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Hyatt Regency Sydney brings urban luxury to Darling Harbour

This city gem offers 5-star luxury without the hefty price tag.

It might be Australia’s biggest hotel by room number, but the Hyatt Regency Sydney offers much more than just size. Standing as a beacon for modern luxury and elegance, this sleek accommodation affords guests CBD convenience, iconic Darling Harbour views, one of the city’s best rooftop bars, and luxurious amenities. 

Whether you’re heading to Sydney for business or pleasure, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking an unforgettable stay in one of the world’s most dynamic cities and iconic precincts.

A suite with Darling Harbour views at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The Regency Studio Suite’s curved design maximises the view.

Location

Sitting adjacent to Darling Harbour, Hyatt Regency Sydney is in one of the most enviable spots in Sydney. Staying here will place you within walking distance of Town Hall Station, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the ICC. The vibrant waterfront precinct is not only a favourite among tourists but also a lively spot for locals, offering a rich blend of experiences from restaurants to entertainment venues. It’s a 15-minute drive from Sydney Airport. 

The exterior of the Hyatt Regency Sydney
The hotel sits adjacent to Darling Harbour.

Style and character

Cox Architecture was responsible for the redevelopment of the Hyatt Regency Sydney in 2016. The redesign features a curved glass structure that effectively maximises the Darling Harbour views.  

Renowned interior design firm Bates Smart is behind the style within. The design is modern with sophisticated nautical influences that nod to the location including a thoughtful palette of of blues, browns, and greys, mirrors reminiscent of ship portholes, and a rooftop bar that has the feel of a luxe yacht.

Point of View Design PTY LTD (POV) was onboarded to handle the lighting design which saw them strategically place spotlighting, discrete downlights, and the use of “warm-dim" LED technology to enhance guest experience. 

Overall, the design is modern yet welcoming and a sensitive reflection of Darling Harbour. 

The neutral-toned and modern foyer of Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The interiors are sleek, championing light timber and a colour palette that reflects the harbour.

Facilities

The facilities at the Hyatt Regency are designed to promote guest comfort, health, and wellness. On-site you’ll find a 24-hour fitness centre with cardio and strength training equipment including Peloton bikes. 

Those who have come off a long-haul flight or are in need of R&R can head to Nabea Spa on level one. The spa menu offers a range of treatments aimed to relieve stress, enhance skin health, and provide a deeply soothing experience tailored to individual needs. For the ultimate indulgence, book the Sensorial Escape by Sothys treatment – a 110-minute body exfoliation, personalised relaxing aroma massage and warm nourishing body wrap –  before a relaxing session in the new infrared sauna.

Guests staying in a Regency Club room or suite have access to the Regency Club Lounge. Unlike many hotel lounges, which err on the side of stuffy, this airy, modern space is a relaxing spot for informal meetings or catching up on work. From 5:30pm to 7:30pm guests can tuck into a selection of canapés and complimentary beverages.

For business travellers, there are 4,000 square metres of state-of-the-art meeting spaces for events. 

The gym overlooking Darling Harbour at the Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Take in the Darling Harbour views while you exercise.

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Rooms

There are a mammoth 878 guestrooms comprising 27 suites ranging from the comfortable King Rooms to the 1,614 square feet Sydney Terrace Suite. Each room was renovated in 2020 and features a modern design, spacious bathrooms, workstations, and many boast stunning Darling Harbour views.

A blue-toned room at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The Regency Kind Bed Harbour View Balcony room.

For a more elevated experience, the suites feature expansive living spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic harbour views. A standout is the roomy Harbour View Studio Suite with its beautiful curved design and freestanding bath. 

A freestanding bath in a suite at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The luxurious bathroom in the Regency Studio Suite.

Food and drink

There are five different venues to enjoy food and drinks: Zephyr Sky Bar, Sailmaker Restaurant, Jackalberry Bar & Restaurant, Lobby Lounge and Dundee Arms.

Zephyr is a major drawcard to the hotel and is considered one of the best rooftop bars in the city. This sophisticated space overlooks the harbour and its sleek, curved design makes one feel as if they’re on a luxe yacht while sipping delicious Moët & Chandon tipples like the basil and limoncello champagne spritz. 

Zephyr at the Hyatt Regency Sydney
Zephyr is one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.

Sailmaker is the hotel’s main dining facility, drawing inspiration from the historic Corn Exchange, a Sydney landmark that long connected people through food and trade. Guests can start the day with an impressive buffet breakfast, while evenings bring a versatile menu shaped by local produce and sustainable practices. All of this is paired with a wine list that celebrates standout drops from New South Wales.

Sailmaker Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Sailmaker Restaurant makes a conscious effort to ensure dishes are thoughtfully sourced and carefully served.

The Lobby Lounge is also on the ground floor and is a lovely spot for a post-dinner tipple or to enjoy their Gin High Tea, which includes scones, savoury delights, and two G&Ts.

Back on street level, is cocktail bar Jackalberry. Work your way through a list of beverages that take you on a journey around the world with flavours from different continents. 

The exterior of the Dundee Arms pub.
The Dundee Arms offers a cosy atmosphere and classic pub fare.

For a more relaxed affair, the Dundee Arms connects to the hotel and is one of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Originally built in the 1840s, it used to serve sailors and dockworkers from nearby ships. Pull up a chair in the cosy three-story Victorian Regency-style building and order a cold beer and classic pub meals like chicken schnitzel with parmesan crumb and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale battered fish and chips.

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Does the Hyatt Regency Sydney have access for guests with disabilities?

There are 14 accessible rooms equipped to accommodate various accessibility needs. Accessibility is also prioritised in public spaces.

Is the Hyatt Regency Sydney family-friendly?

A family checking into the Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney welcomes families.

The Hyatt Regency Sydney is first and foremost a business-oriented hotel, but its prime location and spacious rooms make it ideal for families. Interconnecting rooms are available on request.

Details

Best for: Business travellers

Address: 161 Sussex St, Sydney

Cost: From $299 per night.

Need more inspiration? Discover the best Sydney accommodation

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .