Luxe stay in Sydney

[djtech]

Originally posted on the Hotels thread. Thought this would be a more appropriate place!

Hoping to tap the brains trust (and Sydney regulars) on where to stay for a night or two in December. Looking at a few luxe options on Virtuoso, FHR, Hyatt Prive, Marriott Stars, etc etc - that $100 USD credit really makes a dent on the room rate when I'm just staying a night

Currently got Fullerton Sydney booked for a night, but have since found reviews said it's tired and not really worth the price so considering a change to that.

Others on the list include Shangri-La, Intercontinental, Sheraton Grand, all have some kind of extra travel agent benefits and between 300-400 a night and I would assume a similar quality.

Travelling for leisure. Location doesn't really matter as long as it's in the CBD/Harbour area.

What would be your pick and any experiences with any of them?

 

[RooFlyer]

Been many years since I stayed at the former, but Park Hyatt at the Rocks and Ovolo at Woolloomooloo Cowper Wharf might be worth a look, if on the list.

 

[drron]

If the Sheraton offer includes lounge access it is a good deal. The lounge gets crowded so get there early. Has always had prawns and oysters in the evening and the wine is quite acceptable.

We haven’t stayed at the IC in the CBD but have stayed at the IC Double Bay which is our preferred location as close to our son’s house. You get treated really well there.

We haven’t stayed at the Fullerton but stayed a few nights when it was the Westin. New rooms were sterile and the Heritage rooms very noisy so we went elsewhere.

 

[levelnine]

I always enjoy the Park Hyatt, especially if you can get a good room, which a Prive booking should help ensure. I also like the room style and staff service approach at Park Hyatt. Understated, elegant and friendly is how I'd describe it — my favourite of all the hotel chains.

 

[Daver6]

What's the Four Seasons like these days?

 

[djtech]

I always enjoy the Park Hyatt, especially if you can get a good room, which a Prive booking should help ensure. I also like the room style and staff service approach at Park Hyatt. Understated, elegant and friendly is how I'd describe it — my favourite of all the hotel chains.

Heard great reviews of the Park Hyatt too but unfortunately $1100 a night is just a little out of budget for us haha!

 

[djtech]

If the Sheraton offer includes lounge access it is a good deal. The lounge gets crowded so get there early. Has always had prawns and oysters in the evening and the wine is quite acceptable.

We haven’t stayed at the IC in the CBD but have stayed at the IC Double Bay which is our preferred location as close to our son’s house. You get treated really well there.

We haven’t stayed at the Fullerton but stayed a few nights when it was the Westin. New rooms were sterile and the Heritage rooms very noisy so we went elsewhere.

Good on your son haha!

How did you find the Sheraton? It looked like a typical business hotel for me hence why I was a little hesitant but you seemed to have had a great time!

Yikes, the more I hear people's opinions on the Fullerton, the more I'm warded off. I heard they haven't renovated at all since they changed it from Westin circa 2019.

 

[drron]

The Sheraton is really a business hotel but they do look after the elites. I have been platinum first with Starwood and then Marriott for about 16 years now so would get a good room and often a suite. However those using Virtuoso or Amex usually do get treated well but as I said it would be best if lounge access is one of the things covered in the rate.

 

[Princess Fiona]

There’s quite a difference between luxe stays in Sydney which would currently IMHO be Park Hyatt/ Capella and best use of FHR/ Prive/ Virtuoso.

The former requires big $$$$ regardless of program and the latter depends on what you value ie. upgrades, location.

The other hotel I would have a look at is Crown. The standard rooms are huge and the buffet breakfast is the best in any hotel in Sydney I have stayed in.

 

[djtech]

There’s quite a difference between luxe stays in Sydney which would currently IMHO be Park Hyatt/ Capella and best use of FHR/ Prive/ Virtuoso.

The former requires big $$$$ regardless of program and the latter depends on what you value ie. upgrades, location.

