The Waldorf Astoria Is Opening Its First-Ever Australian Hotel in Sydney in 2025

Think of a New York-set or -shot movie or TV show, and odds are that it probably featured the Waldorf Astoria. Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums filmed there, for one. Sex and the City did as well. Booking in a luxe stay within its stately confines might be high on your travel bucket list as a result — but come 2025, you'll be able to enjoy the Waldorf Astoria experience right here in Australia.

Adding to its 30-plus sites around the world — including in Las Vegas, Cancun, Beijing, Berlin, Bangkok and the Maldives, to name a selection of spots — the hotel brand is setting up shop in Sydney in just a few years. Set to tower over Circular Quay, it'll be the Hilton-owned chain's first-ever Aussie location. It'll also join the lineup of six Waldorf Astoria properties in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

So, whether you're Sydneysider now dreaming of an indulgent staycation or you hail from elsewhere but you're always looking for an excuse to visit the New South Wales capital, you'll have a new place to spend a lavish night (or several). And, given the location — at One Circular Quay, 1 Alfred Street — you'll be able to lap up impressive vistas over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while you're there.

Now under construction, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will feature 220 rooms — 179 guest rooms and 41 suites — across its 28-floor expanse. Also a huge highlight: two new restaurants, the Waldorf Astoria Spa on level one, and the central gathering space that the brand has dubbed 'Peacock Alley' at its sites around the globe, which'll come complete with the Waldorf Astoria clock.

Plus, to truly take advantage of the views, the hotel will also include a rooftop bar — and yes, peering out over the harbour here will be a given.

Design-wise, Tokyo-based firm Kengo Kuma & Associates is doing the honours alongside the Sydney-based Crone Architects; expect a luxurious look that'll "artfully blend contemporary living with cutting-edge design," according to the statement announcing the hotel.

"As the first Waldorf Astoria property to debut in Australia, Waldorf Astoria Sydney signals Hilton's commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio to the world's most sought-after destinations," said Hilton Chief Brand Officer Matt Schuyler.

"Our highly personalised, elegant service and iconic environments are at the heart of every hotel, and we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests in Sydney."

Waldorf Astoria Sydney is one of 20 new hotels that the chain is set to open around the globe — so if you get accustomed to the brand's deluxe stays once it opens its doors locally, you'll have plenty of additional sites worldwide to add to your must-visit list.

The Waldorf Astoria is due to open at One Circular Quay, 1 Alfred Street, Sydney, sometime in 2025 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced.

Top image: Waldorf Astoria Beijing.