Sydney Harbour Hotel

Hotels
7.7 (8135 reviews)
55 George Street , Sydney , AU
+61 2 8220 9999

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Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent, central location (close to Circular Quay, Opera House, cruise terminal)
Great views from rooms/rooftop
Friendly and helpful staff
Consistently praised breakfast (including free for children)
Clean and quiet rooms reported by many guests
Good price/reasonable value for some guests
Cons:
Rooms and bathrooms described as dated/tired and in need of refurbishment
Spa pool issues (cold/not working) and reports of pond scum
Poor communication about driving/parking and local market closures
Ventilation/air conditioning problems and windows that don’t open
In-room coffee options weak
Occasional issues like TV not working, worn carpet or unfresh bedding

Categories

Cleanliness
7.5
Many guests explicitly called rooms 'clean' and 'quiet', but there are several mentions of unfresh bed linen, pond scum in the spa and spa pool cleanliness issues, so overall cleanliness is good but not pristine.
Service
8.5
Staff are repeatedly described as friendly and helpful; a few guests noted poor communication about driving/markets, but overall service is a positive point.
Location
9.1
Location is the dominant positive theme across reviews — repeatedly called 'perfect', 'exceptional' and ideal for transport, sightseeing and cruise terminals.
Room Quality
6.2
Multiple comments describe rooms as dated, basic or tired and specifically call out bathrooms needing updating, worn carpet and design issues; some rooms were comfortable but overall quality is below modern expectations.
Amenities
6.8
Breakfast is praised and rooftop views/spa are attractive, but there are multiple reports of the spa pool being cold/not working, pond scum and ventilation/AC problems, so amenities are inconsistent.
Value for Money
7.5
Several guests called the price reasonable/good value for the location, while others felt it was too expensive for the dated condition — overall a slightly above-average value given the prime location.
Food and Beverage
7.8
Breakfast receives consistent praise (including free breakfast for children), though in-room coffee options were noted as weak; overall F&B is a net positive thanks to the breakfast offering.
Overall Experience
8.2
Most reviewers enjoyed their stay, would stay again and highlighted views and proximity to attractions; negatives (dated rooms, occasional amenity failures) reduce but do not outweigh the positive experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-11-05 14:08

Property Description

Rydges Sydney Harbour offers a prime location in the historic Rocks district, with a rooftop swimming pool providing stunning views of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Modern Comforts: Enjoy amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and a choice of soft or firm pillows in every room, along with tea/coffee making facilities.

Convenient Attractions: Just a short walk from Circular Quay and iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the hotel is perfectly situated for sightseeing.

Relaxation and Dining: Unwind in the spa pool or on the rooftop terrace, and savor cafe-style meals and Australian beverages at the Lobby Lounge and Bar.

Book your stay at Rydges Sydney Harbour for a memorable Sydney experience.

Important information:

Please note that there is a 1.5% charge when you pay with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card and a 3% charge when you pay with a Diners Club credit card.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SYD

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs AUD 75 per day.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.7
Based on 8135 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.5
Service: 8.5
Location: 9.1
Room Quality: 6.2
Amenities: 6.8
Value for Money: 7.5
Food and Beverage: 7.8
Overall Experience: 8.2
K
kristensen • solo_traveller • dk
6
2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • family_with_children • au
8
2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
K
Kylie • solo_traveller • au
6
2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
I
Isabella • family_with_children • au
9
Great location, good value, nice views
Pros:

The views, the comfort, free breakfast for children

Cons:

Nothing, maybe they could light up the lobby which would make it look even better? Oh plus need better coffee options in the room

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
K
Kristan • couple • nz
3
2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
M
marielle • family_with_children • au
7
2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
Y
Yvonne • extended_group • au
8
We had a great time.
Pros:

Great location, friendly staff, clean. Great breakfast!

Cons:

TV wasn’t working.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
8
Still enjoyed our visit.
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Some fittings not secured to wall properly.
Air vent in bathroom.
Decor, re paintwork update required. (Damage to edging, worn carpet.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
H
Hamish • couple • nz
8
Pros:

The location was prefect for us as went start our cruise the next day so was very near the Passenger terminal. It was good watching the cruise ship come from the roof top. However the spa pool was cold and did not work.

Cons:

The spa pool was cold and did not work.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • couple • au
8
Great nights sleep ina nice clean and comfortable environment. Good price at a great location
Pros:

A very good standard at a reasonable price in the Rocks area. Great for those embarking on cruises, performances at the Opera House.

Cons:

It will be closing shortly for refurbishment

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Great location

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
K
Kim • couple • au
8
2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
E
Esa • solo_traveller • au
10
Pros:

Clean, quiet, close to city and circular quay

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
D
Danny • solo_traveller • be
10
Pros:

Perfect location.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
D
Dianne • solo_traveller • au
9
Pros:

The service and the views

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
J
Janelle • couple • au
9
Great place to stay in the Rocks. Location exceptional.
Pros:

Location was excellent. Park the car and just walk.

Cons:

Communication about driving to hotel. We arrived Sunday arvo and there is markets on every Sunday. We were not told about markets and that George St is blocked off. Better driving instructions and communication is definitely needed by Hotel by staff and booking.com. We rang hotel to ask how to get to hotel. Phone instructions were not clear as well for out of Towners. By the time we found our way we were very frustrated with Hotel. After that the stay was excellent and breakfast and room was excellent.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
S
Shruti • family_with_children • in
8
Amazing 🤯🤩🥰🥶
Pros:

No

Cons:

No

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
S
Susan • couple • au
8
We loved our stay at the Sydney Harbour Hotel! I would definitely stay here again!! Perfect location to get around Sydne
Pros:

The location is so close to public transport and the rocks everything is walking distance. Perfect for local pubs, restaurants it was so easy to get around on foot!

Cons:

The room design was a little dated, but perfectly clean.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
C
Carly • couple • au
8
Pros:

Great location and great view of the city, opera house and harbour bridge!

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
C
Cheng • couple • cn
8
2026-07-21 • via Nuitee