Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, NSW, Australia

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Monica Tindall

If you’re going to splurge on a luxury hotel in Sydney, make sure it has spectacular views, exceptional service, comfortable rooms and great food and beverage options.

For all of the above reasons, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is pretty darn hard to beat.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Location

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney boasts a prime location for leisure travellers, between the historic charm of The Rocks and the vibrant Circular Quay ferry terminal. Our Full Harbour Club Suite offers stunning views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for our stay. Within walking distance, there’s a plethora of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops catering to every taste and budget. We have quick access to the historical laneways of The Rocks (and some fab weekend artisan markets), are metres from the ferry terminal (a trip across the harbour is a must), the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanical Gardens (my fave running location), entrance to the Harbour Bridge and the entertainment hub of Darling Harbour are all just a short stroll away. We’re within easy reach of the best Sydney offers, maximising our travel experience and cutting out the need for transport – it’s all literally on our doorstep.

Rooms

The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney boasts 531 luxurious guestrooms, including 14 Signature Suites with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the iconic Sydney Harbour. Accommodating every guest’s needs, including those traveling with furry friends (T&C apply), the rooms range from the cosy 26m2 Superior City Room to the expansive 156m2 Two-bedroom Presidential Suite. We had a truly unforgettable experience in the Four Seasons Full Harbour Club Suite.

This spacious 53m2 suite offers an open-plan layout that maximises its stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Bathed in natural light reflecting off the water, we could spend hours relaxing on the sofa, watching sailboats glide by, and soaking in the city’s iconic beauty.

The suite features a plush Signature Four Seasons Bed (choose your preferred firmness for a personalised sleep experience), a comfortable sofabed (with the option for a rollaway or crib), and a luxurious marble bathroom stocked with Codage bath amenities (these smell so good!). Additional amenities include an espresso machine, a 107-centimeter (42-inch) LCD TV, BOSE speakers, a deep soaking tub, and a minibar replenished daily. Also, a considerable drawcard is access to the exclusive Lounge 32.

Lounge 32

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a good club lounge. I’m not fond of crowds and love the convenience of having drinks and snacks available throughout the day, so the intimacy and benefits of Lounge 32 are a massive attraction for me.

The experience at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney’s Lounge 32 was nothing short of superb. The private check-in makes you feel like a VIP, and the chilled residential-style lounge on the 32nd floor is loaded with additional benefits.

We started the day with a delicious breakfast, moved on to casual afternoon munchies, and then hit the jackpot with gourmet canapés and top-notch wines between 4 pm and 8 pm, with liquor service available from 12 – 9 pm! Four Seasons properties generally go above and beyond what most 5-star hotels provide in their club lounges, and this is no different.

The food was truly exceptional with a focus on quality rather than quantity. The variety of healthy and vegan options such as house-made coconut yoghurt, granola and veggie juices was a highlight for me. While, hubby loved eggs made to order with all the crispy bacon he desired. Coffee was great, too, with an abundance of dairy-free mylk alternatives. Again, the evening spread was superb with fresh seafood, including Balmain bugs, Sydney rock oysters and the tastiest tiger prawns, alongside gorgeous cheese platters, salads, cold cuts, hot appetisers and more. If there weren’t so many tempting food and beverage outlets in the city to explore, we could have quite easily filled our tummies here.

The Lounge 32 Concierge made everything a breeze with local tips and sorting out travel plans. The additional perks add up to an unforgettable service, including premium high-speed Wi-Fi (essential if you’re mixing work and leisure), access to a private boardroom with killer city views, and complimentary pressing services (we made good use of this!).

Restaurants & Bars

Grain Bar

Our experience with Four Seasons Hotel Sydney’s food and beverage offerings began at Grain Bar. The award-winning bar is a haven for cocktail and whisky enthusiasts. Of the signature creations, the “In Like Flynn,” with its eucalyptus notes, is a unique twist on a classic. Also noteworthy is the recent collaboration with Bondi Liquor Co., resulting in a bespoke gin that heroes native Australian notes such as finger lime and grains of paradise. Additionally, with over 200 whiskies on the shelves, it was challenging to convince hubby to move on to explore anything else.

Mode Kitchen & Bar

One of the hotel’s culinary highlights is Mode Kitchen & Bar, a premium restaurant exemplifying modern Australian cuisine. During our visit, the restaurant buzzed with activity, creating a vibe full of festive spirit. With a focus on sustainably sourced produce, the kitchen serves meals perfect for visitors to taste and appreciate what makes Aussie dining so great.

On The Go

For a quick pick-me-up, On The Go cafe proved the perfect solution. The newly refurbished space offered a welcoming atmosphere, and the barista-made Lavazza coffee was a smooth and satisfying blend. I particularly enjoyed the Tierra Brazil, which had a rich body and chocolate, hazelnut, and cane sugar notes. It also supports local Brazilian farmers and sustainable practices.

Also available for pick up at On The Go is Chef Quentin Zerr’s “Art of Cake” collection. The selection boasts classics like Pavlova alongside avant-garde creations such as the Chocolate Cake, each infused with French technique and Australian flavours. The intricate artistry makes these cakes more than just desserts; rather, they are edible works of art. We can see why they’re popular orders for special occasions.

Finally, The Cabana offers a relaxing alfresco dining experience by the poolside. We only managed a quick dip, but the menu looks diverse enough to cater to various tastes and nicely complements a day spent lounging by the pool.

Facilities

While our itinerary mostly kept us out exploring Sydney’s vibrant streets, the hotel’s facilities offer a welcome respite from the city’s energy. I love the opportunity to exercise outdoors – my favourite route traces around the iconic Opera House and the Royal Botanical Gardens. However, the 24-hour fitness centre (much appreciated – I have a pet peeve for hotel gyms with limited hours) provides a convenient alternative in inclement weather. The heated outdoor pool is another highlight, offering a refreshing escape even on cooler days. While our busy schedule didn’t allow us to experience the renowned Endota Spa, I imagine it a blissful sanctuary for Sydney residents seeking a rejuvenating escape within their city.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Review

The Four Seasons Full Harbour Club Suite with Lounge 32 access is an indulgence worth splurging on. From its breathtaking harbour views and exceptional service to its comfortable rooms and delectable dining options, it’s an unforgettable experience that caters to every need. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration, or a combination, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney provides a luxurious haven in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant and iconic landscape.

Reasons to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: outstanding location within walking distance of an abundance of dining, entertainment, nature and shopping; easy access to the direct train line to the airport; incredibly comfortable beds; stunning views from Four Seasons Full Harbour Club Suite; superb food and beverage and exceptional service in Lounge 32.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
199 George Street, 2000 Sydney, NSW, Australia
+61 (2) 9250-3100
[email protected]
www.fourseasons.com/sydney

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