I’ve stayed at basically all the Marriott properties in Sydney, and here’s my honest guide on which to choose. Whether you’re visiting for the Opera House, working in the CBD, or maximizing Marriott Bonvoy points, this breakdown will help you pick the right hotel for your trip.
Quick Answer: My Top 2 Picks
Best Overall: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – Premium location across from Hyde Park, excellent club lounge for Platinum+ members, bathtubs in every room, and walkable to everything. This is where overseas Sheratons actually feel luxurious. Usually more affordable than the W.
Best for the Rooftop Pool Experience: W Sydney – Epic rooftop pool with harbor views, great Darling Harbour location near Chinatown, and perfect if you’re hitting concerts at ICC or catching an IMAX. The pool alone makes this worth it.
Sydney Marriott Hotels: Quick Comparison
| Hotel | Location | Price Range | Best For | Pool |
| Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park | Hyde Park, CBD | $$$ | All-around luxury, Platinum benefits | Indoor rooftop, with Jacuzzi |
| W Sydney | Darling Harbour | $$$$ | Rooftop pool, nightlife, Chinatown | Rooftop, and epic. |
| Marriott Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay | Circular Quay | $$$$ | Opera House proximity, quick trips | Indoor, fine. |
| Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection | The Rocks, Waterfront | $$$ | Romantic getaways, unique waterfront | No |
| Four Points by Sheraton Sydney | Darling Harbour (near UTS) | $$ | Budget stays, university visits | No |
| Moxy Sydney Airport | Airport | $$ | Early flights only | No |
Price Guide: $ = Budget (Moxy) | $$ = Mid-range (Four Points) | $$$ = Premium (Sheraton, Pier One) | $$$$ = Top-tier (W, Marriott Circular Quay)
Detailed Hotel Reviews
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – My Top Overall Pick
The Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is my personal all-around pick for Sydney. It’s perfectly located across from Hyde Park, walkable to Circular Quay and the QVB, and genuinely nice—something that might surprise Americans who associate Sheraton with mid-tier hotels. Some overseas Sheratons, like this one, deliver actual luxury.
What makes it stand out:
- Club Lounge Access for Platinum+: The club lounge on the top floor offers nightly dinner with unlimited alcohol (5-7 PM). Even if you don’t drink, the free dinner and workspace make it valuable.
- Bathtubs in Every Room: Rare in Sydney hotels at this price point.
- Breakfast Buffet: Decent spread overlooking Hyde Park (much better vibe than the W’s highway view).
- Location Benefits: Near Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, unlocking great local cafes like Flour and Stone bakery, just across the park.
- Fast WiFi: Solid for work or streaming.
View from the lounge
Pricing: Premium rates, but if you’re Platinum or above, the club lounge benefits (breakfast, evening drinks and dinner) can make this the best-value luxury option in Sydney.
W Sydney – Best for the Rooftop Pool
The W has an incredible location near Darling Harbour and Chinatown, and the rooftop pool is genuinely epic—worth staying here for that alone. If you don’t mind being slightly further from the Opera House, this is a great choice.
Highlights:
- Rooftop Pool: The top-floor is the main draw—stunning views and a fun scene.
- Perfect for Events: If you’re in Sydney for a concert at the ICC (TikTok Entertainment Center) or catching an IMAX, you’re right there.
- Chinatown Access: Walk to excellent spots like Lan Dining/China Chili or Mother Chu’s Taiwanese restaurant.
- W Vibes: It has that W aesthetic, though it can’t quite match the W Hong Kong. The building is bean/oval-shaped and feels a bit like it was shoehorned into the space—possibly intended as a convention center originally, which I think drags this hotel down. The industrial size escalators scattered around the hotel are inexplicable, and while not exactly bad, are just strange.
Downsides: The rooftop restaurant is overpriced and average. Breakfast buffet overlooks a highway (and Darling Harbour), which cuts down on ambiance compared to the Sheraton’s Hyde Park view.
Pricing: Top-tier pricing alongside the Marriott Circular Quay. Platinum status doesn’t help as much here as at the Sheraton—it’s more popular so lounge access isn’t as valuable.
The W photographs well and is genuinely cool, but I still edge out the Sheraton Hyde Park for a more relaxed experience.
Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay – Best for Opera House Access
This hotel is ultra-close to the Opera House, making it ideal if you’re in Sydney for maybe 48 hours or less and have never been before. The convenience factor is unbeatable—you’re near all the tourist highlights, light rail, and subway.
Best for:
- Short visits (one night, quick business trips)
- First-time Sydney visitors who want to maximize Opera House time
- Anyone wanting Opera House or Harbour view rooms
Dining tip: Consider Mr. Wong (Chinese) or Totti’s (Italian) for lunch—have the hotel help you get a reservation or you’ll be waiting.
