12 new Sydney & NSW hotels to book in 2026

The Brighton  

Location: Brighton-Le-Sands 

Why stay here: With sweeping views of Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney’s skyline, and convenient access to the Sydney Airport, The Brighton is a luxurious spot for jetsetters and relaxation-seekers. Each of the 307 rooms (except the family suite) features a balcony ideal for taking in the beauty of the setting and the calming palette is brightened with glamorous touches throughout. Here, you can dive into leisure, choosing from the luxe outdoor swimming pool and the heated indoor lap pool or raise your heart rate at Brighton Active – a fitness centre with bikes, cardio machines, sauna and steam rooms.  

Good to know: You’re well catered for in the food department. Feast on fresh Greek flavours at Ammos, sip and snack at the poolside Sands Bar or tuck into pub classics at Coco’s on the Beach.  

Price range: $$  

The Brighton, Brighton-Le-Sands - Credit: The Brighton

The Eve Hotel  

Location: Redfern   

Why stay here: Boutique luxury accommodation is defined at The Eve Hotel. Combining contemporary elegance and smart design, the 102 rooms and suites (there are nine different configurations to choose from) are sweet escapes from the buzz of the city, featuring rich textures, lush greens, local art and mini bars stocked with Australian artisanal drinks and snacks. Situated in the heart of the Wunderlich Lane shopping and dining precinct, this glittering hotel connects you with new hotspots like much-Instagrammed Olympus Dining and Island Radio, as well as contemporary Mexican gem Lottie on the rooftop. The rooftop also boasts a guests-only 20-metre pool complete with glamorous sun beds and cabanas.  

Good to know: While every convenience is right here at your fingertips, you’re in pole position to explore Sydney’s urban precincts with the Moore Park light rail just eight-minutes’ walk away.  

Price range: $$$$  

The EVE Hotel, Redfern - Credit: The EVE Hotel

The Grand National Hotel 

Location: Paddington 

Why stay there: Surrounded by immaculate terrace houses, down one of Paddington’s picture-perfect streets is the heritage-listed The Grand National Hotel. On the ground floor sits sustainable seafood fine diner Saint Peter. Head upstairs and you’ll find 14 stunning studios and suites that play to the building’s elegant bones. Think: plush beds, heritage fireplaces, marble bathrooms and Aesop toiletries. And you’ll be treated to luxury in every detail – the nightly turn-down service and complimentary breakfast by Saint Peter included with every booking are hard to pass up.   

Good to know: The hotel offers a ‘Dine & Stay’ package, which entitles you to a discount on both your accommodation and a lunch or dinner at Saint Peter. Just be sure to nab a restaurant reservation first. 

Price range: $$$$  

The Grand National Hotel, Paddington - Credit: Christopher Pearce

25hours Hotel The Olympia 

Location: Paddington  

Why stay here: 25hours Hotel The Olympia is the latest offering from a European hotel group that prides itself on designing spaces that soak up their surroundings. This accommodation and lifestyle precinct looks to the building’s former life as West’s Olympia Theatre for styling, design and naming cues, with bold murals adorning the walls of its 109 rooms and a collection of VHS tapes available to borrow from the front desk. While there’s no pool, you’re spoilt with dining choices via a cafe, rooftop bar, moody cocktail lounge and sleek Mediterranean restaurant, The Palomar.  

Good to know: Explore the streets of Sydney’s CBD, Surry Hills and eastern suburbs on one of the bikes you can hire from reception.  

Price range: $$$  

25hours Hotel The Olympia, Paddington - Credit: 25hours Hotel The Olympia | Tonkin Zulaikha Greer

Voco Gosford 

Location: Gosford  

Why stay here: It’s been 15 years since a new hotel opened on the Central Coast and Voco Gosford is worth the wait. This ultra-opulent 130-room hotel overlooks Brisbane Water and is within reach of Polytec Stadium as well as the Australian Reptile Park and Bouddi National Park. While its sleek design and food and drinks offering are highly enticing, the pool is the jewel in its crown. Situated 28 storeys up, it’s a destination for lovers of luxe design and features a swim-up bar, sunloungers and plush cabanas for soaking up the vibes.   

Good to know: There’s no shortage of dining options when you stay here. You can take your pick from the pizzeria, the modern Australian pub, all-day dining and elegant Japanese dishes at the rooftop bar. 

