Hilton Sydney {AUS}
Mar 5, 2018, 2:11 am
#271
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: MUC
Programs: A3*G, HH Gold
Posts: 74
Thinking about taking my daughter here for her Spring Break this week: Does anyone know if any of the rooms/suites have a sofabed, or decent couch to sleep on? Twin bed rooms seem to be booked up.
I love this property, the lounge and Glass views over some brekkie really make it, along with the great lounge checkin staff.
TDM
I love this property, the lounge and Glass views over some brekkie really make it, along with the great lounge checkin staff.
TDM
Mar 7, 2018, 2:44 am
#272
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: CONUS
Programs: HHonors, United, Delta
Posts: 828
Appreciate it, Bavariair, but I checked in this Wed morning and got a King Jr. suite. I was concerned it would just have the little chaise / fainting couch, but there IS a full sized sofa as well. Nice enough room. After a 20 hour flight, anything short of a wood picnic table would look like a heavenly bed, so no complaining here. Lounge was nice tonight, looking forward to Glass tomorrow!
btw: exercise / health club is really big and nice for a hotel gym! I hadn't been down there before, liking it.
TDM
btw: exercise / health club is really big and nice for a hotel gym! I hadn't been down there before, liking it.
TDM
Mar 7, 2018, 4:37 pm
#273
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Appreciate it, Bavariair, but I checked in this Wed morning and got a King Jr. suite. I was concerned it would just have the little chaise / fainting couch, but there IS a full sized sofa as well. Nice enough room. After a 20 hour flight, anything short of a wood picnic table would look like a heavenly bed, so no complaining here. Lounge was nice tonight, looking forward to Glass tomorrow!
btw: exercise / health club is really big and nice for a hotel gym! I hadn't been down there before, liking it.
btw: exercise / health club is really big and nice for a hotel gym! I hadn't been down there before, liking it.
The health club is run by LivingWell, which equips and operates it as a private gym, so it is very nice for a hotel gym. (LivingWell also operates many Hilton gyms in Europe.) One reason I prefer the Hilton to other Sydney properties is the 25-meter pool for lap swimming (e.g., the Sheraton on the Park has much larger and nicer rooms, but only a tiny toe-dip pool.)
Apr 26, 2018, 4:34 pm
#274
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,532
If you have award bookings at this property, you might want to check pricing. I had one in a few months, and saved about 8k points per night under current rates.
Jul 25, 2018, 12:41 pm
#275
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,532
We just finished a 5 night award booking here this week.
Nothing too exciting here, but thought it was a solid stay. Upgraded to upper floor, corner room. No extra Diamond amenities, past the two waters each day in the room. Standard lounge access and breakfast in Glass.
Lounge was fine. Nothing great, nothing bad. They get pretty busy in the evening, but we always managed to find a table. Desserts were nice. Otherwise, some sliced meats, cheeseboard, salad, bread, one or two hot items and various snacks.
Glass was ok, but I’d feel ripped off if I actually paid the asking price. Decent selection, ok pastries. I guess I’m too used to Asian Hilton properties, and this average restaurant pales in comparison. It is markedly better than the lounge breakfast, of course.
Nice Lindt mini chocolates left in the room in the evening. We came back our last day after the room was cleaned, to find one of the mini Pringles can knocked over on it’s side from the diabolical magnetic minibar stand. And I assume that’s the ridiculous AUD$16 charge that showed up on my final bill. A quick call solved that problem.
The bellmen were superhelpful here. Adele in the Exec Lounge was nice with some restaurant recommendations.
We hadn’t changed any money at the airport, as everyplace seemed a huge ripoff. I called the Magic line at the hotel, and was told they could exchange money, and was given the rate, which was good. However when I tried to exchange, I was told only to settle the bill at checkout. The Concierge pointed us to Crown Currency on the 5th floor at the nearby Westfield mall. A bit under a 3% loss on exchange.
Lots of smaller restaurants nearby only take cash.
Nothing too exciting here, but thought it was a solid stay. Upgraded to upper floor, corner room. No extra Diamond amenities, past the two waters each day in the room. Standard lounge access and breakfast in Glass.
Lounge was fine. Nothing great, nothing bad. They get pretty busy in the evening, but we always managed to find a table. Desserts were nice. Otherwise, some sliced meats, cheeseboard, salad, bread, one or two hot items and various snacks.
