This hotel has the best service I have ever had. The concierge and others really went out of their way to assist with baggage issues (Qantas).. The views from upper floors are spectacular. Everything costs money at this hotel, and the TV channel selection is dismal.. beyond dismal. The breakfast buffet ($40) is outstanding, but not worth the money. The room was spotlessly clean. On a SAT night, a bottle of Shiraz was left in the room, with slippers, and turn-down service. This hotel is managed very well. Spacious bathrooms, DSL, wireless for business. I was amazed at the number of children in this hotel. There were more families than business travelers. That leads me to my complaints. I heard doors slam at all hours of the night(s). There was an family next-door for 4 nights and their kid screamed at the top of his lungs 24x7. He ran up and down the hallways until 11:30 PM nightly and I saw him playing soccer in the hallway until Security came and yelled at him. On the other side of me, I heard doors slam and a couple having a huge fight (through the walls). For such a nice hotel, how can this place be so damn noisy?? Thin walls. I had to move rooms because of the family next-door. It just got to be too much with the kid singing and screaming (like 3 years old, Asian kid). So I moved rooms. I still heard the doors slamming all night long.. just BAM!!! BAMM! BAMM!.. It was unbelievable. Other than this, if you are a sound sleeper, and not jet-lagged as I was.. meaning I was hardly able to sleep as it was due to the long flight, time difference, etc. I stayed here 14 nights, fyi, so I got to know the place. The bar atop is amazing, a must-do. The staff is charming, approachable, nice, and just downright great. I really mean this sincerely. They gave me maps, dinner recommendations and just made me feel welcome. That being said, I did choose to check out of this hotel after 14 nights, when an opening occurred at Quay West, behind this hotel. The Quay is an apartment building, with kitchen, living room, and I heard not one door slam there. If you stay at Shangri La, stay on the Exec floor. I was bothered by the fact I really did not get upgraded during a 14-night stay. I tried to move to the Exec floor, where the kids hopefully were not, but was told no, unless I paid $150+ nightly more. I think that's ridiculous. The staff were great, the hotel is in the Rocks area, and there are pubs up Cumberland that are great (turn right out of hotel). Hotel has amazing service, great food, great rooms, but there is a serious noise problem at this hotel. I went with a group of people and we all had problems with the screams, doors slamming, and just noise in general. Even the housekeeping staff lets the doors slam, which surprises me. What can they do? make the doors close slowly.. maybe insulate the walls better. I thought the couple next door was going to kill one another, as they were throwing stuff. I called Security. Why do only I have these problems.. The couple were on their honeymoon, as it turns out.. so I got to listen to arguments, a banging bed at all hours, followed by more arguing. I guess they were making up and arguing. I wish them well, but I got to listen to them, the kid next door singing, running, and doors slamming at night.. all while watching the Discovery Channel, which was perhaps the best non-pay channel they have here. No HBO, Showtime, AUS pay TV, etc.. everything is meant to force you to buy Pay Per View. Beware of the noise. I cannot state this enough. 3 AM, 2 AM, 6 AM.. 2PM did not matter: noise at all hours.

From the moment we arrived this was the perfect hotel. Matt welcomed us on reception and upgraded our room. We could not believe the view from the 18th floor - both the Bridge and the Opera House! The room was spacious and luxurious even with an extra bed in for our daughter. I think, though, that it was the staff that really made our visit - they were welcoming friendly and polite especially the lady in the business centre. I would also recommend the Shangri La for its excellent location.

My 3rd time at the Shangri La Sydney, and it never disappoints. This is THE place to stay in Sydney!

I arrived off a long flight from London early morning, and was delighted that my room was already ready, not only that was upgraded to a Deluxe Harbour View Room, which was amazing! This is the best view of Sydney Harbour in the world, and the room was also fantastic, huge room, huge bed, huge marble bathroom, fantastic everything.

Excellent location, close to the buzzing bars and restaurants at The Rocks, and a very easy 10 minute walk to the centre of the city/business district, and a further 5 minutes to Darling Harbour.

Staff all extremely efficient and friendly, without exception, from the moment you arrive, right through to the moment you leave.

The Blue Horizon bar on the top floor is well worth a visit, has a great ambience and also stunning all round views.

Entertained business clients at the extensive and varied buffet at Cafe Mix on the first floor of the hotel, which went down well (especially the chocolate fountains).

I can't think of any reason why I would stay anywhere else while I was in Sydney.

We stayed at the Shangri La Sydney July 2008. We had a great view of the harbour from our room overlooking the opera house and harbour bridge. Large room. Helpful, friendly staff.As our room was surrounded by glass it took a couple of days to realise that the reason why the room was cold , apart from being winter in Australia was because the air con/ heating wasnt working properly. It was fixed promptly but broke down again on our last night. Also draft came through the window . Buffet meal in restaurant in evening was excellent, again helpful staff. As was buffet breakfast, however they let themselves down on efficiency and accuracy on a La carte breakfast , which was an issue when we had a flight to catch.Would reccomend this hotel but take pyjamas!