The Best Hotels to Stay in During SXSW Sydney

This 590-room five-star haven was Sydney’s very first luxury hotel built in the CBD. And it has never fallen behind the pack, constantly setting the standard for all new hotels in the area. It is a true Sydney institution — for overnight stays, pampering and dining. Spread over 35 floors in one of Darling Harbour’s tallest buildings, guests enjoy all the latest tech and contemporary design with sleek French touches. In keeping with the global Sofitel aesthetic principles, the rooms are classically designed but they never feel old or outdated — much of this is thanks to the regular updates to ensure it never gets tired or underwhelming.

One of the world’s most stylish hotel chains finally opened its doors Down Under in 2022.  Ace Hotel has built itself up a cult following since opening in 1999, with the boutique chain going for a luxe-vintage vibe — and now, it boasts a sleek-as-hell 18 storey outpost in Surry Hills. This isn’t just the US chain’s first Aussie location — it’s also its first in the Southern Hemisphere. Each Ace Hotel is individually designed to reflect its surroundings. In Sydney, its new venue has been designed in partnership with Flack Studio — and it’s making the most of its Surry Hills location. Once you make your way past reception, you’ll stumble upon the fun, laidback lobby cocktail bar that’s regularly offering up DJ sets, artistic residencies and absolutely killer negronis. There are also two restaurants — the ground-floor neighbourhood diner Loam and Kiln, a rooftop restaurant and bar by Mitch Orr.

Kimpton Margot Sydney may have only opened in 2022, but the Sydney hotel has some real old-world energy about it. Stacks of heritage-listed art deco architectural features have been paired with some contemporary Aussie style — from the grand red scagliola pillars in the lobby and generous use of marble throughout the hotel to the many botanical displays and modern art pieces. This contemporary Aussie art deco vibe flows through to each of the 172 spacious rooms and suites, as well as the four restaurants and bars.

Since its highly anticipated re-opening back in 2015, Chippendale’s Old Clare Hotel has held a firm place as one of the city’s best boutique hotels. Reborn from the (metaphorical) ashes of the historic and dearly beloved Clare Hotel, and adjoining Carlton United Brewery Administrative Building, the hotel boasts heritage timber panelling and exposed brick walls, furnished with pendant lighting and vintage furniture. Hotel amenities include a rooftop pool and bar, private gym and free bike hire, as well as in-room massage services. Guests can also take advantage of custom-made bicycles to explore the surrounding neighbourhood.

Just a ten-minute walk from Circular Quay and The Rocks, The Langham Sydney is the epitome of boutique indulgence. With only 96 exquisite rooms on offer, demand for even just one night at this Sydney institution is high all year round. And with facilities like its fitness centre, sauna, day spa and a spectacular 20-metre indoor pool with a star-dappled sky ceiling, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the hotel to explore the busy areas that surround it. Within the suites, expect plush furniture, high ceilings and large windows over-looking the western side of the harbour. We are also very big fans of The Langham’s traditional afternoon tea. Enjoy a bespoke version of this beloved British tradition, elevated with classic Wedgwood tea ware and The Langham’s champagne of choice, Laurent-Perrier.

Crystalbrook Albion is a luxurious operation in the heart of Surry Hills. It was launched back in July 2018 by 8Hotels, but has since been acquired by the Crystalbrook Collection hotel group. With 24-hour service and brekkie included, this guest house is pitched as a fusion of hotel and home. Here, you’ll get to lounge around in designer interiors decked out with a covetable art collection — and in a rooftop garden complete with an outdoor shower and panoramic city views. There’s also an honour-system bar, where guests can help themselves to high-end nibbles and drinks. When it comes to the food and drinks, both at the breakfast table and in the mini bar, working with local businesses such as Brix Distillery, Infinity Bakery and Poho Flowers is of major importance.

Every one of QT Sydney‘s guest suites have been carefully crafted to reflect and honour the historic Gowings and State Theatre buildings in which it resides. QT’s exterior sports a striking blend of gothic, art deco, and Italianate-influenced architecture — and inside, the luxurious rooms carry through that art deco-meets-gothic aesthetic to quite the striking degree. Plus, thanks to its location right in the centre of the CBD — and alongside one of the city’s most famous theatres — it’s a great pick for out-of-towners, while locals can often be found making the best of its various bars, bistros and restaurants.

Every one of the 230 rooms comes with a comfy king-sized bed pushed up against the window so you can stare out over Sydney’s laneways. The rooms may be compact but they are filled with everything you need from super-king-sized beds and free movies to T2 Tea and fluffy robes. Plus, there are Nespresso machines, APPELLES products and free wifi. The Little National is centrally located in Sydney’s CBD — it’s just steps from Wynard Station and within easy walking distance of some of the city’s best restaurants and bars in the YCK Laneways, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo precincts. If you want to stay in, there is a first-rate rooftop bar and lounge where you can while away an evening in front of the large open fireplace with a delicious cocktail in hand or you can order food from one of a nearby restaurant which hotel staff will deliver right to your room.