Set on a historic former wharf, Sebel Pier One is one of the older boutique hotels in Sydney. It was being refurbished at the time of writing which is welcome news as the interiors were looking a little dated, but rooms are luxuriously equipped in nautical tones of blue and hardwood furniture, with heritage wooden beams jutting across the ceilings. It’s worth noting that some of the windows in the Heritage rooms are rather small. A much better option are the Waterside King rooms or the 62-square-metre Walsh Bay Suite, which has a fabulous day bed to lounge on that overlooks the harbour and even a telescope for a closer look at the yachts bobbing past. Not that you will spend much time indoors. There’s the al fresco Front restaurant and bar on the wharf for a harbour-view sundowner, and the hotel is excellently placed for visitors wanting to explore the historic The Rocks precinct, with its outdoor markets, patisseries and heritage pubs. Icons like Harbour Bridge are around 100 steps or so from the door. It’s also a solid choice for anyone with a penchant for the arts, with the Sydney Theatre and Bangarra Dance Theatre a mere stroll away.

What is a boutique hotel?“