I am a huge advocate for changing your environment from time to time to reset and appreciate the things and people we love.

Sydney, Australia is many things, and romantic it can be. This city can wear many hats, if you know where to go. Join me on a thoughtful weekend away by yourself, with a lover or with a friend.

My partner and I live outside of the city. A getaway for us usually involves no shoes, the beach and a camping setup somewhere along the coast line. However, from time to time we love a little pampering. Enter, Sydney. We have been fortunate enough to enjoy each others company in some incredible hotels and restaurants. We do getaways to suit our budget at that time. Whether it’s a quick trip, a relaxing reset or a celebration! We have found our go to’s and I am keen to share.

Hotels

So, I have a have a personal bias to Accor hotel chains as I have several friends who work at the head office. So every once in a while I am privy to a discount which makes some lavish stays that much more affordable. However, most discounts I receive are from a loyalty program or card (Accor Live Limitless for an Accor example or genius loyalty program from booking.com). My advice would be to find one or two chains or sites that you enjoy and make an effort to book most of your stays through them. This will allow you to build a relationship and access better discounts and rewards.

Let’s get into my recommendations. I have curated an evening from each hotel, based on budget. I have had a positive experience at each and every one of these hotels and have stayed at all of them more than once! I have added a price guide that is reflective of the information available as per the date of publishing. Let’s get into it.

Modest Budget

Mercure Sydney

818-820 George Street, New South Wales, 2000 Sydney, Australia

Located next to central station, this hotel is our go to for quick Sydney trips. We have stayed for quick business trips and a modest romantic getaway. This hotel is easily accessible by train and tram however it does have very reasonable (for the city) on site parking available. And if you’re familiar with Sydney, you will recognise on site parking is somewhat of a luxury for many hotels. Parking is $50 dollars per night and $45 if you are an Accor Live Limitless Member.

We opt for the cheapest standard queen room and are aways impressed with the romantic LED lighting and comfortable mattresses! Hotel amenities include a pool, sauna and gym which we are sure to utilise.

Mercure Sydney view — View from rooftop gym!

From the lobby you can access, Eve’s Bar. A perfect pre dinner stop to catch the happy hour between 3-6pm. They have a great mocktail and cocktail menu!

The Mercure is surrounded by some of Sydney’s best asian food options, so we make sure we always go hungry. Some of our favourite restaurants and street food include; Paddy’s Market for an easy lunch and souvenirs, and we are always excited to head to spice alley for dinner. Yum Yum is my favourite stop in spice alley, however there are many great options and more available about a ten minute walk north into China town! For breakfast you have many local cafes, chain fast food and bakeries at your doorstep. My favourite stop for a little brekky is Cinnabon, cue cinnamon bun and a coffee… yum!

If entertainment is on your list, The Mercure is walking distance to the famous Capitol Theatre where you can enjoy musicals and plays. We tend to enjoy heading into world square where you can do some shopping before heading to event cinemas on George st for a movie and popcorn, of course.

Moderate Budget

Ace Hotel

47-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000

Located in Surry Hills, it is a short walk away from central station, this option is again, very accessible using public transit. However, there is public car parking just around the corner where you can park your car overnight for $15 - $30 dollars, depending on the day of week.

I have enjoyed a girls night out at this hotel and a weekend with my partner! We all were in awe with the beautiful, modern and organic design of the boutique hotel. Amenities include a cocktail bar in the lobby which often has live entertainment, a rooftop restaurant/cafe in the mornings. They have function rooms for meetings, a modest sized gym and incredibly friendly and accomodating staff. They make it easy for you to want to stay put!

Ace Hotel Sydney Medium sized room — Medium room option, but maybe call ahead if you’re after a view like this.

They offer many different types of room variations; I have stayed in the small room and the medium room (which is what the budget range is calculated off of). Both featured stunning terracotta tiled bathrooms, a large shower and plush linens. The small room was definitely, smaller (go figure), but it was not uncomfortable for a one nights stay! If you had the budget for the medium room, this might be more suitable for several nights. This is a pet friendly hotel upon request, I would not advise a small room if you’re bringing your fury friend.

