Sydney is home to many great hotels, and due to the nature of the CBD and its buildings, many of them have breathtaking views over the opera house and harbour bridge. But the Sheraton Grand on the edge Hyde Park has undoubtedly one of the best views for those who are after something a little more green. From the upper floors you can see over the entirety of the famous Hyde Park, over towards St Andrews Cathedral and beyond to the harbour and exclusive Eastern suburbs. It’s a jaw-dropping view, and even if you’re staying on one of the lower floors or the city-side of the hotel, you can still enjoy it from the covered rooftop swimming pool.
The Lobby and Check-in Experience
The hotel is sat on the very edge of Hyde Park, and as you enter the lobby a large sweeping space presents itself to you, complete with a Moët & Chandon champagne vending machine off to the side. This is definitely my kind of place. The decor is grand and impressive and check-in itself was a quick and easy experience, and soon I was whizzing up to my Grand Executive Suite.
The Rooms at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Before my stay at the Sheraton I was at the Paramount House Hotel, where I struggled with the trendy modern decor, sparkling water, and lack of a proper wardrobe and bathroom. Walking into my 753sq ft suite at the Sheraton I almost wept with happiness at the sight of the huge walk-in wardrobe with plenty of hanging space for my maxi dresses, and enclosed bathroom with a ‘normal’ bathtub and separate shower. The bottles of complimentary still water next to the bed just reminded me even more so why I tend to stick to more reliable and classic hotels.
When I lived in Sydney I would get the bus home from the bus stop opposite the hotel most days after going to the gym (the incredible Virgin Active on Pitt St). I always sat there and looked at the hotel and wondered what the view was like from the upper floors. Well, I finally discovered just how special it is. The view from both the living room and bedroom of the suite was nothing short of incredible, I was utterly blown away by it and couldn’t stop taking photos! I’ve stayed at the Shangri-La in Sydney before which has the view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but I adored being able to see over the entire park from the Sheraton Grand.
The suite itself was well appointed and contemporary in design, with a large desk and chair, huge corner sofa with wall-mounted wide-screen television, a king-size bed with Sheraton’s usual silky soft bedding (my absolute favourite hotel bedding!), and a walk-in wardrobe/dressing area which led in to the spacious marble bathroom.
Food and Drink
Although the hotel has in-house restaurant Feast as well as The Conservatory bar, Sydney has far too many good dining options to eat in a hotel restaurant. Take a stroll to nearby Restaurant Hubert for a unique and exceptional French dining experience, while Mr Wong is the place to go for Sydney’s best Cantonese food, and Rockpool serves some of the best steak and seafood in the country. Big Poppa’s just down the road on Oxford Street is one of my favourite Italian restaurants – incredible food and the very best cocktails, with top notch dancing in the bar downstairs afterwards if that’s your thing. Fine-dining wise, you can’t go wrong with Tetsuya’s, but make sure you book far in advance. For a view of the famous Circular Quay harbour, head to Hacienda or Opera Bar!
Facilities
The hotel’s facilities include the On the Park Rejuvenation Spa, Sheraton Fitness center, and of course the iconic swimming pool. Enjoy the magnificent views of Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour while you reach your fitness goals in the contemporary gym or take a plunge in the invigorating rooftop pool. Escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney and experience absolute tranquillity in the award-winning day spa.
Verdict
The location right in the heart of the city is fantastic and ideal for both business travellers and leisure travellers, and I loved the classic but contemporary decor and of course the Moët & Chandon vending machine! It’s situated perfectly for exploring both the CBD and the local suburbs of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and Paddington, and is just a couple of stops on the train from Bondi Junction. Also, as the hotel is part of Marriott you’ll earn points if you’re a Marriott member or credit card holder, and you can also redeem points on a stay at the hotel!
Find out more at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Catherine Lux is a food and travel contributor at AGLAIA, and a luxury lifestyle blogger documenting her life on her blog, Lux Life London. With Lux Life London having a large focus on travel and food, she loves nothing more than long-haul flights, excellent restaurants, and relaxing with friends in the coolest places in town.
