SkaiSW

Hi everybody - thankyou for making this such a wonderful website. I will participate more when I come back from Australia and have something to say. I am having trouble deciding on a hotel in Sydney. I am staying at the Observatory one night, but want a different hotel to stay two nights in on the way back. I want something super luxurious but unusual and eccentric. The choices my travel agent gave me are the Sir Stamford, the four seasons and the intercontinental. I am also looking at the Taj Blue, which looks intriguing - but she says that it isn't close to anything. She wants me in the opera district. (Also please let me know if you believe that she may have a conflict of interest - for example if she doesn't get commmission from the Blue. She has been wonderful, so i would somehow make it up in a gift if she doesn't get commission and I decided to stay at the BLue)

Bokhara2

I should think most TAs would make recommendations predicated on the preferences given to them by their clients in terms of luxury/location etc. Your "Super luxurious" would naturally lead to the selection of the 4 you have in Sydney.

Each of the hotels you mention has its charms: The Sir Stamford is steps away from the Opera House and, like the Observatory rather like a grand English Country House.

The Intercontinental has an interesting cortile (sp?) and is built behind the facade of the old Mint. Superb Harbour & Botanic Gardens views.

The 4 Seasons has a more modern decor and was refurbished quite recently.

As you note, each of them is within a few minutes walk to the Quay & Opera House.

Another in the "by-the-harbour & super luxurious" class is the Park Hyatt.

However; none of these would, IMO, be regarded as eccentric or avant garde. For that, the Taj Blue probably is the nearest you will get to both "Super luxurious" and "unusual & eccentric".
It's not IN the CBD., but is only a few minutes stroll to the Domain, Art Gallery of NSW, Botanic Gardens, Opera House & Circular Quay. It's also only a few minutes walk East to Potts Point, Darlinghurst, and East Sydney - where you will find edgier selections for dining etc.

mel1

Why does she "want" you near opera house? Observatory is kinda in that area anyway. Sir Stamford, FS and Intercon all luxurious, but not ususual.
Establishment meant to be funky and good (see Tablet hotels website, where Blu is and also Park Hyatt,which is not funky but VERY luxurious and great views of Opera House across the bay). Park Hyatt the most upmarket.
Establishment also has one of the hottest bars and restaurants in town. I would steer clear of FS unless they can tell you rooms have been renovated in past 3-4 years.
Location of Blu not a problem in my view (I live in Sydney) - it's on the harbour, great restaurants right there, near Art Gallery of NSW and Botanic Gardens, near central business district - everything just a short cab ride away.... good luck

JohnFitz

I think The Establishment would be the one that is regarded as a bit cutting edge .Small and groovy .I see they have penthouse suites etc so I think you are likely to get what you are looking for there as against in the large hotels which all the others are .And it is near where you want to be .

SkaiSW

Thank-you - based on your responses, I have narrowed my decision down to the Sir Stamford,and the Establishment. The Hyatt does not seem to have good reviews based on the rooms ("bathroom too small"), although poeple do say the Restaurants are great. If I stay at the Establishment, I will not have a view, but how good is the view at the Stamford? But I can see the view from walking across the bridge ---no? The Intercontenental has very good views from higher floors, but other than that the rooms are described as "Average." And Is the Observatory actually the best hotel of the lot? Should I just stay there both the first night at the beginning of the trip and the two nights at the end of my trip? What if I stayed at the Blue for that first night and then stayed at the Observatory those last two nights? Or is the Establishment the best place overall, even without the view? I just don't know what to do???? Maybe I am looking for a judgement of how important the view is? Thank-you!!!!

mel1

I doubt you would get any view from the Sir Stamford.
I really don't think a view is important in a hotel room in Sydney - it's like being in NYC or London. If you are anything like us, you will be there in the morning, then come home after a long day sightseeing to relax for an hour or so, maybe have a drink in the bar, and change, then go out again for dinner and maybe a show.
It would be nice, but not certainly not imperative.
Sydney, the harbour, walking around the city itself is the beauty of the place.

chimani

mel1,

Actually I disagree. I reckon if you are paying that much money, a view is what might make the difference.

