Review: Shangri-La Sydney and Horizon Club

This Shangri-La Sydney Review of a Horizon Club Opera House City View Room is part of my husband's trip report on his travel to Australia. For prior posts, please see:

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso benefits when reserving the Shangri-La Sydney:

Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests in Cafe Mix Restaurant
$100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Fresh fruit in room upon arrival
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Shangri-La Sydney Location and Check-In

After my flights from JFK to Dhubai, and then from Abu Dhabi to Sydney, I was very happy and relieved to have a one-night stay at the Shangri-La hotel in Sydney, Australia. The location of the hotel is up on a hill in the historic Rocks district. My taxi from the airport drove through Sydney at around 5:30pm, and it seemed as if everyone in the entire city must leave work at exactly the same time because traffic was pretty bad.

At the hotel, I was greeted warmly and offered help with my luggage. Even with the comfort of flat-bed seats, I was grateful that check-in was quick and easy, with many representatives available to help just a few customers, so there was no line. Here is a photo of the lobby:

Horizon Club Opera House City View Room, Shangri-La Sydney

I made my way to the room on the 30th floor, which afforded me a splendid view of the Sydney Opera House. The room was very comfortable, and quiet as advertised, with triple-glazed soundproof windows. I arrived at night, but the next morning was able to clearly see the Sydney Opera House:

The room was fairly spacious at 430 square feet, and had a separate desk area. The entertainment system was easy to use, and although I didn’t partake, the room came with an espresso maker and tea kettle, as well as a fruit bowl containing apples and bananas. The bed was, as usual, a little too hard for my taste, although I slept quite well and the bed was certainly comparable to a Park Hyatt bed (which I also find too firm), for example.

The bathroom featured an elegant glass enclosed shower and large soaking tub, but had only one sink, whereas most luxury hotels my family and I stay at have double his and hers sinks. Also, the toilet was part of the bathroom and not separated by a door from the rest of the bathroom, as it tends to be in most modern luxury hotels.

As with many luxury hotels, particularly those in Asia, a complimentary toothbrush and other bathroom accoutrements were provided. The shower temperature heated up quickly and the water pressure was nice and strong. The bathroom amenities were L'Occitane's “Jasmin & Bergamote” scent.

Horizon Club Lounge

The Horizon Club lounge is on the 30th floor, and features extraordinary views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbor. The lounge is spacious, with plenty of comfortable seating.

Breakfast, served in the Horizon Club 6:30-10am on weekdays and 6:30-11am on weekends, featured a wide array of cold and hot dishes. There were also pastries and juices available. The free WiFi worked perfectly well in the lounge, as it did throughout the hotel. Because so many cruise shops stop at Sydney, each day there seems to be a different, massive cruise liner that can be seen from the lounge, as well as from the rooms. In addition to the lounge itself, club privileges include: VIP check-in and check-out service, complimentary light buffet breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea, evening canapes and beverages, complimentary shoeshine service, and complimentary pressing of one suit or dress.

Shangri-La Sydney Service

After settling in, I was about to turn off the light to go to sleep, when I noticed that my cellphone needed charging. I called the front desk for an adapter, which was promised “right away”. I waited for twenty minutes. Still no adapter. I called again and was promised the adapter “as soon as possible”. I waited another twenty minutes. I then called again and exploded, relaying my situation. Finally, an adapter was brought within five minutes. So despite all the great views and luxurious amenities of the Shangri-La, I have to say that my stay was significantly marred by this unfortunate incident.

Shangri-La Sydney Café Mix

After a good night’s rest I was famished, so I headed for the hotel’s breakfast restaurant, Café Mix. The eggs, pastries, bacon, and pineapple juice were all fresh and flavorful.

The dining area was quite pleasant, if more crowded and minus the view of the Horizon Club.

I only ate from the buffet, but menu items such as pancakes and omelettes cooked to order were also available:

And the buffet provided a wide array of hot and cold dishes, juices, fruits, fish and salads.

I did order a café latte, which was brought promptly and was very well made.

Shangri-La Sydney Pool and Fitness Center

I didn’t have time to swim, but here is a photo of the pool and the jacuzzi. The pool’s water temperature was good, but the Jacuzzi was not very hot.

The hotel also has a fitness center:

And CHI Spa offers massage and beauty treatments.

A nice spot is the sun deck, which you can access from the swimming pool.

The Verdict

The Shangri-La hotel in Sydney was a wonderful one-night stop-over, but would also serve as a lovely base for a visit to the city. With the important exception of the flawed service (which I hope was a one-time glitch), my stay was most enjoyable.

If you've stayed at the Shangri-La Sydney, what was your experience?

Best Sydney 5-Star Luxury Hotels

Review: Qantas First Class A380 Dubai to Melbourne, Australia

Need Award Booking Help? Our fee is as low as $75 per ticket if you book your hotel or cruise with us.

If you enjoyed this, join 200,000+ readers: please follow TravelSort on Twitter or like us on Facebook to be alerted to new posts.

Become a TravelSort Client and Book Your Hotel with VIP Amenities!

0 0 vote

Article Rating