• Very good – Kerryn from Australia – 20 June 2025 (8/10)

  Lemon water in the foyer.
  Tim Tam's
  View of Darling Harbour
  Walk in shower
  
  What could be improved: No hair conditioner

• Very good – Stevecshaw007 from Australia – 11 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great location, great staff clean and just what you need after a busy of meetings.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• I’ll be back! – Christine from Australia – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent location and friendly atmosphere
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• Accommodation, in house restaurant and location – Reay from Australia – 3 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location to Lyric Theatre. Used tram to station – quite a trek through carpark to get to inner city accommodation.
  
  What could be improved: A little tired probably needs a bit of an upgrade but price and location is the winner.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities