This hotel is blue blazer, signet ring and white linen territory for lovers of yachting, golf and the finest things in life. Contemporary decadence reigns, from the classic bedrooms to the elegant afternoon teas. Couches are built to sink into; books, fresh flowers and ceramics provide a atmosphere of sophisticated relaxation.
There's fine innovative dining at Kent Street Kitchen and classic cocktails at Palm Court. Elegant bedrooms range from vast to positively regal, with beautiful views and classic finishes. The marble foyer has an oval atrium balcony and a discreet reception desk for a paparazzi-free check in. In the basement spa, an indoor swimming pool waits beneath a domed fibre-optic ceiling, whose twinkling stars mimic the Southern Hemisphere night sky. And the service is truly impeccable. A world-class city hotel, up there with the Ritz and Cipriani, without being at all stuffy.
Highs
- Great location in the historic Rocks district, overlooking Walsh Bay: far from the madding crowd, but within walking distance of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, CBD and Circular Quay
- Luxurious bedrooms and suites with mammoth bathrooms
- Every comfort under the Southern Stars: iPod docks, whirlpool tubs, Cuban cigars in every shape and size
- Five-star service and then some
Lows
- The hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment since our visits, so we're yet to experience its current guise, including rooms and dining options
- None of the dining options are provided daily (most are 6 days per week) - a shame if you're only staying a short while
- The less expensive rooms have not-so-grand views over the inner city
- You need to book ahead for the day spa, as it's popular among non-residents too
- Baby cots
- Baby bedding
- High chairs
- Bottle warming
- Baby bath
- Nappies, wipes, baby powder, nappy pail
- Toddler bathrobe and slippers
Some equipment may need to be requested in advance
Available on request.
The room service menu has children's options, and kids' meals are available on request in the restaurant.
- Swimming pool with fibre-optic night sky
- In-room toys and games, on request
- Darling Harbour
- Circular Quay
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Powerhouse Museum
- Take ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo
- Boutique Hotel
- 98 rooms
- Restaurant + bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Indoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Tennis Court
Rooms
Wear your finest silk and drag out the pearls: this is a case of being 'in residence' rather than just 'staying over'. Even the cheapest room category feels more like a royal chamber than a hotel room. Think huge beds, clean lines, marble bathrooms, rain showerheads, and opulent textures fit for a queen, a diplomat or an executive on retreat.
Some Deluxe City rooms overlook Observatory Hill, others over historic Walsh Bay, and some have terraces. Executive rooms are a little larger and feature a sitting area within the room, plus some have balconies overlooking the harbour or the inner city.
The huge One-Bedroom Suites have a separate sitting room with an entertainment system and a full bar service. Bedrooms are spacious with an adjoining foyer area and large bathroom. Some have domed ceilings, arched windows or balconies with blissful views of Darling Harbour or inner Sydney harbour.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is a leisurely affair served up in Kent Street Kitchen 6 days a week. Peruse the morning paper over hot waffles or head out and about to discover one of the many a local eateries.
By nightfall Kent Street Kitchen becomes a seductive salon of modern cuisine. Chef Daniel Rudolph has constructed an elegant European menu with temptations including a tasting platter of seasonal Sydney oysters, flat iron steak and 14-hour sous vide beef short rib. Innovative stuff, and pudding cover everything from citrus to chocolate round things off nicely.
For something a little lighter, the chic Palm Court offers a pretty 3-tiered afternoon tea before transforming into a fabulous cocktail lounge as night falls.
Sadly none of these services are offered daily, so if you're on a tight schedule, check the opening hours on arrival.
Features include:
- Bar
- Kids' meals
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Take a front-of-house tour of the Opera House, attend a performance or view the city lights from the northern foyer bar
- Go sailing on the harbour, or take a cruise around the bay
- Head up to the Northern Beaches for some surfing and strolling in the sand dunes
- Experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - 1439 giddy steps to crest the world famous structure, and every one of them worth it for the panoramic vistas
- Wander the backstreets of the Rocks and witness the birthplace of modern Australia - the nation’s first settlers set up camp here and many of the original taverns still stand
- Shop in Pitt Street Mall and the adjacent Queen Victoria Building
- Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly beach for lunch; or grab a water taxi to Taronga Zoo
- Back at the hotel, be pampered at the spa, with face and body treatments using Aboriginal techniques and natural ingredients (kelp, sea-salt, aromatic oils)
- Then cool off with a dip in the twinkling-ceilinged swimming pool and unwind in the steam rooms and sauna
- Work out at the hotel's gym, or play tennis across the road
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Museums / galleries
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Tennis coaching
- Well being
Best Time to go
Sydney is a year round city so any time is a good time. Boxing Day is the start of the world famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race and New Year’s Eve and Australia Day (January 26) see Sydney Harbour lit up in millions of dollars of fireworks.
Our Top Tips
Robert Hughes’ book The Fatal Shore, is a definitive account of Australia’s founding, so you can read up on the country’s history in the place where it began, The Rocks.
Sydney can’t be done in 24 hours so take your time; the hotel will carry your shopping bags and rub your feet at the end of the day.
Sydney can’t be done in 24 hours so take your time; the hotel will carry your shopping bags and rub your feet at the end of the day.
Location
The Langham Sydney is situated near The Rocks and the city’s business centre, between Darling Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.
By Air:
Fly into Sydney (16km). From there, take a taxi or a shuttle bus will take about 30 minutes, or you could use the train to Central Station.
By Car:
A car isn't necessary thanks to hotel's central location and the city's prevalent taxis (especially give the parking restrictions and congestion), but you may want to hire a car to explore the wider region.
By Train:
The hotel is a short walk from Circular Quay station and Wynyard Station, which is 2 stops from Central Station. These stations give connections to the Eastern suburbs and North Shore, while Central Station can be used for destinations all over Sydney and New South Wales.
By Ferry:
Circular Quay is the ferry terminus and there is no better way to see the harbour - 10 minutes walk away.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Australia and getting around
Airports:
- Sydney Kingsford Smith 16.0 km SYD
Other:
- Beach 25.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km