Where 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks, (02) 9250 6000, shangri-la.com/sydney
Cost From $295, without breakfast.
At a glance 565 rooms and suites, adjoining rooms; bar, restaurant, cafés, pool, day spa, health centre, sauna, paid valet parking.
In room Free WiFi, bath, some coffee machines, pillow menu, L’Occitane toiletries.
Best beds The Royal Suite captures harbour panoramas fit for a princess, particularly one who also fancies playing the grand piano.
It’s a front-row seat to Sydney’s sparkling harbour at Shangri-La Sydney, whether from a window seat in your room or a velvet couch at Blu Bar on 36. Harbour vistas are viewed from serene, uncommonly spacious rooms finished in light timbers and neutral tones, with marble here’s even deeper relaxation in store on the second floor, which houses a modest indoor pool and a day spa. The carpet patterning and splashes of glitzy gold seem a little dated. The staff, however, are polished and en pointe; chief concierge Colin Toomey is one of the best in the business and sets the tone for exemplary service at this venerable Sydney address.
We love
Count the ways to take in one of the best views in town: from a cosy private window seat, a chair at the bar, or a table at Altitude Restaurant.
Enjoy traditional Asian treatments and services at Chi, The Spa
Must try
Ask the concierge to book a table at one of Barangaroo’s new spots (Cirrus, perhaps) and head out to explore Sydney’s new style of waterside dining.
Dining options
From 6am daily, Café Mix on level one serves a globetrotting buffet breakfast ($42, $32 Continental) with eggs to order, congee with condiments, and all bases covered in between.
Anna Polyviou serves up a traditional high tea at Shangri-La
Drink up
You’ll need a drink to steady the senses at Blu Bar, where sensational views come with inventive house cocktails such as The Devil, a startling blue concoction of Belvedere, coconut syrup, lychee juice and blue Curaçao. Minibars are elevated by the presence of pre-mixed cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co; dial up for garnishes and ice, and enjoy a Martini high above The Rocks.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
