If you are only spending one night in Sydney, you will want to spend it at the Shangri-La with views over the Opera House and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, and an elevator ride away from one of the best bars to watch the sun setting.
The Shangri-La is one of Sydney's top luxury hotels, and was recently refurbished with window sills being replaced with wide padded window seats in every guest room to make the most of the incredible views.
It is well situated above the busy Rocks area and within easy walking distance of the Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and the shopping areas.
Rooms and Suites
The rooms have all you would expect from a hotel of this grade including tea and coffee making facilities and an extensive minibar, although they haven't yet taken the extra step of adding Nespresso machines to every room like so many of Sydney's other top hotels have.
Bathrooms have double basins, bath and shower, but in a traditional style so disappointingly without a view of the Harbour from the bath tub - many of Sydney's hotels have open plan bedrooms and bathrooms with a retractable screen between.
The hotel's suites are spectacular and as they are on the higher floors, floors 30-35, are higher even than the Harbour Bridge.
Bars and Restaurants
The Blu Bar on the 36th floor is one of the most popular bars in Sydney and it is easy to see why. The views are spectacular and the cocktails are creative and delicious. The adjacent Altitude Restaurant is an equally popular spot, and has a perfectly positioned semi-private dining room in prime position in the corner overlooking both Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The restaurant's degustation menu is well worth splashing out on for a special event.
The lounge on the ground floor serves fabulous high teas.
Pool and Spa
In addition to a well equipped health club and gym, the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney boasts an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sundeck. The Spa offers a range of CHI treatments, inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies and enjoyed in luxurious private spa suites in Sydney.
Weddings at the Shangri-La Sydney
Small wedding ceremonies can be held in the Blu Bar on the 36th floor, with receptions in Altitude Restaurant, although this is only an option on Sundays when the A La Carte restaurant is closed.
For larger weddings at the Shangri-La there is a huge ballroom and drinks reception area in the basement. Without natural light or views, they have successfully created a focal point of spectacular chandeliers, each one 12 metres long with 2614 crystals and a clever lightning system offering 16 million colour combinations.
The ballroom accommodates up to 350 guests for a wedding reception, at a current cost of $209 (approx £150) per person.
