The flowers and express check out option near the check in desk
A beautiful hotel. It can always feel a bit like tug-o-war on this end of the city between this hotel and another one nearby. At the
Shangri-La Hotel the reception is always welcoming. I remember when this establishment used to be the ANA Hotel. Beautiful food and banquets. Not the most cheapest food on this end of the city, yet amazing food to treat yourself out to at least once or twice in any given lifetime.
www.shangri-la.com/sydney - one of the rooms with views near the Opera House
Glimpse of the main entrance
The checking in process was standard, usually no issues at all. The rooms are just divine, especially the Royal Suite. The Royal Suite is normally reserved for famous people, yet if there is an occasional mix up in rooms - where rooms sometimes get overbooked; you will usually get an upgrade. Stuff ups can even occur with 563 rooms, yet the caring staff fix this issue up real quick. Of course, you have stunning views of Sydney Harbour from most rooms. I have been to a conference here once, and I loved the sliding doors to take yourself outside so you can get some air during the breaks. A delightful range of herbal teas are also available. Expect an open courtyard area once you do go outside for some fresh air. The latter is for when you're at a conference here.
I love how this hotel is so close to Circular Quay as well. Circular Quay in Sydney is home to the popular ferries, including the Manly Ferry. Circular Quay is popular with many diverse Sydneysiders and visitors to Sydney. Of course, the summer months and Australia Day brings in the crowds. Furthermore, the New Year's Eve fireworks do too. Circular Quay is also well known for its arts and culture scene with the Opera House nearby, as well as the recently refurbished Museum of Contemporary Arts. Ice cream businesses do well in this area in the heat. If you're eating hot chips, just watch out for the seagulls, especially near McDonald's Gateway and the bus stop areas. Dendy Cinemas is also nearby. The Rocks Market is also a treat, in tandem with their annual coffee festival.
If you're lucky enough to score a room with a view of Sydney Harbour, you can watch the Opera House become all so colourful if you happen to stay at this hotel in the early winter months. Why? The annual Vivid Sydney Festival is on.
The Rocks is also known for its pancakes and traditional pubs such as The Argyle. From this hotel, you're only a short stroll away from such leisurely experiences. Bands occasionally perform at The Rocks. This area is also famous for the Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb, and for the iconic corn on the cob.
In the business lounge area
Bliss...
Great place to chill out and enjoy some coffee. Their chai lattes are also just amazing. So spicy and flavoursome. Their food and drinks do not come cheap, yet they are so worth it once in a while.
The bar area at the Shangri-La Hotel
The open courtyard near the conferencing area
If you're going room service and you have a monster appetite, go for one of their breakfasts. Filling food is an understatement. The best views in town for sure. Especially after any delayed flight into Sydney. Whether you're travelling from London or Melbourne, you will be glad to have arrived at the Shangri-La. If you can't get into the nearby Four Seasons, or the Park Hyatt: then the Shangri-La is your next logical choice on this end of town. Definitely the hotel of choice for many people.
Stairs for pedestrian access to the hotel
Taxi dropping a guest to the Shangri-La Hotel
Guests checking into the Shangri-La Hotel
The Shangri-La Hotel @ 176 Cumberland Street The Rocks
