While this hotel is a bit further away from the main shopping strip of central Sydney - as opposed to say the Sheraton on the Park or the Westin - it is right on the doorstep of the harbour, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Sydney's excellent ferry services. As you would expect, excellent modern rooms, good service and good food. The only downside if this hotel is access in and out if you bring a car - a long, narrow drive out. But best to avoid cars at all in central Sydney.

If you choose this hotel, make sure to book a 'Club room' you will not be disappointed. We had 2 hours 5-7pm of canopes & drinks, overlooking one of the most gorgeous cities in the world! Being that they are included I thought they might be a little slow, however this was not the case, and the staff were lovely & friendly. Breakfast is also in the Club room, and after a meal out we would head back for a night cap or 2, (latte/cappuccino coffee & tea are included in Club room price). Rooms were clean & comfortable as you would expect. The staff immediately provided a wheelchair for my mother upon request, who couldn't keep up with our pace while sightseeing, so that made life so much easier. Can't wait to go back, everyone deserves to be spoilt for a while :)

Steps to Circular Quay and the ferries, the Opera House and its wonderful promenade of outdoor restaurants, the Domain and the Botanical Gardens. The view from the pool over Sydney Harbor was excellent. We were there a few days prior to the annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza and regretted we had planned differently our itinerary. Restaurant meals were ostentatious and very pricey like many premium hotels but that is an unfortunate part of Sydney's current charm. Very awkward front entrance set up, potentially dangerous to pedestrian guests.

One cannot pick a better location than this hotel. We booked Club rooms from the road on iphone and was upgraded the first nite to a suite. Wow was it fantastic! a corner living room and separate bedroom but since the rate was 1800 a nite, I had not booked it. Instead I choose the regular club room and was delighted when we were upgraded due to my Ambassador Intercontinental membership. It is literally a small city block from Opera House and was again super easy with GPS to drive into town and see the building as I exited the highway- though entrance was around the corner on opposite side we arrived super easy. Service was great, check-in and out was exceptional, valet was great as expected and again the Club was wonderful. The regular room- still Club level again had an exception view of Opera and Harbour but was on the smaller side-however due to proximity, I would choose it again.

The Club it quite large with ceiling to floor glass walls- it has an outside wrap around deck with table chairs outside for unbelievable views of Sydney. Though drinks are only complimentary during the hors doerves hours, one can order drinks and even dinner and charge to room at any time. Breakfast was included and was great. The only thing I would do to improve would be to have self serve coffee.

The staff and manager were wonderful and helpful- suggested a simple Neutral Bay boat ride which was perfect for us as my husband has mbility issues and was a good analysis by the Club Manager to suggest that simplier trip of the Harbour.

Would highly reccomend.