It is all about the location

100   Recommended
January 10, 2017 by

 Map | 1 Review | 100% Recommended
Share
Save
Liked:
Location
 
Service
 
Food
 
Amenities
 
Room
 

{{ oRightNav.heading }}

Marriott Sydney Harbour
 Map | 1 Review | 100% Recommended

Save

Share
Liked:
Location
Service
Food
Amenities
Room
Stats

Check In

So my first stay in Australia was at this property and it was over the SYD NYE period. This is good and bad. Good as in there is a lot of buzz and action during this part of summer. The Bad is in incredibly busy and the property has to do little to attract customers.

I ended up doing a reward stay at this property (Category 8/40k per night, room rates were from 500 AUD to 1300 AUD). Unfortunately, the property made me pay a supplement per night to have two beds (for a capacity of four) even though the room is exactly the same size as the one bed version. No upgrade. I did get a higher floor, but there was no chance for a harbour-related view as the hotel was able to sell out easily on the peak nights.

Basically most of the international flights arrive by 7am, so you get to the property by 9 or 10am and there is no room ready. They have an arrival lounge staffed by their room coordinator. There is a coffee machine and the ability to take a shower and change. You can leave your bags and start your adventures.

Room

Probably one of the smallest rooms I have been in even for a major city property, but the idea for staying here is to use the location as a base for your adventure and to not necessarily spend a lot of time in your room.

As mentioned by others, there is not a lot of storage space. Shower only.

I liked that they had a plug adapter already in the room to use (and you can also use the shaver outlet in the bathroom as an additional outlet for various devices).

Location

There are a number of Marriott-associated properties including this one, the Autograph Pier One (which shares some back office staff with the Marriott Harbour property), the Sheraton on the Park and the Westin. I personally think the location of the Marriott is best for the Circular Quay (pronounced 'key') and action around the Harbour (ferries, Opera House, Bridge, etc.). It may not be the fanciest property, but is a solid choice.

Now, nearby, you are just a few steps away from the Harbour areas as mentioned to walk to the Opera House or other offerings along the area (jet boating, the Rocks, etc.). Walking to the Botanical Gardens is easy to do along with many of the public squares above the property.

Of course, you are going to take the Manly Ferry (there is an Aldi by the way at the Manly station). Catch a train to Central to transfer to the BMT line or grab a bus a few steps away to Bondi. The Opal stored value card system is extremely efficient and works on almost any public transit method.

Now, Sydney is a business city and some may feel that vibe, but that is okay because you can go visit many other places around Australia after taking in the big city sites.

Overall

This property is experienced in handling tourists and visitor of all types from their 'early arrivals' lounge to comprehensive lounge services, the team is efficient for handling a rather large property. You might not get the best value for your room rate, but for the location and included services, it would be hard to beat.

403 Comments

This review lives in the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay, Australia [Master Thread] thread.
403 comments and Y review
Comment In Thread

Hotels you may also be interested in