Crown Towers Sydney: A celeb-frequented hotspot with the best views of Darling Harbour

The Rooms

Credit: Crown Towers Sydney

1/5

With a staggering 349 rooms, privacy might seem like a concern. However, with a regular influx of celebrity guests, Crown Towers Sydney manages this exceptionally well. Key cards are programmed to provide access only to your designated floor and shared areas like the pool, spa, restaurants, and other facilities.

As for the rooms, I had requested one with a double bed as I was staying with my sibling, and we were both pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was. The room easily fits two king-sized beds with ample space left for an additional cot — perfect if you’re traveling with children.

The floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was breathtaking at night with all the room lights switched off. However, construction on the plot of land in front of us meant that the view might be even better from rooms on the other side of the hotel.

There’s no fighting for bathroom space here either. The enormous marble-clad bathroom feels like a separate wing entirely, featuring dual sinks, a heated Japanese toilet (ideal for chilly winters), a spacious shower, and a luxurious bathtub.

The Food

Credit: Crown Towers Sydney

2/5

Helmed by some of the world’s greatest chefs, Crown Towers Sydney is home to culinary giants such as Nobu, Woodcut, Yoshii’s Omakase and more. With 11 restaurants located within the hotel itself, you could choose to not venture out for dining options and still be spoilt for choice.

Breakfast is served at Epicurean, a seemingly endless buffet with food stations covering both Western and Asian cuisines and featuring plenty of sweet and savoury options. There’s even a breakfast cocktail, an ice cream selection and a flowing chocolate tower for those who fancy dessert at breakfast. It can get pretty crowded at peak hour which might delay made-to-order items such as eggs or coffee so try to plan your breakfast visit accordingly. 

If breakfast was already a treat, I had no idea what was in store for dinner. I had the opportunity to dine at A’mare, a classic Italian restaurant serving old-world grandeur where waiters in tuxedos prepare your food tableside – a hit with the Instagram set.

A huge two-level restaurant and sunset views (and a friendly maître d’) greeting you if you book pre-drinks in the evening. While amare means seafood in Italian, don’t let the name fool you. Our wagyu steak was the perfect accompaniment to our Moreton Bay bug (a species of lobster) cream pasta, though the beef tartare could have used a bit more tart.

The Facilities

Credit: Crown Towers Sydney

3/5

If you have the privilege of visiting Syndey in the summer, it would be an absolute crime not to check out the pool.

Decadent, is the word I would use to best describe it. Granted, expansive views of the harbour greet you at almost every corner of Crown Towers Sydney, but none can beat the panoramic view from the 5th floor of the pool deck. 

It was summer when I was there, but if you wanted to take a dip even in cooler temperatures, the pool is heated to a perfect 28 degrees all year round. Poolside dining and private cabanas are also available, with diligent poolside attendees scurrying over with ice water in tow.

The Neighbourhood

Credit: Crown Towers Sydney

5/5

Darling Harbour feels like the hotel’s backyard, with a convenient exit leading you directly to it.

From here, you can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront at sunset, gelato in hand. Travelling with kids or love a good activity? The nearby SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Australian Maritime Museum are perfect spots to while away the afternoon.

My favourite activity was hopping on a ferry around the harbour, offering unobstructed views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You don’t even have to buy a transportation card, the gantry accepts global credit cards. Trust me, there’s nothing like soaking in the scenery from the roof of a boat, free from the usual tourist crowds, with the wind in your hair. If you have the time, I highly recommend taking the ferry to Manly Beach (as opposed to hitting Bondi) for a more relaxed, and less touristy experience of Sydney.

If the 11 restaurants on the hotel property don’t tempt your palate, the waterfront offers a variety of dining options, ranging from classic Australian fare to Thai cuisine. Just keep in mind the prices tend to be on the higher side due to the prime location.

For shopping enthusiasts, the precinct is about a 20-minute walk away. Be sure to visit the historic Queen Victoria Building for a mix of local and international stores. And don’t miss a personal favourite of mine: Chinatown Country Club, a designer boutique that stocks cult labels like Ottolinger, Shushu/Tong, and Caro Chia.