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Hyatt Regency Sydney brings urban luxury to Darling Harbour

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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.

Location

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

A location right on Darling Harbour is really the biggest reason to book a stay at Hyatt Regency 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.

We found that taking an easy stroll just before dinner (or after, if you need to digest) was the perfect way to really appreciate this vibrant city location that, as locals, we definitely don’t visit enough. Taking in a show at the ICC Sydney Theatre? This would be the perfect home base to get ready and enjoy dinner and drinks afterwards.

It’s also a 15-minute drive from Sydney Airport, making it easy for out-of-towners. 

Style and character

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.

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 blues, browns, and greys, mirrors reminiscent of ship portholes, and a rooftop bar with 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. 

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Facilities

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

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 4000 square metres of state-of-the-art meeting spaces for events. 

Rooms

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

There are a mammoth 878 guestrooms comprising 27 suites, ranging from the comfortable King Rooms to the 1614 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.

For a more elevated experience, the suites feature expansive living spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic harbour views. The crown jewel of these suites would be the 194-square-metre light-filled Sydney Terrace Suite. Forget views from your window, walk onto your private outdoor terrace for sweeping views of Darling Harbour.

Food and drink

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

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

You know a hotel restaurant is good when a local would recommend it to another local, even if they aren’t staying at the hotel. For me, Jackalberry is one of those hotel restaurants. With a mood-setting atmosphere, earth colours and passionate staff, it’s a great place to sit for a meal or enjoy one of their unique and incredibly delicious cocktails. I personally recommend Kiss from Lilly Pilly, with Manly Lilly Pilly Gin, Monin Hibiscus, housemade lemon myrtle syrup and lemon juice, and more.

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. Cocktails here are equally creative – matcha and banana foam, anyone? – though I’d argue Jackalberry does it better. The Lobby Lounge is also on the ground floor and is a lovely spot for a post-dinner tipple.

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

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. All of this is paired with a wine list that celebrates standout drops from New South Wales.

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?

Some rooms are accessible, complete with roll-in shower facilities; just be sure to request it when booking. Parking is across the road in a Wilson’s Car Park, which does have accessible 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 while you might need to give the rooftop bar a miss, the rest of the hotel is absolutely family-friendly, and I saw plenty of them during my stay.

Larger families can request connecting rooms (subject to availability), and children’s menus are available in all bars and restaurants (except Zephyr Sky Bar, naturally).

Details

Best for: Business travellers

Address: 161 Sussex St, Sydney

Cost: From $295 per night.

Need more inspiration? Discover the best Sydney accommodation.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Art, wine & fireplaces: 8 reasons Bowral is the ultimate winter getaway

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    The Southern Highlands earns its title as Australia’s top country town in the cooler months, and it’s worth every minute of the 90-minute drive from Sydney.

    Many Sydneysiders head to the Southern Highlands in spring for the tulips. It’s one of the most stunning spring carnivals in Australia. But the ones in the know come to Bowral in winter.

    The first thing you notice at this time of year is the quality of the light. It catches the tangled limbs of the gums and tints the fields, farms and forests a pretty shade of Granny Smith green. And then, a world-class art museum, an impressive network of walking trails, great shops, cosy restaurants and bars and luxury accommodation take centre stage, making Bowral a place you want to linger as the mercury drops.

    Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, a Bowral winter getaway is the coolcation city folk desperately need. Here are eight reasons to pack a good coat and head for the Southern Highlands.

    1. Check in

    aerial of Ardour Milton Park Bowral in winter
    Check in to the gorgeous Ardour Milton Park Bowral. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Ardour Milton Park Bowral rises like a hologram in the hazy green light as you turn onto Horderns Road. A $10 million refurbishment of the grand 1910 estate was completed in early 2026, and the beautifully restored hotel now includes 44 guest rooms washed in sage green, cobalt blue and dusty blush. The dining room at Horderns Restaurant continues with a botanical theme – earthy banquettes, floral touches throughout – and a menu that moves with the seasons.

    After enjoying slow-braised Cowra lamb and a second glass of red, move to the Polo Bar, which has a fireplace and views across the estate gardens. Build a grazing board from the dedicated Charcuterie Room and take it outside while the light lasts. If the sky clouds over, use this as your cue to enjoy a next-level spa experience at Èliva.

    2. Hunt for treasure

    couple exploring Dirty Janes bowral
    Find vintage treasures in Dirty Janes. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Winter is the perfect season to lose an afternoon inside Dirty Janes Bowral. Over 1600 square metres of covered space houses 90 individual sellers of everything from mid-century furniture to industrial lighting, antique silverware, vintage clothing and objects whose previous lives you can only imagine. Enjoy a bit of off-the-cuff banter with your fellow fossickers in between searching for that must-have military jacket or vintage silk scarf.

