I stayed here for 2 nights last week - and it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!
The hotel was only a week into it's opening, and it wasn't perfect and they are still working some things out, but this hotel will be my new Go To hotel in Sydney.
The location for me was perfect - we were there for leisure and not business, so Darling Harbour suited really well. It is metres from the International Convention and Exhibition Centre and also the Shopping Mall at DH, and views over the harbour.
When booking, I had issues with the Accor Website - I have Accor Plus membership and the publicly available price on the website was cheaper than the Accor Plus, but I called the hotel and they were able to get me a members rate which was appreciated.
2 days before check in, they called me to confirm I was coming, and wanted to know if I had any specific requests. I enquired about a room upgrade and lounge access and any other Platinum Perks, and was advised I'd be getting an upgrade and lounge access. (I had booked a standard room).
Check in was very easy in the foyer, and we were quickly on our way to the room, and then to the lounge for afternoon tea.
The lounge was on the top floor - 35 - and had magnificent views across Darling Harbour and Sydney. You can see the Harbour Bridge from the lounge and beautiful views.
Afternoon tea had a great selection of food and really good coffee.
The lounge at night time was very full - and on Saturday night it was standing room only. Probably one of my main criticisms of the hotel is that they haven't built the lounge big enough as it is very crowded if the hotel is full (Saturday night it was over booked apparently).
But there was a great selection of wines, spirits and canapés, and the service was very efficient.
Definitely no payment for alcohol - so that was a mistake on the website when it was posted.
We were upgraded to a Club Room on the 34th Floor, and I was really happy with what we got. (I requested a room with 2 double beds as we had our kids with us). I had also booked a room for my In-Laws and they were also upgraded to the Club floor and were given lounge access as well. Very happy with that.
Unfortunately there was no 'Welcome Amenity' as you would expect at a Sofitel (we had spent the previous 2 nights at the Mercure Goulburn and received a welcome amenity there) but one of the staff members did make mention to me that they were still working on that happening. I will be giving that feedback to the hotel when I get the guest satisfaction survey (if I get one, otherwise I'll email).
We did receive 2 drink vouchers but I forgot to use them!!
The room was really nicely done. I felt like it was a modern version of the Sofitel Wentworth - it felt like a Sofitel with that French Luxury, but it was modern and fresh.
Beds didn't necessarily feel like the normal Sofitel beds - they were a lot harder - but they were still comfy.
The pillows weren't great - either rock hard or very soft - but the pillow menu hadn't made it to the room yet so I'm not sure if there were other pillows you could choose from (when we rang up for alternative pillows we just asked for firm ones and were sent rocks!!)
The pool was great - quite busy when we were there but really nice area with a bar behind it.
As for the gym, it was basic but enough. Nothing mind blowing about it, but if you wanted to do a workout, you could. I used it on the Saturday morning and had a good workout although if you wanted to do anything more than a few weights, you'd need to go find a proper gym. Only let down here was there was no water in the Gym, so not sure if they had run out (although I was there at 7am) or just haven't gotten around to adding it yet.
To be continued.