Pricing: Premium pricing due to location (usually highest tier with the W). You’re paying for the unbeatable Opera House proximity.
Apparently I didn’t take photos of my room, but honestly it was forgettable. It was nice, fine, clean, no problems. But the Sheraton or W rooms are better.
Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection – Best for Romance
If you want a unique, boutique feeling on the water with a short walk to Opera House views, Pier One delivers. It’s a bit removed from the action, but that’s part of the charm—quiet, romantic, with a cool waterfront bar.
What to know:
- Room Size: Rooms are relatively small, and windows aren’t always large depending on which room you get.
- Ambiance: Great bar to relax at in the evening with water views.
- Location: Removed from the hustle, but you can easily taxi or walk to major spots.
Pro tip: If you stay here or at the Marriott Circular Quay, walk to the Park Hyatt’s breakfast buffet for world-class Opera House views.
Pricing: Premium tier, often slightly below the W and Marriott Circular Quay. This will vary though, especially with Opera house events. Good value for the unique waterfront experience.
Four Points by Sheraton Sydney – Budget Play
This is a serviceable budget option in a newer area near the University of Sydney and UTS. If you’re visiting for university business or just need an affordable Marriott to rack up points and elite nights, it’s totally fine.
Best for:
- University visits (UTS, USYD)
- Exploring Newtown (it’s closer)
- Budget-conscious travelers who want Marriott points
- Anyone finding a deal (if heavily discounted, this becomes attractive)
Pricing: Mid-range, significantly cheaper than the premium options. Expect to save 30-40% compared to the Sheraton or W, which can make the Uber costs into central Sydney worthwhile.
Moxy Sydney Airport – Early Flights Only
The only reason to stay here is if you need to be by the airport for an early flight. There’s almost nothing to see in this area for tourists—it’s literally right by the airport. This is the only Marriott in Sydney I’ve never stayed at, and hopefully I never will–I’m sure it’s nice, other Moxy hotels I’ve been too have impressed, but it’s an airport hotel with one purpose.
The math: You can taxi from central Sydney to the airport in 20-25 minutes. Unless you land at 10 PM and leave at 6 AM, skip this unless it’s so affordable that you can Uber into the city daily and still save at least $100 USD per day.
Pricing: Budget tier—the cheapest Marriott option in Sydney. Only makes sense as a tourist hotel if the savings are extreme. Not always cheap though, if there are concerts I’ve seen this price balloon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Marriott hotel in Sydney is closest to the Opera House?
The Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay is the closest—about a 10-minute walk. The Pier One Autograph Collection is also nearby, though it lacks Opera House views except in one small part of the hotel used for Weddings or events.
Which Sydney Marriott has the best pool?
The W Sydney has the best pool—a rooftop infinity pool with stunning harbor views. Crazy on a nice summer day. The Sheraton and Marriott Circular Quay both have indoor pools, but they’re standard hotel pools. The Sheraton’s is also on the top floor, and has an ok view of Hyde Park.
Is Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status worth it in Sydney?
Absolutely, especially at the Sheraton. Platinum members get club lounge access with breakfast, evening drinks, and light dinner (5-7 PM). At the W it’s less impactful since the hotel is more popular and crowded.
Which is better: Sheraton Sydney or W Sydney?
Depends on your priorities. Choose the Sheraton for: all-around luxury, club lounge benefits (if Platinum+), Hyde Park location, and bathtubs. Choose the W for: rooftop pool experience, Darling Harbour location, proximity to Chinatown, and if you’re attending events at ICC Sydney.
Are there any budget Marriott options in Sydney?
The Four Points by Sheraton Sydney is your best mid-range option for earning Marriott points without breaking the bank. The Moxy Sydney Airport is the cheapest, but only makes sense if you have early flights or the price difference is extreme (save $100+ USD per night).
What’s the best Marriott in Sydney for a romantic getaway?
The Pier One Autograph Collection offers the most romantic, boutique vibe—it’s on the waterfront in The Rocks with a charming bar and unique character. Just be aware that rooms are smaller than the other properties.
Final Thoughts
Having stayed at all these properties, I keep coming back to the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park for most trips—it just hits the sweet spot of location, quality, and value (especially with Platinum status). But if you’re looking for something more experiential, the W’s rooftop pool is genuinely worth it, and the Marriott Circular Quay can’t be beat for Opera House convenience.
The key is matching the hotel to your trip purpose. First-timer with 48 hours? Marriott Circular Quay. Want to experience Sydney like a local while staying somewhere nice? Sheraton. Looking to party and enjoy the harbor? W Sydney.
