Shangri-La Sydney

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of fancy hotels in Sydney, but the Shangri-La on Cumberland Street actually lives up to the hype – and that’s saying something for a place that charges what it does. The moment you walk into the lobby, you get why this spot has maintained its reputation for decades. It’s not just the marble and the chandeliers (though they’re pretty impressive), it’s the way the whole place feels settled into The Rocks neighborhood, like it belongs there.

What really gets me is the harbor views – and I mean, everyone talks about Sydney harbor views, but from here? You’re literally looking straight across to the Opera House and the Bridge. I stayed on the 25th floor last time, and honestly, I spent way too much time just standing at the window with my coffee. The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a proper five-star – spacious, those crisp white linens that somehow stay perfectly pressed, and bathrooms with tubs deep enough to actually soak in. The concierge team knows their stuff too, which matters when you’re trying to get dinner reservations at places like Bennelong or Quay (they have connections, trust me).

Here’s the thing about the location that guidebooks don’t really capture – you’re right in the heart of The Rocks, so you’ve got all those weekend markets and cobblestone streets literally outside your door, but you’re also close enough to Circular Quay that catching ferries or just wandering down to the Opera House is effortless. The parking situation is typical Sydney expensive, but at least they have valet service, and the staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which is rarer than you’d think. I will say the breakfast can get pretty crowded during peak season – tourists love that harbor-view dining room – but the staff handles the chaos well. The pool area is smaller than some of the newer hotels, but it’s perfectly positioned for afternoon sun, and there’s something nice about swimming while looking out over the harbor. You know what impressed me most though? The way they handle the little things. Fresh orchids in the elevator, staff who genuinely seem to enjoy working there, and they somehow manage to keep the noise down even when the hotel’s packed. If you’re going to splurge on accommodation in Sydney – and let’s be honest, you’re going to pay premium prices anyway – this is where you want to be.

Rooms

• Deluxe Opera House City King with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Deluxe Harbor Bridge King with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Deluxe Darling Harbor King with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Harbor Bridge Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Executive Sydney Harbor King with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Executive Opera House City King with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Executive Darling Harbor King with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Premier Harbor Bridge King with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Horizon Opera House City King with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Horizon Darling Harbor King with Club lounge Access with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Deluxe Darling Harbor Twin with 2 twin beds for 3 adults
• Deluxe Opera House City Twin with 2 twin beds for 3 adults
• Deluxe Harbor Bridge Twin with 2 twin beds for 3 adults
• Executive Darling Harbor Twin with 2 full beds for 2 adults, 2 children
• Executive Opera House City Twin with 2 full beds for 2 adults, 2 children
• Executive Sydney Harbor Twin with 2 full beds for 2 adults, 2 children
• Horizon Sydney Harbor King with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Horizon Premier Sydney Harbor King with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Horizon Club Spa Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults
• Horizon Tower Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults
• Horizon Sydney Harbor Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults
• Ambassador Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults
• The Rocks Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Governor Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Grand Premier Sydney Harbor Room with 1 king bed for 3 adults
• Executive Sydney Harbor Suite with Club Lounge Access with 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Exceptional – Tanushree from United Arab Emirates (9/10)

  It was an excellent experience in every aspect.

• Absolutely Outstanding Service – Tindall from Australia (9/10)

  Our short stay was exceptional. From the moment we arrived the attitude and service was truly outstanding. We cannot wait to stay there again.

• Lovely overnight stay with my daughter. Enjoyed the breakfast and views! – Tamara from Australia (9/10)

  Exceptional view over circular quay. The staff were all amazingly attentive.

• Very Good – Ya(joey) from China (8/10)

  The view is great .

• Good – Morris from Australia (7/10)

  Great location
  Staff were helpful, when available

• Was very nice – Jarrah from Australia (8/10)

  The location and staff were friendly

• Enjoyable stay. – Roger from Australia (9/10)

  Very comfortable rooms with good views.

• Lovely stay – Larissa from Australia (9/10)

  Beautiful and very comfortable beds. Delicious food.

• birthday stay – Michelle from Australia (8/10)

  the upgrade of the room and late check out
  the grand piano
  the kitchen

• relaxing and rejuvenating – Hannah from New Zealand (9/10)

  View

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities