We stayed in the Four Seasons Sydney over New Year. The hotel is desperately in need of a refurb; at the moment it might be a great place to host an Austin Powers party, but without any such fancy dress on hand to create the right vibe, it just looks passé. We stayed in a junior suite with a full harbour view, which was an amazing place for viewing the fireworks and very spacious, so we were able to have a few friends round to share the experience. But the decor was tired and dated, as was the bathroom. Yes, it's a city hotel, so no doubt many visitors are there on business and you don’t expect it to be the same as one of the resort hotels. Nevertheless, there are also many tourists, many of whom, like us, have no doubt booked on the strength of other Four Seasons properties and their experiences there. This was, unfortunately, sadly lacking and not comparable in any way. Even the service was simply not up to scratch, there were so many mistakes made - a room service order took 1½ hours to arrive, despite the fact they said it was on its way when we called to check after 50 minutes (clearly they were lying); when it arrived, the main courses were lukewarm (despite having been in a hot box - but by then we were so starving, we just ate it); the ice cream on the side of our dessert order was completely melted; we had the wrong pudding delivered with another room service order; and, our laundry and another room's was mixed up - and it took over a day to sort this out and get it back. When my boyfriend telephoned to complain at about 6pm one evening, we were informed that the hotel manager had already left for the night. We left a message with the person we spoke to for him to call us. When we left, four days later, the manager had still not returned our call. It started to make sense why the service is so bad - with a manager with that attitude, it’s really not surprising and the rest of the staff don't stand a chance. As my boyfriend said, "I've stayed in 15 other Four Seasons around the world and this one is definitely at the very bottom of that list." It might have great views, but we won't be going back. Next time, we’ll stay at the Hyatt.

This is just NOT a good property. They need to overhaul the entire staff! I would never stay there! You can find outstanding service and better accommodations elsewhere in Sydney--try the Establishment hotel...now that's a hotel that meets its star-rating!

Of course, if you like bland, boring, slow service, rude staff...the Four Seasons is for you. I think "mediocre" is an appropriate characterization!

Solid 5 star with good views in the heart of Sydney. Standard sized rooms although it has to be said the bathroom was on the small size. Reasonably stylish decor though some may not like the nineties style gold trimmings. Cable TV and broadband internet of course. Very large in-room electronic safe. While staff were attentive and very helpful, the breakfast service was surprisingly slow. Had to wait 10 mins to be seated. Obviously due to a staffing problem as only half the tables were being used. Peculiar that such a hotel doesn't have contingency plans for absent staff... The buffet itself was excellent as you would expect.

My (adult) daughter and I booked an Opera view room at the Four seasons on 26 January for a special treat to celebrate Australia Day.

We arrived early (11.30) in the hope of leaving our bags until check in at 3pm only to be advised that our room was ready and we had been upgraded to a full harbour view room on the 28th floor! We spent quite a bit of time just sitting at the window watching everything happening on the harbour and in the streets far below us. Sydney harbour is magic at night! Even though I have lived in Sydney all my life the magnificent view from our room still took my breath away. The room we had was spotless as was the bathroom. We couldn’t find fault with anything.

Everyone at the hotel, from having the door opened for us going into and out of the hotel even before we reached it, to the reception desk, to housekeeping, to the staff at breakfast it was wonderful. The professionalism and friendliness was first class and the hotel is to be congratulated on their staff. We will certainly be back for our next special occasion.