Price range: $$  

Voco Gosford, Gosford - Credit: Voco Gosford

Drifter Byron Bay  

Location: Byron Bay  

Why stay here: Sitting a fair few notches above the traditional hostel experience, Drifter Byron Bay is a beacon for those seeking laid-back coastal style. Here you’ll find shared suites that sleep four to 10, while there are also private suites if you want your own space. There’s also a rooftop courtyard, sleek communal areas for chilling out and a shared kitchen. Moments away from Main Beach, Drifter Byron Bay also has its own swimming pool as well as a packed social calendar with activities including Monday movie club, Tuesday life drawing or painting sessions, and Wellness Wednesdays yoga.  

Good to know: With a dedicated group coordinator, this hotel is great for a full-crew holiday but is just as welcoming to solo travellers with meet-and-greet events and Sunday cook-ups. 

Price range: $  

Drifter Byron Bay, Byron Bay - Credit Drifter Byron Bay

Trentham Waters Resort Mildura 

Location: Mildura  

Why stay here: Situated on the banks of the Murray River, Trentham Waters Resort Mildura brings pastel-toned, palm-tree vibes to the region. Alongside the personality-packed three-, two- and one-bedroom villas, you’ll also find riverside retreats (currently in construction) and 100 drive-through caravan sites, including pet-friendly sites too. Bring your boat and gear for some wakeboarding and waterskiing, making the most of the boat ramp, jetty and wash bays. You also can’t miss the 48-metre lagoon pool made for relaxing, or the splash park and kids pool that promises high-energy fun.  

Good to know: Whether you’re drawn to hiking, cycling, a riverside hot tub at the end of a long day or kid-friendly activities, the resort has activities for every age. The tennis and pickleball courts, mini golf, playground, jumping pillow and outdoor theatre are sure to keep kids enthralled.  

Price range: $ 

Trentham Waters Resort Mildura, Mildura - Credit: Trentham Resort Waters Mildura

Marina Resort 

Location: Port Stephens 

Why stay here: When you stay at Marina Resort, you’re lucky enough to enjoy the beauty of Nelson Bay and the Port Stephens area as well as the dreamy aesthetic of the luxurious hotel. From here, you can explore the stunning surrounds rich with hikes, swim spots and nature-based experiences before returning to the sanctuary of this space. Calming coastal vibes abound, with neutral tones and natural materials forming the palette for the 48 garden- and ocean-view rooms and suites. And the shimmering 25-metre pool is an oasis of relaxation with an onsite bar to order snacks and refreshments from too.  

Good to know: The resort offers a range of packages tailored to your stay, including a midweek getaway package for savings on rooms and a babymoon option comprising a pamper pack, chocolates, a mocktail and extra pillows.   

Price range: $$  

Marina Resort, Nelson Bay - Credit: Reid Ayliffe | Marina Resort

Upcoming openings 

Intercontinental Coogee Beach 

The Intercontinental Coogee Beach is now taking bookings for December 2025 stays in its 198 beachside-luxe rooms and suites, but March 2026 will see the unveiling of the wow-factor leisure deck with an ocean-facing infinity pool, poolside bar, spa and event terrace. A stay here secures your spot in one of the cabanas overlooking the beach – a welcome haven above the buzzing restaurants, cafes and bars of Coogee. 

Intercontinental Coogee Beach, Coogee - Credit: Intercontinental Coogee Beach

Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina 

Set to open in April 2026, this luxe Shellharbour hotel dazzles with an infinity pool complete with views over the marina. But that’s just the start of Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina’s allure. With 181 beautifully appointed rooms and suites that master coastal opulence, and an onsite restaurant that makes the most of locally sourced seafood it will be very easy to activate holiday mode. You’ll also be moments from Killalea Regional Park – Arrijong where you can hit the surf breaks at The Farm, swim at Minnamurra Beach or immerse yourself in the stories and traditions of the Dharawal people by booking Gumarraa’s Cultural Experience. 

Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina, Shell Cove - Credit: Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina

Ardour Milton Park 

The Southern Highlands will gain a five-star getaway in Ardour Milton Park, opening in March 2026. This grand residence in Bowral was originally built in 1910 and has been given new life with a restoration of 44 elegant guest rooms, complemented by manicured grounds and immersive spa and wellbeing experiences. Just over an hour from Sydney, it’s ideal to earmark for a weekend getaway.    

Ardour Milton Park Bowral, Bowral - Credit: Ardour Milton Park

The Bonobo by Raes  

This striking development sees architecturally finessed two- and three-bedroom apartments turned to hybrid residential-meets-hotel accommodation. When owners aren’t using their apartments, the team at hotspot restaurant-hotel Raes on Wategos can manage subletting them as five-star hotel-style stays. In a cracking location and boasting seamless modern design, The Bonobo by Raes is sure to fill up year-round.    

Key 

$ = Under $200 per night  

$$ = Under $350 per night  

$$$ = Under $600 per night 

$$$$ = $650+ per night