Hotel Review: Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay

Spectacular views, spacious rooms, and a prime location can be found at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay.

When it comes to dependable comfort, certain hotel chains stand out, and Marriott is undeniably one of them. The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay epitomises this sentiment offering spectacular views, spacious rooms, and convenience. Here’s everything you need to know before you book, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with your family.

Location

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay is a 20-minute drive from the airport, conveniently located in Circular Quay. Its prime position makes it one of the best hotels in Sydney for business travellers working in the CBD or those wishing to explore the city’s iconic landmarks.

an aerial view of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel is conveniently located in Circular Quay.

Circular Quay is bordered by Sydney Harbour and the Royal Botanic Garden. A precinct rich in Australian history and great food, you’ll find everything here including the Circular Quay Wharf, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and world-class restaurants such as Oborozuki . The iconic ferry terminals and Circular Quay train station are a short five-minute walk away.

If you’re travelling to Sydney for Vivid, The Marriott is perfectly placed to get involved with the festivities.

harbour views at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — A stay at this hotel gives you direct access to the city’s iconic landmarks.

Style and character

Built in 1989 and revamped in 2017, the Sydney Harbour Marriott epitomises Sydney luxury. As one of the city’s most established accommodations, it stands as a venerable landmark. For locals, the iconic triangular-shaped skyscraper is a familiar feature of the skyline, seamlessly blending historical significance with modern elegance.

the lobby of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — The design epitomises Sydney luxury.

Guests arriving at the hotel are greeted by an expansive and sleek foyer which sets the tone for the rest of the accommodation. A handsome palette of dark timber, black panelling and white marble elevates the overall ambience. Moving through the building brings you to the central dining space which anchors the hotel. An architectural staircase and modern pendant lights tower above and make for a stunning focal point that draws the eyes up.

Guestrooms boast the same spacious and elegant style but with a lighter palette that reflects the surrounding harbour.

a dining table facing a window overlooking the Sydney Harbour — The elegant style of the hotel complements the surrounding harbour.

Facilities

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel boasts the premium facilities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel including an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, three dining venues (more on that to come), a terrace, 15 event spaces and valet parking. Keen to explore beyond the CBD? There’s an AVIS car rental desk conveniently located within the hotel as well.

the pool at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — Take a relaxing dip at the hotel’s indoor swimming pool.

Rooms

The 595 guestrooms and 52 suites range from comfortable king rooms to expansive split-level loft suites. Modern and spacious, they feature a subdued palette of blues, creams and browns which bring a decidedly sophisticated and calm feel to the accommodation – perfect for unwinding after a busy day in the office or exploring the city.

The bi-level presidential suite aptly features a more royal palette of purple, red and green across two bedrooms, a kitchen, a separate living area and a separate dining area.

the room interior of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — The light, neutral palette brings a sophisticated and calm feel to the accommodation.

All rooms have views – whether of the skyline, the Sydney Opera House or the Sydney Harbour Bridge – which make you feel truly immersed in the city. The bathrooms aren’t as modern as the bedroom and living rooms, but they are well-maintained and roomy with some featuring spa baths.

the bedroom at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — Indulge in modern elegance with a view of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Food and drinks

While the city is thriving with eateries, those looking for convenience or the comfort of staying within the hotel can choose from three dining venues on the ground level: Silvester’s, Three Bottle Man and Custom’s House Bar. All-day restaurant Silvester’s offers a buffet breakfast with all the usuals, as well as casual modern Australian dining. For lunch and dinner expect elevated dishes driven by the changing seasons which can be paired with over 80 different wines on offer.

the beer garden at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — Nab a spot in the sunny beer garden.

Three Bottleman is the hotel’s cafe by day and bar by night. Grab a coffee before you head off for the day and settle into the night with tipples like the refreshing Salty Breeze with vodka, strawberry puree and mint

A popular after-work spot for office workers, Customs House Bar is a buzzy gastropub that adjoins the hotel. Sit within the heritage-listed building or nab a spot in the sunny beer garden with a pint and some classic pub fare, or join for the Bubble Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 4pm to 6pm.

breakfast at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — Settle into your suite with in-room breakfast. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

Does the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay have access for guests with disabilities?

Accessibility-friendly rooms are available at the Marriott Sydney Hotel. These offer features like wide doorways, roll-in showers and grab bars. Services like accessible parking and assistance with special requests are also available. The swimming pool and dining venues also feature accessible entrances.

one of the suites at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — Enjoy stunning views and modern amenities in your private retreat.

Is the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay family-friendly?

Adjoining rooms are available upon request and the guest rooms with two double beds are perfect for families.

The Marriot Sydney’s M-Passport Family Package is a great option for families. The offer includes a buffet breakfast for two adults and two children under 12 daily at Silvester’s restaurant, a $50 food and beverage credit per night, late check-out and a kids activity welcome pack.

the living space interior of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel Circular Quay — Marriott offers spacious modern rooms designed for comfort and relaxation.

Details

Best for: Business travellers and families
Address: 30 Pitt St, Sydney
Price: From $339

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

Comfort and convenience await at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel