Spend A Night In The Luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney

Ever wanted to wake up to unimpeded views of the Sydney Opera House? We spent a night in the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney to do just that.

Park Hyatt Sydney sits across the water from the world-famous Sydney Opera House and is so much a part of a walk around Darling Harbour that it’s almost an icon of itself. If you’ve ever walked by – probably during the ever-popular Vivid Sydney every winter – and wondered what the view would be like from inside, this review is for you.

This intimate five-star hotel could be mistaken for a sleek residential building, blending in naturally to its surroundings while still emanating luxury, so let’s dive into whether it’s earned this facade.

The back story

Once a water police station, the building now houses 155 rooms, each boasting an unbeatable view of Sydney‘s coastline. Originally opened in the 1990s, the hotel reopened in 2012 after extensive, 10-plus-month-long renovations.

These renovations are intended to tell a local story within the architecture and interiors. It was built with Sydney sandstone to echo its use by local architects since 1788 and to nod to its traditional use for Indigenous rock carvings. Passers-by might notice that even the boardwalk in front of the hotel looks a little different. It was rebuilt using timber from the Australian native spotted gum tree.

Inside, the Australian story continues. Designed by Melbourne-based firm BARStudio , the interior is sleek and modern. The tones are earthy, giving a warm, almost grounding effect.

Sculptures, paintings and photographs created by renowned Australian artists – including painter Tim Johnson, sculptors Bruce Armstrong and Robert Bridgewater, and photographer Robert Billington – are inspired by The Rocks and Sydney Harbour and are spread throughout the hotel.

Creativity continues with the books and artwork in every room that further connects guests to place. Then there are the floor-to-ceiling windows found in most rooms, that seem to frame Sydney itself and turn views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour into artworks of their own.

Park hyatt sydney lobby — The decor is warm, earthy and grounding.

First impressions

Despite its location in the ever-popular Rocks area, the hotel is quietly tucked away from the cobbled laneways, cafes, historic pubs, art galleries, museums and luxury stores. The simple act of walking the short distance from Circular Quay train station around the boardwalk to Park Hyatt Sydney already had me in holiday mode.

The staff are welcoming during check-in and waste no time showing me to my room. I’m told there’s also a 24-hour personal butler service. The smells wafting from the restaurants made me excited for lunch.

The Dining room — Views are incredible from every room and restaurant.

The room

My room was on the ground floor and my first thought when stepping into the room as the electric blind automatically wound up, was “wow".

A large Moreton Bay fig tree relaxes its branches in front of one side of my room-length window. The Opera House demands my attention from the other. I feel part of the scene, while still being cosy and comfortable inside on this brisk autumn day.

After a quick tour of the rest of the hotel, I return to my room and immediately don my Park Hyatt slippers and robe – over my day clothes though, I’m certain the walkers and joggers enjoying the harbour outside can see me as clearly as I can see them – and get comfy. No TV is needed (although a large one stands at the ready), people watching and the Opera House are the entertainment of the day.

The earthy tones continue into my room, with muted gold and marble-like finishes that add a touch of luxury and light. The bathroom is roomy, with a spacious shower, but the large bathtub beckons. In a smaller second bathroom, a heated toilet seat and bidet are a fun novelty.

inside the king opera deluxe suite at park hyatt sydney — The spacious King Opera Deluxe Suite provides ample room to relax.

The facilities

The pool

It would be a waste to have such beautiful surrounds and not a rooftop pool. Luckily, Park Hyatt Sydney is not one to waste an opportunity.

A small pool sits on the roof, surrounded by white and wooden plush deckchairs, perfect for spending a lazy summer’s day – and seeing as it’s open from sunrise to sunset, you can embrace the full length of a summer day. The real place to be, however, is in the heated spa which has a direct view of the Opera House.

Park hyatt sydney rooftop pool — Spend summer days in the pool with Sydney’s best view.

The spa

Aptly called The Spa, it also got a redesign along with the rest of the hotel. Making use of natural light, there’s a cosy atmosphere here and the intoxicating smell upon approach entices visitors to walk in.

More Australian artists are featured in each of the five treatment rooms. There are also two aromatherapy steam rooms. They offer holistic treatments, tailored to individual needs, using La Mer and iKOU skincare products.

The Spa at Park Hyatt Sydney — Book a treatment in The Spa.

Gym

The gym is as well equipped as some smaller, non-hotel gyms I’ve seen. Treadmills, weight machines, free weights and more are here. It’s also open 24 hours.

Park hyatt sydney gym — The Gym is open 24/7.

The food and drink

The water views continue through floor-to-ceiling windows when you enter The Dining Room by James Viles , Park Hyatt Sydney’s pride and joy and Hyatt’s only hatted restaurant in the southern hemisphere. Helmed by head chef, Brian O’Flaherty, the menu features modern dishes crafted from locally sourced and bio-dynamic ingredients.

I’m lucky enough to be dining on day two of a brand-new menu and it bodes well for future diners. Speaking to Brian, I’m told the first step was contacting local suppliers to find out what would be in season. To Brian, it’s essential to craft a menu around the produce, rather than hunting down produce to suit a menu. The success of this method is evident when you taste fresh produce in a dish that has been expertly crafted to bring out the full flavour.

The Dining room main meals — The Dining Room by James Viles has been hatted for its innovative dishes.

A good example is my starter, tomatoes with marinated feta, biquinho and bell peppers, served with a thick slice of freshly baked focaccia. Each tomato was handpicked by one of the local farmers the restaurant works with and then selected with care to create a colourful plate. Three different types of vinegar are used to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes. When eaten altogether this dish hits every taste bud. I could happily have this for starter, main and dessert but that would be a waste of a set menu that ranges from spanner crab salad to stoneaxe beef cheek to pot set chocolate with whipped komuntu chocolate mousse.

The Bar at park hyatt sydney — Sink into the plush armchairs at The Bar.

Those who want to soak in the atmosphere but aren’t ready for a meal can sink into the wide, plush armchairs at The Bar . Enjoy boutique Australian and international wines, a range of other cocktails and beverages and some nibbles. The other dining option here is The Living Room , which, as the name suggests, is created for a more relaxed, all-day casual dining.

The Living room at park hyatt sydney — Find all-day casual dining at The Living Room.

The location

The hotel is in the middle of all the action, being a short walk to the main streets of The Rocks, and to the other side of Darling Harbour. Walk to art galleries, museums, restaurants and theatres.

Details

Address: 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks

Website: Park Hyatt Sydney

There are 155 total guest rooms, including rooftop suites with million-dollar, (almost) 360-degree views and residentially-styled guest rooms. One of the largest suites in the city – the Sydney Suite – can be found on the fourth floor. Measuring just under 350 square metres, the room is decked out with sun lounges, day beds, and outdoor dining for eight people.

outdoor terrace of sydney suite at Park hyatt sydney — Enjoy a private deck when you book the Sydney Suite.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

What it’s like to spend a night in the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney