What it's like to stay at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

The apartment-style Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is ideal for long stays and those wanting to explore the city’s icons.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is one of those buildings in the Emerald City that locals drive past, wishing the stunning views it offers were theirs. Nestled in the heart of the iconic Circular Quay, this apartment-hotel provides breathtaking vistas of Sydney Harbour and the CBD, along with all the facilities needed for a long stay or easy access to the city’s landmarks.

Whether it’s booking an unforgettable stay to witness the New Year’s Eve fireworks or a comfortable business trip, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour offers convenience, comfort and luxury.

Location

Sunset of Sydney Harbour and the CBD at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is nestled in the heart of the iconic Circular Quay.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour stands out for its exceptional location. Tucked in Sydney’s Circular Quay with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, this luxury apartment-hotel offers unparalleled access to the city’s top attractions. Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks are just steps away, and, notably, it’s the closest hotel to the Sydney Opera House.

For further exploration, trains, buses and ferries are only minutes from the hotel.

Sydney Airport is a convenient 20-minute drive.

Style and character

The living room interior of a Deluxe Harbour View Suite at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — Mel Porter Design injected contemporary flair into the suites.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour blends modern elegance and classic sophistication with a high-end residential feel. The lobby area is understated from the outside, but its sleek appearance mimics the look of a luxury apartment building. Inside, the foyer is swathed in marble and glass, with neutral tones and blues that reflect the surrounding harbour.

The hotel received a revamp in 2022 by interior design studio Mel Porter Design, who injected contemporary flair into the suites. These feature neutral-toned furnishings elevated by gold accents and modern art.

The building’s design takes advantage of its location by featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive balconies for soaking up the vibrant energy of Circular Quay.

Facilities

People dining at Hacienda Sydney, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour — Hacienda Sydney is the perfect spot for elevated cocktails and Latin-inspired bites. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Unlike many CBD hotels, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has a swimming pool that, again, boasts harbour views thanks to expansive glass windows. There is also a spa next to the pool, a gym and a sauna on-site.

There are two wonderful dining facilities: Q Dining and Hacienda Sydney (more on them later).

Valet parking is available, but there is no on-site parking.

Rooms

A two-bedroom apartment suite with Sydney Harbour Views. — Harbour View suites offer breathtaking vistas.

A huge drawcard of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is that it features spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment-style suites that offer home-like comforts that make it ideal for longer visits or business travellers.

Each of the 72 suites is fitted with a fully-equipped modern kitchen with pots and pans, laundry facilities, a jacuzzi bath, separate dining and lounge areas and a private balcony – a luxury in the city. Garden View suites offer outlooks of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, while the more luxe Harbour View suites – which are definitely recommended – overlook the water so you can sit on your sunny balcony, admiring the bobbing green and yellow ferries that go by.

Those needing to stay productive will appreciate the full-sized work desk and high-speed Internet available in each suite.

Bathrooms err on the side of dated, but they are spacious and having a large spa is a welcomed luxury.

Food and drink

A close-up shot of pasta at Q Dining, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — Enjoy modern Australian fare at Q Dining.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has two dining venues that showcase harbour views: Q Dining and Hacienda.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Q Dining, an airy restaurant adorned in coastal blues and light timbers that serves modern Australian fare.

Start your day at Q Dining with a la carte breakfast options such as the indulgent brioche bacon egg roll and the banana caramel waffles. For a quick lunch, the $45 Express Lunch offers a choice of a main dish, such as lobster prawn ravioli with saffron butter and dill, paired with a glass of wine.

Dinner offers a range of delicious dishes such as zucchini blossom, prawn, scallop, buttermilk, chilli, and herb oil, and O’Connor tenderloin, truffled onion, asparagus, and Bordelaise sauce. For a sweet finish,  round off your meal with a poached peach, macadamia, Earl Grey, mascarpone, and honeycomb.

Hacienda Sydney sits on level three and is a must-visit during your stay. Adorned in sophisticated neutrals,  gold accents, palms, and Latin American flair, it’s the perfect spot for elevated tipples and snacks with picture-perfect views. Indulge in Latin-inspired dishes such as the crab linguine with charred habanero and manchego arepas with fancy Hank’s Hot Sauce (a must-order) and punchy cocktails like the Fuma with Alipus San Andres Mezcal, lime, vanilla honey and passionfruit.

Does Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour have access for guests with disabilities?

There is wheelchair accessibility throughout the main areas of the hotel, and the one-bedroom Garden View suites are accessible. Contact the hotel for more details when booking.

Is Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour family-friendly?

A suite at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. — The fully equipped kitchens are perfect for preparing family meals.

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour welcomes families with its Family Fun Package , which includes daily breakfast, parking, and a Busy Nippers Kids Pack. The spacious rooms and prime location make this accommodation a smart choice for families.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, long stays, and couples

Address: 61 Macquarie St, Sydney

Cost: From $489 per night

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

This Sydney hotel offers unforgettable views and home-like comforts