Who's Going
Nicole Kidman, Heath Ledger, Ashley Simpson
Reason to Stay
Architectural Design, Waterfront Hotel, City Views
Hotel Type
City Hotel
The beauty of its location is indisputable, on a rocky buff underneath the famous Harbour Bridge along the Circular Quay opposite the Sydney Opera House. The pier-like structure clings to a concrete embankment along a waterside promenade with numerous restaurants and bars in an area known as "The Rocks." Touted by almost every national travel magazine as "the Best" hotel in Sydney, it's a difficult and pricey reservation to secure. Closed for a year, renovated and re-opened in 2012, the lobby is stylish dose of brown leather and upholstery with glass windows that frame the harbor and opera house. The hotel offers a lively bar as well as a deconstructed dining room with cutting edge Australian menu. During peak summer season, the crowd in the lobby can feel a bit overwhelming between those trying to sneak a photo-op, so opt for seats as far away from the windows as possible and simply enjoy what is the best hotel in Sydney.
The Room
The best of any chain-hotel in Australia, guest accommodations are located within a low-rise pier-style structure with views of Sydney Harbor or neighboring residential area. Rooms are modern and uncluttered, featuring a muted-color scheme of chocolate and white with creamy leather furnishings. Some rooms feature open-style marble bathrooms with soaking tub exposed to the main sleeping area, allowing for bath time views of the harbor lights. With floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in all rooms, larger categories include private balconies that are close enough to the water to jump in - almost. For everyone else there is a lavish spa and fitness center that lives-up to its reputation, as does the in-house eatery. The rooftop pool could be a wee-bit larger and have a few more loungers, but the views are unrivaled.
Preferred Room
Premier Suite
Special Features
Waterfront Location, City Views, Private Patios
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Fitness Center, Spa
