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

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

Comfort and convenience await at Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel