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

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

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. 

Facilities

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

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

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 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.

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?

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.

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