Review: Park Hyatt Sydney | Prince of Travel

The Park Hyatt Sydney is arguably one of Hyatt’s most attractive properties around the world and holds a special appeal for many World of Hyatt loyalists.

Nestled on the city’s waterfront, this hotel offers stunning views of the iconic Sydney Opera House that are second to none.

The Park Hyatt is also widely regarded as Sydney’s finest luxury hotel, especially in a market where high-end options are somewhat scarce compared to Sydney’s status as a major global hub.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Booking

The Park Hyatt Sydney moved up in the World of Hyatt award chart from Category 7 to Category 8 in March 2022. World of Hyatt is one of the last hotel rewards programs to use a published award chart with peak, off-peak, and regular prices.

As a Category 8 property, I booked my stay for the standard rate of 40,000 World of Hyatt points. You’ll also find pricing of 35,000 or 45,000 points on off-peak and peak dates, respectively.

As one of the top properties in Hyatt’s worldwide portfolio, cash rates at the Park Hyatt Sydney tend to fall between $1,000–2,000 AUD ($665–1,330 USD, $880–1,765 CAD), and are widely considered among the most expensive in the area.

Indeed, compared to our valuation of World of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents per point (USD) / 2 cents per point (CAD), I came out well ahead by redeeming points.

If you’re booking a cash rate at the Park Hyatt Sydney, be sure to get in touch with a travel advisor with access to Hyatt Privé, Hyatt’s preferred partner program.

You’ll pay the same as the publicly available refundable rate, but you’ll get extra perks such as free breakfast, a $100 (USD) property credit, a room upgrade, and more.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Location

Park Hyatt Sydney occupies a prime spot on 7 Hickson Road, perched on the east side of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, with an unobstructed eye-level view of the world famous Opera House. Looking across the street, you’ll find the waters of Sydney Cove lapping against the sandstone-paved shore.

The hotel is a 15-minute walk away from Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), which is in an area known as The Rocks. The district is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Sydney, and is home to many small restaurants, cafés, and shops, and is a great place to walk around.

The Park Hyatt Sydney is surrounded by many attractions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens, both of which are under a 10-minute stroll from the hotel.

A short drive away, you can visit Luna Park and Walsh Bay, where you can find an amusement park or relax at the waterfront precinct.

It’s a 10-minute walk or so to Circular Quay, a major transportation hub. From Circular Quay, you can easily access various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and ferries, allowing you to explore Sydney and its surrounding areas.

If you’re coming from the airport, take the Airport Link train to Circular Quay, which is also near the ferry terminal. From here, it’s a short, scenic walk to the hotel, or a quick cab ride away.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Check-in

I arrived early in the day at the Park Hyatt Sydney, positioned on the western edge of Circular Quay, right below the Harbour Bridge.

Featuring a beautiful sandstone exterior and grey, recessive door frames, the hotel’s four-level, residential-style façade reflects the Australian landscape.

The hotel has two entrances on Hickson Road: a large and dramatic arched opening within the façade acts as the principal entry, and a more discreet back entrance off of the boardwalk along the water.

I arrived at the hotel and was greeted by the friendly staff. The lobby has an elegant but understated atmosphere, with check-in desks, a single couch for waiting, and direct access to the restaurant and bar.

As a Hyatt Globalist member, I got a nice surprise when I checked in: an upgrade from a base-level room to an Opera View Deluxe Room. This was the best possible upgrade at this hotel, because it doesn’t have standard suites or accept Hyatt’s Suite Upgrade Awards.

In order to maximize my time at this luxurious property, I also requested a 4pm late checkout for the following day, and it was granted without question.

It’s worth noting that the Park Hyatt Sydney is a very popular choice among Hyatt Globalist guests, as it offers excellent value on points and also generally provides superb elite treatment.

Upon completing my check-in formalities, I was directed by the hotel associate to the elevators, and was then scooped away to my Opera View Deluxe Room.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Opera View Deluxe Room

As you step into the Opera View Deluxe Room, you’re greeted by a spacious and inviting entryway that leads you to the bedroom at the far end. The room boasts approximately 800 square feet of space.

The room exudes minimalist elegance, with a soft palette of deep browns, beige, light grey, and marble accents. Custom plush furnishings and carpets create a cozy residential feel, while the accent wall behind the bed and subtle lighting offer a touch of flair.

