The Langham is the Caesars Palace of Sydney. Here, everything is about being extra, from the little finger sandwiches at afternoon tea to the painted sky ceiling in the pool area. This is no cheap stay, but it is one that keeps true to the saying “you get what you pay for.” At best, you will spend $430/night, but this price drastically increases depending on room type. Still, you get the prime position of Millers Point.

Set in a repurposed heritage building, Pier One offers five-star luxury on the waterfront, but with an affordable price tag. The style is modern, without being overly stuffy. The rooms are approachable and comfortable, and some have views of the Harbour Bridge. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy empire, booking here will also earn you points if you’re a member. If not, Pier One is still an ideal option for those seeking affordable luxury.

Aptly named, the Crown Sydney sitting harbourside in Barangaroo is quickly earning a reputation as the crown of Sydney’s hotel scene. Its sparkling spire has caught the eyes of many, but for those wanting to step inside the high roller, life will have to pay up–$940 to be exact. Although that’s the minimum for a Harbour View King Room.

If you’ve never stayed at an Ovolo hotel, keep it in mind for your next staycation or holiday. Ovolo has a knack for making everything cool. Their Woolloomooloo site sits on Finger Wharf and channels a young, energetic, boutique and cheeky vibe. The exposed wooden beams and timber flooring from bygone days is mixed with bright, modern furnishings and technology scattered throughout. There are even rockstar suites: the INXS and AC/DC rooms.

Walking down a laneway in Surry Hills, you wouldn’t expect to find a designer hotel, nonetheless, Little Albion awaits, and no two rooms are the same. The boutique hotel embodies more of a local guest-house experience than a hotel room. Each room has its own identity, whether it’s getting lost in the romance of blush pink velvet or cosying up to a mix of 20s and 70s textures—Little Albion is a true hidden gem.

Art Deco lovers rejoice, QT Sydney is every Gatsby and Daisy’s dream stay. After all, who doesn’t love decadence? The rooms are dramatic, clad in colours and texture. Its prime location on Market Street makes it a popular choice for those looking to explore Sydney’s restaurants, shopping, and Harbour life. Best of all, you can book a room for as little as $250/night. Given its offerings, that’s not a bad price for a Sydney hotel.

Watsons Bay Hotel is packed most weekends with Vaucluse residents sipping rosé, but above the pub is a hotel, resembling a Hamptons-chic lodging. Here, they embrace the slow life. Breakfast becomes brunch, long barefoot strolls on the sand are considered productive and sundowner sippers turn to lavish seafood dinners under the stars. Here, travellers unplug and escape reality even if for a night. This hotel is also a splurge at $360/night minimum.

In terms of location, you can’t beat Pullman Quay Grand in Circular Quay. On one side you have views of the Harbour Bridge and the other is occupied by the Opera House. Inside, you will find luxury apartment-style rooms, equipped with a kitchen, laundry, and separate dining, lounge areas. Because it is a luxury hotel, the price is upwards of $300/night, however, if you’re looking for a prime location, this is one of the best options.

Most will know Hotel Palisade as a historic pub; a place to get a pint with friends. Although a fresh coat of paint, luxury furnishings and rooftop bar transformed the pub into a destination. Sandwiched between the ground floor pub and rooftop bar, are eight rooms filled with natural light. Quarters are tight, given the building’s structure, but most rooms include a queen or king bed and marble-tiled federation-style ensuites.

Airport hotels are beginning to look nothing like airport hotels and travellers are loving it. The TWA in New York stunned visitors, now the Felix Hotel is channelling the golden era of air travel. Gone are the days of drab colours and monotone hallways. Today, it’s all about millennial pinks, bright pastels, and creature comforts. There’s a 24-hour grab and go restaurant with sushi, sandwiches and organic beverages, a gym and a cocktail bar.

This hotel oozes French luxury, which is not surprising given it carries the name Sofitel. Think deep-soaking tubs with Darling Harbour views, lavish suites, a French restaurant and a pool bar. Its central location is popular among travellers and the locals seem to enjoy the amenities and staycation vibes. Although a room will set you back $350/night at the minimum and that’s for a standard room. Suites are much more, but if you get a corner room, they’re larger and have the best views.

This seaside breezy hotel in Bondi attracts the uber-hip crowd and travellers looking to stay in Bondi for a reasonable price. Managed by the quirky QT Brand, expect chic mellow, meets art, meets bold colours and a sense of salty cool. The family-friendly hotel is situated near Bronte and Bondi Beach, the main shopping district and several restaurants, of which the reception is happy to recommend. A king room will set you back around $260/night, but if you become a member it's cheaper.

Hilton hotels are world-renowned so we would be amiss if we didn’t mention at least one. West Hotel has a vintage, botanical vibe in the heart of Sydney’s newest neighbourhood, Barangaroo. The 182 designer rooms and suites are equipped for the busy traveller, but can also be an option for a romantic staycation. After all, we can’t get to the tropical destinations at the moment. Enjoy delicious Australian cuisine at Solander, where the vibe is relaxed and casual.

Housed in a former wool warehouse, Ovolo 1888 in Darling Harbour has plenty of character and makes any stay an adventure. Each room pays homage to its history– exposed brick walls meet punchy Australian pop art and a mix of vibrant furnishings. Downstairs, Mister Percy serves up vegetarian Italian dishes including handmade pasta, accompanied by pours from local vineyards to as far as the Meditteranean. The hotels’ biggest draw is the vintage decor, old-worldly charm and contemporary accents.

Spicers Potts Point has a distinctly urban feel. The three pretty white terrace houses sitting on a tree-lined street could have something to do with it. The allure of 19th Century architecture together with the modernities that comes with the Spicers brand makes this boutique hotel a favourite option for those looking for a great location and classic inner-city hotel experience.

Inspired by surrounding art galleries, design studios, cafes and restaurants, The Old Clare Hotel keeps curious travellers in mind. Each room has a different colour palette, quirk, and theme. It’s far from a generic hotel, which makes this industrial-chic hotel one of Sydney’s best. In 2019, the hotel added a glamorous wing, offering seven art deco rooms, each with its own lush furnishings and cast-iron bathtubs.

Located in the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios, this hotel brings a mix of heritage to their stylish rooms. There are 29 rooms, each a different size thanks to the buildings original structure. Although some are small like the Nook, each is cleverly designed to make use of the space. The Sunny rooms feature terrazzo tiled bathrooms and alcoves with plants while the Mack Daddy spans four light-filled spaces with a private balcony, bedroom and lounge.

Most hotels have a perk, whether it’s free breakfast or happy hour, but this eco-retreat offers the chance to wake up to a koala sleeping by your balcony. The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo was a highly-anticipated opening, a first-of-its-kind in Sydney and it remains a top experience for families and couples. Each lodge is environmentally sensitive and sustainably designed and comes with breakfast, a guided tour and two-day access to the zoo.

Here is another warehouse, industrial-style hotel in Sydney, preserving the city’s publishing history. Establishment Hotel features rustic beams, soaring ceilings and cast-iron fixtures, all leftover from the 1930’s publishing house. Its location is a mere stroll to the Opera House and The Rocks, which is home to several hole-in-the-wall bars and some of the city’s top restaurants. For $230/night, this hotel is an affordable option and comes with history and stylish rooms.

Converted into a hotel from a former leather factory warehouse, this hotel combines both industrial and contemporary style attracting wayward travellers. Rooms on the first three floors have exposed beam high ceilings and polished concrete floors while rooms on higher levels offer fresh modern décor and views of the CBD. A custom made zinc roof –the largest of this style dome in Australia—completes the hotel’s unique look.