9 Chic Hotels to Book Now for NYE in Sydney

New Years Eve is – we daresay – the most exciting time of the year in Sydney. The sun shines, the harbour glistens in all its glory, and come nighttime, the entire world watches the fireworks light up the sky in spectacular fashion. Year after year, the show attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the city, which is why those in the know opt to stay somewhere that’s close to the action.

Book one of these hotels, and you’ll be able to stroll from the fireworks and roll right into bed – or better yet, watch the show from your room. But hurry before they sell out!

Rendezvous Hotel

As you’ve probably gathered, The Rocks is theplace to be on NYE. You can live like a local at the Rendezvous Hotel, which is made up of terrace houses, one-bedroom apartments and studios. It’s reasonable priced, and a bunch of rooms boast picture-perfect views of the harbour. Whip up a meal and watch the fireworks from yours, then spend NYD unwinding in the outdoor pool, hydrotherapy spa and sauna.

From $593 per night

75 Harrington Street, Sydney

Pier One Sydney Harbour

Perched on the pier in Walsh Bay, this heritage-listed building is among our favourite boutique hotels. It’s beautiful, with over-the-water suites, harbourfront views, and all the mod cons you need for a comfortable stay. Whether you watch the fireworks from your deep bathtub, dress up for dinner at The Gantry or bounce between the pop-up bars at Pier One’s NYE party, you’ll be kicking off the New Year in Sydney style.

From $1,705  per night

11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay

Harbour Rocks Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel

Perfectly positioned in the heart of The Rocks, this hotel is dripping in old-world charm. Built in the early 1800s, it hints at its heritage with sandstone walls and exposed beams, but offers modern creature comforts like pillow menus, beautiful bathrooms and king-size beds. Fuel up with a fine dining dinner at Scarlet, and then venture up to the rooftop to work your way through the impressive wine list while watching the fireworks.

From $1,199 per night

34 Harrington Street, Sydney

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Sitting on the cobblestoned streets of The Rocks, the Shangri-La has one of the most coveted views of the city skyline and harbour. All 565 of the plush rooms have panoramic views, but on NYE, you’ll want to go all the way up to level 36. There, you’ll find Altitude Restaurant and award-winning cocktail bar, Blu Bar. Post-NYE celebrations, retreat to CHI, The Spa for a pamper sesh.

Rooms from $855.20 per night

176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

The Macleay

At this Potts Point spit, you won’t just get front-row seats to the fireworks, but front-page ones, too. The secret’s out: The Macleay rooftop is where the Daily Telegraph photographers have been snapping their NYE photos for the past decade. Looking out over the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and city skyline, it’s the perfect vantage point. To score access to the roof, book a Harbour View Room. PS. The not-so-hefty price tag is another reason to pop some bubbly!

From $540 per night

28 Macleay Street, Potts Point

QT Hotel

Start your year right with a stay at the swanky QT. With the Queen Victoria Building and Westfield on its doorstep, it’s the perfect choice for those who want to squeeze in some shopping before settling in for a treatment at Spa Q. The 200 rooms are decked out with gel mattresses, DIY martini kits and oversized baths. When the sun sets, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay Wharf are a short walk away. 

From $963 per night

49 Market Street, Sydney

InterContinental Sydney

The InterContinental might just be the Sydney’s best-placed hotel – and not just because it’s perched on the edge of the harbour. It’s mere minutes from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay and the Opera House, making it a great base for exploring the city. As the clock ticks toward midnight, there’s only one place to be: on the rooftop. Since space is limited, you’ll need to buy access to the Club Lounge. Otherwise, the views are just as good from your suite.

From $1,048 per night

117 Macquarie Street, Sydney

West Hotel

A newbie on Sydney’s hotel scene, the West Hotel has a few rooms up for grabs this NYE. Book a stay, and you’ll be in for a stylish experience from start to finish, thanks to the prime location in Barangaroo, the stunning interiors, and a lush, three-storey atrium that’s home to Solander Dining and Bar, which serves up Aussie-inspired eats and cocktails. For sweeping views of the harbourfront playground, ask for a room on the upper floors.

From $760 per night

65 Sussex Street, Sydney

Holiday Inn Old Sydney

Ring in the New Year in quintessential Sydney style by booking this hotel. It’s tucked away on a sidestreet between the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in The Rocks – but that’s not its only calling card. The rooftop pool deck overlooks the harbour and is set to stay open for both shows, and the 1 King Bedroom Harbour Room has enviable views, too. Either way, it beats knocking elbows with the 40,000-strong crowd below.

From $894 per night

55 George Street, The Rocks