Glass was ok, but I’d feel ripped off if I actually paid the asking price. Decent selection, ok pastries. I guess I’m too used to Asian Hilton properties, and this average restaurant pales in comparison. It is markedly better than the lounge breakfast, of course.
Nice Lindt mini chocolates left in the room in the evening. We came back our last day after the room was cleaned, to find one of the mini Pringles can knocked over on it’s side from the diabolical magnetic minibar stand. And I assume that’s the ridiculous AUD$16 charge that showed up on my final bill. A quick call solved that problem.
The bellmen were superhelpful here. Adele in the Exec Lounge was nice with some restaurant recommendations.
We hadn’t changed any money at the airport, as everyplace seemed a huge ripoff. I called the Magic line at the hotel, and was told they could exchange money, and was given the rate, which was good. However when I tried to exchange, I was told only to settle the bill at checkout. The Concierge pointed us to Crown Currency on the 5th floor at the nearby Westfield mall. A bit under a 3% loss on exchange.
Lots of smaller restaurants nearby only take cash.
Sep 4, 2018, 11:45 pm
#276
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
Finally got to try SOTP as it was on my bucket list, being a frequent Hilton stayer.
Here is the comparison:
- Glass breakfast (even though its gone downhill) is significantly better than Feast breakfast. Pastries are of much higher quality. And imo, better variety at Glass. It's also nice that you get both the amenity ($5 of hilton points) as well as full restaurant breakfast. That being said, the breakfast at the new West Hotel Curio BLOWS both out of the water - like - better than asian hotels. Eggs benedict/hash/avocado as a la carte Diamond items are to die for. I don't think either Glass or Feast are amazing, just that Glass is better than Feast. Glass is 'ok'
- Despite the Hyde Park view at SOTP (which being a Sydney sider is nice but not very impressive for me) as well as the slightly higher sqm, there is no way an Executive Suite at SOTP is better than Relaxation Room or Relaxation Suite. Hilton has nicer deco, amazing, huge spa baths, nicer shower and bathroom, bright and more comfy bed. Sheraton was like 'cool', Hilton, I remember the first time seeing the relaxation rooms and suites and trying out the spa baths were like WOW.
- Better pool and gym at Hilton.
- Hilton hotel and exec lounge has gone downhill lately (reduced items and cost cutting - things like reducing water amenity to 250ml and no toothbrushes), but when it as top of its game it can rival Sheraton. Better desserts, better afternoon tea (admittedly tasty supermarket cupcakes at Sheraton but thats vs a scone/jam/cream and additional desert service at Hilton - I'd take the scones + extra dessert any day)
- Awesome self serve policy at Hilton, with no staff hawking you. Grab 10 soft drinks from the fridge, Coke varieties, nice water, hot chocolate. In comparison SOTP lounge is extremely awkward, imagine having to face a staff member if you want a... water... or being watched while you are getting a gummy lolly. Some people prefer this, I'd rather grab my 20 soft drinks and relax in a corner.
- AWESOME bar set up at Hilton Sydney, providing both sit down ask for drink service AND a line up. I don't know what the hell you guys are talking about and complaining about, being able to walk up to a casual line and ask for what drink you want is the bomb.
- Very friendly / down to earth lounge staff at Hilton. Pretentious / upmarket staff at SOTP. Although they are polite, there is no need to hand out or pour a PEPSI MAX like it is a fine dining restaurant.
- Decent prawns at the SOTP lounge, but Hilton also has prawns on some days. I don't eat oysters so can't comment.
- Just as cool options and variety at Hilton lounge imo. Although this has gone downhill as of late and I've noticed they've reduced their options.
So yeah, I don't really see the big fuss about SOTP.
I'll take Relax Room/Suite @ Hilton over Executive Suite @ SOTP any day, I'll take the afternoon tea and breakfast any day, and for that awesome drink line up I'd take hilton lounge on a prawns day anyday.
For how much people rave about SOTP I expected way more.
