Mar 5, 2018, 8:00 pm
Last edit by: hhoope01
This thread refers to the various Marriott brands within a specific geographic area. Marriott Bonvoy hotels in XX usually have posts asking which property is better, etc. Trip reports are usually better suited in the property specific threads.
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Sydney, Australia
Jan 12, 2009, 1:48 am
#107
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: 35,000 Ft above Earth
Programs: UA Prem Plat, CX MPC Silver, CI Dynasty Gold; HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, SPG, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 684
Thanks for the great info on the transportation to/from the hotel. ^
Jan 12, 2009, 2:04 am
#108
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BNE
Programs: QF Gold, VA Gold, IHG Spire, Accor Plat, Marriot Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,281
Sydney Explorer tickets are also worth looking at as they include airport transfers and 3/5/7 day options including the popular explorer buses, the family option is great value if you have a large tribe in tow!
http://www.sydneybuses.info/uploads/...p_brochure.pdf
PLease enjoy your visit!
http://www.sydneybuses.info/uploads/...p_brochure.pdf
PLease enjoy your visit!
Jan 18, 2009, 1:42 pm
#109
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 61
Thanks
I just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. They are particularly useful as a search of Sydney Marriott on this forum didnt reveal very much. Based on the replies I am going to stick with my present booking and not change to the one by the harbour. I dont think I can justify the extra GBP 50 a night. I'll let you know how I fare when I'm back in mid Feb.
Jan 22, 2009, 2:07 pm
#110
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: AA-Gold, UA-Gold, HH-Diamond, MR-Plat, SPG-Plat
Posts: 42
Some more on the Sydney Marriott
The original Marriott in Sydney, built in 1993 (I saw it during construction).
The Harbour Marriott used to be a different hotel chain and was converted to a Marriott. The Sydney Marriott may be too hip for the Marriott chain, so they likely took over the Harbour hotel to provide service to a more conservative clientele.
The Sydney Marriott has non-standard rooms - which include a large bathroom, corner tub, and large counter. Also has a kitchenette - sink, refrig, microwave, dishes, silverware, toaster, etc.
My view of the type of customers at each hotel:
1. Harbour Marriott - businessmen, negotiated corporate contracts, tourists, middle aged couples - cruise ship type, etc.
2. Sydney Marriott - younger, more hip crowd. More international crowd and Australian.
At the Sydney Marriott - Rooms are not that luxurious - pretty standard but large. Kitchen cabinets have been refinished in a darker stain (originally a lighter wood). New flat panel TVs, with new desk unit. Marriott style beds with comforters.
On transportation from airport - years back there used to be a bus service that ran along Oxford St to the airport - but with the opening of the new train stations at the airport the bus is no more. So the last several times I have taken a taxi from the airport to the Sydney Marriott. Taxi takes about 30 minutes and is in the $30-40 range.
However, last time I took the train from airport to Museum Station - just across the short end of Hyde Park - one block from the Marriott. If you are young enough to carry your luggage up two flights of stairs at the Museum Station (an older station with no lift) - then I would recommend the train.
Takes only about 12 minutes - 4th stop from Domestic terminal, and 5th stop from International terminal. Much quicker.
The train is normally about $14 AUD one way but if you plan to be in Sydney for say one week - I would recommend a one week travel pass - you can buy at the airport train station - there is an info booth at the baggage claim area.
Cost is $35 or $43 plus $16.60 for round trip from/to airport. The $43 includes ferry to Manly Beach. So about $50 or $58AUD. But gives you unlimited travel on ferries, trains, buses around town (the airport is the extra $16.60 for one round trip from/to the airport) for one week. You get a second card to use to enter and exit the airport station only. Otherwise you use the other fare card for the entire week.
You can also take the train from the Museum Station to Circular Quay - only the 2nd stop. So easy to get downtown during the day. The train stops around midnight.
Also - there are airline people that do stay at the Sydney Marriott as well.
The original Marriott in Sydney, built in 1993 (I saw it during construction).
The Harbour Marriott used to be a different hotel chain and was converted to a Marriott. The Sydney Marriott may be too hip for the Marriott chain, so they likely took over the Harbour hotel to provide service to a more conservative clientele.
The Sydney Marriott has non-standard rooms - which include a large bathroom, corner tub, and large counter. Also has a kitchenette - sink, refrig, microwave, dishes, silverware, toaster, etc.
My view of the type of customers at each hotel:
1. Harbour Marriott - businessmen, negotiated corporate contracts, tourists, middle aged couples - cruise ship type, etc.
2. Sydney Marriott - younger, more hip crowd. More international crowd and Australian.
At the Sydney Marriott - Rooms are not that luxurious - pretty standard but large. Kitchen cabinets have been refinished in a darker stain (originally a lighter wood). New flat panel TVs, with new desk unit. Marriott style beds with comforters.
