The people behind your Sydney stay
Best Staying Australia is an independent Sydney concierge desk specialising in The Darling, the five-star hotel tower above The Star casino in Pyrmont.
Our philosophy
We started this desk in 2014 because booking a casino hotel was harder than it should be. Rates changed hourly, room categories blurred together, and nobody could tell you which side of the tower caught the harbour light. Fourteen years of walking the floors, meeting the housekeepers and eating in every restaurant downstairs means we answer those questions before you think to ask them.
"A reservation is a promise. We keep ours." — Eleanor Voss, founder
"Hospitality is remembered long after the checkout receipt is forgotten."
A short history
2011
The Darling opens
The tower launches with 171 rooms and immediately wins Australia's best new hotel. We visit in the first month.
2014
Our desk begins
Best Staying Australia registers in Pyrmont, two streets from the hotel. First client: a couple from Perth celebrating 25 years.
2019
The spa partnership
We become a preferred booking partner for The Darling Spa, adding the thermal circuit to every treatment we arrange.
2023
VIP gaming desk
Hosted entry to the private salons joins our service list, along with transport, dining and suite upgrades in one itinerary.
Today
4,800 stays arranged
A team of nine, one hotel obsession, and a phone line that answers at 2 am when your flight lands early.
"Still the best address in Pyrmont."
Three rooms we book most
from $455 / night
from $890 / night
Nine people, one phone line
Eleanor Voss
Founder & MD
Marcus Chen
Head of reservations
Priya Nair
VIP & gaming desk
Jonah Reid
Events & weddings
"Call us before you book anywhere else. If The Darling isn't right for your dates, we'll say so."
Eleanor Voss, Managing Director
Booking lightly
Luxury and care aren't opposites. These are the commitments we hold ourselves and the hotel to.
Refill, not landfill
Every suite we book uses refillable amenities. Single-use minibar plastics are gone from our rate codes.
100% of bookings since 2024
Local first
Our recommended suppliers are Sydney-owned: florists in Glebe, wineries in the Hunter, drivers who live ten minutes away.
86% of suppliers within 100 km
Paper-free desk
Confirmations, itineraries and invoices live in your inbox. The only paper we print is the welcome card.
94% digital correspondence
The ideal Saturday at The Darling
08:00
Pool laps, then coffee
The infinity pool is quietest before nine.
11:00
Spa thermal circuit
Salt room, hammam, cold plunge. Booked the day before.
15:00
Pyrmont on foot
Fish markets, then the harbour walk to Barangaroo.
19:30
Dinner at Sokyo
The counter seats, if we can get them.
22:00
Salon or skybar
A quiet hour in the members' salon, or whisky upstairs.
Kids count as guests, not extras
The casino is adults-only, but the rest of the tower is built for families. Adjoining rooms, a kids' menu downstairs and a pool that forgives splashing.
- Adjoining Harbour rooms on request
- Cots, bottle warmers and prams supplied free
- Kids eat free at breakfast under 6
- Movie night turndown on Fridays
Children under 6 stay free
Bring the dog
Up to two dogs under 20 kg are welcome in selected ground-level rooms. We flag the right category when you book, since these rooms release slowly.
- Bed, bowls and treats on arrival
- Pyrmont off-leash park, four minutes away
- Pet-sitting arranged through reception
Pet supplement: $90 per stay
Awards the hotel keeps winning
World Luxury Hotel Awards
2024
Best casino hotel, Oceania
AHM Awards
2025
Deluxe accommodation of the year
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Five-star rating, tenth year running