By Angela Fairhurst
Sydney is a city of large hotels, with unparalleled views of arguably one of the prettiest cities on the planet. Picking a hotel with the right combination of service and charm is the bigger challenge. Shangri-La Hotel Sydney surpasses the standard with its philosophy and core values of sincerity, humility, helpfulness, respect, courtesy and selflessness as the foundation for its staff. The name itself embodies serenity and hospitality for which the brand is known.
Situated in The Rocks district in the heart of the city, Shangri-La has breath taking views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. All 565 guest rooms and suites have a water view.
Tastefully decorated, with contemporary furniture, triple-glazed soundproofed windows and plush bedding, it’s what you’d expect from a
5-star hotel.
THE SMALL TOUCHES
It’s the little things that make a difference, and the Shangri-La has some nice touches. The turn down service includes a bookmark with a quote from James Hilton’s novel, “The Lost Horizon,” the inspiration for Shangri-La hotels. The bathrooms are stocked with more than the usual standard amenities. Aside from high quality L’Occitane Jasmin & Bergamote scented products, they offer a toothbrush, razor, shaving cream and comb among some of the amenities. With the 2014 refurbishment, additional enhancements to the rooms include a Bluetooth media hub and Nespresso coffee machine.
THE HORIZON CLUB
Horizon Club guests receive extra benefits including private check-in/out, as well as special Concierge services. The lounge sits on the 30th floor and offers breakfast buffet, afternoon tea from 2-5pm daily, evening drinks and appetizers from 6-8pm, all included in your room rate. Complimentary shoeshine is another service.
DINING
Level 36, the penthouse floor of the hotel, features Chef Nathaniel Griffin’s Altitude Restaurant and the Blu Bar on 36. Café Mix is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant offering contemporary Asian Street food.
THE SPA
CHI, the spa, features Chi therapies and treatments based on traditional well-being practices of Asian cultures using natural Australian ingredients and botanicals. There are six spa suites, with three of the suites featuring spa tubs for a luxurious soak. The spa has signature products from Sodashi, an Australian chemical-free product line as well as Woollahra locally poured Atelier Lumira soy candles.
