Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

We had been in touch with the hotel prior to our early morning arrival to request an early check in room which was ready for us when we got there. Check in was quick and efficient in spite of it being quite busy. The room was a good size with a nice bathroom and clean and functional. The view over the harbour was magnificent. The hotel is in a good position on The Rocks but a bit of a walk back uphill from Circular Quay. Breakfast was busy on some days, but the food selection was wide and constantly topped up so there were no shortages. There were delays in receiving coffee orders which was frustrating. The Blu Bar had a magnificent view with a good choice of drinks and snacks. Service was excellent. The pool was small and the seating area restricted, but it was very quiet when we were there and so fulfilled its purpose. Overall, the staff were attentive and polite and very helpful. We enjoyed our stay.

An amazing location with probably one of the most iconic views in the world from our room. The Horizon club was good too, great breakfasts and evening drinks and friendly, helpful staff. But many other aspects of our 4 night stay were disappointing. We arrived off an overnight flight and despite previously asking for early check in (for which we’d pay extra) nothing was available. These things happen, but we sat in the lobby for four hours and nobody came to check on us. At the third time of asking on progress, we were told we could wait in the Horizon lounge, which was much nicer. Why this wasn’t possible when we arrived, I don’t know. Staff were overwhelmed and seemed quite curt, not the service standard I’d previously experienced when in Hong Kong. Also room cleaning was very late one day. Room facilities ok but dated, pool completely overcrowded. Drinks in top floor bar took a long time to order and arrive. We did raise our check in issues through the travel agent but just got an answer back stating the hotel policy, which missed the point. We were due to stay with SL in Singapore on our return but have gone somewhere else off the back of this experience.

A fabulous hotel in an excellent location. New Years eve in the Blu Bar on level 36 was the icing on the cake! The staff were absolutely fantastic and determined to make your evening an experience to remember. A special mention to Joseph who went over and above his duties to look after us and make it a night to remember. A massive thank you to Colin in concierge who was outstanding with his knowledge and help to plan our trips. He could not do enough to make sure you were fully informed on best way to travel and best places to go. What an asset these two gentlemen are to this hotel

We were so pleased with everything about the Shangri-La. The room was wonderful, the view unbelievable. The show staff — especially concierges Daniel and Colin were so knowledgeable and helpful. The Horizon club is a gem. We will always highly recommend the Sydney Shangri-la!

Like many others have noted, this hotel is showing it's age and could do with a reno. If the rooms were modern and fresh I do not think I would mind that it were on a hill, nor the views of the highway (if you're not harbour facing side). The service at check-in could be warmer. I've stayed at many Shangri-Las and this was the first time the check-in was cold as ice. Not going to name names, let's call her K - where you'd expect smiles or simple greetings or warm body language like leaning forwards, K was set backwards, speaking in a barely audible tone so much so that I had to be the one to lean forward and ask her to repeat herself, making me feel like I inconvenienced her to be staying at the hotel. Not the first impression a hotel wants to give.