Here is the comparison:
- Glass breakfast (even though its gone downhill) is significantly better than Feast breakfast. Pastries are of much higher quality. And imo, better variety at Glass. It's also nice that you get both the amenity ($5 of hilton points) as well as full restaurant breakfast. That being said, the breakfast at the new West Hotel Curio BLOWS both out of the water - like - better than asian hotels. Eggs benedict/hash/avocado as a la carte Diamond items are to die for. I don't think either Glass or Feast are amazing, just that Glass is better than Feast. Glass is 'ok'
- Despite the Hyde Park view at SOTP (which being a Sydney sider is nice but not very impressive for me) as well as the slightly higher sqm, there is no way an Executive Suite at SOTP is better than Relaxation Room or Relaxation Suite. Hilton has nicer deco, amazing, huge spa baths, nicer shower and bathroom, bright and more comfy bed. Sheraton was like 'cool', Hilton, I remember the first time seeing the relaxation rooms and suites and trying out the spa baths were like WOW.
- Better pool and gym at Hilton.
- Hilton hotel and exec lounge has gone downhill lately (reduced items and cost cutting - things like reducing water amenity to 250ml and no toothbrushes), but when it as top of its game it can rival Sheraton. Better desserts, better afternoon tea (admittedly tasty supermarket cupcakes at Sheraton but thats vs a scone/jam/cream and additional desert service at Hilton - I'd take the scones + extra dessert any day)
- Awesome self serve policy at Hilton, with no staff hawking you. Grab 10 soft drinks from the fridge, Coke varieties, nice water, hot chocolate. In comparison SOTP lounge is extremely awkward, imagine having to face a staff member if you want a... water... or being watched while you are getting a gummy lolly. Some people prefer this, I'd rather grab my 20 soft drinks and relax in a corner.
- AWESOME bar set up at Hilton Sydney, providing both sit down ask for drink service AND a line up. I don't know what the hell you guys are talking about and complaining about, being able to walk up to a casual line and ask for what drink you want is the bomb.
- Very friendly / down to earth lounge staff at Hilton. Pretentious / upmarket staff at SOTP. Although they are polite, there is no need to hand out or pour a PEPSI MAX like it is a fine dining restaurant.
- Decent prawns at the SOTP lounge, but Hilton also has prawns on some days. I don't eat oysters so can't comment.
- Just as cool options and variety at Hilton lounge imo. Although this has gone downhill as of late and I've noticed they've reduced their options.
So yeah, I don't really see the big fuss about SOTP.
I'll take Relax Room/Suite @ Hilton over Executive Suite @ SOTP any day, I'll take the afternoon tea and breakfast any day, and for that awesome drink line up I'd take hilton lounge on a prawns day anyday.
For how much people rave about SOTP I expected way more.
Last edited by mingzie; Sep 4, 2018 at 11:54 pm
Sep 5, 2018, 12:06 am
#277
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
It is an Executive Lounge .. not a Costco Warehouse.
Sep 5, 2018, 12:09 am
#278
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
And this seems to be the case of any lounge with a fridge of soft drinks.
Soft drinks are dirt cheap to hotels. I mean a normal consumer can buy 24 cans for $10 AUD reliably.
Yes, its an executive lounge, not a prison cafeteria. Having to police the soft drink section is not very executive. Why do I need to ASK to get a water or pepsi max? Am I executive or a beggar..
Last edited by mingzie; Sep 5, 2018 at 12:14 am
Sep 5, 2018, 12:33 am
#279
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,521
What a bizarre review. The windows at the Hilton are tiny and the rooms lack natural light.
The Exec Suites at the SOTP have huge windows and the from Level 15 upwards have views of the Harbour Heads.
The Hilton indoor, windowless pool in the third party gym is horrid in comparison with SOTP pool on the rooftop that overlooks the City with Harbour Views.
The Exec Suites at the SOTP have huge windows and the from Level 15 upwards have views of the Harbour Heads.
The Hilton indoor, windowless pool in the third party gym is horrid in comparison with SOTP pool on the rooftop that overlooks the City with Harbour Views.
Sep 5, 2018, 12:42 am
#280
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,681
Checked out of Hilton this morning, just a one-night stay. Upgraded to Relaxation Room. There were toothbrush/paste kits in the room (re mingzie‘s comment above). Light in room (43rd floor) was lovely when shades up, despite it being a cloudy & rainy morning). Staff all great, and was given 2p late checkout, which I ended up not needing. Enjoyed Glass brekkie. Have stayed at Curio several times now too—the breakfast there is great if you have no time concerns. I find the Hilton location more convenient too. YMMV.