The other hotel I would have a look at is Crown. The standard rooms are huge and the buffet breakfast is the best in any hotel in Sydney I have stayed in.

Ahhh I guess my definition of luxe is probably a poor-man's version hence the 300-400 ish per night price!

Definitely leaning towards the latter of getting good value for money with FHR/Virtuoso etc.. but also don't want to book a property just for the credit, but try out something nice and a step above the Novotel's and Hiltons I usually stay at. Location is not a big deal, it's easy enough to get around Sydney. So I guess the biggest thing is, given the constraint of FHR/Virtuoso/Hotel specific program, what would give a reasonably "luxurious" experience!

Maybe one day I'll stay at the crown, but just can't justify paying that much per night, I would rather stay another night!

 

[luxury-lizard]

You can consider Pier One at Walsh Bay (Marriott Autograph Collection) - great location, a boutique hotel (sort of) - rooms are quite small. The new W at Darling Harbour opens this month so maybe some specials in early Dec (oops just checked - looks too expensive at > $500 pn).

 

[kookaburra75]

We've stayed twice now at the Kimpton Margot Hotel and really enjoyed our stays and would recommend it. Beautiful old building, excellent service and the onsite restaurant (run by Luke Mangan and you actually see him there) and bar are great - and fits your budget. They have a evening 'social hour' drinks for guests. Looking at the website they have a Bed, Brunch & Bubbles package available.
Other favourites in Sydney which have the 'luxe' edge are:
- Pier One at Walsh Bay great setting and location
- Harbour Rocks Hotel - right in the middle of The Rocks, with a quirky garden/bar
- Ovolo Woolstore 1888 good location for a wander around the bay and into Pyrmont

 

[Stewey]

We've stayed twice now at the Kimpton Margot Hotel and really enjoyed our stays and would recommend it. Beautiful old building, excellent service and the onsite restaurant (run by Luke Mangan and you actually see him there) and bar are great - and fits your budget. They have a evening 'social hour' drinks for guests. Looking at the website they have a Bed, Brunch & Bubbles package available.
Other favourites in Sydney which have the 'luxe' edge are:
- Pier One at Walsh Bay great setting and location
- Harbour Rocks Hotel - right in the middle of The Rocks, with a quirky garden/bar
- Ovolo Woolstore 1888 good location for a wander around the bay and into Pyrmont

Harbour Rocks Hotel is a great place, as the building is so old there are no lifts and you have to use the stairs (3 storey building) but they can take your luggage up in the small luggage lift.

highly recommend the little bar and cute outdoor garden area for a nice sip and the small library and sitting area
Right in the middle of the Rocks.

 

[Flyinfish]

Would also recommend Pier One or Ovolo. A little out of CBD but apart from a few pockets, Sydney's CBD is dead outside business hours. Ovolo at Woolloomooloo has Potts Point with many good restaurants on one side, Mrs Macquaries Chair, Art Gallery of NSW, Boy Charlton Pool, Botanic Gardens on the other, and some great eats on the finger wharf itself. At Walsh Bay you have again great restaurants, lots of performance spaces, great harbour side location virtually under the bridge. Both hotels have a bit more style than the usual chains.

 

[Denali]

Not super luxe but what about the Sofitel at Darling Harbour? Newish hotel, views, lots of venues and restaurants around with easy access, light rail just outside to get you around the city, Pyrmont bridge short stroll to the CBD, nice pool which is good for December.

The new W Darling Harbour should be opening soon as well

 

[Daver6]

Not super luxe but what about the Sofitel at Darling Harbour? Newish hotel, views, lots of venues and restaurants around with easy access, light rail just outside to get you around the city, Pyrmont bridge short stroll to the CBD, nice pool which is good for December.

The new W Darling Harbour should be opening soon as well

Just be aware that the buildings right next door/in front of the Sofitel have been knocked down and being rebuilt at the moment.

 

[djtech]

Thanks all! Settled on the Kimpton, and got an IHG Luxury Collection rate which sweetens the deal!