Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

**Disappointing experience for a five-star Four Seasons** I chose Four Seasons Hotel Sydney specifically for the final two nights of my Sydney trip. I was traveling on my own and had been genuinely looking forward to ending my trip here, so unfortunately, my first impressions were particularly disappointing. The issues actually began before I even arrived. On September 4, the day before check-in, I emailed the hotel to ask whether a room with a particularly nice view might be available. I explained that I had chosen Four Seasons for the final two nights of my trip and was really looking forward to my stay. I received no response. When I arrived by taxi on September 5, a staff member assisting with my luggage asked, “Where are you from?” I answered, “Korea,” and he immediately asked, “North or South?” As a Korean guest, I found this question quite uncomfortable and surprising. I understand that he may have simply been trying to make small talk and did not intend to offend me. However, this was my first interaction with the hotel, and I would expect a much higher level of cultural awareness from a staff member at an international five-star hotel. What made the question even more puzzling was that after I answered “South Korea,” he told me that he had actually visited South Korea in 2016. I genuinely wondered why he felt it necessary to ask whether I was from North or South Korea in the first place. I have traveled internationally for many years and have met people from all over the world. Apart from one experience in a rural part of Europe more than a decade ago, I have never been asked this question. Perhaps he intended to be friendly, but it certainly did not feel that way to me. There was also an issue with my early check-in. As an Agoda VIP member, I was eligible for early check-in. Emir, who assisted me at the front desk, told me that he would text me when my room was ready. I relied on this and left the hotel to wait elsewhere. However, I never received the promised message. I eventually returned to the hotel myself and was then told that my room was already ready. I understand that there may have been an issue with contacting an international phone number, but if so, I would have expected the hotel to explain this rather than simply failing to follow up. Finally, on September 6 at 6:29 PM, I emailed the hotel to ask about the possibility of a late check-out because my flight was scheduled for the evening of September 7. I completely understand that late check-out cannot always be accommodated. However, I received no response whatsoever. What disappointed me most was the pattern. I contacted the hotel before arrival and received no response. I was promised a message regarding my room and never received it. I then contacted the hotel again regarding late check-out and once again received no response. Each incident may seem minor on its own, but together they created a very disappointing experience in terms of communication, attention to detail, cultural awareness, and follow-through. I chose Four Seasons because I expected a level of hospitality that was noticeably above that of an ordinary hotel. Unfortunately, my experience did not reflect the standard I associate with the Four Seasons name. I hope the hotel takes this feedback seriously, particularly when it comes to cultural sensitivity and communication with international guests.

I have stayed at luxury hotels all over the world, and I would rate the Four Seasons Sydney as one of the best. From the morning I checked in through my entire one-week stay, everything was beyond what I expected. I ate in the restaurant, drank at the bar, ordered room service, visited the spa, and got help from the concierge. All of the hotel staff I encountered went out of their way to be helpful. As an added bonus, I had a spectacular view of the harbor from my room. I will definitely stay at the Four Seasons next time I’m in Sydney.

Friendly Service all-round Restaurant, Porters, concierge, could not fault. My husband did say to the Chinese girl at the Reception that it was our 45th Anniversary but she totally ignored the comment which was sad, I thought she could at least acknowledge as she was checking us in when my husband was telling her. Did feel she just wanted to check us in quickly The rooms were clean and we were surprised to find while we were out for dinner and came back to our room, there was an ice bucket full of ice, cleaned our bathroom. Was lovely to come back to. We would love to come back again. Food was also delicious.

I was here for a night prior to the start of a work trip a few weeks ago. All in, it was excellent. I paid for acces to the Club, which was worth it. I arrived very early from the States, so it was great to be able to go to the Club to check in, have breakfast, and hang while my room was prepared. Staff there were very friendly and remembered me on each visit. My room was spactacular. A junior suite (I think) with an amazing view out over the harbor seeing both the bridge and opera house. Very comfortable bed, wonderful bathroom, great views. Food very good for breakfast in the lounge. Well equipped gym that I used as well. Location is wonderful for walking. Lobby is large and slightly impersonal, but the staff are what make this hotel shine. And the location. Would recommend if in Sydney.

So many wonderful things about this hotel . . . and we stayed 5 nights, so we got a great feel about everything. First, location-location-location . . . absolutely perfect. Walking distance to EVERYTHING . . . Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, Royal Bontanical Gardens, numerous restaurants . . . only to name a few. 5-star professional service entire stay, and always with a smile. A few names to mention as the people make up the hotel for sure: Jora - breakfast (thanks for the service and smiles); Jorge - Room Service/Housekeeping (excel at the small thing - which are the large things . . . extremely thoughtful - thanks); and Elisa - Front Desk (exceptional follow-through - thanks for looking after us). Rooms are exceptional - - - so clean, modern, and quiet = peaceful sleep and stay. Also, our room had a harbour view - - - so beautiful to see morning and night. Everyone at Fours Seasons Hotel Sydney provided us exceptiona service and always with a smile. Breakfast was incredible. Perfect - Perfect - Perfect stay . . . thank you to everyone at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney!