12 of the best hotels in Sydney for families 2024
Sydney, Australia’s most well-known city, is an exceptional destination for families seeking a memorable getaway.
As the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is a hub of culture, food and attractions. Families can embark on scenic harbour cruises, take a tour of the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, and chill out at the iconic beaches of Bondi and Manly.
Looking for where to stay in Sydney with kids? Fortunately, the city boasts a plethora of kid-friendly hotels, each offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
From panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Opera House to easy access to the sandy shores of Bondi Beach, these accommodations will undoubtedly enhance your family’s experience of this picturesque Australian jewel. Read on to discover some of the best accommodation for families in Sydney.
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Sydney CBD
The Sydney CBD (Central Business District for the non-Aussies) is the vibrant and bustling heart of Sydney. As a major commercial and cultural hub, it is packed full of iconic landmarks, world-class shopping, and incredible dining and entertainment options.
If you’re a group that prefers to be among the action, you’ll find plenty of suitable family accommodation in the Sydney city centre. It’s a super convenient location for getting out there and exploring the best that Sydney has to offer.
From the CBD, you can easily access family-friendly activities, museums and parks in the area, as well as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and more. Making Sydney CBD one of the best places to stay in Sydney for families.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
From babysitting services to special kids’ menus at the on-site restaurants, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney ensures that children of all ages are well taken care of, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their stay to the fullest.
This superb family accommodation in Sydney CBD offers a range of recreational facilities that cater to both children and adults, including the swimming pool area. The centralised location is perfect for shopping, eating out and getting around the city. Best of all, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the Sydney Opera House.
Comfortable twin-bed rooms are available, and a baby cot including complimentary toiletries can be requested. You can also request a room with a bathtub for bathing the little ones. Valet parking is offered if you’re driving into the city.
Note that the stairs leading up to the hotel can be tricky if you have a lot of luggage with you, but there is typically someone at the entrance that can help you. Also, extra care should be taken around the pool area, as the tiles can get quite slippery.
Mantra 2 Bond Street
Mantra 2 Bond Street is a luxurious urban retreat nestled in the heart of Sydney CBD. It effortlessly combines modern elegance and state-of-the-art amenities with a warm and welcoming ambiance.
While the noise of Bond Street may be too much for young babies and toddlers, particularly on the weekends, it’s a wonderful place to stay if you have older kids or teenagers.
The hotel’s dedicated staff goes above and beyond to cater to guests’ needs. Some rooms come with fully-equipped kitchens including a dishwasher, as well as a washing machine and a dryer, making it ideal for those staying more than a few days. Yet, the highlight is undoubtedly the heated rooftop pool.
The restaurant downstairs is only open for breakfast, though there are plenty of dining options in the area or you can use the kitchen facilities in your room. If you have a big family, it’s best to be aware that the bathrooms can be a bit small and might not fit everyone wanting to get ready!
Hyde Park Inn
The Hyde Park Inn in the Sydney CBD is a charming and welcoming accommodation and is a great option when looking for family friendly hotels in Sydney.
As the name suggests, the hotel is right across from Hyde Park, with rooms offering views of the gorgeous greenery in addition to the city skyline. From the rooftop terrace, you can also see views of famous landmarks like the Sydney Tower Eye and St Mary’s Cathedral.
The hotel’s warm and attentive staff ensures that every guest feels right at home throughout their stay. Family rooms come with a kitchenette that includes tea and coffee making facilities, a bar fridge with a small freezer, a toaster and a microwave. However, if you don’t feel like cooking, a light continental breakfast is offered.
The soundproofing here is good, so you and the kids won’t hear too much of the hustle and bustle outside. You can also take advantage of the unlimited free WiFi to further plan your trip or relax after a long day of adventures.
The Hyde Park Inn has good parking available, which is rare for the inner city. However, the layouts of some of the bathrooms as well as the water pressure can be a letdown.
This combined with the family rooms coming with only one bathroom might not be the most convenient if you’re a large family who’ll be fighting over the mirror in the morning.
Darling Harbour
Sydney Darling Harbour is a captivating waterfront hub known for its lively atmosphere and array of attractions. Just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Sydney CBD, the precinct draws in locals and tourists alike with its scenic promenade and stunning views of the water and the iconic Sydney skyline.
With its blend of modern architecture and historical charm, Darling Harbour is an amazing showcase of the city’s vibrant spirit and cosmopolitan character.
Darling Harbour is considered one of the best family friendly suburbs in Sydney because of the amount of family friendly acitivies to do in the area.
A mecca for entertainment and leisure, you will find countless family-friendly activities like the mesmerising SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and the playground at Darling Quarter. The iconic Sydney Opera House is also about a half-an-hour walk away.
SKYE Suites Sydney
SKYE Suites Sydney offers some of the best family accommodation in Darling Harbour. Families staying here can enjoy a luxurious and spacious accommodation that caters to their needs.
The SKYE Suites Sydney is based on Kent Street so they are technically base din the CBD but are still relatively close to Darling Harbour.
