Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

The rooms are stylish and modern, with coastal decor; many have balconies or water views, making this a nice option for a relaxing night away from the city buzz. Service is friendly and efficient even when it’s busy, and the popular venue still feels well organised. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is right on the beach, with harbour views and beautiful sunsets. The setting has a laid-back but upscale feel, whether you’re outside under the iconic yellow umbrellas or having a drink by the water. It suits long lunches, weekend drinks and special occasions. Food is consistently high quality, with fresh seafood and classic Australian dishes, nicely presented and full of flavour. There are options for casual visitors and people wanting something more refined, and the cocktails are a highlight with the beachside view. It’s one of Sydney’s best waterfront dining and hotel destinations, and gives locals and visitors a real Sydney coastal experience. I’d recommend coming by ferry, getting a spot early on weekends, and staying through sunset, when the place really comes alive.

We came in early for a wedding shoot the next day, and the woman at reception kindly let us check in early. The reception staff were really friendly and accommodating. Amazing place to stay, and I’d love to come back.

The pizza was really good and the atmosphere was lovely. The drinks queue was crazy, so I wish we could order drinks through an app. Staff looked a little overwhelmed, though it was a very busy day and I understand. Thanks very much, we’ll come back.

We were glad we followed the recommendation to visit Watsons Bay Hotel. We’d come over from interstate and took the ferry across the harbour to Watsons Bay Wharf, then spent a couple of hours around the area seeing The Gap Bluff and Sydney Harbour National Park. By lunchtime we were a little hungry, so we went in. It was busy in the open dining area, with silver gulls and flies around, and we asked for somewhere quieter. The young staff were friendly and suggested the indoor dining area upstairs. We found a peaceful table with a terrific view, ordered chicken burgers and picked up our drinks from the downstairs bar. The prices were reasonable, and the food arrived quickly and was excellent.