All the hotels mentioned are WAY outside my price bracket. To me it is a total waste of money to spend that much on somewhere to sleep - but I guess the OP and I just think differently. And it's their trip!

What matters to me, even on a budget, is where you are when you get outdoors in the morning.

At the Establishment, if it's that place on George St with a (very well dressed) bouncer outside the door Saturdays, that I've been past on the bus - then what you'd see is a small canyon of a street.

Mate - if I had the money to waste I would stay at the Park Hyatt with a location and views to die for. I mean how small does a bathroom have to be before it becomes an "issue".

SkaiSW

Thank-you. This is helpful. Perhaps I should explain my very unusual situation. I am middle class with luckily a very inexpensive morgage. About 5 years ago I realized I needed to start travelling. I live extremely frugally for 49-50 weeks out of the year and then spend all my savings in 2-3 weeks. The hotels are not just a place to stay --- they are a major conquest. Both the Observatory and the BLue are on (different) lists of the 100 most luxurious hotels in the world. The Establishment has also made one of these lists recently. You see, I really want both a view and a spa-like bathroom and surroundngs that keep me in awe. I think I have just answered my own queston. I have just ruled out the Intercontinental and the Sir Stanford and the Hyatt (no offense Mel, and I really appreciate your help, but I can visit the Hyatt and take pictures from their restaurant (and will now make a point of doing so) -- the reviews from people staying there are not very good; people don't seem happy with either the rooms or the service -- and there is no guarantee that my room will be high enough or facing the right direction). Ok - so what remains are the Observatory, the Establishment and the Blue. I am staying a total of three nights. I will stay 1 night in each -- unless I take a day from Cairns or a day from Hobart or skip Melborne altogether... Ugh - this is very hard. I am going to stay on this baord for several days, if anyone has any more suggestions - I love reading this site.

Dukey

I would only make one comment..."small" is a VERY subjective term. If that is the ONLY bad comment about a place (and I'm sorry but I BET you it was made by a woman [I know, shoot me]) I would disregard it.

mel1

Hey, no offense at anything!
If those are your criteria, then just go with the Observatory. Do you REALLY want the hassle of moving around, packing and unpacking. Doncha think that wastes precious out-and-about time.
Also, do you want top restaurant suggestions, or is the hotel more important?
BTW, I agree on having a stunning hotel - I love coming back to a good room, good service, totally clean sheets etc.... it adds considerably to the whole travel experience FOR ME. But I certainly undertand others, who prefer to spend their hard earned dosh in other areas.

chimani

The hotels are not just a place to stay --- they are a major conquest.

Oh dear - so there we have it. You "travel" to tick off the boxes on some list of best hotels issued by those glam magazines,

I expect you'll buy tix for the Sydney Explorer too, and never really know where you are. Except for the sauna.

You must forgive my sceptisism. Your choice, but I find it infinitely sad.

I'm not saying that you must travel as cheap as possible, I'm saying that it is as sad as sad can be when you arrange a whole trip around super luxe accommo.

JohnFitz

SkaiSW , I ought to have said that I have stayed at both The Stamford and The Intercontinental although the former was about 2 years ago and the latter ( twice )about 5 years ago . Unless they have been refurbished the standard rooms in both were unexceptional as are the public areas. Of course George W.B. just stayed at the Intercontinental so maybe it has been given a major makeover.
Justin Hemmes , who owns Establishment,has a reputation for doing things well and with great style .Blue is beautifully sited and also very smart but at least 6 years old now .So on balance I would still opt for Estabishment and forgo the view. My experience is that often Hotels that cannot rely on views etc work on giving other things to guests such as superlative service , food and help .Now I believe The Park Hyatt has position ,wonderful views and excellent service from the monent of arrival . Friends were tickled pink that by the time they reached checkin from the car bell boys were able to call them by name .
SkaiSW you are lucky to be able to be in a postion to choose between wonderful hotels . A great friend of mine moves around between hotels, as you suggest you might do ,as he loves checking them all out and goes back next time to the one he loved unless another " better " property has openned . So I say " do it " from a purely selfish perspective of wanting your opinion in due course about those you stay at. J

oliverandharry

If your plan B includes taking a day from your already too few in Tasmania, I would skip it altogether. Especially if that day is from Hobart rather than Launceston.

