For most of my time in Sydney, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency. Sydney is not generally a cheap hotel market, and this is a nice property in a convenient location. I’ve stayed here a few times before. Most recently on my last trip to Australia at the end of a work trip in 2018. Way back in 2009, I stayed here with my wife on our first trip down under when it was branded as Four Points Sheraton. When reflaggedto Hyatt, the hotel expanded, and did a significant renovation. This is now the largest hotel in Australia with 888 rooms. I did not receive a suite upgrade, and there are not many suites here, but I did get what I was told was the best available room, a balcony room with harbour view.
Hyatt Regency Sydney
To book this hotel, I was fortunate that the property went from Category 5 when booking to Category 4. From my original booking using points, I got a refund, and then was able to use a soon to expire category 1-4 award for a night. Pretty good value for rates over AU$330. As mentioned, no suite upgrade, but my assigned room is a few categories higher than what I booked into. Doubt the hotel was near capacity, but there is a very small percentage of suites for such a large hotel. I’d recommend checking out Yamba hotels if you’re visiting near New South Wales.
I arrived at night after my long journey starting in Liverpool. Four flights in total, Wizz Air, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways. Room was well appointed, and even though this is not a work trip, I do prefer having a desk. The small dining table was fine, and the small couch was a decent spot to relax.
The bathroom is small, but with a shower and no bath, I find the space efficient. Large dispensers of Hyatt brand standard Pharmacopia shampoo/conditioner/body wash in dispensers in the shower. It’s no longer KenetMD, but the typical offering these days, and the large dispensers are becoming more common.
After a long journey, where I was mostly lounging around, I decided to get some fresh air. I spent some time just enjoying the view from the room’s balcony, but also walked around the area near the hotel a bit too.
Korean-style fried chicken and beer made for a satisfying dinner my first night in town.
Around the area
During my stay, I did a lot of walking around Sydney, the CBD to the north of the hotel, but also some other areas. One day I intended to walk, and then rent a bike to get back, but for some reason I couldn’t unlock any of them, so I got a lot of walking in that day. 33,000+ steps per my watch.
Not far from the hotel is a small Chinatown, with (obviously) many Chinese shops, but also Korean and Japanese restaurants as well. I enjoyed some boba after spending much of the afternoon walking around.
For whatever reason on travels of late, I’ve been seeking out street art, Sydney may not have as much as many places in Europe, but there is a decent amount, especially in the area of Newtown, which I encountered on my long walk.
Some of my time in Sydney had rainy days, so I did my best to find indoor activities, including an unplanned visit to St. Marys Cathedral during a particularly strong deluge.
Public spaces at the Hyatt Regency Sydney
Back at the Hyatt Regency, where I didn’t spend that much time other than to sleep and eat breakfast, but I did want to discuss some of the areas that guests will encounter there. There is a large and well appointed Regency Club. Unfortunately this was not open during my stay.
The lobby is not large, and with low ceilings, doesn’t seem very open. Despite this, during my stay with relatively low occupancy, it was never crowded. The breakfast restaurant is located at the back of the lobby, to the left of the stairs in the photo below. Large room with buffet or a la carte options. Rather good meal, but not particularly memorable. Glad it was included thanks to my status.
Final Thoughts
The Hyatt Regency Sydney is a nice reasonable option, especially for those Hyatt loyalists. I have stayed a few times, now, and it is a good base for visitors to Sydney. Worked well for my needs. Although, the real treat was to come. The Park Hyatt is a truly special place.
