Good, but not great

We stayed 8 nights at the Four Seasons recently. Our stay started off on a great note when the hotel upgraded us of their own accord. The service at the hotel however was inconsistent. At times, the service was superb, while on other occasions even basics such as the delivery of the morning paper was overlooked. Breakfast was also a disappointment as the choice was very limited for the price. However, any shortcomings were overcome by the exceptional view and the incredible location, probably the best in Sydney.

Not what you expect from Four Seasons

I stayed here just before Christmas on a 2 night trip to Sydney and I have to say this place is a disapointment. The building is literally the ugliest in town, a vast brown tower block covered in pebbledash. The lobby is glitzy in a 1989 kind of way, and gives the impression of an efficient business hotel rather than a luxurious retreat. There is not the faintest whiff of cool about the place.

However the staff are excellent, and gave me a free upgrade (without being asked) to a harbour view room. I'd booked a cheapo room from an internet travel agent at a rate of about 120 GBP which is a huge discount so I was very impressed to be treated that way. I also turned up with a couple of friends and they arranged an extra bed to be put in the room which they never charged for.

The rooms are very nice and while not over-large they are elegant and smart and in good condition. Bathrooms are great. The view of the opera house was spectacular and would definitely be worth paying extra for.

As for the pool, it is horrendous! It's hidden in the shadows of the building, nestling beside a very busy freeway which is deafeningly noisy. And they continue the pebbledash theme with all available vertical surfaces covered in the stuff.

All in all it's a very comfortable place to stay and the staff are just as you'd wish. But the place is a style vacuum, rather dated, and not at all fun. If you can get a very cheap rate like I did then I think it's better than anything else for the price, but at rack rates I'd never go back.

Honeymoon Disappointment

We reserved our honeymoon at the Four Seasons in Sydney because we'd thoroughly enjoyed past experiences with the Four Seasons in other locations. However, the hotel was dated and the room accomodations were average (we booked a junior suite). We moved to the the Sydney Grand Hyatt half-way through the trip and that hotel was spectacular in every possible way for the same price!! I couldn't more highly recommend the Hyatt. I wish someone could have advised us sooner so I felt complelled to give my comments in hopes I save someone the disappointment - especially on their honeymoon!

A little noisy but very classy

I spent 4 nights at the Four Seasons last week as a treat for myself before heading home to the UK. The only reason I stayed here was I'd read some great things on TripAdvisor and knew the reputation. I admit the price was also discounted for a company special price as personally I would not have paid the quoted $400 a night for the room I had. The room was of adequate size (I thought a little small for the price) The bathroom was delightful with lovely L'Occitane products. I had a harbour view room (great view) but was disapointed but the locality of the expressway, main train line both being right next to the hotel. I was on the 10th floor just above the swimming pool and was disapointed at the level of noise that came from the road and railway traffic. The swimming pool is as shown on the website but it doesn't mention that the expressway and train track run right next to you, any idea of a quiet time by the pool would be ruined. If you want a harbour view room I would suggest asking for a room on a higher floor to dampen out the noise. Location wise in Sydney it was great (I've mentioned the train and expressway!) Circular Quay and the Opera House are a brief 5 minute walk whereby you are connected to numerous ferries and buses.

As with many comments I could not fault the staff, room service was amazing (no silver tray service here you get the whole table wheeled into your room) The staff are never pushy or snooty as you can find in hotels of this calibre.

Other than the noise I loved this hotel and would say if you want to be pampered and looked after then this is the place to go.

Pretty nice

Just came back from my trip to Sydney. With 8 nights we stayed first 2 nights at the Shangri-la, went off to the Hunter Valley/Blue Mountains, then spent 3 nights at the Four Seasons. This Four Seasons is not as new (and not as luxurious) as the ones in Shanghai of Tokyo but it does have the same impeccable commitment to quality and service. We had a nightmare with a rude taxi driver and the General Manager rushed to our aide and assured us that the incident would be dealt with as he noted the taxi number. Although the rooms and facilities were not the newest, the bed was firm and the sheets were crisp white as you would expect.

The bathroom fixtures and amenities are their standard first rate (wonderful Occitane products). The gym equipment is a bit dated, but the spacious steam room was one of the best with that eucalyptus aroma just right. The staff throughout the stay was attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable. It was a relief to check into the Four Seasons after the disappointment of the Shang.

Perfect, the only place to stay in sydney

What a fantastic place to stay. I was here for my Wedding on 2nd Jan and for new years eve (which we watched from our room!) This has got to be one of the best hotels we've stayed at compared to all the others (Ritz, Hilton etc), It made our stay perfect.

Donwsides was the very expensive prices, and they were very busy during our stay. However the staff were GREAT especially the door staff, always polite and never hounding you for tips.

I would highly recommend ordering a picnic basket and going to the botanic gardens, the baskets come with everything but alchol.

Room service was SO good, we ended up wanting to stay in and enjoy the glorious view. Room service were very keen to help and change anything that didn't suit, and the madagascar chocolate desert!! I'm still dreaming about that...

Highly recommended, it seems to attract lots of Americans (i assume due to the brand), the spa was lovely. We arrived at 6am and although our room wasn't ready, they gave us complimentry use of the spa facilities (including a fantastic showers and bathrobes) as well as complimentry break fast, which was lovely. They really know how to take care of you, the food was to die for and the room was always immaculate! Only down side was price.

Fantastic all around

Incredible view, great location, excellent staff (concierge Esther couldn't have been more friendly or helpful). Look for discount offers and get a harbour-view room; it would have been a little overpriced had we not taken advantage of a "buy 3 nights, get 1 free" deal.

Great location, but not 4-seasons quality

Stayed at the Four Seasons Sydney during the last few days of November.

Very overrated. The hotel service is poor and not on par with the Four Seasons flag. Felt as if we were staying in a Hilton or Marriott. Way too big for personalized service. The rooms need redecorating, housekeeping needs to be retrained and the front desk personnel are not courteous. The positives are the awesome Concierge staff (ask for Ryan) and the views/location.

I would not stay there again. Check out the nearby Shangri-La or InterContinental.

Superlative Service at 4 Seasons

For a large hotel (500+ rooms), the degree of personal attention is staggering. We stayed for 9 nights and felt by the end that we were leaving family! The doormen/concierge desk are excellent (thanks Tony especially) - genuinely knowledgeable, and happy to tell you cheap as well as pricey places and share their great local knowledge. Executive Club services and personnel were very attentive and friendly - but not stuffy. We had a 2-room suite on one of the higher club floors with superb harbour views - but the room sizes are smaller than the Shangri-la close-by. One thing that would help would be some redecoration of the rooms with lighter colours to make them feel larger. But the Shangri-la (where we stayed also) cannot match the professionalism, personal attention and care that the Four Seasons provides so well and so effortlessly.

Fantastic

This hotel is walking distance to waterfront and opera house. TOP class service in the tradition of every 4Seasons. Rooms are a bit smallish, but well appointed and quiet. Bathrooms are luxury grade. The entire facility is well maintained. Food is a bit pricey but top quality and good service again. Service levels are extremely high and one rarely tops 4Seasons.