Sydney’s first luxury hotel on the beach is about to arrive

This luxurious coastal escape is bringing an elevated beachside living to Sydney’s East this summer.

Sydney’s East is about to get a serious upgrade with the arrival of InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach announced for December 2025. The opening comes just in time for summer, offering tourists and locals alike a new accommodation on Sydney’s iconic eastern coastline at Coogee Beach. The accommodation will fill a notable gap in Sydney’s accommodation market, building on the strong reputation of the InterContinental brand.

The exterior of Intercontinental Sydney Coogee Beach — The breezy hotel will fill a notable gap in Sydney’s accommodation market.

The InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach is a significant refurbishment and transformation of the former Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach building. What now stands is a 5-star resort-style hotel that blends laid-back beachside living with sophisticated coastal elegance. Swathed in chic neutral tones that reflect the coastal surrounds, the 198 spacious and elegantly appointed guest rooms and 22 suites feature curved joinery and furnishings, bright whites and subtle textures, all of which make way for ocean views.

A guestroom with ocean views at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach — Wake up to spectacular ocean views.

For the ultimate coastal escape or luxe staycation, the suites feature indoor-outdoor designs, spacious lounges, refined finishes and luxurious outdoor baths. Public spaces are breezy, blurring the line between the indoors and outdoors and inviting guests to switch on holiday mode.

Guest room at intercontinental sydney coogee beach — The calming guest rooms and suites are swathed in chic neutral tones.

Wellness will be central to InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. Guests can kickstart their mornings with sunrise yoga by the ocean or a game of pickleball on the hotel’s dedicated courts. Or perhaps an indulgent treatment at the onsite day spa. A leisure deck featuring an ocean-facing infinity edge swimming pool, poolside bar and outdoor event terrace will be the ultimate place to spend warm summer days.

A balcony with ocean views at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach — The hotel sits adjacent to one of the city’s most iconic beaches.

There will be two distinct restaurants onsite that will bring fresh flavours to the city’s culinary landscape and complement the hotel’s idyllic beachfront setting. Shutters Restaurant & Bar will offer modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences, and Rick Stein will bring his signature seaside dining style to the Australian flagship restaurant, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach. Stein’s highly anticipated eatery will seat 224 patrons who can indulge in fresh seafood plates such as Singapore chilli crab and Nelson Bay mahi mahi, all to be enjoyed while taking in sweeping ocean vistas.

The pool terrace at intercontinental sydney coogee beach — The outdoor pool and terrace will be the ultimate spot to spend summer days.

The hotel is set to open in two phases with the guestrooms and suites and Shutters Restaurant & Bar opening in December, and the leisure deck, day spa and Club InterContinental scheduled to open in March 2026.

The combination of prime beachfront location, 5-star facilities, world-class dining and a focus on wellness will set InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach apart from the city’s other accommodation offerings.

A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.

1. El Vista, Circular Quay

bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars — Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

2. Bar Allora, CBD

Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Settle in for a taste of Italy.

Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

3. Percy, Pyrmont

Percy Sydney hotel bars — Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

5. Mee So, Sydney Central

For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

Bar Morris sydney — Settle into old-world European glamour.

Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

Pumphouse sydney — Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars — Drink where the celebrities once did.

Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney — See the city skyline, drink in hand.

Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.