Shangri-La Sydney
Hotel · The Rocks
176 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Highlights
Luxurious high-rise with opulent rooms, upscale dining, and chic spa.
Luxurious high-rise with opulent rooms, upscale dining, and chic spa.
"Boasting 564 rooms with panoramic harbor views, this high-rise property is prized for spacious accommodations, excellent service, and delicious food. Its sky-high restaurant and bar on the 36th floor overlook the Opera House, and visitors consistently praise the views from rooms, the club lounge, and the bar, as well as the convenient walking distance to key city attractions." - Chloe Sachdev Chloe Sachdev Chloe Sachdev is a London-based lifestyle and travel journalist. Her portfolio includes work with Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph, The Evening Standard, Travel + Leisure, Suitcase, and others. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Shangri-La Hotel Towering over the tin roofs of the historic Rocks district, the Shangri-La Hotel has helped set the standard for Sydney hospitality, not to mention harbor views. Alongside the Asian influences, personal attention, and secret scent (it’s not just the cascading floral arrangements) that Shangri-La is known for, the Sydney hotel also incorporates earthen Aussie tones and a host of foodie surprises—ranging from an award-winning deconstructed carrot cake to a 36th-floor restaurant with 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling vistas. In 2014, all the premium suites and the Horizon Club Lounge were spruced up with pops of turquoise to complement the color palette of cream, gold, and dark wood. Behind the scenes, the Shangri-La has worked hard to become more sustainable and socially conscious; initiatives include adding energy-efficient and water-saving fixtures, producing much of its food in-house, and donating money to local charities such as OzHarvest."
"How did it strike you on arrival? For a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city, book into the Shangri-La. Perched above historic quarter The Rocks beside Circular Quay and the Central Business District, this high-end high-rise has lofty rooms and upscale drinking and dining to make the most of its dazzling views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Nice. What’s the crowd like? This luxury Asian hospitality player attracts a smart global audience. Dress to impress. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. All 564 elegant rooms and suites are spacious with harbor views, combining generous windows and contemporary furniture with iHome docks. Soothing neutral palettes team golds, browns, creams and greys with subtle patterns drawn from nature. Deluxe Darling Harbour Rooms start at 40 to 50 square metres, but Deluxe Opera House City View Rooms, one tier up, are the most popular, with partial views of the Sydney icon. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? Plush duvets, signature bed linen and pillow menus turn guests into Sleeping Beauties. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Mini bars and coffee- and tea-making kit will make you feel at home (if your home is a five-star!). Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. Marble bathrooms sport a separate shower and bath, with fluffy towels, bathrobes and Shangri-La products. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? Guest rooms and all public areas offer complimentary Wi-Fi. Room service: Worth it? Peckish? Order from the 24-hour in-room dining menu. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? Executive pastry chef Anna Polyviou, with her trademark mohawk, is the superstar behind the hotel’s dazzling sweet treats. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Savour contemporary Australian cuisine at Altitude restaurant, on level 36, where floor-to-ceiling windows flaunt vertiginous harbour views. Casual all-day diner Café Mix on Level 1 offers buffets and appeals to sweet tooths with its dessert station and chocolate fountain. The ground-floor Lobby Lounge hosts traditional and chocolate high teas, as well as tapas and cocktails, with lounge music. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? Iconic, New York-influenced Blu Bar on 36, high up on the 36th floor, is your go-to for cocktails, wine or bubbles with magical views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Bottom line: worth it, and why? Seeking a seductive sanctuary? CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La offers Asian pampering treatments and Australian healing techniques drawing on indigenous botanical ingredients. Relax with a massage, body therapy or facial, then hit the Health Club’s indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sundeck." - Sophie Davies
"For a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city, book into the Shangri-La. Perched above historic quarter The Rocks beside Circular Quay and the Central Business District, this high-end high-rise has lofty rooms and upscale drinking and dining to make the most of its dazzling views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge." - Sophie Davies
"Sydney has its share of world-class hotels, at the top end of the business/luxury market — but there aren’t many that are more high-profile than the Shangri-La. Not only figuratively, given the location in the Rocks, a stone’s throw from the opera house and Circular Quay, but literally as well — take the elevator on up to the 36th-floor bar and restaurant and you’re just about at eye level with the topmost point of the Harbour Bridge." - Tablet Hotels
