Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Great to be back to Sydney after 3 years. We always opted for their Executive Harbour view room which is spacious and have a magnificent view of both Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The only inconvenience faced was that the body lotion bottle was secured and could only be used in the bathroom, I wish I could carry it to the bed room for easy application. The hotel I stayed in Perth just before Shangri-la Sydney has this flexibility, all other usual bottles ie shampoo, conditional and bath gel etc are secured in the bathroom but the body lotion bottle is for free movement. The breakfast at Mix Cafe was crowded throughout my stay but it was well managed and the service by the team was prompt in clearing used plates. I'm particularly impressed with the lady at the front counter to strictly ensure that guests with improper attire were being "advised and tuned away", still can't imagine why those hotel guests turned up in pajamas or bath robes. The check out was a breeze with front desk stuff standing at the lift lobby to facilitate express check out ie just record the room number and returned card keys. The only risk is not too sure whether the final bill was correct or not until the email with invoice came or when we see the transaction amount finalized in my credit card online. Hopefully, no dispute. Generally, we had a great stay!

We booked Shangri-La Sydney for our anniversary. While our original Barangaroo View Room was lovely, everything collapsed when we paid an extra $90 for a room upgrade. Instead of an enhanced luxury experience, we were moved directly beneath the noisy hotel kitchen service area. Constant banging made sleep impossible. When we complained, we were moved to a replacement room that smelled heavily of cigarette smoke. The hotel’s solution was to place an industrial air purifier in the room and spray heavy air freshener, leaving us to sleep in a room smelling of stale smoke and artificial perfume. Management has admitted the stay fell well below expectations, yet they have refused to offer more than a 50% refund for one single night (of a four night stay) and a refund of the upgrade fee. To call this a "final resolution" for a completely ruined anniversary celebration is an insult to the Shangri-La brand. Truly disappointing service standards.

I took a disabled client protected under a court order due to violent stalking. I thought she would be safe. Instead, a weird man came to her room and started talking about defecation and nudity then commented on her appearance. The hotel will not explain how he (or anyone else) could have had the ability to roam, suggesting he somehow lucked out and accessed floors by following other guests. My client is permanently traumatised and I do not recommend staying there. Lovely hotel but terrible security.

Fantastic views of opera house and harbour from our Executive Opera house city room. Room is a lovely size but showing signs of wear. Blu bar on the 36th floor is a must visit. Drinks and service were superb as were the very attentive staff. The most disappointing thing about this hotel is the underwhelming sense of arrival; the lobby is tired and very small and totally disappointing and reminiscent of a 3 star train station. It needs a total makeover with a wow factor.

Excellent location. Beautiful views. We had the club access which included food and drink at certain times. The butter smelt and tasted off. But apart from that it was lovely, staff were friendly and helpful and the hotel was very clean.