Part of the fun of staying around central is the amazing asian food options… i’ve said this twice now but truly, so good. Spoilt for choice, the restaurants in this area can cater to any type of budget. Following the moderate budget theme, I would like to recommend Chin Chin, it is literally across the road from the hotel and such a modern experience of southeast asian cuisine. I would call ahead to ensure yourself a seat as this can be such a hot spot, especially on the weekends! Or for less than a 15 minute walk, you can make your way to Harrys by Giuls, where you will find a vibrant and trendy Italian restaurant. I’ve had the set menu, which is always easy and can’t wait to go back. Again, be sure to book ahead as this is a smaller venue. To finish off the night you could go dancing at The Soda Factory for an underground DJ set and only have a short stroll back to Ace. However if you're looking for something a little more relaxed, check out The Ace Lobby Bar for a more intimate setting where you can sit and chat. Come morning time, head over to Hydeaway Cafe for a bite and coffee before a morning stroll through Hyde Park (check out the Anzac memorial).

Now, if you’re still after some entertainment after being fed and pampered at the hotel, try a gin workshop at the Four Pillars Laboratory or a magnesium float and sauna at City Cave.

Luxurious Budget

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

12 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

The prime location overlooking Darling Harbour is truly spectacular. It makes this stay incredibly unique to Sydney having the harbour at your doorstep. To access this hotel, I recommend driving, however consider the valet parking fee which is $89 a night! There are some paid public parking available if you’re up for a bit of a walk, otherwise there is a tram stop just a few minutes away. I have trained to Town Hall station and walked to the hotel before, this took me about 15-20 minutes. So depending on your plans, abilities and location, choose which is best for you.

Your experience here starts as soon as you arrive. The friendly valet will meet you at your car if that’s how you arrived, take your luggage and arrange for it to be delivered to your room. You will find yourself in the lobby which features a large fish tank and extravagantly high ceilings! Even the hand towels in the lobby toilets are plush! The hotel amenities are first class and include services such as spa, large fitness room with pelotons, meeting rooms, executive lounge, a rooftop infinity pool, four different bars, French restaurant and buffet breakfast. Phew, I am out of breath!

Sofitel infinity pool — Enjoy a drink and snack from the pool bar and soak up the city views!

Sofitel Buffet Breakfast — Does your plate ever look like this at a buffet? I want to try it all. Go hungry!

As you’d expect, they offer many different room options and expect to pay more for a view. The price range I have given is based off of the most basic ‘superior room’ which is beautiful and definitely superior, to the ‘luxury room’ which has a corner view and soaker tub.. bring bath salts and bubbles! That being said the sky is the limit, you can enjoy a suite if your heart desires but unfortunately my bank account desires that less so. All rooms have a pillow menu available to ensure you have the best sleep and I suspect in the suites they have a back rub and lullaby service, but i’ll have to confirm that at a later date.

I have stayed here with friends, family and romantic getaways. My partner and I usually treat ourselves a stay once a year for our anniversary or other celebration. I look forward to it every time and really feels like a retreat from real life, which can be so therapeutic.

Thankfully Darling Harbour is host to some great restaurant options and you don’t need to travel far if you don’t want to! Head over to the piers and hop on a Captain Cook Cruise for dinner with live music and a view you cannot beat. The food is good but won’t take your breath away like the view, I recommend getting off at Circular Quay instead of Darling Harbour and check out the Opera house at night, take it one step further and get a drink at their iconic bar. If you’re looking for a good dinner on land, treat yourself to the Kingsley Steakhouse or LuMi for an Italian fine dining experience on the wharf (both walkable from the hotel).

Now I don’t know about you but when I spend money on a hotel I like to be a little hermit and hide out next to the pool bar sipping on a mocktail and exhaust all the amenities. Buuuut if you like to venture out, this is a great location for experiences. A short walk from the hotel you can find the Australian National Maritime Museum, Madame Tussauds and Sea life, great for a day outing. Come evening time, check out Lyric Theatre for a musical performance or The Star casino for (hopefully) a big win.

To conclude..

Thanks for coming on a trip to Sydney with me. Whether you are looking for a one night getaway or a weekend retreat, these options have been tried and tested and are some of my favourite stays in the city. I love a walkable location around unique offerings! These options were curated around various budgets and the price range was accurate at the time of publishing, however, I recommend you verify through the venues themselves. Whatever your budget, you can do Sydney in style, you just need to know where to go!

Dreamy Sydney Escapes