Living in Sydney shapes how you see the city’s hotels. After time away, I checked into the Hyatt Regency Sydney to find out if it’s more than just a convenient spot and if it delivers what visitors really need from a stay in the heart of town.
The right hotel can make all the difference when exploring Sydney, which is why I accepted the offer to experience Hyatt Regency Sydney firsthand and see if it lives up to its promise of combining comfort with prime city access.
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Before we begin it’s worth knowing that this isn’t a small boutique property—it’s actually Australia’s largest hotel.
What to Expect: Size and Atmosphere
With close to 900 rooms, you’ll notice the size of the Hyatt Regency Sydney as soon as you arrive. The lobby and breakfast areas can get busy, especially during conference season. However during my weekend visit, the hotel was surprisingly quiet—even for its size—which may have been thanks to no conferences on at the time.
I have attended a few conferences here over the years and when events are running, the lobby and breakfast areas can get busy, but most of the time I have found there was plenty of space to relax and enjoy some peace, whether travelling solo or with family.
Location
The Hyatt Regency’s main entrance is on Sussex Street, with a rear exit leading to Darling Harbour’s promenade. Step outside and you’re close to the Australian National Maritime Museum, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the open spaces and playgrounds of Darling Quarter. Walk along the waterfront and you’ll reach Barangaroo Reserve in under 15 minutes. If you’re after some shopping, Pitt Street Mall is just a few blocks from the front door.
Getting around is easy – Town Hall Station is a seven-minute walk, and you’ll find lifts for step-free access. Ferries at Barangaroo Wharf are also a short stroll if you’d like to see Sydney from the harbour. For food and drinks, there’s plenty nearby: King Street Wharf’s restaurants and bars are across the footbridge, and Chinatown is about 15 minutes away on foot.
Overall, the location makes it easy to get around without needing a car and you’re close enough to stroll home after a night out or dinner nearby. If you require parking Wilson Parking station across the road (entry via 168 Sussex Street) was only $30 overnight. We recommend prebooking on their website for the best rates.
The Room
I stayed in a Premium King Room on Level 9, which looked out over Darling Harbour and the Maritime Museum. The room is a generous 28 square metres and the big window made it feel even more spacious.
You really get the most from the water views here—at night, the city lights reflecting off the harbour were a highlight. If your timing’s right, you might even catch a Saturday night fireworks show from your window.
The room felt relaxed and unfussy, with soft colours and calming blues. There plenty of space to unwind with some window seating and a lounge seat to stretch out on.
I’m picky about hotel beds, but this one was genuinely comfortable—the feather duvet and pillows were just right for a good sleep. There’s a small table that doubles as a desk, which I found handy for catching up on emails.
There is a small minibar, some tea and coffee and a little fridge for snacks or leftovers. There’s also a jug in the room and I often topped up on cold water or ice from the machine near the lifts instead of calling room service.
Although you’re right in the middle of the city, my room was really quiet, probably thanks to being a few floors up.
For storage, there’s a wardrobe, a safe, and enough room to open up a big suitcase or two without tripping over.
The bathroom was spotless, with a proper walk-in shower (good water pressure!) and toiletries that were cruelty free and vegan.
Wi-Fi was quick and reliable, and there are blackout curtains if you like sleeping in. The hotel is non-smoking throughout, and if you’re travelling with a child, you can request a free cot—just ask at reception.
If a view or a quieter room is important to you, I’d suggest asking for a higher floor or a room facing the harbour rather than the city or the freeway.
Facilities
Gym-goers will find the fitness room more than adequate, and I enjoyed looking out over Darling Harbour as I burnt off some of the indulgence from the night before!
There is no swimming pool. If you’re after a swim, you’ll need to look elsewhere. If you are after some pampering you will find Nabea Day Spa on Level 1. We didn’t have time to visit this time but they offer a range of massages, facial and body treatments.
Where to Eat & Drink: My Picks at the Hyatt Regency
One of the real perks of staying here is how much choice you have for food and drinks—you won’t get bored eating the same thing. Over several visits, I’ve tried both the casual and the more formal spots and even when I wasn’t staying, I have often stopped by for a happy hour drink!
Jackalberry
Jackalberry, on the ground floor of the Hyatt Regency, is a handy spot for a drink or casual meal—good for locals meeting friends or hotel guests. The menu takes inspiration from cities around the world, from London to Mexico City to Osaka, with share plates and mains that mix up different flavours.
My pick from the share plates was definitely the pulled burrata with heirloom tomato, beetroot relish and garlic bread—it’s something you end up talking about afterwards. The charred lamb cutlet with cauliflower purée and chimichurri was another winner. They’ve also got a decent selection of bigger mains and a few choices from that also appear on Seafarer menu if you fancy some seafood.
