2 Best Hotels in Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, Sydney

Opened in 2020, the Crown Sydney is perhaps the city's most ambitious development costing a whopping A$2.2 million. But it's now the most superior stay in Sydney, with each room completed with luxurious finishes, with many boasting water views. All communal spaces, including the restaurant and bar, are undoubtedly of a five-star standard. But the service has seen a few teething problems, with long check-in queues and rooms not quite ready on time. But those will likely ease as the hotel matures. An on-site casino is planned for later in 2022.

This former wool warehouse has been turned into one of Sydney's most cutting-edge designer hotels. Just west of Darling Harbour, the building has been beautifully restored; all of the 90 rooms have tall windows and most have exposed brick feature walls and industrial looking touches. The lobby is a seven-story atrium with a collection of fun furniture—purple swivel chairs, blue armchairs, and a tree in the middle, with exposed ironbark beams overhead. The hotel is part of the Ovolo collection whose stock in trade is cool and funky interiors and free minibars in each room. They also offer complimentary drinks and nibbles to guests at 5 pm each evening. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the attractions of the Darling Harbour and the city center.