What it is

A towering 36-story retreat with 564 graceful rooms, three bars and restaurants (two on the 36th floor), an indoor pool, and an Asian-inspired spa.

What it isn't

Poorly serviced. Guests can expect topnotch concierges, an on-site florist, shoeshines, laundry, valet, and even babysitting for date night.

What we think

Shangri-La means “paradise,” and that’s exactly what this hotel is: an urban utopia for those that appreciate Luxury with a capital L. Guest rooms are enormous, beginning with the 430 square foot Deluxe Darling Harbour Room—which is fitted with a marble lined bathroom, pillow menu, and expansive windows that overlook postcard-worthy views like Observatory Hill and Darling Harbour. We love the 894 square foot Harbour Bridge Suite for its separate living space and peek out on the Sydney Opera House, plus insider access to the Horizon Club Lounge; the 35th floor Ambassador Suite is also a jaw-dropper, with a whopping 1,130 square foot floor plan.

You're here because

You love a freebie and therefore have a fondness for Club Levels; this one, Horizon Club, comes with private check-ins, later check-outs, and gratis breakfast, afternoon tea and even canapés at cocktail hour.

The Moment

From your table next to the floor to ceiling windows at Altitude, the hotel’s 36th floor restaurant, you have to pinch yourself. None of this seems real: not the iconic panorama below you, or the cherry ripple gelato with candied hibiscus, coconut and cherry cremeux you’re tucking into for dessert.

Restaurants & Bars

Altitude Restaurant - The floor-to-ceiling windows at Altitude Restaurant present outstanding Sydney Harbor views and contemporary Australian cuisine.

Cafe Mix - Café Mix is an all-day dining restaurant that believes in fresh ingredients and diverse menu selections.

Blu Bar on 36 - The New York-inspired Blu Bar on 36 is located high above the city, with breath-taking views.

Lobby Lounge - An ideal place to relax with a refreshing drink while listening to lounge music.

Location

Sydney’s beloved harborside The Rocks neighborhood, ten blocks walk from Sydney Opera House and three blocks from BridgeClimb Sydney—where you can strap into an unforgettable bucket list experience and clib Sydney Harbour Bridge.