Detailed Review
The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney has 563 guestrooms over the 36-storey tower block in the historic Rocks district. It offers views of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge from its Altitude Restaurant and Blu Horizon Bar on level 36, and from many of its guestrooms. It has a full-service conference area with a wide range of meeting venues, as well as a business centre. The business centre, which has showers and a relaxation area, also functions as an early arrivals lounge. The Alysium Spa & Health Club offers a range of massage and beauty therapies. A hair and beauty salon is located on the same floor, in addition to a 20-metre heated indoor pool with adjoining sundeck. On-site shops include a jewellery store and gift shop. An historic pub building adjacent to the main building offers casual
The lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, letting light flood into the area, which is decorated in a decor of tans, purples and greys that evoke the colours of Australian eucalyptus trees. The reception lies straight ahead, backed by spotlit glass panels, while on each side are scattered groups of armchairs and sofas. To the left lies the Lobby Lounge, where guests, many from the United Kingdom and United States, can relax in casual groups. A stairway of abstract metals leads up to a cafe and function areas, while outside lies a lily pond.
There is also a Space Theatre 3D Ride that will appeal to children and the young at heart.
Press Quotes
"Well located in the historic Rocks district with dramatic views of Sydney Harbour from all bedrooms and looking good after recent multi-million-dollar refit." Conde Nast Traveller 05
Independent Reviews
-
"A seamless Shangri-la experience, with gorgeous harbour views, a beautifully appointed interior and a glamourous ambience."
TI writer Sally Howard: Not the only hotel to boast spectacular Sydney harbour views, but the only one to marry them with seamless Asian-style hospitality. Service is swift and faultless and the suites beat the competitors for size by a wide margin. The sommeliers in top floor restaurant Altitude are superb.
Shangri-La Hotel
By Greg Clarke
Australians have their own version of royalty following the 2004 wedding of Tasmanian Mary Donaldson to Prince Frederik of Denmark. When the newlyweds toured Australia they stayed, for a time, in the Shangri-La (formerly the ANA). Just minutes from the CBD an AUD $37million refurbishment was completed in the beginning of 2005. There are 563 rooms over 36 floors. The elevated views over the harbour and its icons, particularly from rooms facing north are, simply, spectacular. Some of the best in Sydney. There is an award-winning cocktail bar, Blu Horizon, on level 36. The views are so superb you may not want to go anywhere else - consider a visit even if you don’t stay. Beside the bar, Altitude restaurant serves modern Australian. There is a private dining room (seating for 12).
With a staff of around 800 there is, not surprisingly, no shortage of amenities: extensive gym, indoor pool, as well as sauna and steam room. There is also a business centre with secretarial services and meeting rooms. Wifi is available in the lobby.
The rooms
The standard rooms are generously sized (40m²) with contemporary furnishings in the standards and the suites, along with subtle Asian themes. And while there are goose-down pillows on the beds you’re not going to come here for any of the décor, as fresh and comfortable as it is. The extraordinary views are the thing.
© Travel Intelligence. All rights reserved
Condé Nast Traveller 2008 Gold List