On the right-hand wall, a large window affords a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour, which you can admire from the comfort of your bed.

Notably, the room is equipped with state-of-the-art features, such as a glass panel that lets you control the lights, electronic blinds, and blackout curtains with a simple tap.

At the foot of the bed, there’s a comfortable seating area and a flat-screen TV perched on a stand.

In the corner of the room, you’ll find a table with seating for two – a spot that’s ideal for working or dining alike.

A well-stocked minibar is housed in a full height closet. There’s a selection of spirits, wines, Champagne, and soft drinks, as well as a Nespresso coffee maker located on the lower shelf.

The bathroom is accessible from the foyer, and is adorned with soft ivory marble.

The bathroom is well-equipped with dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a separate off-centre bathtub. The bathroom features a window that opens up to the bedroom and affords views of the Opera House while soaking in the bathtub, while the toilet is housed within a separate compartment.

The Opera View Deluxe Room certainly lives up to its name, with a double balcony that offers prime views of the Opera House. Indeed, this room has among the best views of the Opera House at the hotel, straight through the window.

All in all, Opera View Deluxe Room is generously sized and beautifully decorated, with a minimalist design and plush furnishings. The room is very well-appointed, and could easily qualify as a Junior Suite.

Lastly, the stunning view of the Sydney Harbour skyline and the Opera House is especially breathtaking, and provides a lasting memory of one of the city’s most iconic sights.

Park Hyatt Sydney – King Room with Harbour View

During my stay, I also had the opportunity to tour a King Room with Harbour View.

The King Bed Room is the hotel’s base-level option, with only a limited number of available rooms that don’t have views.

However, if you’re looking for something more spacious with breathtaking views, the next level up is the King Bed with Harbour View. These rooms are larger in size and offer stunning views of the harbour.

The King Room with Harbour View has about 450 square feet of space, and a similar interior design to the Opera View Deluxe Room, with elegant and modern furnishings.

I toured the room with two twin beds, but the layout is comparable across room-types.

The room has a dining table for two by the window, and a cozy seating area in the left-hand corner.

The highlight of the room is the floor-to ceiling windows that open to a balcony, which offers stunning views of the harbour.

For a base-level room, the King Room with Harbour View is well-equipped and would serve well for someone who isn’t looking to spend more than they need to and simply enjoy the basic amenities and services at this property. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the same fantastic harbour views.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Opera Suite

The Opera Suite at the Park Hyatt Sydney is a remarkably spacious and opulent accommodation option, offering nearly 2,000 square feet of luxurious living space.

This suite type holds the distinction of being the second-highest tier of suites available at the hotel, with a grandeur befitting of its name. There’s a separate bedroom and sitting area, a full kitchen, and a whopping six private balconies.

Moving into the living room, you’ll discover a spacious seating area capable of accommodating up to six individuals.

To facilitate any work-related tasks, a desk with seating for two is located at the far left end of the room.

On the opposite side, positioned to the right, is the dining table for eight, perfect for hosting gatherings.

Within the bedroom, you’ll find an additional couch and a dedicated dining table for two.

Furthermore, two of the suite’s six private balconies are exclusively reserved for the bedroom.

The attention to detail and artistic touches are evident throughout the Opera Suite. Works of art have been thoughtfully incorporated, which add some novelty to the space.

The marble bathroom features dual vanities, a bathtub, and amenities from the skincare brand Le Labo.

Essentially, the Opera Suite at the Park Hyatt Sydney offers an elevated suite experience, combining luxury, stunning views, and ample living space.

This suite is ideal for those travelling as a group, or anyone who wants a touch more refinement then the standard suites.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Sydney Suite

Lastly, I had a chance to check out the Sydney Suite, which is the Park Hyatt Sydney’s incredible presidential suite. This is one of Australia’s most expensive rooms, and has played host to many A-list celebrities, including Canada’s very own Drake.

The suite is close to a staggering 3,800 square feet. Inside, there’s a separate living room, a dining room, a kitchenette, a study, and two bedrooms with separate entrances.

The living room is designed around a central fireplace, adjacent to a wraparound private balcony with nearly 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour.

It also has a beautifully modern interior, with jaw-dropping custom-made furniture, as well as brass and marble finishings, such as the stunning solid marble coffee table.

