The Best Places to Stay in Sydney Before a Cruise 2025
Planning a cruise from Sydney can be an exciting experience, but figuring out where to stay the night before your departure can be overwhelming. With so many hotels to choose from, how do you know which ones offer the best convenience, comfort, and proximity to the cruise terminal? Whether you’re looking for luxury, affordability, or family-friendly options, finding the right accommodation is crucial for a smooth start to your trip.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top hotels in Sydney, offering everything from easy access to the cruise terminal to amenities that ensure a relaxing pre-cruise stay. Having stayed in some of these hotels myself, I’ve gathered the key details to help you choose the best option, whether you want to enjoy Sydney’s iconic sights or simply need a hassle-free transfer to your ship.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of where to stay, based on your budget, preferences, and cruise departure plans.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
Where is the Cruise Ship Terminal in Sydney?
Sydney has two dedicated cruise passenger terminals: the White Bay Cruise Terminal at Rozelle and the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay.
White Bay is mainly used by smaller ships and many of Sydney’s home ported ships are based here whereas the Overseas Passenger Terminal can accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world.
Top Hotels with Easy Access to Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal
| Hotel | Stars | Cost | Pool | Distance from Terminal | Family Rooms | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt | 5 | $$$ | Y | 400m | N | Book Here |
| Four Seasons | 5 | $$$ | Y | 600m | N | Book Here |
| Sydney Harbour Hotel | 4 | $$ | Y | 200m | Y | Book Here |
| Sydney Harbour YHA | 5 | $ | N | 700m | Y | Book Here |
Sydney Harbour Hotel
7.8/10⭐️
Sydney Harbour Hotel is located in George Street, The Rocks, a stones throw from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. It is literally across the road, down a pathway and then you are there. It took us less than 5 minutes with all our luggage and children. It’s also a great place to explore and has plenty of restaurants to choose from. This guide on Things To Do in The Rocks has plenty of information.
The rooms are bright and airy with a comfortable bed and your choice of pillows. The hotel is in an historic building dating back to 1926 and has a bit of a dated feel to it.
The roof top has wonderful views of the Harbour Bridge but we couldn’t see the Opera House as a cruise ship was in port. The pool is small and unheated but there’s a hot tub for the cooler weather. There aren’t many sun loungers around the pool but plenty of tables and chairs to sit on.
The Playfair Terrace Restaurant overlooks the atrium lobby and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had dinner there, which was tasty and good value as we had the deal of the day. The buffet breakfast was great and included espresso coffee, fresh juice, eggs cooked to order, and a great selection of hot and cold foods.
The staff were attentive, providing excellent service from check-in to checkout. The breakfast buffet was diverse and delicious, though the hotel can get busy during peak times.
Pros:
- Prime location near Circular Quay, Opera House, and Harbour
- Spacious rooms with excellent views
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Comfortable beds
- Great breakfast buffet with diverse options
- Close to transportation (ferries, trains)
Cons:
- Expensive, especially during peak seasons
- Can get busy, leading to potential delays at check-in or breakfast
- Some guests mentioned dated decor
- Paid parking options are pricey
This balance of location, service, and minor drawbacks is something to consider!
See Prices & Availability Here
Park Hyatt Sydney
9.0/10⭐️
I recently stayed at the Park Hyatt Sydney, and the experience was unforgettable. The hotel’s location between the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge offers breathtaking views, especially from the rooms with private balconies. The personalised service, including 24-hour butler service, made the stay feel luxurious. The rooftop pool and spa were excellent for unwinding.
Park Hyatt Sydney’s guest rooms are residential in style, offering contemporary luxury with natural interiors, luxurious furnishings & fittings, plush carpets, designer lighting and the latest technology throughout.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is 400m from the Park Hyatt Sydney which is about a 5-minute walk. This luxury 5-star hotel has a heated outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and room service.
