Review

Suite Life: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Suite/Hotel Info

Why stay here?

Situated above The Rocks with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the Shangri-La Sydney is in the perfect location to enjoy all the city has to offer. A stone’s throw from ferries and trains, the Museum of Contemporary Art, weekend markets and plenty of shopping and eating options, it’s the perfect spot for a long visit or even just a weekend getaway (don’t forget to request late check-out on Sunday).

The Executive Grand Harbour View Suites have harbour views and each offers 83 square metres of space comprising a bedroom and separate lounge room and a spacious marble-clad bathroom (also with views).

Look & Feel

Wow factor

I love a large bathtub with a view, and the unobstructed city and harbour vistas in my sights while relaxing in a hot bath were pure indulgence. Magnificent!

Eat In

Rise and shine breakfast time

The breakfast is in the buffet category and you’ll find plenty of the usual hotel buffet fare. We discovered the manual oat mill where you can press your own fresh oats with a jug of warm milk and honey. It was so good that we later purchased one online for our home. The weekends can be very crowded so if you’re staying on the club level, the club lounge is the way to go. It offers a smaller buffet, but an amazing view and it’s quiet – perfect for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast with the papers.

What’s for dinner?

With two excellent dining options, your selection will depend on your mood. Altitude Restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic fine-dining dinner. Located on level 36 with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as well as ferry traffic coming and going, it’s an amazing experience. Chef Ricardo Ferreira has created a new menu with an emphasis on biodynamic principles. For a more casual dinner with an Asian street-vibe head downstairs to Café Mix. There, chef Bo Sorenson creates Asian treats with a twist.

Treat Yourself

Time out

Everyone can use a little alignment. Chi, The Spa, has a 90-minute chakra cleansing massage to balance your energy channels and knead the knots out of your body. It’s a gentle, calming massage with healing crystals placed along different areas of your body. The spa is stocked with products from Australian brand Sodashi.

 

I would like an upgrade

The highest room category is the Royal Suite. The one-bedroom suite has a separate kitchenette, a dining room and a study. It’s 242 square metres of luxury.

Special Touches

Could do better

The buffet breakfast downstairs is a little bit of a letdown especially if you’ve dined at Altitude the night before. While the food is delicious, the space feels crowded and has limited natural light and low ceilings. On weekends, prepare for possible queues. Here’s where you’ll be happy to have access to the Club Lounge.

 

Insider tip

Enjoy the sunset over the harbour while you try the new cocktail experience at Blu Bar on 36. With plush chairs and lounges, and floor-to-ceiling windows, this New York-inspired lounge is the perfect place to kick-off your night. After that, head next door to Altitude for dinner with those same amazing views only all lit up. You will be glad you started early as the bar will be full by the time you’re ordering dessert.