Hotel Profile: SKYE Suites Sydney | Australian Traveller

Whether travelling with family or a few friends, SKYE Suites Sydney offers both convenience and luxury in the heart of the city.

Combining spacious suites, a location within walking distance of Sydney’s best landmarks, and sophisticated style and service, SKYE Suites Sydney ticks all the boxes for a stay in Sydney’s CBD with kids or friends. Here’s everything to know about staying at SKYE Suites Sydney for your next staycation or visit to the city.

Location

Navigating Sydney’s CBD by car can sometimes cause anxiety levels to rise – for those who don’t do it often – but SKYE Suites Sydney was so simple to find, and we arrive at our destination feeling relaxed. We drive into the car park, where our car is taken care of by valet ($85). The beauty is, we don’t need it again until we leave because this Kent Street accommodation is an easy walk or tram ride from all of Sydney’s major landmarks.

From the front door, SKYE Suites is a six-minute walk to Darling Harbour, around 10 minutes to Barangaroo, just eight minutes to the QVB and 17 minutes to The Rocks. The closest tram stop is Wynyard, which is just six minutes’ walk away, and runs along George Street between Circular Quay and Central.

the SKYE Suites in Sydney — SKYE Suites is within walking distance of Sydney’s best landmarks.

Style and character

SKYE Suites is part of a striking 25-storey complex designed by Japanese firm, Koichi Takada Architects. The charming building was inspired by the curvilinear nature of Australia. The street-front heritage-stye façade is a masterpiece of arched window frames built using 30,000 bricks, while atop this are two contemporary towers (housing residential apartments) featuring a rooftop composed of 59 steel arches.

the interior of the SKYE Suites in Sydney — The charming complex is designed by Japanese firm, Koichi Takada Architects.

The lobby is a chic, dimly lit space, with a ceiling of curved white arches and blue and grey velvet lounges. Just beyond the reception, we spy one of the most striking hotel swimming pools we’ve seen (but more on that later).

the swimming pool at SKYE Suites in Sydney — The swimming pool is one of its best features.

A glass-sided elevator whisks us up to our level, which again is moodily lit. On the contrary, our suite is bright and airy with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Clarence Street. Its design is inspired by Japanese minimalism with a muted colour palette of Tasmanian oak, white, greys and black, and contemporary furniture.

the suite interior at the SKYE Suites in Sydney — Each suite is bright and airy, with contemporary furniture.

Facilities

The curved architecture continues in the pool area, with a ceiling of white arches creating a dramatic cavern-like space that was designed to resemble an ‘ice cave’. We take a dip in the illuminated, blue-tiled pool and enjoy a soak in the spa. There is an adjacent gym that overlooks the pool and comprises a decent amount of equipment: rowers, treadmills, weights and resistance machines.

an indoor pool at SKYE Suites in Sydney — The pool evokes a dramatic cavern-like space.

Reception is manned 24 hours, and all staff are extremely affable and helpful. I am in the city to see a show and return late that night to a friendly face, which is comforting. Housekeeping staff also quickly attend to a broken glass in our room, courtesy of our four-year-old.

the gym at SKYE Suites in Sydney — The gym comprises a generous amount of equipment.

Rooms

SKYE Suites Sydney has several suite types. There’s a deluxe studio suite and a slightly larger executive studio suite, both featuring a queen bed, lounge space and kitchenette. The one-bedroom suite features a queen bed, a separate lounge area and a kitchenette.

While the deluxe two-bedroom suite and premier two-bedroom suite both comprise two private bedrooms, a full kitchen and laundry. All suites boast a small balcony for fresh air, which is always a bonus in a city hotel.

the bed at SKYE Suites in Sydney — Sleep soundly in the one-bedroom suite.

We stay in a one-bedroom suite and have more than enough room for our small family, with a queen bed, a single bed, and a spacious living and dining area.

the dining and kitchenette at the SKYE Suites in Sydney — The rooms also feature a separate lounge area, dining and a kitchenette.

The bathroom is a decent size and stocked with lovely New Zealand-made Smith and Co amenities, with refillable bottles in the shower and at the sink, as well as smaller tubes on the bench. The towels are plush, the lighting is good and the shower pressure is spot on.

the living area at SKYE Suites in Sydney — Inside, you’ll find a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Clarence Street.

The kitchenette features a microwave, oven, Espresso coffee pod machine and a fridge stocked with Sydney Beer Co beer, Angove wine from South Australia, Santa Vittoria soft drinks and Apani glass bottled water. There is also a small selection of snacks to purchase on the bench (chips, chocolate bars and nuts). Free wi-fi is also available.

the suite interior at SKYE Suites in Sydney — The suite is spacious enough for families.

Food and drink

SKYE Suites doesn’t have a restaurant on-site, unfortunately, but it is close to many great dining options. Darling Harbour is a close walk with ample eateries along its waterfront. Or walk a little further to Barangaroo, with a host of excellent options such as Anason for flavoursome Turkish cuisine or Muum Maam for delicious Thai.

We walk the other way into the CBD for breakfast the following morning at The Grounds of the City (a 10-minute walk). It serves great coffee and food in an utterly charming Parisian-inspired venue (be sure to make a reservation).

the kitchenette at the SKYE Suites in Sydney — The rooms have a kitchenette where you can prepare your meals.

Does SKYE Suites have access for guests with disabilities?

Lobby entry is on the ground floor, with lifts to all levels. There are rooms available for guests with disabilities, with wheelchair access and features such as bathroom rails.

Is SKYE Suites family-friendly?

It is very family-friendly, with suites that can accommodate up to four guests. Kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as lounge space, are added bonuses when travelling with kids as they provide freedom and convenience.

a look inside at SKYE Suites in Sydney — Each suite can accommodate up to four guests.

Details

Best for: Families, small groups of friends, business travellers

Address: 300 Kent Street, Sydney

Phone: (02) 9052 7588

Cost: From $361 per night

Discover more fantastic Sydney accommodation options.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

Stay in the heart of the city at SKYE Suites Sydney