Pros:
- Unbeatable harbour views
- Spacious, well-designed rooms
- Attentive 24/7 butler service
- Great rooftop pool and spa
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Some service inconsistencies reported by other guests
Despite the price, it’s an iconic Sydney experience!
See Prices & Availability Here
Sydney Harbour YHA
8.7/10⭐️
During my stay at YHA Sydney Harbour, I found it to be a fantastic budget-friendly option in an unbeatable location at The Rocks, close to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The hostel is clean, modern, and has great communal spaces, including a rooftop with stunning views of Sydney Harbour. It’s perfect if you want a mix of comfort, affordability, and proximity to major attractions.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the shared kitchen and common areas were well-maintained. While it’s a hostel, it has private room options, making it suitable for a range of travellers.
Pros:
- Unbeatable location at The Rocks
- Clean and modern facilities
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Rooftop terrace with stunning views
- Affordable for the location
- Well-maintained common areas and kitchen
Cons:
- Can be noisy, especially in shared dorms
- Limited free Wi-Fi
- Expensive compared to other hostels, but worth it for the location
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay in the heart of Sydney without sacrificing comfort or location, YHA Sydney Harbour is a fantastic choice.
See Prices & Availability Here
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
9.2/10⭐️
I recently stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, and it was a luxurious experience from start to finish. The hotel’s location in The Rocks district, right by Circular Quay, makes it perfect for exploring Sydney’s iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The views from my room were stunning, especially if you get one overlooking the harbour. The room itself was spacious and elegantly decorated, with all the amenities you’d expect from a high-end hotel.
The service was exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to ensure my stay was comfortable. I also made use of the heated outdoor pool and spa, both of which were great for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The breakfast offered a wide selection of fresh and delicious options.
Pros:
- Fantastic location near Sydney’s key attractions
- Gorgeous views of the harbour from many rooms
- Attentive and friendly staff
- Luxurious rooms with high-end amenities
- Great pool and spa facilities
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially for rooms with harbour views
- Wi-Fi is not always included in the room rate, which can be a drawback at this price point
Overall, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney offers a premium experience, and if you’re looking for a combination of luxury, location, and service, it’s an excellent choice. However, it comes with a high price tag, especially if you want a room with those incredible views.
The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is in George Street, about 600m from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
See Prices & Availability Here
Best Hotels For White Bay Cruise Terminal
White Bay Cruise Terminal is in Balmain, which is about 6 km or a 10-15 minute taxi ride (depending on traffic) to Sydney city centre.
As Balmain is a residential area, there aren’t any hotels close by. Therefore, it may be better to base yourself in Darling Harbour, The Rocks, or Circular Quay so you are close to the tourist attractions.
| Hotel | Stars | Cost | Pool | Distance from King St Wharf | Family Rooms | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adina Apt Hotel | 4.5 | $$-$$$ | Y | 100m | Y | Book Here |
| West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton | 4.5 | $$-$$$ | N | 200m | N | Book Here |
| Hyatt Regency Sydney | 5 | $$$ | N | 300m | N | Book Here |
| Meriton Suites Sussex | 5 | $$ | Y | 500m | Y | Book Here |
Darling Harbour & Barangaroo
The Captain Cook White Bay ferry departs from King Street Wharf, Barangaroo, which is close to Darling Harbour. There are plenty of restaurants around this area and ferries run between Darling Harbour and Circular Quay or you can take the train or light railway. The area is close to Chinatown and the CBD.
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Darling Harbour is right in King Street Wharf entertainment precinct and features a swimming pool, fitness centre and a sauna. All the air-conditioned apartments have elegant Italian furniture and a kitchenette or kitchen and some rooms have harbour views.
Crown Towers Sydney: A 6-star hotel with luxurious rooms and stunning harbour views.
The Star Grand Hotel and Residences: Offers both hotel rooms and serviced apartments, making it a flexible choice for longer stays.