SkaiSW

Hi -
Chimani, I would like to address you first. Since I do go out on a full-day tour each day and so far have had an incredibly fun time each time I travel, I would hardly feel sad for me. But the in the US the average hotel is comfortable but conforming to the point of annoyance and almost uglyness. We don't have very many 5 star hotels that are "affordable." (In my mind $350/night is affordable, $800. is not). I believe my travel agaent can get me every hotel I listed including the Observatory for under $350. She gets good deals. I did stay at the Windsor in New Orleans (6 months before the disaster) and it was then I realized the power of an outstanding hotel. Though still somewhat conforming, it provided an experience I never had before. The 4 star hotels in the US, of which there are many are pretty much given one and a half stars just for the name (eg Ritz Carlton, four seasons -- with few exceptions they are clearly not outstanding); So I don't think you realize that for me in addition to animals and history and corals and opals and vinyards of which I will see much, the abundance and variety of 5-star hotels is uniquely Australian and worth a look. (Asia has it too but I've never been there.)
And Oliver and Harry, I can't believe you remembered -- you and Lizzy did talk me into going to Hobart instead. I am staying at the Davy Jones Art Hotel there. And Mel, I love your accent.

mel1

Thanks SkaiSW,
Ditto your sentiments on a value of a good hotel. Please don't waste time feeling sad for me, Chimani - perhaps you did not notice my posts included mentions of "long days sightseeing, botanic gardens, art gallery and restaurants"..... So after I've done all those things and many more, walking and walking and walking in a city, THEN I love coming back to a glam hotel.
And SkaiSW, yes, you MUST do the Asian hotels, they are really amazing, the few I have been to. I am reseaching a trip to India at the moment and oh my, the hotels look incredible (especially the Taj group!)..........anyway, let us know what you end up opting for and how it goes. Cheers

Bokhara2

Hi again SkaiSW,
The Establishment could be just the place for you. As the others have said, the Hermes family has an excellent reputation for superb service in the hospitality industry. John & Merivale were avant garde clothing designers & retailers in the 60's & 70's and their flair for innovative design & excellence in execution has followed into this profession.

Good call John & mel.

PS They have a couple of penthouses as well ... so THAT might be fun for a splurge

With any of the other CBD hotels - just ask your T/Agent to request harbour/ Opera House views. As with anything else, get the confirmation in writing so you can request an upgrade etc., in order to get it if there's a glich on arrival.

SkaiSW

Ok everyone,
No, Bokara, I don't think I can afford the penthouse, although I can enquire.
I plan a long time in advance and will not be leaving until late July. In January I will probably be annoying you all about day trips. For now, Thank-you all! I am truely grateful.

JohnFitz

SkaiSW , the David Jones Art Hotel in Hobart is lovely.I spent a wonderful weekend there . But just in case all is not locked in and booked do you know that there is a new and highly rated hotel called the Islington in Hobart that Conde Nast Traveller and other commentators praised very highly.And on Wotif .com they have deals for A$280 a night.Promise us a full commentary on the hotels on your return please , as I think we may be on the same wavelength about accommodation .What date are you leaving to holiday ?

And Bokhara2 I still have some old Merivale and Mr.John clothes in my archival collection! Beige gabardine 28 inch wide cuffed Ocxfiord Bags purchased when David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust album had just been released .The Hemmes have had the Midas touch for nearly 40 years and as a result I am longing to hear what the hotel is like because we always stay with friends in Sydney .

chimani

Skai,

I owe you a reply. You described your personal philosophy so well that I begin to see where you are coming from.

But I still think that if you want real "character" - the opposite of those faceless 4 star hotels you mention - then you should look elsewhere, and go for a top end B&B.

Never stayed there myself (obviously - like $350 a night is expensive, and besides I live here!) but have you come across this place:

http://www.exmouthwa.com.au/pages.asp?code=50

Happy planning and all the best.