On transportation from airport - years back there used to be a bus service that ran along Oxford St to the airport - but with the opening of the new train stations at the airport the bus is no more. So the last several times I have taken a taxi from the airport to the Sydney Marriott. Taxi takes about 30 minutes and is in the $30-40 range.
However, last time I took the train from airport to Museum Station - just across the short end of Hyde Park - one block from the Marriott. If you are young enough to carry your luggage up two flights of stairs at the Museum Station (an older station with no lift) - then I would recommend the train.
Takes only about 12 minutes - 4th stop from Domestic terminal, and 5th stop from International terminal. Much quicker.
The train is normally about $14 AUD one way but if you plan to be in Sydney for say one week - I would recommend a one week travel pass - you can buy at the airport train station - there is an info booth at the baggage claim area.
Cost is $35 or $43 plus $16.60 for round trip from/to airport. The $43 includes ferry to Manly Beach. So about $50 or $58AUD. But gives you unlimited travel on ferries, trains, buses around town (the airport is the extra $16.60 for one round trip from/to the airport) for one week. You get a second card to use to enter and exit the airport station only. Otherwise you use the other fare card for the entire week.
You can also take the train from the Museum Station to Circular Quay - only the 2nd stop. So easy to get downtown during the day. The train stops around midnight.
Also - there are airline people that do stay at the Sydney Marriott as well.
Jan 22, 2009, 7:44 pm
#111
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: psp
Programs: UA 1K MM; Marriott Platinum; Delta Flying Colonel
Posts: 50
I have to say I like the Sydney Harbour Marriott better. You can't beat the location, about a block from Circular Quay. As a Platinum Rewards member, we are usually upgraded to a junior suite that has a separate living room with a half bath. The lounge is excellent and the concierge staff top-notch. If you have never been to Sydney, I would recommend this property because of its location.
Apr 11, 2009, 12:07 am
#113
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: MRY/SFO/SJC
Programs: AS MVP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 7,784
I recently did a mileage run to SYD and stayed 2 nts at Sydney Harbour.
Booked an Exec Level Cityview room because I couldn't imagine, as a Hilton Diamond/MR Nobody, being in SYD for the first time, without access to a lounge but with a guaranteed view if I happened to be assigned a crappy one. Really terrific location, great staff, nice lounge. The only "con", IMO, was the number of (fellow) Americans.
Sydney Bridge view from the lounge.
Opera House and harbour view from the lounge.
Flickr set
Next month, I have a stay at Sydney Marriott although not on an Exec Level. Won't have an "apples to apples" comparison. I should check again to see what rates are.
Booked an Exec Level Cityview room because I couldn't imagine, as a Hilton Diamond/MR Nobody, being in SYD for the first time, without access to a lounge but with a guaranteed view if I happened to be assigned a crappy one. Really terrific location, great staff, nice lounge. The only "con", IMO, was the number of (fellow) Americans.
Sydney Bridge view from the lounge.
Opera House and harbour view from the lounge.
Flickr set
Next month, I have a stay at Sydney Marriott although not on an Exec Level. Won't have an "apples to apples" comparison. I should check again to see what rates are.
Apr 11, 2009, 12:31 am
#114
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Sydney Harbour. Stayed there for NYE a year ago - could not be better unless you were at the Hyatt. Staff was great, starbucks down the street, and most everything within walking distance.
Apr 11, 2009, 12:39 am
#115
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA Platinum MM; DL Silver; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Hilton Gold; Marriott Gold
Posts: 24,249
Harbour Marriott. Location can't be beat. Circular Quay, the ferries, the Bridge, and the Opera House are all within easy walking distance. Plenty of stuff to see, eat, and do if you walk in the other direction too.
Apr 11, 2009, 3:09 pm
#116
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: AC MM 50K, Marriott LTT
Posts: 535
Friendly staff and hotel is near the Museum train stop at Hyde Park ... a quick ride to CBD and relatively convenient to/from the airport.
Would definitely stay again ... if the rate was attractive.
Apr 11, 2009, 6:53 pm
#117
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: AS MVP,Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Gold, Starbucks Gold card
Posts: 143
Thanks for the advice. I'll be using points for a 3 night stay in July. I have a side question. If I just book a "regular" room, basically without paying the cash upgrade, am I still allowed Lounge access ?
Apr 12, 2009, 5:45 am
#118
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Central London
Programs: BA Gold Guest List, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 512
Apr 26, 2009, 11:50 am
#119
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: MRY/SFO/SJC
Programs: AS MVP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 7,784
I'm 2 nights from Silver. Aside from the 20% bonus points, would there be any benefit (at this specific property) of making Silver before my stay? I have the next 3 weeks to do so.