Whether it's a city break with friends or a family-friendly getaway, we’ve found some of Sydney's best group accommodation that can fit up to eight guests, from luxury self-contained apartments to cool hostels with bunks.
- 8 min read
For Bondi beachside style: The Blue Hotel
Set in the heart of Bondi, The Blue Hotel has ultra-stylish group accommodation. With calming tones and moody lighting, the hotel is designed as a relaxed home away from home, a block back from Bondi’s famous beach, which is home to iconic Bondi Icebergs pool. Choose your abode from a Blue Penthouse XL that sleeps four adults or the Blue Family Suite that sleeps six in a king bed and two bunk beds. Or have the ultimate sleepover with mates in the Blue Group Suite, which has three bunks of six queen beds. The hotel has an in-house Italian restaurant and is within walking distance to Bondi institutions such as fine diner Sean’s Panaroma and social hotspot Hotel Ravesis.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 25-minute drive (7.5km)
The Blue Hotel, Bondi Beach - Credit: The Blue Hotel
For Northern Beaches chill: BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
A 40-minute drive north of Sydney, BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park is the place you can hire out a row of cabins with all your mates on the edge of Narrabeen Lagoon. Cabins sleep between four and six, including the Lakeview Villa, access-friendly Avalon Cabin and a Bunkhouse with a dorm-style set-up with bunks. Or BYO tent or caravan with powered, unpowered and ensuite sites available. Base yourself here to explore Sydney's Northern Beaches, surf the renowned break at North Narrabeen or hop aboard the Manly Fast Ferry to Circular Quay. The park also has a waterpark, playground and pedal go-kart hire – so good luck dragging any kids away!
Price range: $
Distance from CBD: 45-minute drive (30km)
BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, North Narrabeen - Credit: BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
For eastern suburbs living: Macleay Hotel
In the heart of harbourside suburb Potts Point, the Macleay Hotel is an affordable Sydney stay for groups and families. The historic area has an array of chic restaurants and small bars, such as Chester White and Greek taverna The Apollo. It’s also close to the start of the 11km foreshore walk that passes through Circular Quay and Barangaroo. Some of the smaller suites have coveted views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge or Elizabeth Bay. The two-bedroom apartment is ideal for four to six guests, with city views, a full kitchen and a large balcony. Conveniently, there’s also a laundry on each floor, onsite parking (for a fee) and a rooftop swimming pool.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 11-minute drive (3km)
Macleay Hotel, Potts Point - Credit: Macleay Hotel
For a whole inner-city hotel to yourself: Crystalbrook Albion
Bring the entire crew – and we mean everyone – to Crystalbrook Albion, a chic Surry Hills hotel that can be exclusively rented out. That's all 35 rooms and suites for you and your mates – and it has pet-friendly rooms too. This urban abode has a leafy rooftop with city views and a self-service, pay-what-you-owe honesty bar with top-shelf spirits, wines and snacks. Melding heritage architectural bones with contemporary style, this accommodation is a short walk to local theatres; art galleries, including Brett Whiteley Studio; and dining, such as Bills, regarded as one of Sydney’s best brunch spots.
Price range: $$$
Distance from CBD: 10-minute drive (2km)
Crystalbrook Albion, Surry Hills - Credit: Crystalbrook Albion
For adventure and luxury in Western Sydney: Pullman Sydney Penrith
Pullman Sydney Penrith is the region’s first five-star hotel, with three elegant dining options, an elite fitness centre and rooms that can sleep four, with the option to adjoin suites to fit six. Penrith is known for its outdoor action – including whitewater rafting at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, wakeboarding at Cables Wake Park and the 8km Great River Walk. For seekers of true relaxation, the Pullman-exclusive Sleep Therapy Kit comes in handy at the end of the day’s adventures. Choose from soothing background sounds and lighting, eye masks, aromatherapy pillow sprays and an array of different pillows to rest soundly at night.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 50-minute drive (57km)
Pullman Sydney Penrith, Penrith - Credit: Pullman Sydney Penrith
For the best of the CBD and Surry Hills: Zara Tower Hotel
Smack-bang in the heart of Sydney, Zara Tower Hotel offers guests the best of both worlds: the CBD and many of its iconic landmarks to one side, and buzzy Surry Hills on the other. Its group accommodation is a stand-out, featuring three-bedroom self-contained apartments that can fit up to eight guests. With a home-away-from-home feeling, these light and airy luxe apartments are styled with modern furnishings, full kitchens, laundries and balconies that overlook the city. There are also smaller suites that can sleep two to three.
Price range: $$$
Distance from CBD: 8-minute drive (1.5km)
Zara Tower, Sydney CBD - Credit: Huw Lambert
For equine enthusiasts: The William Inglis Hotel
Overlooking Sydney’s century-old Warwick Farm racecourse, The William Inglis Hotel is a celebration of the industry, with equestrian style throughout. All luxury guest rooms are named after an Inglis race champion, with the option for interconnecting rooms to fit families of four. There’s a true sense of place here for horse enthusiasts, but that aside it’s simply a lovely and affordable luxury hotel in Western Sydney, with a paddock-to-plate restaurant, lounge bar, onsite cafe, day spa, rooftop pool and a fitness centre.
