Comparison
The Star Grand or The Darling: the same address, two different nights
Both hotels belong to The Star Sydney and sit at 80 Pyrmont Street. One is large and practical; the other calls itself a boutique hotel and urban resort. Here is the honest comparison.
| The Star Grand Hotel | The Darling | |
|---|---|---|
| How it describes itself | A 'world of luxe', 309 rooms, suites and penthouses | 'Sydney's five star boutique hotel and urban resort' |
| Room types | Superior King and Twin, Premium Suite, Royal Suites, Star Suites, Penthouses | The Darling Rooms, Jewel, Adored and Stellar Suites, Penthouses |
| Pool | Level 5, harbour view, heated to 26°C, 6am–9pm | Level 5, 25 m outdoor, heated to 26°C, 8am–8pm |
| Gym | Level 5, 6am–9pm | Level 2 in the spa, open 24 hours, no under-16s |
| Spa | No spa of its own | The Darling Spa on Level 2 |
| Apartments | Yes, The Star Grand Residences | No |
| Location in the block | Entrance on the Pyrmont Street driveway | Corner of Pyrmont and Union Streets |
| Phone | 1800 700 700 | 1800 800 830 |
By day
By day, The Grand is the more flexible base: more room types, the residences for families, and a pool that opens two hours earlier.
The Darling's 24-hour gym is the one thing an early riser might envy.
By night
By night, The Darling is built for couples: its suites are named Jewel, Adored and Stellar, and its spa stays open into the early evening.
The Grand's night advantage is choice: more suite shapes, the penthouse sauna, and room service around the clock in the Star Suites.
Awards on The Darling's page
The Darling lists a 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award and the 2025 Metropolitan Deluxe Hotel of the Year from Accommodation Australia NSW. The Star Grand's page lists no awards. We note this because it is published, not because awards settle anything.
The spa question
The Grand has no spa of its own, but The Darling Spa welcomes in-house hotel guests, Star Club members and the public. Book at least 48 hours ahead and remember the 16+ age limit for the spa and its gym.
Our view
Choose The Star Grand for families, groups, longer stays or anyone who wants an apartment. Choose The Darling for a couple's weekend centred on the spa. Our desk handles requests for The Star Grand and its residences; if you write that you are torn between the two, we will tell you what we learn about both for your dates.
Where these facts come from
Checked on 1 November 2026.