There’s something to be said about traveling in style, especially when it comes to booking a high-end suite at a luxurious hotel. Gone are the times when a complimentary fruit platter and an overflowing mini-bar were considered indulgent. These days, it’s all about customized pillow menus, high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and private butlers. If you find yourself Down Under, then these five Sydney suites will take you on an unparalleled journey.
Adored Suite, The Darling
Having hosted stars such as George Clooney, Joel Madden and Leonardo DiCaprio, The Darling is a luxury-seeker’s paradise. As part of The Star entertainment development, this hotel boasts Hollywood-esque charm, and you’ll feel it the moment you enter one of the Adored Suites. The living rooms offer 180-degree views of Sydney’s inner west suburbs, the bedrooms afford floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the city’s skyline and the bathrooms overlook the Harbour Bridge from afar. If the 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and merino-wool blankets don’t scream high-end loud enough, then the Molton Brown bath amenities placed near the Jacuzzi and the rain showerhead will lead you there.
Presidential Suite, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Whether you want a private butler, a personal shopper, a private dinner cooked just for you or a $10,000 diamond martini, this Presidential Suite has it all. But don’t forget the uninterrupted views of the harbor, Sydney Opera House and the northern beaches from 35 floors above ground, too. There are no loud art installations or a high-tech control system in this suite; it’s as simple and classic as its decade-long existence. The elegant and feminine interiors speak subtly for the royal treatment you’re about to embark on. There’s a reason why the crown prince and princess of Denmark and Lady Gaga like to call this home on a regular basis.
QT State Suite, QT Sydney
If you want to soak in the energetic and busy vibe of downtown Sydney, then these New York-style suites, located in the pulsating heart of the city, should be your one and only stop. The contemporary yet rustic interiors of the Art Deco-style rooms instantly draw you in, even before the whiff of Chanel No.5 (spritzed in the room prior to your arrival) can. The mahogany walls join forces with the modern, asymmetrical interiors, creating a combination of opposites that works in the space. Complimentary make-your-own martini kits with Patrón XO Cafe and Belvedere vodka sit ready to be shaken, while imported Kashwere bathrobes hang around the bathrooms to be embraced.
Harbour View Balcony Suite, The Sebel Pier One
Possessing a nautical theme, The Sebel Pier One fittingly sits right next to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Each of the property’s four Harbour View Balcony Suites has everything you’d want in a great hotel suite: a couples shower, egg-shaped bathtub, Bose sound system, flat-screen TV perched at the edge of your bed for late-night shows and, last but not least, an unbelievable vista. The bridge enamours you with its architectural brilliance no matter which part of the room you’re in — the proximity is astounding. The suite comes fully stocked with luxe features, such as Appelles Apothecary bath products, double brass bowl vanities, floor-to-ceiling windows and rain showers. Locals mock the property to be an anti-tourism destination, because once you’ve checked in, you won’t want to leave its premises.
Sydney Suite, Park Hyatt Sydney
While the Sydney Suite only sits on the fourth floor of the harborfront hotel, it provides nearly 360-degree views of the Opera House, harbor and bridge from the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the rooms. And if you want to spread out, this is the place; the nearly 3,800-square-foot suite is the largest in the city. The neutral-hued two-bedroom space comes with an outdoor terrace with loungers and a dining area, a full kitchen and dining room, a sauna and a 24-hour butler at your beck and call. Even the marble bathroom is top of the line, with a Toto electronic toilet, TV and huge spa tub.
Photos Courtesy of The Darling; QT Sydney; Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney