Millers Point

Hotel Palisade is not necessarily one for the kids, but if you’re a consenting adult who savors a good cocktail, likes a rooftop, and appreciates a view, welcome home. The building, just beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge in Moller’s Point, lay dormant for years. After a stunning restoration, antique touches, like old rotary-dial telephones and Roberts radios, are juxtaposed with a clean maritime color scheme and incredible views of the city. PSA: The hotel doesn’t serve breakfast—which is fine, as Sydney invented brunch—but for dinner, the restaurant delivers, and the Henry Deane cocktail bar cannot be beat for its Negroni and that view.

Most major cities have at least one old grande dame hotel, the kind of place that’s made entirely of marble and has towering orchid displays in every corner and beds so big and soft and comfortable, your jet-lagged body could cry with relief. The Langham is one such hotel. Classic English afternoon tea takes place at the Palm Court, a London cab—in the Langham’s signature shade of blush—is on hand to drive you around, and the pool and tennis courts mean there’s no excuse not to indulge in the outdoorsy lifestyle Sydney is famous for. The concierge is the best in town, so tickets to exhibits and, ideally, a show at the opera house are not a problem. Take advantage.