Reviewed by Rhonda Bannister
OVERVIEW
Many city hotels are just a place to sleep between sightseeing and dinner. Hilton Sydney, though, makes you want to stay longer. It’s right on George Street, across from the Queen Victoria Building, so you can easily walk to Sydney’s famous sights, shops, theatres, and the harbour. But once you’re back, you’ll find plenty of reasons to relax and enjoy the hotel itself.
The lobby sets the mood right away. After its recent “Urban Oasis” makeover by Stack Studio, it feels bright, calm, and welcoming, with lots of natural textures, plenty of plants, two big trees, and a row of white birds overhead. Even though it’s the biggest hotel lobby I’ve seen in Sydney, it feels inviting. It’s the kind of place where you want to sit with a glass of wine or a coffee from the lobby bar and watch guests from all over the world come and go. The lobby’s highlight is a huge aluminium sculpture called Vine, which spirals up four stories from the floor to the ceiling. The late Australian sculptor Bronwyn Oliver created it, and it really stands out.
FOOD & DRINK
A nice surprise about staying here is that some of your best meals might be right inside the hotel.
We started our mornings at Glass Brasserie, where breakfast felt like a treat rather than a routine. Fresh pastries caught our eye before we even got to the coffee, and there was tropical fruit, made-to-order eggs, and plenty of local Australian produce. It was easy to linger over breakfast here.
In the evening, Glass Brasserie changes completely, becoming a stylish dining room where it’s easy to talk and the service is friendly and professional without being too formal.
The restaurant was started by well-known Australian chef Luke Mangan, and in 2024, Head Chef Natalie Murphy took over. It’s become a favourite in Sydney’s dining scene with good reason. The menu is tight but has ample to choose from using top local ingredients with a modern European twist. My fillet steak was cooked perfectly, and my partner’s grilled calamari was delicious.
I think the wine list here is probably one of the best in Sydney. With over 3,500 wines on offer, we felt a bit overwhelmed, so we asked the sommelier to recommend a good Shiraz, and it was excellent. Head Sommelier Mauro Bortolato has picked some of the best wines from around the world, and the floor-to-ceiling walls of wine make a great backdrop.
CREATING MEMORIES
Every great hotel has a space you remember long after you leave. For us, that was the Marble Bar, tucked away downstairs where walking in felt like finding one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets
Built in 1893, this beautiful Victorian bar was carefully restored by Stack Studio. They updated the fittings and furnishings to add modern style but kept the original walls, artwork and ceiling, preserving one of Sydney’s most impressive heritage interiors.
Stained-glass ceilings shine above carved wood, polished marble columns surround cozy booths, and sparkling chandeliers add to the dramatic feel. It’s a magical spot and the kind of place that makes you slow down and take it all in. We found a cozy corner booth, ordered cocktails, and enjoyed live music that didn’t overpower our conversation. If anyone asked me for a romantic drink spot in Sydney’s CBD, this would be my top pick.
ROOM FOR TWO
We stayed in Sydney for two nights to see a musical show and meet family for lunch, so we booked a King Corner room. The room was spacious, with around 30 square metres of space, which gave us plenty of room to relax. There was lots of storage for clothes and shoes, which I often miss in other hotels. Our room had large windows overlooking the city skyline, and it felt special in the evenings when the city lights came on. The room had everything we needed: a comfy king bed, a lounge chair with a footstool and big side table, a TV ready for streaming, and a Nespresso machine for morning coffee. I also loved the filtered water tap, which more hotels should offer. I’m not a fan of the small plastic water bottles you usually get by the bed. My suggestion is to take your eye mask with you as some of the windows didn’t have blinds.
If you’re celebrating something special, I’d suggest booking an Executive Room, or, if you can, an Executive Suite.
Rooms on the higher floors have great views of Sydney’s skyline, and watching the city lights from your room feels very romantic. The best part is access to the Executive Lounge, where you get all-day coffee, snacks, and pre-dinner cocktails and canapés.
The hotel also offers plenty of ways to unwind: a large heated indoor pool, a modern gym, and a full-service spa with relaxing massages and wellness treatments. Whether you want to swim, work out, or treat yourselves to a couple’s massage, you’ll find it easy to relax and recharge during your stay.
WHAT COUPLES WILL LOVE
Hilton Sydney makes a romantic city getaway easy. You can explore the Queen Victoria Building’s lovely arcades, walk through Hyde Park, shop at designer stores, or catch a ferry from Circular Quay. There’s even a light rail station right outside, so getting back to the hotel is simple. If you’re in the mood to discover something special, stroll just a few minutes to The Grounds of the City on Pitt Street. This hidden gem is a local favourite for its gorgeous vintage decor, excellent coffee, and freshly baked pastries. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet morning or a late afternoon treat away from the crowds.
After a day out, you can come back for a swim, visit the gym, have cocktails under Marble Bar’s stained-glass ceiling, or enjoy a relaxed dinner downstairs before heading up to your room.
MY TIP FOR A MEMORABLE WEEKEND
If you’re in Sydney on the weekend my tip is to start your evening with a pre-dinner cocktail at Zeta Cocktail Bar on the rooftop terrace because it has the best views of the magnificent QVB, then head down to Glass for a top class meal before making your way to the basement to spend a few hours listening to live music at the Marble Bar – there’s a different group/band playing every night.
Rhonda Bannister
Rhonda co-founded Holidays for Couples more than 30 years ago, establishing it as Australia’s leading voice in romance travel. Now retired from day-to-day operations, she continues as our editor-at-large, travelling widely and reporting with a special focus on experiences that resonate with couples over 60.
