The Darling

Around the west side of Darling Harbour, in the newly bustling district of Pyrmont, is something that’s a little bit rare, at least in this city: a freestanding, purpose-built, single-use luxury hotel, with an enviable location that makes for spectacular harbor views — and an independent one at that. The Darling isn’t part of one of the big high-end hotel chains that are arguably at their best on the Pacific Rim, but it’s certainly learned some lessons from them, chiefly about balance. The Darling is stylish but not eccentric, classic but not conservative, luxe but not ostentatious, and it backs up its atmosphere of glamour with tangible comforts to match.

In fact, were you so inclined, the Darling is the kind of hotel you don’t actually have to venture outside of. Within the Star Sydney or Star Integrated Resort, of which the Darling is a part, five restaurants span the range from an Australian grill to classic Milanese to Japanese, Chinese, and an outpost of David Chang’s Momofuku. Nightlife options include a Vegas-style club, a classic cocktail bar, a sports bar, and a live music venue. And the Star casino is an offering that other Sydney hotels aren’t able to match. But you’re not likely to be the shut-in type, and with all of Sydney’s splendors at your feet, you’ll be glad for the location, just off of Darling Harbour and within walking distance of the central business district, the Rocks, and the rest of the inner-city suburbs.