Sydney is the Australian city with the most recognizable landmarks — the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Situated in the southeast of the continent, it’s a direct flight for those trekking from the United States. The city offers several hotels with rooftop pools overlooking the water and indoor pools for year-round use. Choose the right hotel to maximize your Sydney experience.
7. Astral Tower and Residences
The Astral Tower and Residence is located on a beautiful little peninsula that juts out into Sydney Harbour. The ultra-modern hotel comes with every amenity you can imagine and most rooms have a beautiful view of the water. But it is the pool that serves as the real draw. The medium-sized pool and hot tub reveal a spectacular view of Johnston Bay. Across the bay is Circular Quay where you can see the iconic Syndey Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. And the streetlights of The Rocks, the oldest part of Syndey, sparkles off the water at night.
6. Swissotel Sydney
The Swissotel Sydney is right in the heart of the city and just a few minutes away from Circular Quay, the Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. This high-rise hotel is incredibly comfortable and features a spa, two bars and a world class restaurant. The hotel caters to the healthy being right on the path of a well-known jogging track. Ask the front desk about the different routes you can take to mix up your routine. The rooftop pool is rather small but it is breathtaking. The pool is long but thin to create two perfect lanes for swimmers doing laps. And you can always grab a drink and make friends in the rooftop hot tub.
5. Quay West Suites Sydney
Despite being not as tall as some other hotels, the Quay West Suites is tied for the best view on the list. That’s because the hotel is situated in The Rocks; Sydney’s oldest city section. The Rocks butts right up against the water at Circular Quay where you’ll find Sydney’s two most iconic landmarks — The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The hotel has plenty of marble and classicly-styled furnishing. The pool looks like it was imported directly from Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. It’s indoors, wrapped around a tiled walkway and has a direct view of the quay complete with Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks.
4. Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
The Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is for those seeking an authentic Australian cultural experience. The hotel opens right up to Hyde Park where you’ll find the comber ANZAC Memorial commemorating those who have fought and died for Australia and New Zealand. The Australian Museum is just a few steps north where you can discover the continent’s history. And Sydney’s seaside Royal Botanical Gardens are within walking. You can see the botanical gardens from the Pullman’s rooftop pool. In fact, you can see right over the gardens all the way to Sydney Harbour. The rooftop has a hot tub that pours into the pool for those cooler winter days.
3. Meriton Suites World Tower
The Meriton Suites World Tower is Sydney’s tallest hotel standing at an impressive 77 stories. You’ll find the pool and fitness center on the 61 st floor. Incredibly lavish penthouses are above. Despite the fact the hotel is in the Central Business District, you can still see the water, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and even the Sydney Opera House from your room. Well, it depends on how high up you are on which side of the building you are on. Be sure to ask for a room with a great view at check-in. The rooms are modern, minimalistic and come with a balcony to enhance that great view. The pool and hot tub are enclosed but the windows face the iconic harbor.
2. Holiday Inn Old Sydney
You might be shocked to learn that the hotel tied for the best view on this list is a Holiday Inn. That’s because the Holiday Inn Old Sydney is in The Rocks, as well. In fact, that’s where the name comes from — The Rocks is the oldest part of the city. The inn is on the northern side of The Rocks nearer to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You know what you get with Holiday Inn amenities. The chain offers a decent amount of comfort for a reasonable price, but it’s the pool that makes this hotel stand out. The rooftop pool has direct views of Circular Quay, the bridge and Sydney Opera House. And if you’re staying here, do yourself a favor by visiting the nearby Australian Heritage Hotel. You can eat emu, kangaroo and camel on a pizza while enjoying beer and wine from all over Australia. The food and drinks menu spans the entire continent.
1. The Langham Sydney
Just west of The Rocks, The Langham is right next to the Sydney Observatory and just a short walk to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The decor of the hotel could be described as modern French complete with soft pastel colors classically styled furniture. The hotel features an indulgent spa, yoga classes and a fitness center. The pool at The Langham is dramatic and breathtaking. Carefully controlled lights make the enclosed pool feel like it’s nighttime and the darkened roof sparkles with star lights. The hot tub melds right into the pool where underwater lights give the whole setting an incredibly romantic feel.
