Hilton Sydney {AUS}
Sep 5, 2018, 4:30 am
#286
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
Yes, sadly Hilton were stuck with the tiny "Archer View" vertical slit windows when they did the re-model, and Council would not allow them to be made larger and alter the exterior facade. Even the lounge has them, and they are tiny compared to how they would be done today on a new build.
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.
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.
Sep 5, 2018, 5:11 am
#287
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
Yes, sadly Hilton were stuck with the tiny "Archer View" vertical slit windows when they did the re-model, and Council would not allow them to be made larger and alter the exterior facade. Even the lounge has them, and they are tiny compared to how they would be done today on a new build.
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.
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.
View is only a single factor of a hotel stay, and its very subjective. I live in Sydney, and personally do not care about a view of the park. In fact the only thing the SOTP people can keep blabbing on about is view this, view that.
Not everyone values a view as the number one priority. I mean even when talking about a pool its all about the view again and not the pool itself. Like geez, there is more to a hotel than a view. The views at Hilton aren't even bad when you're facing Pitt St. There is a huge window next to the Spa Bath overlooking the city, which is quite beautiful subjectively. For me, and as a Sydney sider, looking at some grass doesn't do it for me.
People really getting worked up over someone else's opinion, lol.
personally, this hotel has some of the best spa bath models worldwide. And I've did all the Vegas trips etc. All the jacuzzis there are tiny and depressing. Toilet unit and shower are 100x better at Hilton. Gotta love me them spabaths and bathrooms. Love the layout of the relaxation rooms and suites too, way "brighter" decor wise and beautiful looking than the bland suites at SOTP
m0hamed is a hard to please guest.. He received a relaxation suite upgrade on his very first stay despite 100+ diamonds per night and was not grateful about it at all. Also says there is no natural light but his photos are full of natural light..
even complained about the lounge despite there being king prawns on the night he went. Sheesh...
Last edited by mingzie; Sep 5, 2018 at 5:24 am
Sep 5, 2018, 5:25 am
#288
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
And my spa bath was broken so clearly our experiences differ greatly.
I'm beginning to think you didn't request a late checkout at the SOTP now which is why housekeeping kept calling and entered the room.
I'm beginning to think you didn't request a late checkout at the SOTP now which is why housekeeping kept calling and entered the room.
Sep 5, 2018, 5:28 am
#289
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
yes, and technical issues will occur. You didn't even mention it to the staff so they would have a chance to compensate you. The engineer also would have fixed it in 2 minutes. I have always been compensated well if there is a technical issue. They don't differ greatly. I've had a spa bath broken too. Engineer fixed in 30 sec, compensated all movies free and had a blast.
With SOTP, I was given a 4pm late checkout on check in. To further the sour taste, I've just been incorrectly charged the entire minibar (I assume of the previous guest). Hotel is not even helping me with the issue and saying they'll call back. I've lodged a Marriott complaint to SOTP. I can show you the lodgement if you want, cos you seem to think anyone with different experience Is a liar lol..
Sep 5, 2018, 6:03 pm
#290
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
I've stayed at both the Hilton and the Sheraton on the Park, alone and with others. At the Hilton I usually get the standard "Executive" rooms which are well laid out but TINY and not place to put things. I like to unpack, and the Hilton only has two drawers so not enough space. I also sometimes do stretches on a towel on the floor, and finding space is a challenge at the Hilton.
Despite the Hilton rooms being too small and not enough storage, I prefer to stay there rather than the SotP. I swim laps, and having an actual 25 meter pool with lane dividers is wonderful! The SotP pool is a typical hotel pool: only suitable for people to sit and stew in.
I find breakfast at either Glass or Feast to be fine. Years ago, Glass had much better offerings, including some local yogurt that was divine! Now, I find them comparable but of course with differences. My spouse prefers Feast, but we eat different stuff.
I agree with mingzie that the Hilton mattresses are much better. So much better. Years ago, Hilton had atrocious mattresses, but that's been fixed now.
I've never head a problem with natural light in the Hilton. Are you sure you raised the shades? They are built in to the windows so you need to use the switch by the bed. I find they work better when closed than the curtains at the SotP. I've had larger mini-suites at the SotP, but never a fancy park view. I usually have a view of an industrial building's ventilation shaft.
People tend to smoke outside, so I stay indoors. It does look like it would be nice.
