Sebel Pier One Hotel, Sydney
 

A couple of friends and I are looking into staying at this hotel for several nights. Any thoughts?

Hi, sinoevil (I like that monicker!)

The Sebel Pier One is, as the name implies, about as close to the water as you are ever going to get without actually getting wet. As you'd expect from a Sebel, it's quite swank, although (since I haven't stayed there) I am judging only from the outside.

It's in an interesting but unusual location almost under the Harbour Bridge, on the western side. This means that you are looking at the newly-reopened Luna Park rather than at the more-familiar Opera House. You have a bit of a walk to get to the city, but it's a pleasant enough walk through some untouristy areas until you are into the Rocks. It might feel a little lonely late at night -- this is an area where people park their cars when they're on their way to a show. Pier One is one of several piers which are no longer needed for shipping, so they are either deserted or used for things like rehearsal halls and offices for the Sydney Philharmonia and the Sydney Children's Choir (just had to get in that commercial: my kids are members!). One of the piers (number five) is now a theatre.

Inside your room you shouldn't notice the one drawback of this area, but it will become evident as soon as you step outside: train noise from the trains that cross the Harbour Bridge. I guess you'd get used to that in a few minutes (you could always change your name to "hirnoevil")-- my special "favourite" hotel, the Russell, suffers a bit that way also, from the Circular Quay trains, but it never stops me from recommending it.

Hope that is of some help, although I realise that you really need someone who has actually stayed there to provide the useful advice.

Hi,

Unlike Alan, I have stayed here (neener neener Alan :)and I didn't hear any noise from trains..although I did have a wonderful view of a massive storm complete with cracking lighting! Which is why I can also recommend the restaurant because it was raining proverbial cats and dogs so I stayed in the hotel instead of venturing out.

It's a very nice hotel with a helpful, friendly staff and wouldn't hesitate recommending it to clients.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

Thanks Alan and Melodie,

We just booked our rooms at the Sebel for five nights. I had always stayed at chain hotels on company business, usually around Hyde Park. I thought a change of scenery was due, and it sounds like a positive choice.

I've been to the city quite a few times, but it's my friends' first time in Australia. I will therefore be the tour guide, by default, on this trip. I'm afraid to disappoint them. Any suggestion(s) will be much appreciated. We'll be there from the 11th-16th of April (not very long, I realize). If you have restaurants, places, or events that you think we must experience, please share! We're not the outdoorsiest bunch, although we're giving the Bridge Climb some thought. In any case, we will be grateful for any and all tips.

Alan and Melodie, thanks again for taking your time to write a response!

Sincerely...

I'd do the Bridge Climb. I loved it - and I live here!

If you like seafood, I can recommend Rockpool in George Street North between Argyle Street and the Cahill Expressway. It's just a short walk under the bridge and up the road. There are literally dozens of really good, fair to middling and pretty ordinary eateries in the general area.
Enjoy your stay.