It's still sparkling Sydney at its best

Returned to the PHS last week and had some serious issues pre check in, but once arrived, had a fabulous stay.

As mentioned, I booked a Leverage rate. Checking from T-24 up until OLCI, I found no upgrade had been applied. It still reflected a Park King. I called at 06:30AM and the operate said they only "apply upgrades at check in" which I know to be untrue.

I called at 10AM and demanded to speak to front desk. I was informed "We don't upgrade on corporate rates, especially on weekends." I countered and was asked for proof of eligibility of my corporate access (It's my company). I sent my business registration and an official company email while on the phone and asked for my usual Opera Deluxe. The front desk agent offered one level higher. Because this wasn't sorted earlier, I had to wait until 3PM to check in, despite asking for a midday check in.

After valeting my car I checked in which was handled within 3 mins. I was offered an escort to the room but declined.

Once I arrived, I was determined to have a great stay. One of the lessons of a seasoned traveler is not to let a negative experience ruin your stay.

As I walked in my breath was taken away as the blinds opened with the stunning view of the Harbour. The Opera Deluxe Rooms are gorgeous and there are one or two that have views of both the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The view at night was particularly spectacular and you could spend your entire stay on the balconies.

Notably, the hotel now has large bottle of Le Labo, however they are tamper proof.

Notably, there was no welcome amneity Vueve like I usually receieved.

The handwritten card from the GM has been enhanced to a fake printed handwriting.

This was my first stay since the new Culinary Director who, apparenly, is a big deal. It does certainly show with expanded menus and breakfast an entirely new concept.

You can order via QR codes in the room and the food was served in 30 mins.

Breakfast now has a menu from which you can order unlimited entrees and one main. There are also several large buffet stations. Annoyingly, juices not on the buffet were chargeable which felt cheap.

Despite this, the F&B has improved significantly as has the experience.

That said, The Dining Room lunch and dinner menu is too eclectic for my taste. The menu includes Mussels, Crustacea and Pork which significantly limit options if you don't eat or are allergic to these. Room service has a much wider menu choice.

The pool remains the stand our at this property. Although it was a cold Autumn day, you could still sit in direct sunlight by the pool and get a tan.

It seems most of the guests didn't realise this and we had the rooftop to ourselves.

Overall, other than the nonsense about the corporate rate we had a great stay. Nothing can compare to this location or aspect.

The former GM Marc took the best staff with him to the Capella and I am keen to try it, however it could not compare with the experience of being on Sydney Harbour.

I haven't decied whether I will feed back to the GM yet or not on the corporate rate issue.