The Shangri-La, Sydney, NSW

It overlooks one of the most spectacular harbours in the world, and is a contemporary, luxury boutique hotel which ticks all the boxes and more for a romantic Sydney escape.

• Location: In The Rocks in downtown Sydney.
• Accommodations: The hotel has 565 guest rooms and suites, which range in size from around 40-50 square metres for an entry level room, to a huge 242 square metres for the indulgent Royal Suite. All rooms have panoramic views, many of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, and they claim to have the largest windows of any harbour front hotel. After a renovation in 2011, all rooms were modernised and fitted with contemporary and luxurious furnishings, with a highlight being padded window seats so you can sit and savour the view. Other room perks include iPod docking stations, a bluetooth media hub, and oversized beds with plush duvets.
• Dining options: This hotel offers drinking and dining with a view. Altitude is a high end restaurant located on Level 36 with arguably the best views in Sydney thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. The venue recently unveiled a new grill focused menu, created by Chef de Cuisine, Insup Kim, and a dessert menu by Executive Pastry Chef, Anna Polyviou. Meanwhile, Blu Bar on 36 is an über chic cocktail venue which has to be seen to be believed. This is where you can watch a Sydney sunset turn to twinkling lights that stretch as far as the eye can see, while you sip a cocktail cocktail or fine wine. And there’s also the Lobby Lounge, a more casual venue for a quick coffee, a light snack or a glass of wine. 
• What else is there: If you really can’t miss a workout, the hotel has a Health Club located on level two with complimentary access for hotel guests, featuring a fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool, a hot whirlpool bath and a sundeck. There is also an elaborate CHI The Spa on site. 
• What’s nearby: A great location in The Rocks makes this hotel convenient for everything a visitor could want. It’s walking distance to sights including the Opera House, shopping at The Rocks and Pitt Street, and close to public transport including the ferries at Circular Quay and City Circle line train stations. 
• Why go: The hotel has it all; jaw dropping views, a great location, a wonderful cocktail bar, and plush accommodation for a cozy couple’s romantic getaway. 

The Space

This hotel is located in one of my favourite parts of downtown Sydney, the historic The Rocks district, and it is arguably unmatched if you are seeking out the best views of Sydney Harbour including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. That, along with a lineup of great facilities, and spacious luxury rooms make it ideal for any romantic interlude. Staying here is a surreal experience with some of Australia’s most famous and iconic landmarks as a backdrop, but this is truly a five-star hotel with experienced and attentive staff who are focussed on delivering quality service. Overall, there’s a genuine “wow” factor that comes from the fact this hotel can boast one of the most stunning locations in Australia.

Where We Stayed

Our room for one night was a Premier Sydney Harbour Room, which is spacious at around 60 square metres in size, and had spectacular 270 degree views of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks; Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. I am told that many guests at the Shangri-La never leave their room and upon check-in I could see why. The oversized bed was located in a cozy corner with windows on two sides to maximise the view, while an almost separate lounge area was spacious enough to make it feel like a home away from home. The decor was elegant, a palette of natural colours including warm beige and chocolate brown. The lavish marble bathroom featured both a bath and shower, and came with plush Shangri-La towels and bathrobes, along with Shangri-La toiletries. Perks of the room included signature bed linen, a pillow menu, a large flatscreen TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and a mini bar.

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The elevated location which offers quintessential views from almost everywhere.
• The marble bathroom with room for a full sized bathtub.
• 24-hour room service to make use of your luxury accommodation.

Insider Tips  

• A perfect day in Sydney staying at the Shangri-La. Enjoy a lazy morning followed by sightseeing, a late afternoon massage in the spa, a pre-dinner cocktail in Blu Bar on 36, dinner in Altitude, and watching the lights twinkle from a harbour-view room.
• This is also one of the best places to watch the famous Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks if you can afford it.
• If you are planning pre dinner cocktails at Blu Bar on 36, make a reservation for a window table especially if you are staying a Friday night or weekend.

The Details

The Shangri-La Sydney is located at 136 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney, www.shangri-la.com.

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