At the Hilton exec lounge, it depends on the time of day. During evening happy hour, there is staff manning the bar and you need to ask for what you want. At other times you can just walk up to the fridge and grab it, which is convenient. I agree that having staff hover around you and insist they fetch your bottle of water for you at the SotP is annoying.
Despite the Hilton rooms being too small and not enough storage, I prefer to stay there rather than the SotP. I swim laps, and having an actual 25 meter pool with lane dividers is wonderful! The SotP pool is a typical hotel pool: only suitable for people to sit and stew in.
I find breakfast at either Glass or Feast to be fine. Years ago, Glass had much better offerings, including some local yogurt that was divine! Now, I find them comparable but of course with differences. My spouse prefers Feast, but we eat different stuff.
I agree with mingzie that the Hilton mattresses are much better. So much better. Years ago, Hilton had atrocious mattresses, but that's been fixed now.
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.
At the Hilton exec lounge, it depends on the time of day. During evening happy hour, there is staff manning the bar and you need to ask for what you want. At other times you can just walk up to the fridge and grab it, which is convenient. I agree that having staff hover around you and insist they fetch your bottle of water for you at the SotP is annoying.
Sep 5, 2018, 9:17 pm
#291
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP >3 Million miles,HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 2,887
I've stayed at both the Hilton and the Sheraton on the Park, alone and with others. At the Hilton I usually get the standard "Executive" rooms which are well laid out but TINY and not place to put things. I like to unpack, and the Hilton only has two drawers so not enough space. I also sometimes do stretches on a towel on the floor, and finding space is a challenge at the Hilton.
Despite the Hilton rooms being too small and not enough storage, I prefer to stay there rather than the SotP. I swim laps, and having an actual 25 meter pool with lane dividers is wonderful! The SotP pool is a typical hotel pool: only suitable for people to sit and stew in.
I find breakfast at either Glass or Feast to be fine. Years ago, Glass had much better offerings, including some local yogurt that was divine! Now, I find them comparable but of course with differences. My spouse prefers Feast, but we eat different stuff.
I agree with mingzie that the Hilton mattresses are much better. So much better. Years ago, Hilton had atrocious mattresses, but that's been fixed now.
I've never head a problem with natural light in the Hilton. Are you sure you raised the shades? They are built in to the windows so you need to use the switch by the bed. I find they work better when closed than the curtains at the SotP. I've had larger mini-suites at the SotP, but never a fancy park view. I usually have a view of an industrial building's ventilation shaft.
People tend to smoke outside, so I stay indoors. It does look like it would be nice.
At the Hilton exec lounge, it depends on the time of day. During evening happy hour, there is staff manning the bar and you need to ask for what you want. At other times you can just walk up to the fridge and grab it, which is convenient. I agree that having staff hover around you and insist they fetch your bottle of water for you at the SotP is annoying.
Despite the Hilton rooms being too small and not enough storage, I prefer to stay there rather than the SotP. I swim laps, and having an actual 25 meter pool with lane dividers is wonderful! The SotP pool is a typical hotel pool: only suitable for people to sit and stew in.
I find breakfast at either Glass or Feast to be fine. Years ago, Glass had much better offerings, including some local yogurt that was divine! Now, I find them comparable but of course with differences. My spouse prefers Feast, but we eat different stuff.
I agree with mingzie that the Hilton mattresses are much better. So much better. Years ago, Hilton had atrocious mattresses, but that's been fixed now.
I've never head a problem with natural light in the Hilton. Are you sure you raised the shades? They are built in to the windows so you need to use the switch by the bed. I find they work better when closed than the curtains at the SotP. I've had larger mini-suites at the SotP, but never a fancy park view. I usually have a view of an industrial building's ventilation shaft.
People tend to smoke outside, so I stay indoors. It does look like it would be nice.
At the Hilton exec lounge, it depends on the time of day. During evening happy hour, there is staff manning the bar and you need to ask for what you want. At other times you can just walk up to the fridge and grab it, which is convenient. I agree that having staff hover around you and insist they fetch your bottle of water for you at the SotP is annoying.