The generously-sized two-bedroom suites provide ample space for parents and children to be comfortable. With separate living areas and fully-equipped kitchens, families can prepare their meals, making it ideal for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions.
The hotel’s central location is convenient for getting to and from attractions, and the concierge service can assist with planning family-oriented activities and generally ensuring a smooth stay.
The indoor swimming pool is suitable for both the kids and parents. There’s unlimited free WiFi, and Google Chromecast is available for in-room entertainment.
While SKYE Suites Sydney offers a luxurious experience, the higher price point might be a potential drawback for some families on a budget.
If you have a car, parking will also be quite expensive. It should also be noted that, depending on room allocation, it can be slightly noisy at night due to the bar across the road.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour
Staying at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is a fantastic choice for families seeking a memorable and laid-back trip. Areas like Circular Quay and Potts Point are within walking distance, with a plethora of amazing attractions to discover as a family.
This upscale hotel boasts a beautiful rooftop pool area, where kids can splash around and play while the adults can unwind in the surrounding lounge chairs with a refreshing drink.
The hotel’s spacious and modern suites provide lots of comfort, with twin and interconnecting room options as well as a separate bathtub upon request. Rooms are well soundproofed, and pets are allowed too.
Additionally, the on-site dining options cater to diverse palates, which is exactly what you need when eating out as a family! However, keep in mind that the buffet breakfast for kids is an additional charge paid for at check out, as adults are only included in the initial booking.
Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour
From its spacious accommodations to its array of family-focused amenities, Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour is a top place to stay for travellers. The hotel’s contemporary and stylish design combined with the welcoming atmosphere make for a relaxing home away from home that parents can enjoy once the kids have gone to bed.
Harbour views can be requested when booking for an even more memorable stay. This Darling Harbour hotel is also the closest to all the notable attractions, including the aquarium and the zoo.
The Novotel’s family-oriented hospitality is shown with its dedicated Kids Club and play areas, where children can engage in supervised activities. Meanwhile, the adults or older kids can enjoy time on the tennis courts, at the pool, or indulging in the spa services.
The hotel’s dining options (including a delicious breakfast) cater to young palates with kid-friendly menus, making sure that even the pickiest eaters are happy.
For the little ones who have trouble falling asleep, black-out curtains are readily available. If you happen to be visiting during a birthday or an anniversary, the friendly staff will go out of their way to ensure you celebrate in style.
With all the amazing benefits to staying at the Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, there are some cons to weigh up as well. In-room WiFi is an additional cost, and only 30-minutes are offered for free in the lobby per day.
The shower pressure can be a little weak, and there are no washer-dryer facilities in the room. Lastly, check-in starts at 3 pm, which may be inconvenient if you’re arriving in Sydney much earlier.
Bondi
Bondi is world-renowned for its stunning beaches. With its golden sands and turquoise waters, this coastal suburb offers an idyllic setting for families looking for a beachside retreat. However, the suburb’s proximity to the Sydney CBD makes it easy to get to various attractions and cultural experiences around the city.
Bondi Beach provides numerous activities suitable for all ages, from building sandcastles and swimming to surfing lessons and beach volleyball. Families can also enjoy picturesque coastal walks, such as the Bondi to Coogee walk.
The crashing waves along the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool is an attraction travellers of all ages will enjoy checking out. Bondi also has a diverse range of restaurants, cafes and shops, ensuring a variety of choices when it comes to dining and entertainment options.
Hotel Bondi
With its prime location just moments away from the sun-kissed shores of Bondi Beach, the Hotel Bondi offers a laid-back atmosphere with a sense of luxury and comfort.
This charming boutique hotel is full of coastal-inspired touches, with many rooms coming with amazing views of the sea from the balcony. The hotel’s restaurant is open for dinner as well if you don’t feel like walking anywhere.
Family suites fit up to five people, coming with two single beds, an extra-large double bed and a sofa bed. There is also a good size living area, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, free tea and coffee, ironing facilities, and a sometimes bathtub (which you can email to request if necessary).
Although some may find the interiors of the property a little dated, everything is very clean and well laid out. There’s a bar downstairs, so you may need to pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
QT Bondi
For something a little more stylish and contemporary, opt to stay at QT Bondi, one of the trendiest family hotels in Sydney. Only 300 metres from the beach, there are bikes, surfboards, boogie boards and beach towels all available to rent from the hotel.
There are also plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as a Woolworths supermarket if you prefer to cook something or stock up on snacks.
Families can choose between the Atrium Suite and the Gould Street Suite, both of which include a large double bed and a sofa bed, fitting up to two adults and two kids.
The beautifully-designed suites come with air-con, a balcony, dining and lounge areas, flat-screen TVs, laundry facilities, a kitchenette and more. There’s also free WiFi and in-room movies, and the friendly staff can help you out with anything else you might need.
Unfortunately there are no views of the ocean from the hotel, but the luxuriousness more than makes up for this. While check-in isn’t until 3 pm, you are able to store your luggage until then if you arrive earlier.
Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney
Eager to stay in Bondi for more than a few days? The Adina Apartment Hotel is an ideal Sydney accommodation for families that wish to have a little home away from home.
