Discover why Novotel Sydney Darling Square is one of the best places to stay in Sydney CBD. Read our in-depth review of this luxury accommodation near Darling Harbour, offering convenience, comfort, and style for your next city getaway. Sydney is a very walkable city when you pick the right place to stay and there is plenty to see within a short distance of Novotel Sydney Darling Square.

Where to stay in Sydney

It is an easy seven-minute stroll from Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour Square to the Capitol Theatre. The hotel is almost adjacent to Chinatown where the streets are lined with eateries.  It is almost possible to think you are in Hong Kong or Singapore with the aromas of char-grilled food that float by as you walk through the narrow streets.

Just over the road are the serene  Chinese Gardens of Friendship which are a delightful place to escape the maddening crowd. Do take a wander through there if time allows. Darling Harbour and the ICC (International Convention Centre Sydney) is only a short walk away too, or you can head into the CBD area and explore shopping haunts like the Queen Victoria Building. It is also just a four-minute walk from Paddy’s Markets light rail station and nine kilometres from the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Staying at this hotel, I could walk to events and catch an Uber to others. Keep reading for a full review of the hotel, answering all your questions.

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Plan Your Trip to Sydney

Planning a trip to Sydney offers endless excitement, from iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House to world-class dining and vibrant culture. When it comes to accommodation, staying at one of the best places to stay in Sydney CBD ensures you’re right in the heart of the action, with everything at your doorstep. Whether you’re exploring Darling Harbour, shopping at Pitt Street Mall, or soaking in the views at Circular Quay, choosing the right hotel will elevate your experience. Opt for a centrally located property, where you can enjoy both comfort and convenience, making your Sydney getaway unforgettable.

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Novotel Sydney Darling Square review

Easily distinguished by its exterior mural, Novotel Sydney Darling Square has 230 rooms. I checked in early in the day to a pleasant welcome at the ground-floor reception. It was too early to access the room (10 a.m.), so I left my bag and returned in the early evening after a very long day to pick up the key and retire for the night.

 

Inside the room

I stayed in Room 724, which was a Standard King Accessible Room designed to accommodate people with different abilities—an excellent option for anyone looking for **luxury accommodation near Darling Harbour**.

It had a view over the street into nearby buildings and offered a quiet night’s sleep. If you prefer a quieter room, choose this side of the building rather than the rooms overlooking the Chinese Gardens, as my friends noted that those had more traffic noise. It’s a helpful tip for anyone reading this Novotel Sydney Darling Square review when selecting a room to suit their preferences.

The room was spacious, featuring free Wi-Fi (included in my room tariff) and a flat-screen Samsung smart television opposite the bed. The ability to stream your own content to the TV is a great touch, especially for travellers staying at one of the best places to stay in Sydney CBD. Just be sure to log out of your account after using the smart TV. There’s also an In Balance TV channel designed to help guests enjoy a good night’s sleep or wake up refreshed for the day’s activities.

With plenty of power points and several USB slots on both sides of the bed and at the desk, you won’t struggle to find a place to charge your devices. Although there wasn’t a master switch, I found it easy enough to turn off all the room lights when I wanted to sleep.

The bed was comfortable but was fitted with just a bottom sheet and a sheet-covered doona, which made for a warm night’s sleep at times—especially during the early morning when the air conditioning seemed to cycle slowly. You may want to set the air conditioning low at night to avoid this.

If you’re particular about your pillow, there’s sure to be something to please you among the five choices on the pillow menu, including u-shaped and memory foam options, adding to the overall comfort of this luxury accommodation near Darling Harbour.

Bathroom style

My room was fitted as an Accessible Room, so I can’t comment on the layout in a standard room.

Fitting the hotel’s sustainability theme, the bathroom products are Fair Trade. There’s also a powerful hairdryer, which I often find lacking in hotel rooms, and it wasn’t concealed inside a bag, which can provide an extra challenge when you are struggling to get ready in the morning.

What’s inside the mini-bar?

No problem if you get the midnight munchies in this hotel.  The mini bar had plenty of options, from chocolate bars and Tim Tams to chips. There was no in-room Nespresso machine but Dilmah teas and real milk were nice touches.  Peppermint tea was a nice inclusion and greatly appreciated by me.

Dining options

There are two eateries inside Novotel Sydney Darling Square. On the ground floor, the Pier Street Kitchen serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner—so if you roll out of bed and can’t bear to walk more than a few steps for food, you’re in luck. It’s complemented by PS Wine in the lobby, perfect for a quick coffee or snack (or, let’s be real, a sneaky glass of wine when you “just need a break”). Indeed, a luxury accommodation near Darling Harbour means never being far from caffeine or cabernet.

Pumphouse Sydney, in a charming redbrick building dating back to 1891, serves up a solid lineup of craft and premium brews, including their signature Thunderbolt Strong Ale—perfect for those who take their history with a side of hops. This heritage-listed microbrewery adds a fun, historic touch to one of the best places to stay in Sydney CBD. Cheers to that!

The 24-hour room service menu offers dietician-approved healthy options. You’ll get portions that make you feel virtuous, plenty of veggies, and nutritionally balanced meals. After indulging in Sydney’s amazing food scene, a little health kick never hurt anyone.

Staying Fit

Novotel Sydney Darling Square also keeps things fit with a heated indoor swimming pool and gym. I was tempted to request a yoga mat from reception and do my own in-room workout… but my bed was just too comfy. Maybe next time, yoga mat. Maybe next time.

Oh, and for those on a business trip—don’t worry, they’ve got a business centre too. Because emails don’t answer themselves (who knew?).

Novotel Sydney Darling Square review – Sigh with happiness factor

Satisfied! Novotel Sydney Darling Square is a mid-priced stay, but this hotel has much to delight the modern traveller looking for luxury accommodation near Darling Harbour. My only gripe with the hotel involved my bag. When I checked in early at 10 am, I left my bag and returned in the early evening after a very long day to pick up the key and retire for the night. Unfortunately, my bag had not been placed in my room as I was told, which meant another trip to reception—a situation you don’t want to face after a tiring day. This also happened to my travelling companion. Use this Novotel Sydney Darling Square review to pick your room carefully to suit your needs, and you will have a delightful stay in one of the best places to stay in Sydney CBD. Find it at 17 Little Pier Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Best places to stay in Sydney

Here are some other great places to stay in Sydney CBD –  Tank Stream Hotel,   Hyatt Regency Sydney and Sofitel Darling Harbour

Disclaimer

Ed+bK stayed at Novotel Sydney Darling Square while visiting Sydney as a guest of TravMedia for the International Media Marketplace.