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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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