CBD
Meriton Suites Sussex provides 5-star luxury accommodation that has a range of facilities including a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna, and free WiFi. The spacious suites feature a gourmet kitchen or kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee machine, designer bathrooms, a dining area and a living area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. They are located in Sydney’s CBD and a short walk away from Barangaroo and Darling Harbour.
Hyatt Regency Sydney is a newly renovated hotel close to Darling Harbour in Sydney’s CBD. The guestrooms feature modern décor and deluxe amenities, including bathrooms with walk-in showers and comfortable workstations. You can relax in one of the hotel’s bars and restaurants including Zephyr sky bar, which has breathtaking views of Darling Harbour.
West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton is located within a 5-minute walk from Barangaroo and features an open air garden and bar. The contemporary designed hotel also has an on-site gym. Guest rooms include complimentary WiFi, a 49-inch TV, Bluetooth speaker system and suites offer a separate lounge area and a luxurious bathroom with a large bathtub and slippers.
Tips for Booking Your Sydney Hotel and Getting to the Cruise Terminal
Best Time to Book
Timing is everything when it comes to securing the best deals for hotels in Sydney, especially before a cruise. Here are some strategies to ensure you get the best rate:
- Book Early for the Best Deals: Hotels near the cruise terminal fill up fast, especially during peak cruising seasons (October to April). Booking your stay 3–6 months in advance will give you more options and often better prices.
- Stay Mid-Week for Lower Rates: Weekend stays in Sydney, especially near popular tourist areas, tend to be pricier. If possible, try to book a mid-week stay, which can save you money while still enjoying the city.
Cancellation Policies
Before booking, always review the hotel’s cancellation policy to avoid any surprises:
- Free Cancellations: Opt for hotels with flexible cancellation policies, especially if you’re booking months in advance. Many hotels offer free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before your stay, allowing for changes in your travel plans without penalties.
- Refundable vs. Non-refundable Rates: Some hotels offer lower, non-refundable rates. While tempting, consider paying a bit more for a refundable rate, especially if there’s any uncertainty with your cruise schedule.
- Check Cruise Policies: If your cruise gets canceled or rescheduled, some hotels allow for changes without penalty if you can provide proof. Always check the fine print or call the hotel directly to clarify.
How to get to the Cruise Terminals in Sydney
White Bay Cruise Terminal
Most cruise lines offer transfers from Sydney Airport to White Bay Cruise Terminal. On ship port days, Captain Cook Cruises run a direct ferry service between White Bay and Barangaroo. As this terminal is further into the harbour, you get to sail right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Overseas Passenger Terminal
To get to the Overseas Passenger Terminal from Sydney airport, you can take the train to Circular Quay (17 minutes) or take a taxi which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. It’s a short and easy walk from Circular Quay train station to the terminal.
Taxis and cars can drop off or pick up passengers right in front of the terminal but parking is not permitted.
Find out the cost of private transfers and shared shuttle services here.
What to do in Sydney
Sydney has so much to offer and it can feel overwhelming to know what to do. This guide on the most interesting things to do in Sydney will help you make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Flights ✈️
We usually fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service.
Accommodation 🏩
We mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties. We also book through Stayz for private accommodation as they are usually cheaper than Airbnb.
Car Rental 🚘
To compare rental car company prices, we use Discover Cars, an award winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly-rated.
Campervan/RV Rental 🚐
Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.
Tours & Attractions 🎢
We book direct and use a mixture of third-party sites Viator, Get Your Guide & Klook due to their free cancellation policies, instant confirmation, price guarantees, and mobile ticketing.
Accessing Money 💵
We recently started using Wise to access funds internationally, including trips to Bali and Malaysia. They offer a debit card in 50 currencies and transfers are fast and free from hidden fees and exchange rate markups. Funds can be accessed through ATMs too. Wise has saved us a lot of money compared to our usual credit card and debit card.
Travel Insurance 🌏
Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.
See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.