I always enjoy reading posts about this hotel because there is always so much variety of opinion. We have had good, better and best stays before during and after the renovations. When I say during, we had reservations for a christmas stay the year the hotel was closed, and hilton neglected to let us know the hotel was closed. When we learned of the closure, They were able to procure 2 rooms at the merchant court that year around the corner as our reward stay which we think was pretty good recovery on the busiest night of the year in Sydney on less than 6 months notice. We had a reward stay over New Years this year , and when we arrived a few days before and were given the standard room, we went downstairs and asked if there was anything larger available. They said not today., but if you wait until tomorrow we will move you to a junior suite - one of the few room types we had not been in. It was a little outdated, not the refurbished rooms, but it was a corner with windows on two sides, and plenty of space for us.. We ended up staying an extra couple of days due to an unexpected change in plans, and they could not have been more accomodating. I enjoy the health club next door as you certainly wont wait for equipment and even though it was closed to the public for a few days, hotel guests could use the facilities. The lounge is busy and people do have dinner there, but clearly that is the model they have chosen, and I like the food choices vs many other lounges I have been in. We always have a good attitude checking in because we never know what the stay will be, and try to go with the flow. We do check prices pretty frequently when we have a paid stay, as they tend to change quite a bit.
I do miss the local yogurt they had.. the chobani bar is not even close... I think it was called yalla and had great flavors.. pomegrante.. I remember.
Sep 5, 2018, 9:18 pm
#292
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
At the Hilton exec lounge, it depends on the time of day. During evening happy hour, there is staff manning the bar and you need to ask for what you want. At other times you can just walk up to the fridge and grab it, which is convenient. I agree that having staff hover around you and insist they fetch your bottle of water for you at the SotP is annoying.
and agree, Glass has really gone downhill these days. It's not a breakfast I'd rave about.
I've never head a problem with natural light in the Hilton. Are you sure you raised the shades? They are built in to the windows so you need to use the switch by the bed. I find they work better when closed than the curtains at the SotP. I've had larger mini-suites at the SotP, but never a fancy park view. I usually have a view of an industrial building's ventilation shaft
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Sep 7, 2018 at 7:03 pm Reason: quoted deleted post
Sep 6, 2018, 3:36 am
#293
Join Date: May 2012
Location: AMS
Programs: BA KL LH Hilton Marriott
Posts: 1,233
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 6, 2018, 11:17 pm
#294
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 278
Thanks for the review. As for changing money: why do people still do this when there are always ATM's which don't rip anyone off? Maybe a transaction charge but that is always clear. I stopped changing money years ago, except in very random countries where ATM's are not readily available, or working.
Sep 6, 2018, 11:35 pm
#295
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Sep 6, 2018, 11:46 pm
#296
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
Thanks for the review. As for changing money: why do people still do this when there are always ATM's which don't rip anyone off? Maybe a transaction charge but that is always clear. I stopped changing money years ago, except in very random countries where ATM's are not readily available, or working.
I think I had $50 left over from my last trip in 2012, but that doesn’t last too long in Australia. Lots of cash only restaurants near the hotel. Good food!
Sep 12, 2018, 9:46 pm
#297
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 342
Just a few quick queries ahead of a stay this weekend; one of the reviews online mentioned that checkin is possible at the Executive Lounge; can I just head directly there on arrival, or will the executive level only be accessible with a key card for the lift?
Secondly, is it definitely the case that Diamonds can choose between breakfast in the lounge or Glass, or is that only when the lounge is at capacity?
Secondly, is it definitely the case that Diamonds can choose between breakfast in the lounge or Glass, or is that only when the lounge is at capacity?
Sep 12, 2018, 9:57 pm
#298
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,726
This Diamond has always had breakfast at Glass (after a paid night) and also occasionally at the lounge after arriving on an early flight and checking in at 8 AM or so! At the Glass they charge you for specialty coffee while at the lounge you can use the machine without charge of course.
Just a few quick queries ahead of a stay this weekend; one of the reviews online mentioned that checkin is possible at the Executive Lounge; can I just head directly there on arrival, or will the executive level only be accessible with a key card for the lift?
Secondly, is it definitely the case that Diamonds can choose between breakfast in the lounge or Glass, or is that only when the lounge is at capacity?
Secondly, is it definitely the case that Diamonds can choose between breakfast in the lounge or Glass, or is that only when the lounge is at capacity?
Sep 12, 2018, 10:39 pm
#299
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Australia
Programs: QFF LTG , HHD
Posts: 1,207
Just a few quick queries ahead of a stay this weekend; one of the reviews online mentioned that checkin is possible at the Executive Lounge; can I just head directly there on arrival, or will the executive level only be accessible with a key card for the lift?
Secondly, is it definitely the case that Diamonds can choose between breakfast in the lounge or Glass, or is that only when the lounge is at capacity?
Secondly, is it definitely the case that Diamonds can choose between breakfast in the lounge or Glass, or is that only when the lounge is at capacity?
