Am planning to visit sydney in December and would like a good hotel with a view of the harbour bridge - am prepared to pay upper rates - any sugesstions please?

For incredible views of the bridge and opera house, try Quay West, near the Rocks district, http://www.mirvachotels.com.au/hotel_detail.asp?hotel=6
It is a high rise and appears to be a former condo or apartment building. We had a full kitchen, separate living and bed room, and washing facilities in the unit. Stayed there Sept of 2004, so can't give you a recent review. I think we were on the 8th floor.
To see what our view was, check out my pics from that trip. The very first picture is from our veranda. Never got tired of that view.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calbill...7594225869587/
This was a great location being close to the Rocks, Circular Quay, and a short walk to the Botanical Gardens. Was a great choice for us.
Hope this helps.

I haven't been in, but the Park Hyatt appears to have the best location for views of the bridge and the opera house.

There are also great views from the Club level of the Intercontinental hotel.

We stayed at the ANA in a deluxe corner room. We could lay in bed and see the opera house through one window and the harbour bridge through the other. I couldn't recommend it higher.

oops, it has been a few years but I just checked and the hotel is now called The Shangri La--sorry.

Four Seasons has rooms with great views, as well.

All it takes is dough!

(unles, of course, you want to book for ew Years Eve - when you'll probably need more than money - or heaps of money!)

Old Sydney has a good view from the roof, Park Hyatt is very expensive and the best located (right on Circular Quay and near the bridge). The Four Seasons and Shangri-La are high rises but they have a view