Hawkeyefan

Bump per above....

Visconti

While my experience with Sydney has been limited relative to other places, the PH Sydney is the only hotel I'd choose in that entire city. While there may be better 30K redemptions, if you're going to be in Sydney with your family, then I think it's well worth the 30K points. The hotel is situated in that circular harbor (they call it Circular Quay, if memory serves), and the morning runs there are breathtaking, not to mention the view of the Opera house. Also, it's near the train station where one can easily take it to and fro from the Airport.

The rooms are spacious enough where I don't see why an extra cot or two would be an issue, but you may want to check with them when making your reservations. There should be no issues fitting 4 in any of their rooms. Of course, try to ask for a room with an Opera view, or at least near it; and, do try to avoid where they have a few rooms with the view of some Trees or the Bridge.

sfosin

Am staying here now, in Room 012 (King with Opera View Premier, I believe), as a Globalist over from the New Year onwards, for two days.


After reading those two quotes, I wasn't overly worried about passerby being able to see inside our room. But wow, after walking in, I'm certainly going to be asking for a non-first-floor room in the future. Ms. sfosin said she felt like "in a zoo", with many people walking right outside our window, and people accidentally looking in every few minutes.

The whole room is visible to passerby outside — there's almost no privacy in the room. Passerby, if they tried, can even see inside the bathroom (yes, even inside the shower enclosure!). I've attached a few photos, one from inside the shower enclosure, the other two from inside the room.

I called the front desk a few minutes after checking in to attempt to swap to a higher-floor room, but the hotel was fully booked for my whole stay (two nights), and they weren't able to do anything. Too bad! We paid around $1500 / night, and this stay was a real disappointment. Lesson learned: in the future, I'll email them after booking to ask for a higher-floor room.

Edit: since this is my first post, I can't post any photos yet. I'll post them after I've posted a few other times elsewhere.

Edit 2: am staying from the new year year, not over. Corrected!

m0hamed

How did you manage to score a two night reservation? The hotel is rather strict at ensuring a 7 night minimum stay over NYE.

sfosin

Ah yes, that might be why there's very little flexibility in moving rooms! I'm staying from 1/1 to 1/3, for two nights.

I booked this fairly last minute around 2 days ago. That, combined with the minimum stay requirement for most other rooms, might be why they weren't able to assign me a better room during check-in (as a Globalist).

m0hamed

The hotel runs at 100% from the 25th.

The 31st invokes the minimum stay, checking in on the 1st avoids this.

Visconti

I was pondering spending New Years here in the future. Is this 5 day a longstanding condition? Any suggestions on how early one should make reservations to ensure a room in a suitable area of the property?

Thanks.

m0hamed

It used to be 5 nights, might be 7 now, you’ll have to check.

Generally they require you to book direct and you will not receive any upgrade. Those who book the lowest category room will overlook Hickson Road.

m0hamed

Made a points reservation and asked for upgrade costs. These seem to have increased and hotel email now handled by Pacific Reservations:

to 1 King Bed Harbour View - additional $300 AUD per night

to 1 King Bed Deluxe - additional $700 AUD per night

to 1 King Bed Opera Deluxe additional $950.00 AUD per night

They have also indicated can only be organised on arrival.

I'm just going to email the GM who I have contact with.

SHLTP

The hotel doesn't upgrade Globalists? I have a one night reservation coming up in a few weeks.

m0hamed

They do but I don't want to risk the hotel being at 100% for the Australia/Invasion Day Long Weekend.

SHLTP

I just called the hotel which said they don't participate in suite upgrade program. I spoke with the concierge team and they said the same

Disappointing. If I had known I would not have booked. Oh well. It is a short stay anyway

m0hamed

They never have. It’s one of the properties specifically mentioned in the TSU T/Cs.

To be fair, the rooftop suites are higher then Premium and start at several thousand per night. But they could honour TSUs for Opera Deluxe rooms.

SHLTP

Thanks. I didn't realize - I am new to Hyatt. But good to know you like as I have taken some of your other suggestions over the years

Visconti

If the property isn't too full, you'll likely be upgraded to a room with the Opera House view. If the hotel is full, then you may get one facing the street or the bridge. In either case, if possible, ask for a higher floor and not the first floor.

It's a wonderful property and excellent use of the free night, in my view.