The cocktails are worth a try, especially if you like to mix things up—each one is inspired by a different city or country. If you’re around between 3pm and 6pm, happy hour offers $9 house wines and beer plus smaller versions of their classic cocktails (the Mini-Margarita and Mini-Peruvian Sour are fun if you’re just after a taster).
If you’re visiting during Vivid (May 24 – June 15), they’ve created some special cocktails for the festival.
The Cosmic ($25) is a gin-based drink with citrus and butterfly pea that actually glows in the dark—fun if you’re heading out to see the lights. There’s also the Vivid Ember ($25), made with shiraz gin and sake, if you prefer something a bit more complex.
A $39 lunch menu and salad bar is launching soon, which looks like a good lunch option if you want something quick and filling in the city.
If you like a bit of live music, drop by on a Thursday evening, when things are more lively. Overall, Jackalberry is a relaxed choice for a meal, a drink or a low-key night out, whether you’re staying at the hotel or just passing through.
Zephyr
Up on Level 12, Zephyr makes the most of its rooftop position with some of the best harbour views in the city. It’s worth timing your visit for sunset when the sky puts on a show over the water. During Vivid, you get a bonus view of some of the light displays while you drink.
The cocktail list is interesting—they work with local producers to create some bar-only specials, alongside the usual classics. During the festival, they’re doing their own Vivid-themed drinks that match the light show experience.
They do snacks, but really, this is a spot for drinks with a view. Just remember: no under 18s after 6pm, there’s a weekend surcharge and you’ll want to book ahead for a sunset spot or during Vivid.
Sailmaker
Sailmaker, the hotel’s main restaurant looks out over Darling Harbour. It’s where you have breakfast, but it’s also worth checking out for dinner, especially if you’re a fan of seafood or want to try something with a local focus.
Seafarer Dinner at Sailmaker
The Seafarer Dinner, held Thursday to Sunday evenings, is all about fresh, sustainably sourced Australian and New Zealand seafood. The menu changes with the seasons and highlights produce from responsible fisheries and local producers, so you know you’re getting quality and supporting eco-friendly dining.
Dinner starts with an unlimited Mediterranean-style tapas table—things like breads, artichokes, harissa cauliflower, shrimp ceviche, green gazpacho and smoked barramundi salad (I kept going back for more of that one).
After that, you pick from a set menu of six entrées and six mains. On my visit, we tried the scallops with cauliflower purée and chorizo and Fremantle octopus with olives and tomatillo. Both were fresh and nicely balanced, and the menu tells you exactly where the seafood comes from.
For mains, I chose the Aquna Murry Cod with wild mushrooms + creamy bisque + marjoram and it was perfectly cooked. The wine list sticks entirely to New South Wales, which is a nice touch if you want to support local producers and the Hungerford Chardonnay paired well with the fish.
Dessert is a bit of a treat—there’s a trolley with several options (the banoffee tart and tres leches cake stood out for us), and because the serves are small, you can sample more than one.
$95 per person gets you three courses and delivers a solid premium experience at a reasonable price for Sydney. If you want to book or check the current menu, it’s worth looking at the Sailmaker website in advance.
Breakfast in Sailmaker
Breakfast at Sailmaker is a highlight. You’ve got two choices: the continental (adults $32, kids 6–12 $16) or the full buffet with hot food (adults $42, kids 6–12 $21).
The buffets are both generous, but if you want the hot options alongside all the pastries and fruit, I’d pay the extra for the full buffet.
I honestly think it’s one of the better five-star breakfast buffets in Sydney. The only disappointment? Not being hungry enough to try everything.
There are two more venues we didn’t visit on this stay but have visited in the past.
The Lobby Lounge is a quieter spot for a coffee or a drink. I’ve done the gin afternoon tea here before (full high tea, all the good stuff) and it was a perfect setting for a relaxed catch-up with friends. It’s cosy and handy if you want a break from the buzz outside.
For something with a bit of local history, the Dundee Arms pub is just next door on Sussex Street. It dates back to the 1860s and has that classic Sydney pub feel. I only popped in briefly this time but it’s a good option if you’re after a no-fuss pint away from the hotel’s modern bars.
Service
Staff we interactied with were consistently helpful and approachable, offering advice about best walking routes, local dining options and making the check-in process straightforward.
All the restaurant and bar staff were attentive and offered valuable advice when we couldn’t make decisions on what to order.
Vivid Sydney Packages
If you’re planning to visit during Vivid (May 24 – June 15), the hotel offers a “Savour, Sip, and Stay” package that includes breakfast for two, a Vivid cocktail each at Jackalberry, and late checkout.
Use the code SAVOUR when booking online if you want to include these extras.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a base that combines classic Sydney views, comfort and a sense of being well looked after, the Hyatt Regency is a strong choice. I’d happily recommend it to anyone visiting the city, those who, like me, are returning to an old home or anyone looking for a city staycation.
Note: I was hosted by Hyatt Regency Sydney for this stay, however all opinions expressed are my own.
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