    Around the corner, find the Instagram-famous front door of FoundAntiques, though the real finds are deeper inside. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes and leave some room in the boot.

    3. Slow down in a beautiful gallery

    kids posing with donald bradman statue in bowral's The Bradman Museum
    Learn about an Aussie legend at The Bradman Museum. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Ngununggula – meaning ’belonging’ in the language of the Gundungurra First Nations people – is the region’s first dedicated regional gallery, housed inside the sustainably transformed old dairy building at historic Retford Park. The onsite White Cottage Gallery and restored grounds of the former Fairfax estate reward a slow wander. Find a spot to sit in the courtyard filled with rivulets of winter light and enjoy the plaintive call of a currawong carrying across the heritage-listed grounds. It’s one of the best things to do in Bowral.

    Add Bowral Honey Farm for a hands-on harvest experience, then continue into town to the Milk Factory Gallery to admire eclectic works by local artists in a converted industrial space. The Bradman Museum also knocks it out of the park. Australia’s largest dedicated cricket museum sits beside the heritage-listed Bradman Oval, where a young Sir Donald Bradman first picked up a bat.

    4. A taste of France

    table spread at Lucette bowral
    Enjoy a taste of France at Lucette.

    For a taste of France without the airfare, husband-and-wife team Julien and Romy Besnard – of long-loved Franquette Crêperie – have opened Lucette, a French cafe-bistro with Paris-born chef Guillaume Dubois at the helm. Dubois brings serious pedigree from Michelin-starred kitchens in France and Sydney’s former two-hatted Monopole, and it shows. Start your day with pastries for breakfast and bookend it with boeuf bourguignon for dinner. The chocolate mousse, freckled with Guerande Salt, is the kind of dish that will make you feel smug about the decision to drive south. Join the Sydneysiders dressed in charcoal coats, boots and black tights who’ve already worked this out; the whole scene is worthy of splicing it into an Instagram reel.

    Francophiles should also be across Julien’s Bowral Brasserie – led by Frenchman Julien Viel, who also found his way to the Southern Highlands and stayed.

    5. Indulge in a tipple

    Centennial Vineyards bowral in winter
    Spend time amongst the local vines. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    The drive to Centennial Vineyards passes through a beautiful woodland idyll, the countryside a fuzz of green all around. Inside the Barrel Room, a tasting flight of cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay and reserve shiraz viognier flaunts how well the Southern Highlands does winter.

    This is a region that takes its cool-climate wines seriously, and the pinot noir is one of the stars – a gentle, easy-drinking style with red cherry aromas. Follow your tutored cellar door tasting with another glass of wine in the Terrace Bar, which overlooks the vineyard and manicured grounds.

    6. Blend your own gin

    Millsheds Distillery & Bar
    Pop into Millsheds Distillery & Bar. (Credit: Mattia Panunzio)

    Millsheds Distillery & Bar is somewhat of a local secret. The award-winning small-batch operation produces gin, vodka and liqueurs using Australian botanicals and has picked up silver medals at both the London Spirits Competition and International Wine & Spirit Competition. Beyond the tasting paddle, the hands-on blending masterclass – where you design and leave with two bottles of your own custom gin – is the experience to book, while the terrace bar that wraps around the courtyard is a fine place to settle in afterwards.

    7. Go for a walk at dawn

    Switch your phone off sleep mode and set your alarm to early. Mt Gibraltar rises to 864 metres just east of Bowral’s main street and offers the best views in town. You will pass a raggle-taggle bunch of hikers on the way up to the summit, all making the same quiet pilgrimage into the crisp high-altitude air. On a clear morning, the bony ridges of the ranges come into sharp relief against the light. The return loop takes roughly 90 minutes. A flat white in Bowral tastes considerably better after completing one of the scenic walking trails.

    8. Cosy up by the fireplace

    Aspinalls Whisky Bar & Lounge at the Berida Hotel
    Get cosy in the Berida Hotel’s whiskey bar.

    A cosy bar is the perfect complement to winter in Bowral, and there are a few worth committing to. Aspinalls Whisky Bar & Lounge at the Berida Hotel is built for long, languorous evenings. Take a seat beside the fireplace laden with gnarled logs and work your way through a few whiskies and bar bites like Rangers Valley beef tartare, or salt cod and potato croquettes.

    At Hickory’s within Peppers Craigieburn, well-dressed waiters in denim and leather move quietly between tables, and the cosy fireplace in the adjoining guest lounge attracts an Escape to the Country crowd.

    Start planning your Bowral escape at visitsouthernhighlands.com.au.