Ruben

Planning to be in Sydney the first week of September. Debating between the Hilton or 4 Seasons. Price is nott an issue as I will be using reward ponts on either. Which would you recommend?

Bokhara2

I'd take the 4 seasons. See if you can swing a harbour view.

Why? Nothing wrong with the Hilton, but I like the area around Circular Quay better. They're both "brass & glass" corporate accommodation with good service.

More restaurants,bistros around The Rocks and Circular Quay and the colonaded area leading to the Opera House is very pleasant to have a sunset drink/casual meal.

If you like a nice pub atmosphere, there are several good ones close by, including the Lord Nelson, Phillip's Foote.

For an early morning walk/run - the Botanical Gardens are just minutes away. Or you could walk/run across the Harbour Bridge & back for spectacular views on the return journey. 15 mins each way, strolling. The Gardens close at sundown, but you can walk across the bridge any time.

Is this your first visit to Sydney?

Bokhara2

Some excellent restaurants within walking distance of 4 Seasons, too:

Quay,
Rockpool,
Aria,
Benelong, just to think of a few

And a good sprinkling of less expensive but very good options elsewhere in & around The Rocks and along the Walshbay piers (just to the west under the Bridge).

margo_oz

If you're a tourist, Four Seasons is better located - near all the things Bokhara mentions. And there's the possibility of great views.

For business, the Hilton is more in the centre of the city, so may be more convenient. I doubt it has views of much at all (I may be wrong!)

Bokhara2

I've only had George st/ Town Hall/ Darling Harbour Viewa from the Hilton, but I guess there would probably be Hyde Park views too, given the orientation of the building.

PinotNoir

I'm undecided as well. I've got plenty of points to stay at the Westin, but both the Marriott and the Sir Stamford have some fairly good deals on rooms and I'm thinking of going with Sir Stamford because of it's proximity to the park and ferries at CQ..

Bokhara2

The Marriott is slightly closer to Circular Quay than the Sir Stamford, but they're quite different hotels in style.

Stamford is English Country House http://www.stamford.com.au/sscq/

Marriott: http://www.marriott.com.au/hotels/ho...circular-quay/

Ruben

My apologies for not replying sooner. Lost the iPad and was out of action for a few days. Thank you all for your valuable input. I will stick with the 4. My first time to Australia and I can't wait. As seasoned travelers is one of the few places still left in our travel bucket list. We have traveled a lot and left the best for last. My wife works for an airline and we have squeezed this benefit to the max. Many years ago while flying to Paris met a very nice lady much older than I at that time who had traveled all over the world. I remember asking her of all the places she had visited which was her favorite of all, her reply Australia. So almost 20 years later and 60 + countries we are off to that magnificent country on August 30. Will be flying from Miami so we have almost 20 hours of flight time but all good things in life come at a steep price and we can't wait. I will share my experience upon my return.

Viajar es el segundo placer mas grande de la vida! (traveling is the second biggest pleasure in life). There is still a numbef one for this old dog.