Hotel Review: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney & the best view in the world, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney is fortunate enough to claim to have one of the best views in the world, looking out to Sydney Harbour with the dominating Sydney Harbour Bridge and the glittering sails of the Sydney Opera House in full view. Not too many people would dispute this fact and for that very reason if you intend on staying in Sydney why not make it all the more special with amazing views from the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney.

The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is located in an amazing location, just a few minutes stroll from the iconic Circular Quay and gives visitors amazing views of the harbour that they’ll never forget.

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The location of the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney makes it easily accessible for anyone even if you have never been to Sydney before. Arriving from Sydney Airport you can take the Airport Link train from either the Domestic or International terminal and either disembark at Circular Quay or Wynyard Stations.

The hotel is located in between both stations and is an easy walk, however if you’re concerned about carrying luggage you may opt for the slightly easier Wynyard Station which is on more level ground, compared to Circular Quay where you’ll have to walk up a hill.

Checking into the hotel was actually one of the best hotel check-in experiences I’ve had in a long time. I arrived early having stayed at another hotel just around the corner the previous night and wanted to drop my luggage off before heading out on a trip to Bondi Beach. Not only did the hotel take my luggage for me but they also checked me in and got all of the administration out of the way even though the room wasn’t ready.

Once the room was ready I was sent a text message informing me that it was good to go and my luggage was also taken up to the room and was waiting for me on arrival. All that was required of me was to pick-up the room key from reception.

The Executive Grand Harbour View rooms at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney are as you would expect, with plenty of space, a king size bed, a sitting area and work station. Access to plenty of TV channels and a massive bathroom with a large corner shower and over-sized bathtub mean your stay here can be an unforgettable luxurious experience.

Of course with a harbour view room the main thing you come for is the view and it does not disappoint. Uninterrupted views of Sydney’s most famous landmarks means you’re simply entertained by staring out the window and watching the world pass by. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is in plain view, giving you a front row seat as well as prime views of the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay just below.

The view from the room is even more special during May and June when the annual Vivid Festival comes to life, lighting up the famous landmarks of Sydney from 6:00pm every night. Sit on your window ledge as it all comes to life with front row seats to the Opera House projections.

If you haven’t already done so, check out the video above for an impressive time lapse of Sydney being lit up for the night during Vivid.

The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney offers a fully equipped gym as well as a large indoor swimming pool and spa. For those who like a little extra touch of luxury you can also enjoy the Health Spa on site.

Even if you’re staying at the hotel but don’t have a harbour view room, you can make your way up to the 36th floor for dinner at the award winning Altitude Restaurant and dine with a view, or if you just fancy a drink the Blue Bar is also located on the 36th floor, giving you sweeping views of the city and is open until late.

Checking-out in the morning was fast and simple with plenty of staff on hand waiting to assist. A word of warning however that the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney will charge a 1.5% surcharge for paying with a credit card which is really annoying given most people are going to pay with a credit card. It meant paying an extra $6.56 for simply paying the bill.

Once I checked out of the hotel I walked a couple of blocks to the Avis outlet at the Marriott Hotel where I rented a card to go and explore the Blue Mountains.

I really enjoyed my stay at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, in all honesty it’s way out of my budget to be staying here but I really wanted to stay here for one night, simply for the view. I wouldn’t have done this if the Vivid Festival wasn’t on at the time as this made it all the more special seeing the city lit up at night. I highly encourage you to visit Sydney during this time and for the extra wow factor why not check out the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney.