Hyatt Regency Sydney
Breakfast with a view of Darling Harbour at the Club Lounge in the Hyatt Regency Sydney.
If you're a Hyatt loyalist, this is your main option in Sydney unless you're ready to splurge on the ultra-luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney. For my most recent short visit, with kids in tow and no need for over-the-top luxury, the Hyatt Regency Sydney was the right choice.
Why I Chose to Stay at the Hyatt Regency Sydney
My stay at the Hyatt Regency Sydney was part of a layover en route to the Gold Coast in Queensland. With flights that didn’t line up perfectly after an international longhaul, staying overnight here was cheaper and more convenient than dealing with the stress of connecting flights right after arrival. By choosing this property, I ensured a bit of rest and non-airport food before continuing the journey home.
Given that Sydney only has two Hyatt properties—the extravagant Park Hyatt and this Hyatt Regency—this felt like a practical choice. I feel it is expensive for what you’re getting, but you’re basically paying for a prime location in the city. And being a Hyatt, it provides the opportunity to earn or redeem Hyatt points, which is a positive if you’re trying to continue your Globalist status for the next year.
The Room and Amenities
I stayed on the 11th floor, which conveniently houses the club lounge. My room had two single beds and a harbor view, a complimentary upgrade since no suites were available. This view turned out to be a treat, especially on a Saturday night when fireworks lit up the sky at 8:30 PM.
The room itself was straightforward and on the smaller side, but functional. There were plenty of outlets, which is always a plus, and the water pressure in the small shower was excellent—hot and responsive, exactly how it should be. Hyatt members also get two complimentary bottles of water, which were in the fridge upon arrival.
The Club Lounge
The Club Lounge was compact but serviceable. It was quite crowded during happy hour, as expected, but breakfast in the morning felt much more relaxed. One downside is that soft drinks are locked outside of happy hour, leaving only tea and coffee available during the day. For a property of this scale, the lounge could use a bit more breathing room, especially given how many guests seem to use it.
Dining and Food Options
Food options at the hotel and nearby were underwhelming, which is often the case in this part of Sydney. I opted for Din Tai Fung via Uber Eats, a dependable choice when I didn’t feel like venturing far. The hotel itself doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking in terms of dining, so plan accordingly if you’re someone who prefers exciting culinary experiences during your stay.
Location and Transportation
One thing to be mindful of is the cost of transportation. My cab ride from the airport to the hotel was nearly $100 AUD, likely due to traffic and the time of day. I reasoned that with two kids with me and all our luggage it was worth it, but if I was by myself I might have chosen the public transport route some of the way. You could probably also try Uber instead.
I’m hesitant to call this property walkable if you’re in Sydney for tourism purposes. You can walk to Darling Harbour, but you’ll have to take transport to get to the most iconic spots like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House (again, those are closer to the fancier Park Hyatt Sydney).
Gym and Fitness Facilities
I made use of the hotel gym during my stay, and while it’s on the smaller side (I keep saying that about this hotel but the actual building itself is very large), it had everything I needed for a solid workout. The equipment included treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights, and some machines. Notably, they had a proper leg extension machine and a lying hamstring curl machine, which I always look for when traveling. The gym also provided towels, fresh fruit, and an in-built water filter to refill your bottle, which was a nice touch.
The Vibe
This hotel strikes a balance between efficiency and simplicity. I noticed several airline crews checking in and out during my stay, a sign that the hotel offers the right mix of amenities without going overboard. The service is professional but not overly indulgent, which suits the needs of most travelers passing through.
Hyatt Regency vs. Park Hyatt Sydney- Where Should You Stay?
The Hyatt Regency Sydney isn’t a luxury escape (relative to the Hyatt brand range of offerings), but it’s a dependable choice for those looking to collect or redeem Hyatt points while staying in the city.
If you want more extravagance, the Park Hyatt Sydney is a better option, though it comes with a hefty price tag. For families, business travelers, or those on layovers like me, the Hyatt Regency offers comfort, convenience, and reliability.
Would I stay here again? Likely, especially if traveling with my kids or needing a practical overnight spot. It’s not the most exciting property, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need—a place to rest, recharge, and move forward.
Points or Pay?
The Hyatt Regency Sydney is probably the most expensive Hyatt Regency I’ve ever stayed at in terms of dollar amount. For that reason, I wouldn’t be parting with cash to stay here. It’s appropriately billed as Category 4 in the World of Hyatt app which means you can use your free night benefit if you have one or spend the 15,000 points to stay a night. This property is strictly a points hotel for me.