Sydney's Luxury Hotels, Part One

We've been there, slept in the beds, and in some cases dined on the cuisine. Here's part one of a two part feature, highlighting our top picks for romantic getaways NSW in Sydney:

The Park Hyatt, Sydney

Regarded as one of the top hotels in Sydney for a romantic getaway for over 21 years, the Park Hyatt Sydney went through an 11-month long major renovation before reopening its doors to the public again in 2012. Almost every corner of this iconic property, which enjoys pride of place in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was transformed. There was much to love on re-inspection of this iconic hotel; the new contemporary design more "city-chic apartment" than hotel, the Australian-inspired menu with a view in its premier restaurant, The Dining Room, the glamorous Spa, and artworks from renowned names including Tim Johnson and Robert Billington.

Our Opera House Deluxe suite was huge, with floor to ceiling windows which opened out onto two separate balconies, views over the Opera House and city skyline and a bathroom with a spa bath.

Check out our full luxury hotel review, along with our spa review.

The Shangri-La, Sydney

Standing atop The Rocks behind George Street in Sydney's CBD, this luxury hotel captures the landscape of Sydney Harbour with jaw-dropping views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from pretty much every room. That's just one reason why it's the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway. It's not short of facilities either, with dining venues including the outstanding Altitude, which arguably has the best views in Sydney coupled with classic contemporary Australian cuisine, and Blu Bar, an über chic cocktail venue which has to be seen to be believed. Both are on Level 36. If that wasn't enough, there's also a fully equipped Health Club with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sun deck, and the expansive, world class spa, CHI. Our Executive Grand Harbour King Room, had views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House; we could only imagine it would be one of the very best places from which to watch the famous Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Check out our full luxury hotel review, and our in depth spa review.

Ovolo

Another 5-star luxury boutique hotel with an idyllic location, it's set on the shores of Woolloomooloo Bay with views of the Sydney city skyline, and has been receiving rave reviews as an ideal romantic getaway for several years now. Ovolo sits at the start of Finger Wharf, a renovated piece of history which stretches into Woolloomooloo Bay, and was originally built in 1910 as a wool and cargo handling facility. The hotel also has a fitness centre and a 17 metre heated pool. There is no primary dining venue restaurant as such, but there are six high quality restaurants including Otto Ristorante located within Finger Wharf which offer charge-back to guests staying at the hotel. Of the 100 guest rooms there are 36 loft suites with harbour views with the Sydney skyline and Botanic Gardens on one side of the hotel, and the Garden Island Naval Base and the suburb of Potts Point on the other. Those with city and Potts Point views feature floor to ceiling windows which help to add to the "Sex and the City" vibe of the place.