Hilton is among the most iconic hotel names, and its Sydney outpost has asserted itself as a CBD landmark and culinary destination.

There are two ways to spend a city staycation. The first is to explore your surrounds like a tourist, once again finding delight in what has become mundane. The second is to do absolutely nothing, luxuriating within the radius of your hotel. With handsome rooms, city views, world-class dining, and top-notch facilities, the five-star Hilton Sydney allows for both options.

At 45 floors tall, this sky-high escape stands proudly in the city as an urban oasis to work and unwind, whether you’re a business or leisure traveller.

Where is Hilton Sydney?

Hilton Sydney is a 20-minute drive from the airport. It’s located in the heart of Sydney on George Street and Pitt Street, making it a prime spot for discovering the city’s shops, major sites, and food destinations. 

Opposite is the historic Queen Victoria Building (QVB), home to five levels of shopping and forming an impressive view from the hotel’s restaurant. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a 20-minute walk away, and Town Hall station is a one-minute walk away for those wanting to explore beyond the CBD, Circular Quay, and Darling Harbour.

What is the style and character of Hilton Sydney?

First built in 1974, the Hilton Sydney building received extensive remodelling by Johnson Pilton Walker architects, who transformed it into a stylish, light-filled structure. The elegant facade takes cues from the QVB and surrounding sandstone buildings. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a dramatic 20-metre-high foyer with a 17-metre-high metal installation by Australian artist Bronwyn Oliver. Understated luxury flows throughout the entire hotel.

What facilities does Hilton Sydney have?

Alysium Spa

Hilton Sydney ticks all the boxes when it comes to facilities. On-site, you’ll find a luxurious spa. Alysium Spa’s menu includes hot-stone treatments, body wraps, scrubs, facial treatments and aromatherapy massages. For those who have travelled far, the JetLag treatment is designed to rejuvenate you for your holiday. Relax in the sauna and spa before or after whichever treatment you choose.

Executive Lounge

Those staying in one of the Executive Rooms or suites have access to the exclusive Executive Lounge, where you can unwind. Enjoy evening cocktails and nibbles, pop in for breakfast or make the most of the large screen TV and other sports fans (the soccer World Cup was playing when we stayed, and friends were made).

Fitness & more

Guests have access to Fitness First Pitt St. Platinum, where you’ll find a lap pool and state-of-the-art gym equipment. 

Travelling for business? Make use of the conference centre.

What are the rooms like at Hilton Sydney?

There are 598 sleek rooms and suites at Hilton Sydney, which were refurbished in 2021. These range from intimate Hilton Guest Rooms to expansive Master Suites. Every accommodation features a neutral palette and modernist furnishings, king-size Hilton Serenity beds, a Nespresso coffee pod machine, smart TVs, and city views. 

The Family Connecting Rooms combine two Guest Rooms and are convenient for those travelling with children or as a group. For those wanting a more luxe experience, the suites cannot be missed. If you’re of the staycation type that chooses to lounge, suites offer plenty to make it worth staying in. Find separate lounge areas to unwind, dining tables and plush robes. And best of all? Find the best spa bath we’ve ever seen in a Sydney hotel. Ours could easily fit four to five people, complete with a TV and a window to the city to while away the hours.

What is the dining like at Hilton Sydney?

Glass Brasserie

New York interior designer Tony Chi oversaw the fit-out of the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, Glass Brasserie. The aptly named eatery boasts expansive ceilings, full-length windows (providing those aforementioned views of the QVB), floor-to-ceiling glass wine storage, and dark-panelled wooden furnishings, creating a refined yet welcoming aesthetic.

Breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner are all served here. Buffet and à la carte options are available for breakfast, with generous continental and hot offerings.

Book a table for dinner to enjoy the modern Australian menu that showcases the best of the country’s produce from land and sea. Think starters and entrees like freshly shucked oysters, O’Connor Steak Tartare with white anchovy, chives and Focaccia, and Chicken Leek Truffle Terrine. Larger meals range from Roasted Pumpkin Risotto with Amaretti, Gorgonzola and Smoked Almonds to Corowa White Duroc Pork Cutlet with Apple Chutney.

Wine lovers are spoilt for choice, with the restaurant proudly offering an award-winning wine list of over 900 varietals and 3000 bottles, carefully selected by the restaurant’s sommeliers.  

Can’t decide? Opt for the Glass Banquet for two ($129 per person) and sit back as plate after plate is brought out for you, paired with a wine for each course. They say it’s for two, but truly we could have split it amongst four. The menu isn’t overly vegetarian-friendly, but they were able to accommodate that when I asked.

Zeta Bar

The hotel’s rooftop cocktail lounge, Zeta Bar, is perfect for sunset tipples. This award-winning bar pairs a luxurious, European-style indoor lounge with an open-air terrace, so you have somewhere to sit no matter the weather. The menu includes classic cocktails and plenty with a modern twist, wines, beers and plenty more.

Marble Bar

After more of a party? Head down to the basement where the moody Marble Bar is hidden. Built in 1893, the opulent space features original Victorian-style décor and artwork. Sip on prohibition-inspired cocktails while a live DJ heats up the dance floor.

Does Hilton Sydney have access for guests with disabilities?

All rooms are accessed via a lift, and easy-access rooms are available. 

Is Hilton Sydney family-friendly?

Given its proximity to major attractions and home-like facilities, Hilton Sydney is a great choice for families. Interconnecting rooms are available so you can stay in close proximity to one another.

Details

Best for: Travellers looking for a central locale

Address: 488 George St, Sydney

Phone: (02) 9266 2000

Cost: From $290 per night