Pier One Sydney Harbour

Romantic Getaways NSW - Pier One Sydney Harbour

A enviable harbour foreshore location in Walsh Bay, just shy of the Harbour Bridge and across from Luna Park, puts this iconic boutique hotel, formerly the Sebel Pier One, firmly in the category of "hotels with a view". It's also within easy walking distance of the historic Rocks district and the many eateries of Walsh Bay and the CBD and this is a major part of what makes Sydney one of the world’s great holiday destinations.

Perfect for a romantic getaway, the Pier One Sydney Harbour is a luxury hotel which has it all. Location aside, it's tucked away in a quiet spot on the harbour foreshore where the only noise to disturb guests emanates from the bustling harbour. It also has some indulgent suites, a hip new bar, and a fine dining restaurant - if you can tear yourself away from THAT view of course.

This lovely hotel has been a feature of Sydney Harbour since 1912 when the pier was originally used by P&O Cruises as a passenger terminal, and for cargo until 1977. From the late 1970's to the early 1990's, the pier was reinvented as an attraction with restaurants, rides and shopping, until it was reborn as the Sebel Pier One in 1999, just in time for the Millennium, and more recently rebranded as Pier One Sydney Harbour, part of the Marrriott Autograph Collection.

The Rooms

The hotel has a wide variety of room categories, with the Harbour View and Harbour View Balcony Suites being the most indulgent. The latter in particular are ideally suited for a romantic getaway, with four them having direct access to private, expansive balconies with sweeping harbour views. All of the balcony suites have features including seating which is specially positioned to maximise the jaw-dropping panoramic views.

The suites are designed for open-plan living; they flow seamlessly from one area to another, and have plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows, and glass sliding doors. The decor is also streamlined, predominantly earth tones of brown, biscuit, and soft grey with great use of mirrors, and lashings of marble. Ornamental art and designer furnishings, sourced from around the world, are an attractive feature of the new rooms, while also reflecting the history of the wharf.

The living room, which also benefits from the sweeping views, has a dining table and seating for four, a couch, a large desk and easy chairs. It also has a marble-topped wet bar complete with an essential Nespresso-style coffee machine, and a wall-mounted LED flat screen TV with Foxtel channels, and iPod/iPad docking station and WiFi internet access. Accents of royal blue break up the decor in the form of a single satin covered cushion and throw.

The bedroom, which lies between the living area and huge separate bathroom, is simple with just a king sized bed, a feature of which is another LED flat screen TV, which rises from the leather clad bed base. If you want a closet you'll find several in the hallway behind the bedroom and bathroom.

A key feature of these suites, however, is the bathroom. The centrepiece is a white, deep and decadent stand alone egg-shaped bath tub with a view overlooking both the water, and the imposing Sydney Harbour Bridge. If that isn't enough, the huge shower has twin rain shower heads with side jets, there's double brass bowl vanities and you can make use of deluxe amenity kits from Appelles Apothecary.

Other Facilities

Tearing yourself away from your luxury suite, and that view, will be difficult, but if you manage to do it, the hotel’s Gantry Bar has a meny of indulgent cockails and a hip design, while the Gantry Restaurant offers indoor and alfresco dining on the Pier with a modern Australian menu and extensive wine list. There's also a gymnasium onsite, which is open 24-hours a day and combines harbour views with top notch exercise equipment. We have a separate review of The Gantry Bar & Restaurant for you to enjoy.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic getaway in NSW, and a luxury hotel with views, a great location, suites you won't want to leave, and plenty of fine dining, you won't go wrong with Pier One Sydney Harbour.