Since the hotel is about five minutes away from Bondi Beach, it has its own swimming pool, as well as a hot tub and a fitness centre. It’s also a short drive from Centennial Park and the Sydney Opera House.
Accommodation options for families include fully self-contained apartments, and two-bedroom apartments with interconnecting rooms. The two-bedroom apartments come with two bathrooms, which is a huge plus.
All rooms have sofas, dining tables, kitchens and flat-screen TVs, so you can feel totally at home here. There is also plenty of shelving next to the basin in the bathrooms for those who like to travel with a lot of beauty products!
Free WiFi is available, although it is limited to two devices per room at a restricted speed of only 512Kbps. Check-in starts at 3pm, but you can store your bags at reception if necessary.
Manly
Nestled along the picturesque Northern Beaches, Manly offers a safe and relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the best family-friendly suburbs in Sydney.
This peaceful area is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy time outdoors. Many of the streets are pedestrian-friendly and there is a welcoming vibe here.
You and the kids can swim and build sandcastles at the lifeguard-patrolled Manly Beach, have some fun at the Manly Waterworks park, take a ferry ride from Manly Wharf, and go on a bike-ride along the stunning coastline.
The number of family-friendly accommodations also make Manly the best area to stay in Sydney with kids. Many hotels and holiday rentals in the area cater specifically to families, providing spacious rooms or apartments with convenient amenities.
Quest Manly
The Quest Manly is located opposite Manly Ferry Wharf, making it super easy and convenient to travel around Sydney via ferry. The scenic North Head Sanctuary and the Manly Art Museum and Gallery are also a short walk away from the hotel.
The top accommodation option for families here is the two-bedroom self-contained apartments with harbour views. You can also pick the studio if you want to spend a little less or there are only three of you, as it comes with a queen bed as well as a sofa bed.
The bathrooms have great shower pressure, and there is complimentary WiFi and Foxtel iQ2. Rooms also come with desks, outdoor seating on the balcony, and a kitchenette. The interiors are quite simple, yet very clean with all the necessary amenities. The staff are friendly and helpful, so you are able to communicate any issues well.
There is a bus stop outside the hotel and you can hear a bit of street traffic throughout the day, which might wake you up in the morning if you tend to sleep in. However, any outside noise dies down by nighttime. Although there is no pool at the hotel, Manly Beach is only 500 metres away.
The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach
The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach is a little bit more stylish, and ideally situated right at the south end of the beach. Despite its location right by the water, the boutique hotel also features two swimming pools and a spa.
Many of the rooms have been recently refurbished and now look very sleek and modern. Yet, some extra attention is required when booking to ensure you don’t end up with an outdated room. Studios and one-bedroom apartments can fit three people, while the one-bedroom family suites suit up to five.
All rooms include private balconies with outdoor furniture, so you can admire a beautiful view of the ocean and the trees during your morning coffee. It’s quite a peaceful setting compared to hotels further up the coastline. You can also take advantage of free WiFi and reasonably-priced parking.
Since breakfast isn’t offered here, you’ll have to go to the cafe across the road or to any of the other amazing spots in the area. You’ll also have to request pool towels at reception when you want to go for a swim. Note that check-in starts at 3pm, but luggage storage is offered.
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection
Last on the list is a 5-star gem called the Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection. If you’re looking to go all-out and money isn’t a worry, this is definitely the best Sydney accommodation for families.
This beachfront hotel comes with everything, from a restaurant and a bar to a fitness centre and a rooftop pool. Top attractions for families like the Taronga Zoo and Luna Park Sydney are less than 10 kilometres away.
There are numerous room options to choose from that can fit four guests, including the coastal villa, which has two single beds and an extra-large double bed. The superior and deluxe queen rooms are great as well, both of which come with two large queen beds. You can request an ocean view upon booking.
The interiors are immaculately designed with gorgeous, modern decor. No matter which option you choose, all rooms come with a cosy seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a safety deposit box. The villa comes with extras like a dining table, a floor-length mirror and a kitchenette.
Buffet breakfast is offered, though it can get a bit chaotic and busy. You should also be aware that there are no exhaust fans in the bathrooms, so they can easily become too steamy. Car parking is limited as well.
Added Extra: Areas to Avoid
Although there are so many areas of Sydney that are amazing for families to visit, there are a few that aren’t so suitable as well, particularly if you are travelling with young kids.
Places with high crime rates include Redfern, Kings Cross and Blacktown. Things can quickly get out of hand at nighttime in these suburbs, so it’s best to avoid staying at any hotels here.
Final Thoughts: best places to stay in sydney for families
No matter what type of family vacation you’re planning, Sydney has something for everyone. From luxury hotels to more economical options, there’s plenty of good family hotels in Sydney that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable.
With so many beautiful sights to see and experiences to have, why not book one of these family hotels in Sydney Australia today and turn your dream family vacation into reality! A great way to get the best rates is by booking online. So why wait? Start your adventure today!
Read More about Sydney:
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- Luxury Travel Guide to Sydney
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- Free Things to Do in Sydney
