Review: Park Hyatt Sydney

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After arriving in Sydney via my Qantas flight from Melbourne, I took the train to Circular Quay, about a 25 minute ride. If you’re looking to get to the Park Hyatt Sydney, not only is this the most economical way, but probably the fastest as well. Once off of the train, follow the harbor around towards the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and you’ll run into the Park Hyatt. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from Circular Quay, but certainly doable.

Arriving at the Park Hyatt, you’ll notice the main entrance on the back side, not against the water. It’s actually not a very grand entrance as you would expect, but refined enough to make you aware you’re in a classy hotel. Walking in, you’re immediately greeted by the front desk, where I checked in. Originally, I was assigned an Opera King, but later upgraded to an Opera Deluxe King, thanks to my Diamond status “best available room” guarantee. You can read more about my upgrade experience here, and how the Park Hyatt Sydney handles these types of situations.

To give you an idea of the view from my Opera King room, here’s a stunning picture. If you’re put in this room, don’t fret…feel lucky.

The check-in process is rather quick, with a manager escorting me directly to my room, where check-in formalities were completed. I requested the points as my Diamond amenity. Interestingly, about three separate times over the next hour I was checked-on, each by different portions of the hotel – housekeeping, the concierge, and the front desk, each wanting to see if my stay was enjoyable. I did appreciate the hotel making sure I was settled, helping to plan the rest of my day.

My Opera Deluxe Room

This Opera Deluxe room was by far the most stunning hotel room I have ever stayed in – not necessarily for the size and furnishings (though those were on point, too), but for the view. More on that in a minute.

Entering the room, you’ll notice a small powder room on your right, complete with a very fancy toilet that not only washes, but also warms. There was a sink in here as well.

Further into the room, you’ll notice an open bathroom on your right, complete with a soaking tub, two sinks and walk in shower. The bathroom has open views out into the rest of the room, overlooking onto Sydney Harbor. The shower had a not so intuitive handle to operate it, but a simple call down to the front desk made me realize my error. Apparently it wasn’t the first call they had received about that, since it seemed very standard by the tone of the agent’s voice in how to provide directions on operating the shower.

On the left hand side of the room was a line of cabinetry. In the middle, an open closet to store luggage and hang garments, and then on the right, drawers, and storage places, as well as the traditional laundry and shoe shine information. I really liked how large the luggage storage area was, since I could keep all my clothing here without keeping it in the room itself, detracting from the view.

Just next to the line of cabinetry was a shelf where a welcome amenity was left – a bowl of fruit and a bar of chocolate. Next to that was a mirrored cabinet equipped with the usual over-priced mini bar, and complimentary coffee maker, which I used every morning.

The room featured an open floor layout, equipped with a large dining room table, a seating area with a couch and lounge chair, as well as the bed. Next to the dining room table was a charging station, where I was able to hook up 2 devices at once, making for a rotation of charging electronics. The size of this table was massive – I could sprawl out with my laptop and newspaper, and still have room to go.

The seating area in the center faced out towards the water, and a television in the middle of the room. A large coffee table was placed here as well, and I found myself sitting in this area overlooking the harbor on a constant basis.

The bed lay at the far end, with perfect views of the Sydney Opera House waking up every morning. Each evening, a bottle of water was placed on the nightstand, and these were replenished daily.

The room also featured not one, but two decks. The one by the bed was a walkout deck with two lounge chairs and an ottoman, and the other one near the dining room table was a smaller walkout deck with standing room only. Each boasted priceless views of the harbor and Sydney Opera House. The price of this room alone is worth the view.

It’s worth noting that this room, which was on floor 1, had a fair amount of pedestrian noise at night, from folks gathering to look at the Opera House across the way. The room did feature two blinds to block out the light, though there was a fair amount of talking and chatting below.

Each day, I found housekeeping to have kept the room in a check-in state. In other words, unlike many other hotels, every day that I walked back into the room, I felt as if I was checking in.

Breakfast

Breakfast each day was included with my stay as a Diamond member, and it included anything off of the menu, including the continental spread as well.

In addition to all the baked goods, there was a selection of cold meats and cheeses in a refrigerator several steps away.

Each morning I asked for a cappuccino and helped myself to some cheeses, fruit and pastries from the continental breakfast, as well as ordering an entree.

Service here was terrific, and I found them very proactive in trying to find a table with a view each morning.

Services

The hotel features a rooftop pool overlooking all there is to see in Sydney. There’s several cabana like stalls up here, too. If you’re looking for the perfect photo opportunity, this is it, though keep in mind, you’ll need your room key to access up here.

The concierge helped me several times with dining reservations, and one day with public transportation information to some nearby beaches. I did find that they were a bit understaffed for the amount of people asking questions, so I suppose they could add another person here to speed things up.

Behind the front desk was a lounge with terrific views, and you could order casual meals here throughout the day. Keep in mind prices don’t necessarily match “casual.” Across the hall, there was a full bar which was crowded nightly.

How much did it cost me?

Prior to staying here, I had a slight debacle with my reservation that you can read about here. Here’s what this reservation cost me:

Night 1: 30,000 Hyatt Gold Passport Points (earned through Stay More, Play More)

Night 2: 30,000 Hyatt Gold Passport Points (already in my account)

Night 3: 30,000 Hyatt Gold Passport Points given as a customer service bonus (see here)

Night 4: Chase Hyatt Visa Free Night

Night 5: Chase Hyatt Visa Free Night

I’m really happy I used my Chase Hyatt Visa free nights here, and don’t regret it in the least. The final total on my bill was $0…literally. Since I didn’t have any meals or other services billed to my room, I walked away without paying a dime on this 5 night stay. Incredible.

My Take

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this hotel, and feel it’s one of my favorite Park Hyatt’s yet. As a lasting summary, here are several things I feel important to mention:

• I think the upgrade to the Opera Deluxe room is what really made this stay what it was. If you’re able to secure an Opera room, go for it. There are some Harbor view rooms with Opera House views, though they’re not guaranteed. At all costs, avoid any room without a view.
• I found the staff at this hotel to be “pompous” of sorts – in other words, they knew they worked for the Park Hyatt, knew they were the best hotel in Sydney, and new that guests would be redeeming points and privileges to stay here, but didn’t pay for the rooms. I wouldn’t say this is necessarily a bad thing, but something to keep in mind before walking in the door. You’re staying in the finest hotel in Australia, and both you and they know it.
• You’re going to get a lot of walking in at this property, since it is at the far end of the Rocks in Sydney Harbor. Bring good walking shoes and be ready to walk. If you’re headed to the Sydney Opera House, a lot at least a 25 minute distance – while you have perfect views out of your room, you need to walk all the way around the Harbor in order to get there, so it is farther than it looks.

I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Without a doubt. To stay here for free, consider getting the Hyatt Credit Card.

Have you ever stayed at the Park Hyatt Sydney before? What was your experience?