There’s a fully equipped kitchen, although the suite comes with its own private butler who attends to every beck and call.

In the two bedrooms, you’ll find uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge.

A true highlight of the suite is the spa-like bathroom, with a gorgeous oversized spa marble bath, a shower that doubles as a steam room, and a luxurious Japanese Toto toilet. The views from the bathroom extend beyond the Harbour Bridge, all the way to Luna Park.

Lastly, the suite has its own in-room sauna, which also happens to be the only sauna available in the hotel.

The Sydney Suite is undeniably a lavish and extravagant suite, with a price to match coming in at over $20,000 AUD ($13,375 USD, $17,700 CAD) for a night, and a two-night minimum stay to boot.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Breakfast

Breakfast is served in The Dining Room, the hotel’s signature restaurant, located on the ground floor adjacent to the lobby. Breakfast runs from 6:30–10:30 am on weekdays, and from 6:30–11am on Sundays.

The breakfast spread was very comprehensive. The restaurant offers a creative à la carte menu, along with a thorough buffet area which is nicely laid out.

As an elevated perk, Hyatt Globalists can order anything in unlimited quantities.

On one counter, there was a variety of pastries, bread, and juice, including gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

On another counter, there were cereals in elegant ceramic bowls, fresh fruit, and even honey dripping right from the comb.

I decided to dabble in a little bit of everything and ordered the spanner crab omelette, sashimi, tuna breakfast bowl, chilled soba, and cured meats.

Naturally, I couldn’t help but venture into the realm of the buffet as well.

It suffices to say that I made the most of the hotel’s strong breakfast offering, which is incredibly generous for Globalist members, and ventured out for a scenic walk along the waterfront to start working it off.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Dining

The Dining Room also offers lunch and dinner. The restaurant focuses on modern Australian cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients, and also has spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

There’s also The Living Room, a casual dining option located on the ground floor next to The Dining Room. It offers a leisurely breakfast, afternoon tea, or light meals throughout the day from 11am to 10pm daily.

It looked to be quite a beautiful space, with natural textures and fabrics, timber flooring, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, as well as views of the glittering harbour.

Lastly, The Bar is a stylish and cozy lounge located on the ground floor. It offers a selection of premium wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits, as well as snacks and light meals.

Park Hyatt Sydney – Other Facilities

The fitness centre is situated on the third floor of the hotel, and is accessible around the clock. It affords a scenic view of Dawes Point Park, positioned just beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge; however, its equipment falls a bit short of expectations.

The space is relatively compact, and comes with a few limitations. While there are a few cardio machines and weight machines, regrettably, only lightweight metal weights are provided, and the standard-issue heavier weights are noticeably lacking.

The Park Hyatt Sydney has an outdoor swimming pool, which is accompanied by a separate whirlpool. Although the pool may be slightly smaller in size, you’re treated to pleasant views of the Harbour Bridge – albeit not of the Opera House.

During a scorching day in Sydney, the rooftop pool provided a much-welcomed respite, although the heat persisted.

Additionally, you can order food and drinks here, and there are numerous lounge chairs thoughtfully placed throughout the area. You can also find comfortable nooks with bench-style seating and couches.

While trying to shield myself from the heat, I treated myself to a delicious sandwich, accompanied by a side of fries.

The Park Hyatt Sydney has a luxurious in-house spa, aptly named The Spa. Situated on the second floor of the hotel, the spa’s operating hours are from 10am–6pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

In addition to standard services, there’s an intimate relaxation lounge, steam room, and private treatment rooms.

Conclusion

Overall, the Park Hyatt Sydney is a top-tier hotel in Sydney, and quite easily one of the best uses of World of Hyatt points. Globalists can expect a great upgrade to the Opera View Deluxe Room, as long as there’s availability.

The rooms are well-appointed, stylish, and almost all come with memorable views. For a visit to Sydney, its location simply cannot be beat, and you’ll feel as though you’re in the heart of the action.

Once you factor in the superb breakfast, an ideal location, and breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, the Park Hyatt Sydney is simply a cut above the rest.

Whether staying on points or cash, I’d highly recommend this property, especially if you can combine a stay with Hyatt Globalist perks to elevate your experience further.