Review: Hyatt Regency Sydney

This luxury Sydney hotel continues to deliver, especially in the breakfast stakes.

My legs are weary as I reach my ninth floor room at Hyatt Regency Sydney and swipe my key to enter. A day of meetings and networking events has sent me into retreat mode. 

Two more steps and I collapse on the bed where I’ll have some of the deepest sleep I’ve had in years. A button by the bedside catches my eye, and at my touch, the semi-sheer blinds rise – slowly, but who can rush a grand reveal – to deliver a pink-tinged sunset view of Darling Harbour below. I throw on a fluffy robe and stretch out on the daybed to admire the scene.

Location

Set at the intersection of the CBD and Darling Harbour on Sussex Street, this hotel gets an A+ for convenience. Sydney Airport is just eight kilometres away, with the closest train station being Town Hall, a 10-minute walk. There is a Wilson Parking directly opposite the hotel. Importantly, the spoils of Darling Harbour, Kings Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Pitt Street are all within 5-10 minutes’ walk.

Hyatt Regency Sydney's lobby.

The vibe

In a word, it’s bustling. Greeted at the door of my Uber, the entrance to the lobby is all impressive light sculptures, monstrous-sized blooms, and desk upon desk of staff ready to assist. With 878 rooms, Hyatt Regency Sydney is the largest full-service hotel in Australia and the lobby (and bar), serves as a comfortable meeting point.  

The rooms

Having completed pre-check in at my morning arrival, I receive an email to inform me my room is ready around midday, and when I arrive back at the hotel, my bag is waiting for me in the room. I’m in a King Bed With Harbour View room, one of the 649 rooms to be refreshed in 2020 under the direction of Bates Smart – the final stage of its redevelopment since opening in 2016. Drawing inspiration from the harbourside location, a nautical palette runs through with deep blue wallpaper, wave-patterned carpet, and porthole-shaped mirrors. 

Views are one of the hotel's standouts.

A cocooning bedhead with marble-topped side tables offers plentiful charging points, and master power and reading lamps are easily switched on and off. A small table is tucked into one corner and a large Chromecast-enabled TV hangs on the wall. WiFi is free. Hotel services are available by scanning a QR code at the bedside, including room service menus. All in all, everything is here for a comfortable stay. If one thing lets it down it’s the lacklustre mini bar. 

Regency Club room or suite guests have exclusive access to the swanky, newly renovated Regency Club on the 11th floor, while at the top-end, two Terrace Suites sleep up to six and come with an outdoor terrace for entertaining. On a sustainability note, filter water dispensers are on each floor with glass carafes in rooms, Pharmacopia amenities are in large pump bottles in the shower (though mini moisturiser remains), and sheets and towels are replaced every three days unless requested.

Pharmacopia amenities are in large pump bottles in the shower.

Food and drink

At 7am the breakfast buffet at Sailmaker restaurant is abuzz with lanyard-wearing colleagues, myself included, and the efficiency of staff is to be applauded. Greeted, seated and coffee order taken, I’m also offered assistance to gather made-to-order Hilltop free range eggs, green juice, and pastries on account of the crutches I am currently reliant on. 

Stations are laden with local ingredients with signs detailing their backstory – delicious fermented crumpets with a rack of Malfroy’s Gold honeycomb from the Blue Mountains, Brooklyn Boy Bagels with flavoured cream cheese, and micro herbs by Greenspace, grown a few minutes’ walk away in Darling Park. Also pleasing is the self-serve breakfast cocktail station. Kir Royale, anyone?

The crowning glory is Zephyr – a rooftop bar designed to mimic a superyacht.

Beyond breakfast, Sailmaker transforms by night to become a sustainable seafood destination and there are three more dining venues on site. The crowning glory is Zephyr – a rooftop bar designed to mimic a superyacht, delivering cracking sunset views. I meet a friend and enjoy a signature Coco Loco cocktail, with coconut tequila blanco and Aperol. Fresh Batemans Bay oysters with wild hibiscus gin and finger lime mignonette, and beetroot feta arancini are both delicious, delivered with prompt table service.

The extras

There is a spa (closed Tuesdays), and a fitness centre with Peloton bike, but no pool.

The ‘Hyatt Has It’ program has a list of often forgotten items available to borrow or buy – think deodorant, free weights or a hair straightener – with delivery to your door upon request.

The Regency Studio Suite.

What’s hot

The very cool vibe and sunset vistas dished up at Zephyr bar – make a booking.

What’s not

Queues can form for breakfast and elevators during ‘rush hour’ so factor this into your schedule.

There is a spa (closed Tuesdays), and a fitness centre with Peloton bike, but no pool.

The verdict: 7.5/10

While it leans more corporate than some of Sydney’s top hotels, the Hyatt Regency can’t be faulted for position or service.

Park, Stay & Play is the most popular package at Hyatt Regency Sydney and includes accommodation, 24 hours parking, a cocktail per person, buffet breakfast and 20% off at restaurants & bars. From $369 (subject to availability).

The writer was a guest of Hyatt Regency Sydney.

Originally published as Review: Hyatt Regency Sydney