Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Booked 4 nights for my wife's birthday. Upon check in we couldn't enter the room due to a faulty key. After three trips downstairs being told that the key was fine but not offered any assistance, I was finally given another room. The same thing happened again before I was let in with a master key and reception sorted out the problem. The view is spectacular and the room is extremely nice. I was not impressed to see the usual bottle of still water in the room was not complimentary but a $10 charge, you must be kidding?. I had also booked a dinner at the Altitude restaurant and informed them that we would also be hotel guests. I was most disappointed to be given an inferior table away from the great view, particularly when there were empty tables by the windows. when i enquired. I was told that they were reserved even though I was told previously that reservations of tables could not be taken. Given that we were guests of the hotel we should have been given priority or at least an apoligy. Apart from the view this restaurant had nothing else, the food was most ordinary for the price. Overall the hotel is adequate, but not justified in its prices, there are better alternatives around.

My husband and I left, Nyack, NY last February for our first long trip to Australia and New Zealand. We just arrived home on April 1, 2009. After the long flight to Sydney, we were very happy with the scale and friendliness of this hotel. Spectacular view, and very good service from this hotel. On arrival, by mistake we left our briefcase in the shuttle from the airport. We were taken by the Hotel staff to the Conference Center to begin the process of finding the driver, and eventually retracing our steps back to the Sydney Airport. The Hotel even replayed a survelliance tape of our arrival with the hope it might identify the van and driver. All ended well, as the driver was located, and our case and passports were safely sitting on the back seat of his van. I can't recall all the names, but ALL THE STAFF were some who made our visit one to repeat. Sydney is great, the coffee even greater, and like Rome, a very stylish place. If you go, you will want to get in shape, because they walk all over the place. Lynne and Peter Esmay South Nyack, NY

Wonderful location overlooking the Opera House, Circular Quay and within walking distance of George Street downtown. Excellent service. Two very good and very expensive restaurants, not unique to Sydney's food prices which are really high. If we return to Sydney we would stay there again; would definitely reccommend it.