Price range: $$$
Distance from CBD: 45-minute drive (38km)
The William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm - Credit: The William Inglis Hotel
For harbour views and history in Manly: Q Station
After it was decommissioned in 1984, the quarantine station at Manly’s North Head was transformed into accommodation, which today makes a stellar choice for a group getaway. Set on 36 hectares within Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station has drinking, dining, tour experiences and views of Sydney Harbour and is the only Sydney hotel with a beach. Accommodation includes simple yet stylish cottages that can fit groups and families of up to eight, featuring kitchens, some with a sunroom and others with a verandah. Q Station is a short drive from Manly, with a complimentary shuttle bus available, so you can soak up the relaxed vibes or dine at buzzy Hugo’s or Felons Brewing Co Manly.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 45-minute drive (19km)
Q Station, Manly
For cheap beach views in Bondi: Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Affordable group accommodation in Bondi can be hard to come by but, at Wake Up! Bondi Beach you can book out an entire dorm room to fit up to eight mates. Who needs fancy furnishings when you have a view of world-famous Bondi Beach from your room? Linen and pillows are provided at this centrally located hostel, and there’s a communal kitchen and laundry. It also hosts free social activities such as rooftop yoga, beach walks and surfboard hire (free for guests). Onsite restaurant Salty’s has a chilled-out surfy feel – the ideal perch for sunset drinks. Don’t miss the free pancake breakfast on Sunday mornings.
Price range: $
Distance from CBD: 22-minute drive (9.2km)
Wake Up! Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach - Credit: Wake Up! Bondi Beach
For a harbourside stay in The Rocks: YHA Sydney Harbour
Great-value group accommodation and harbour views? You’ve hit the jackpot at YHA Sydney Harbour. This excellent, sustainable hostel located in The Rocks has four- and six-bed dorms as well as private rooms. And, thanks to the specific Group coordinator, you can even lock in a booking for up to 110 people. Accommodation is simple but contemporary and some rooms even look towards the Sydney Opera House. The hostel’s rooftop bar also has panoramic harbour views, and there’s a communal kitchen, laundry and onsite cafe. Whether you’re looking for the ideal launchpad for a night out, or just want to take in the history of the area, your group is well-placed here.
Price range: $
Distance from CBD: 9-minute drive (2km)
YHA Sydney Harbour, Sydney City - Credit: YHA Australia
For a tasteful pub stay in Alexandria: Camelia House
In the heart of trendy suburb Alexandria, Camelia House offers a tasteful three-bedroom apartment above the Camelia Grove Hotel, which is also home to an Italian trattoria. Full of heritage charm, the accommodation can sleep up to six guests with access to a garden terrace. There’s no kitchen, but the area is known for its excellent food offerings – such as Three Blue Ducks and the famous Grounds of Alexandria. At nearby Archie Rose Distilling Co. you can take a distillery tour, blend-your-own gin or sit in on a masterclass or journey beyond the suburb to find a wealth of wining, dining and cultural drawcards.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 16-minute drive (3.8km)
Camelia House, Alexandria - Credit: Camelia Grove Hotel
For a contemporary CBD stay with views: Meriton Suites World Tower
Feel on top of the world at Meriton Suites World Tower, which has rooms with uninterrupted views of the city and beyond. Sleeping four to six in modern two- and three-bedroom suites, all accommodation options fit large groups and families comfortably. Situated right in the CBD, you can shop up a storm at World Square just below, take a walk to the Chinese Garden of Friendship near Darling Harbour and Barangaroo or jump on a light rail to Circular Quay. The Capitol Theatre is nearby, too, so theatregoers can make a night of it with a stay here. Guests also have access to in-room coffee machines, an indoor pool, spa, sauna and fitness centre.
Price range: $$$
Distance from CBD: 10-minute walk (750m)
Meriton Suites World Tower, Sydney - Credit: Meriton Suites World Tower
For easy access to Sydney's universities: Veriu Broadway
Veriu Broadway is a great base for families (and pets) visiting a student at one of the local university campuses or for groups who want to be close to Central Park, Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Haymarket (there are complimentary bikes to explore the surrounds). Located in an old warehouse, the hotel’s vibe is industrial with exposed brick and a monochromatic palette. It’s accessible for wheelchair users, features an onsite cafe and offers great group accommodation options, including the Superior Two Bedroom Suite. The largest on offer, this suite comprises two adjoining suites with a kitchen and living space in each.
Price range: $$$
Distance from CBD: 12-minute drive (2.6km)
Central Park, Chippendale
Further afield
For national park tranquillity: Hilltop Cottage
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Royal National Park with a stay at Hilltop Cottage. Overlooking Port Hacking, this self-contained heritage stay is a restorative escape from the city. It can sleep six people in three bedrooms, with a full kitchen, lounge spaces and a verandah to soak up the tranquil views. Pack your walking shoes for a hike to Winifred Falls or to follow one of the many paths to spot seasonal wildflowers such as Gymea lily and waratah and whales in winter. During summer, take the short drive to pretty Wattamolla Beach to cool off.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 1-hour drive (42km)
Hilltop Cottage, Royal National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW
For a riverside escape with history: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
Right on the banks of the river, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley is great for groups. Set on eight hectares of landscaped gardens, the hotel has suites that sleep four and a three-bedroom, two-storey apartment that can sleep eight (with a fully equipped kitchen, living areas and views to the Blue Mountains). When you’re not exploring or dining at one of the onsite venues, enjoy the indoor pool, day spa, gym and tennis courts – the kids will love the playground too.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 1-hour drive (58km)
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, Windsor - Credit: Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
For family fun in the mountains: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
Sitting on the outskirts of Leura with views of the Jamison Valley, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a real winner for families, with suites that can sleep four and kids’ activities galore, such as a ropes course, ice-skating rink and dedicated soft-play area. Indeed, it’s the kind of place you don’t need to leave – with several dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course and day spa. You’d be remiss not to head out bushwalking or to see the famous Three Sisters and Scenic World, both a short drive away.
Price range: $$
Distance from CBD: 1.5-hour drive (100km)
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, Leura - Credit: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
Key:
$ = Less than $50 per person, per night.
$$ = Less than $100 per person, per night.
$$$ = Less than $200 per person, per night.