Sep 5, 2018, 12:44 am
#281
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
What a bizarre review. The windows at the Hilton are tiny and the rooms lack natural light.
The Exec Suites at the SOTP have huge windows and the from Level 15 upwards have views of the Harbour Heads.
The Hilton indoor, windowless pool in the third party gym is horrid in comparison with SOTP pool on the rooftop that overlooks the City with Harbour Views.
The Exec Suites at the SOTP have huge windows and the from Level 15 upwards have views of the Harbour Heads.
The Hilton indoor, windowless pool in the third party gym is horrid in comparison with SOTP pool on the rooftop that overlooks the City with Harbour Views.
As mentioned earlier, you may prefer the tiny/shallow SOTP pool to the proper Hilton Sydney pool with multiple lanes where you can do laps. But to us, thats bizarre. It is normal in Australia for a proper pool to be indoor with no windows.
Sep 5, 2018, 12:46 am
#282
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
Checked out of Hilton this morning, just a one-night stay. Upgraded to Relaxation Room. There were toothbrush/paste kits in the room (re mingzie‘s comment above). Light in room (43rd floor) was lovely when shades up, despite it being a cloudy & rainy morning). Staff all great, and was given 2p late checkout, which I ended up not needing. Enjoyed Glass brekkie. Have stayed at Curio several times now too—the breakfast there is great if you have no time concerns. I find the Hilton location more convenient too. YMMV.
The past 5 or so stays they haven't given toothbrushes (which is a bit disheartening) - you have to ask for it. Agreed with Curio + time concerns, and yes. Hilton Sydney location is 100x better. Right next to QVB in middle of city vs. Barangaroo in the middle of nowhere.
Sep 5, 2018, 1:37 am
#283
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
Coming from someone admitting to hoovering up 10 or 20 drinks at a time, "just because I can" I know where my vote would go.
I've stayed at many Relaxation Rooms and Suites at Sydney Hilton, and high floor water view Suites at Sheraton in the Park, and there is absolutely no comparison. SOTP wins hands down.
Neither is there Lounge versus Lounge parity. No contest. SOTP has one of thebest views in the world. Sit outside on a nice evening, and NIRVANA.
But I admit, we only ever drink or order one beverage a time, so my views might be old fashioned these days.
Sep 5, 2018, 2:15 am
#284
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
Coming from someone admitting to hoovering up 10 or 20 drinks at a time, "just because I can" I know where my vote would go.
I've stayed at many Relaxation Rooms and Suites at Sydney Hilton, and high floor water view Suites at Sheraton in the Park, and there is absolutely no comparison. SOTP wins hands down.
Neither is there Lounge versus Lounge parity. No contest. SOTP has one of thebest views in the world. Sit outside on a nice evening, and NIRVANA.
But I admit, we only ever drink or order one beverage a time, so my views might be old fashioned these days.
I've stayed at many Relaxation Rooms and Suites at Sydney Hilton, and high floor water view Suites at Sheraton in the Park, and there is absolutely no comparison. SOTP wins hands down.
Neither is there Lounge versus Lounge parity. No contest. SOTP has one of thebest views in the world. Sit outside on a nice evening, and NIRVANA.
But I admit, we only ever drink or order one beverage a time, so my views might be old fashioned these days.
By the way, call me beggar all you like, I am paying $200-300+ a night on multiple rooms.I really find the attitude funny where people think they are 'better' than everyone in the lounge, and those who have their dinner in the lounge or multiple drinks (which they paid access for and are entitled to by the way and probably multiples of your room rate) are scum.
No, you're not a better person than the families having their dinner, and no, not everyone has the same opinion as you about what constitutes a good lounge/service/view. No need for this snotty attitude towards everyone who has an opinion different to yours.
If you think about it, they're enjoying their life, entitled to access, having fun with their family, enjoying and making use of the food and drinks (a lot of people are not frequent stayers and only get to stay at a hotel occasionally). Whilst you are thinking how low class they are. The irony...
Sep 5, 2018, 3:50 am
#285
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
Got to see someone else has actually stayed at the high floor balcony Suites at Sheraton On The Park. Nothing at Sydney Hilton can come close of course, as they are surrounded by high rise there. That is a self evident fact, and anyone who can't fathom that, really should not be making absurd sweeping comments if they have not stayed there.
