The Brighton Hotel brings resort-style luxury to Sydney’s south

Sydney’s south finally has its own slice of luxury.

Stepping into The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection feels like swapping the streets of the CBD for a breezy beach-club mood without losing practical access to the city. Perched opposite Botany Bay and just 16 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, the hotel pairs resort-style serenity with a resolutely urban ease. With 307 rooms and suites, sweeping bay views, sun-washed balconies and design inspired by the coast and local Greek-Australian heritage, it delivers a fresh take on luxury in the south of Sydney.

Where is The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection?

Brighton pool — The outdoor pool wouldn’t look out of place in Mykonos. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)

When I first pulled up to The Brighton Hotel, I couldn’t believe I was only 20 minutes from the city centre. Set in Brighton-Le-Sands on the edge of Botany Bay, the hotel feels worlds away from the bustle of the CBD, yet still close enough that you can swap skyscrapers for sea breeze in the time it takes to finish a podcast episode.

It’s directly opposite Brighton Beach – a golden strip of sand lined with palm trees and buzzing restaurants – so you can stroll across the road for a swim or sunset walk. The airport is just a 10-minute drive away, making this the kind of hotel where you can land, drop your bags and be sipping a cocktail overlooking the water before your boarding pass has time to crumple.

If you’re craving a coastal escape without the long drive north or south, this location nails the balance between convenience and holiday mode.

What is the style and character of The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection?

Brighton Hotel interior — The interiors channel the area’s Greek heritage. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)

From the moment I stepped into the light-filled atrium, I felt more like I’d arrived at a modern Mediterranean resort than a Sydney hotel. The interiors lean into a palette of sea-foam green, sand and soft timber, channelling the Greek heritage woven through the Brighton-Le-Sands area. There’s a hint of coastal glamour, too – think curved lines, warm lighting and textured fabrics that catch the late afternoon sun.

As part of Accor’s MGallery Collection, every detail feels considered but never fussy. Each of the 307 rooms comes with its own balcony, most with views stretching over the bay, and it’s clear the design team wanted guests to feel the ocean connection wherever they are.

What facilities does The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection have?

Brighton Hotel terrace — Sands Bar’s vibes lure you into lingering a little longer. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)

You could happily spend a full weekend here without leaving. The outdoor pool faces the water, fringed by palms and striped umbrellas that wouldn’t look out of place in Mykonos. There’s also a heated indoor lap pool for cooler days, along with a sauna and steam rooms to complete the wellness circuit.

The gym is airy and modern with Peloton bikes, free weights and a functional fitness space. I started my morning with a quick workout before rewarding myself with the buffet breakfast at Sands Bar – the ideal kind of balance.

Business travellers and eventgoers are well looked after too, with 11 meeting spaces, including two elegant ballrooms that can host up to 600 guests. Whether you’re here for a conference, a wedding, or simply to unwind, it’s clear the hotel’s designers have thought about how each type of guest uses the space.

What are the rooms like at The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection?

Brighton Lux Suite — A room with a balcony overlooking Botany Bay. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)

I stayed in a Terrace Suite with bay views – and the outlook was as soothing as you’d expect. My balcony looked straight over Botany Bay, the water catching light in different ways throughout the day, from soft silver mornings to fiery pink sunsets. You can even watch the planes taking off and landing without hearing a sound.

Inside, the room felt spacious and serene: curved furnishings, light-filled spaces and a generous bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and a walk-in rain shower. A coffee machine, soft robes and slippers, and a dreamy bed (one of the most comfortable I’ve had in Sydney) rounded things out.

Room types range from compact 28 m² Superiors to sprawling 125 m² Penthouses with terraces, fireplaces and panoramic ocean views. Families can book the Family Suites that connect two rooms to sleep up to six, while couples will love the Junior Suites with freestanding bathtubs overlooking the bay.

What dining facilities does The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection have?

Ammos restaurant — Ammos reimagines classic Greek cuisine by incorporating modern twists. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

The food offering alone makes The Brighton worth a visit. At the signature restaurant Ammos Brighton , renowned chef Peter Conistis pays tribute to the area’s Greek roots with dishes that are both refined and familiar. My pick? The 11-hour slow-roasted Sovereign lamb shoulder. YUM.

For something more casual, Coco’s on the Beach opens right onto the promenade with an all-day menu, cocktails and late-night bites (open until 3 am). It’s the kind of place that feels like summer even in the depths of winter.

And then there’s Sands Bar , where I found myself spending the afternoon nursing a spicy mango margarita as the sky turned tangerine. The food is also incredible. Modern Mediterranean menu, a little more casual than Ammos, but so tasty. The twice-cooked octopus taramasalata with grilled pita hasn’t left my mind since I tried it. The vibe is relaxed but polished, the kind of Sydney bar where you can drop in with wet hair and still feel a touch glamorous.

Does The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection have access for guests with disabilities?

Brighton Hotel elevator — The Brighton is a comfortable stay for people of all abilities. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)

Accessibility has clearly been considered. The Brighton offers wheelchair-friendly access throughout the property, including ramps and lift access to all levels. Several rooms are designated as accessible, such as the Deluxe Room Accessible, 1 King Bed, Bay View, which features wider doorways, roll-in showers, and grab rails.

The hotel also notes that prams and mobility aids can move freely through public areas, and event spaces are fitted with accessible entrances. While there isn’t detailed information online about hearing- or vision-specific adaptations, the team confirmed that accessible rooms can be requested at booking, and additional assistance is available on request.

For travellers with reduced mobility, it’s a genuinely easy and comfortable stay.

Is The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection family-friendly?

The Brighton Hotel suite — Family Suites sleep up to six. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)

Despite its boutique polish, The Brighton welcomes families with open arms. The Family Suites, sleeping up to six, are perfect for larger groups, and kids will love the proximity to the beach.

There’s plenty of nearby fun too – the beach, bike paths, and gelato shops all within walking distance. For parents, the balconies offer a quiet retreat once the kids are tucked in. It’s rare to find a hotel that caters so well to both couples and families without compromising on style, but this one pulls it off.

The verdict

Brighton terrace suite — The spaces are perfect for those looking for a scenic stay away from the city centre. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)

It’s been a long time since Sydney unveiled a coastal hotel of this calibre. The Brighton Hotel has given the city’s south the kind of elegant stay it’s been missing – a true bayside escape where you can dip between city life and beachside calm in a single afternoon.

Whether you’re here for a staycation, a seaside wedding, or simply to soak in the golden light bouncing off Botany Bay, The Brighton feels like the beginning of a new era for Brighton-Le-Sands. And honestly? I’m already planning my next check-in.

Details

Best for: Couples chasing a luxe beach-style stay close to the city; families wanting space and style; business travellers who prefer sea views to skyline ones.
Address: Corner of Princess Street & The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands, NSW 2216
Cost: From around $349 per night. Rates fluctuate seasonally.

Discover the best hotels in Sydney

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .