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“Five-star views from the harbour’s edge.” Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

With the best address in the city the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney offers guests an ideal location in the Central Business District (CBD) from which to explore the vibrant metropolis that is Sydney. While it may be an older property in need of a little TLC in some areas what it does offer, along with its enviable locale, is unprecedented service synonymous with the Four Seasons brand worldwide, spacious rooms with incredible views and excellent food and beverage options.

The spacious three-story atrium, adorned with a striking Christmas tree when we visited during the festive season, is home to the reception area that’s the hub of the hotel. Experience flavours of Australia at Mode Kitchen & Bar and drinks at Grain, the lively bar famed for its extensive whisky collection and creative mixology, both of which are located on the ground floor. We received a warm and courtesy welcome upon arrival and were granted an early check-in and upgrade, well received after a long flight from Abu Dhabi.

The large luxury hotel has plenty of character and is clearly a popular place to stay. It offers over five hundred elegant and comfortable rooms and suites, many of which enjoy panoramic views of the famous Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. We stayed in spacious Four Seasons full harbour view corner room on a higher floor that offered a fabulous vista. The huge and extremely comfortable signature Four Seasons king-size bed took centre stage along with a lounge area, business desk and a chaise lounge to relax on and enjoy the iconic view. The large Italian marble bathroom was somewhat dated but did have a bath and separate walk in shower, toilet and was well stocked with Organic Australian Appelles toiletries.

The decor is a stylish natural palette complimented by dark wood and a pops of coloured textiles. Crisp white Egyptian cotton bed linen adds extra comfort and amenities included a large LCD TV, Espresso coffee maker, tea making facilities, well-stocked private bar and plenty of storage. Wifi is free throughout the hotel.

Located on the ground floor Mode Kitchen & Bar combines a stylish, modern interior with a casual bistro style ambiance open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast choices are extensive with a combination of buffet and table service with a good selection for vegetarians as well as plenty of international favourites. We enjoyed a delicious dinner on our first evening, the menu features seasonal, local cuisine including such delights as freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters, seafood, steaks and a selection of classic and signature dishes.

We opted for starters of salt & pepper school prawns, grilled calamari salad and creamy burrata served with Japanese eggplant. Mains of tender grass-fed Cape Grim medallions, Tasmanian kangaroo loin (when in Australia and all that) and a perfectly seasoned asparagus risotto followed by a fresh peach tart served with vanilla ice-cream to share. Both the well-presented food and the service were exemplary. The large central bar has a good selection of local wines by the glass, small batch spirits and some classic cocktails.

Grain is a busy bar that’s the epicentre of the hotel. Famed for its creative mixology and extensive Whisky collection (there’s 250 to choose from) it’s popular with in-house guests and visitors. It’s an ideal place for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap but also for drinks and bar bites. Club room guests have exclusive use of Lounge 32 which offers daily breakfast, snacks along with evening canapes and drinks.

Enhance your city break with some pampering at Endota Spa located on the third floor that’s open daily offering a variety of face and body treatments in six treatment rooms including two couples rooms – click HERE for the complete spa menu. The unique triangular shaped outdoor heated pool is also on the third floor adjacent to The Cabana which offers light snacks and drinks. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre available for all guests.

The highlight of this property is its proximity to the historic Rocks district with all its dining and shopping options and Circular Quay just across the road. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Botanical Garden and Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the ferry and train stations are all within a few minutes walking distance. While it’s undoubtedly a great choice for tourists it’s also good business travellers due to its location in CBD, the bustling commercial district. I recommend a stay at the Four Seasons Sydney if you are looking for a spot of luxury right in the heart of the city.

The Nitty Gritty

Location: 199 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Telephone: +61 (2) 9250-3100

Website: www.fourseasons.com/sydney

Check-in: 3:00pm

Check-out: 12 noon

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The Good……..

Fabulous location in CBD

Luxury accommodation with incredible views

Mode Kitchen & Bar

Grain Bar

Unprecedented level of service

Free wifi

The Not so Good…..

Less lavish than other Four Seasons I have visited

Read more about Four Seasons Hotels HERE

Read more about Australia in previous post In Pictures | A Postcard From Sydney

The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of www.fourseasons.com/sydney