SLOleslie

We are taking a monthlong trip to Australia next May. First stop from California is Sydney. We are flying “free” in Biz class with FF points.
So.,, we are splurging on hotels. We are up there in ages so what the heck, you can’t take it with you.
The Park Hyatt has for years been the top place because of its location/views of the Opera House/harbor. It is WILDlY expensive. But the recent reviews are all over the map, from heavily to not-quite-hellish (for the money).
Can anyone enlighten me?

Bokhara2

You might also have a look at the Pullman Grand which is an apartment hotel at Circular Quay, footsteps from the Opera House.

I’ll ask a friend in the industry about the Park Hyatt, it’s been a while since I’ve stayed there.

SLOleslie

Thanks Bokhara.

We prefer full service hotels to apartments, but I'll take a look.
Lots of the reviews of the Hyatt have mentioned poor service and untrained staff, and this is a common problem throughout the travel industry these post-Covid days. Some of those reviews are older, so they may have upgraded the service by now. And some mention bad food, though the restaurant sometimes winds up on "bests" lists, which I don't trust. Everyone seems to think the rooms are great, and that is the main appeal of the new facing the Opera House.
The other thing I noticed is that the place hasn't been refurbished in many years. That's always a red flag when you're spending that kind of money.
The hot new place seem to be the Capella, but no real views. To get good light you have to be on the upper floors, which are in the ozone price-wise, though it's well located.

Bokhara2

If you hop onto Tripadvisor's Australian Forum, you will see we have an industry insider, KVE, who knows everything there is to know about hospitality. Genuinely knows. Not just a know-it-all blow hard.

The Park Hyatt's service wasn't stellar the last time I was there, but as I said, it's been a while.

SLOleslie

Bokhara, I can’t find KVE but maybe I’m searching incorrectly?

margo_oz

Bokhara has posted the question in the TA Australian board.
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowT...uth_Wales.html

I'm sure KVE will be along shortly - the poor man needs a few hours of shut-eye, apparently!

Bokhara2

Here's KVE's response on Trip Advisor.

1. Re: Park Hyatt - recent reviews/updates/opinions please?
16 June 2024, 5:17 pmHello Bokhara,

This is a tough one, as there are several aspects that all overlap, and impacts the impression/public perception of the property.

Is it still one of the best hotels in Sydney? - Yes it is without question. But is it *THE* best hotel in Sydney? I don't think it's anywhere near it right now. Many loyal ones will love to tell you so, but there are some metrics doesn't align with that line of thought, and it certainly isn't the industry's sentiment either.

A few factors which have lead to this.

I think they rested on their laurels a little too much, and thought they were untouchable. Translation - their harbour views being untouchable, is not the same as their service standards being untouchable. And even then, not all views are equal. The second part to this, is that they've tried price themselves away from the market, but their product and service doesn't warrant the level of separation. Entry level rooms (renovated 2012) $500-600 higher than Capella and One Bedroom Harbour View at Pullman Quay Grand? $100-200 more than the Harbour Club Suite at Four Seasons?

They are also not immune to local skills shortage, and turnover of staff - most notable being their former GM and former Chief Concierge - the two most highest profile hotel people jumped ship to the Capella.

Another aspect which has been prominent - especially since Covid - the public just don't blindly accept something as the best. They are vastly better informed and researched, and when the numbers don't add up, they aren't afraid to call it out.

Last but not least - and this goes back to the first point - that there are very notable Park Hyatt's around the world (Vienna, Kyoto, Milan to name a few) who have maintained or continue to exceed their lofty standards.

They have excellent sales and F&B management, they just need to tighten their ship at ground level AND perhaps review their rates or refresh the product to justify their rates.
-------------------------------
Trust this is helpful, SLOleslie. As noted, this is from the Australian Forum on Trip Advisor, on which I also post, as does MargoOZ.

Whilst it's always nice to see posts on the Fodors' Australian Forum, the fact is that Trip Advisor's Australian forum is much more active. So, if you are looking for more information for your Australian trip, I would encourage you to register & post there for a wider range & more in depth knowledge of respondents.

Bokhara2

Apparently my post has gone to Moderation.

Bokhara2

But I’d you follow Margo’s link, KVE’s response is there.

raincitygirl

We were just in Sydney in March and I must have looked at reviews of every hotel in the CBD at least four times each before deciding on the Capella. (we used to live in Sydney but never really stayed in a hotel there)
The Capella was fantastic, I cannot recommend it highly enough. We took the train from the airport and walked the short couple of blocks to the hotel, so easy.
Staff were unfailingly helpful and lovely, the included breakfast was the best hotel breakfast we have had in many years, it was really top notch, quality food, not the industrial rubbish some hotels provide. We also had dinner one night in the restaurant, also very good.
Loved the location, the pool and sauna, no there was no view from our room but I'd rather have a fab experience in all other regards than a view and crap service.
The room was large with every amenity, beautiful bathroom, very clean, we felt very spoiled. Definitely will stay here again.

raincitygirl

I just posted about our stay at the Capella in March...and it's in moderation. Big thumbs up for the Capella.

SLOleslie

Wow, KVE is awesome! I fake-booked an Opera View Deluxe (best possible views and rooms) for 5 Days, standard rate (I don’t believe in points programs). Final tab….wait for it…$13,000 US! Ahem. Well, you DO get breakfast🤣.
Think it’s now between Four Seasons and Capella.
thank you Bokara, KVE and everyone!

SLOleslie

easons and maybe the Langham.
Thanks Raincity, great recco. My values precisely, tho as first-timers we were hoping for a harbor view.
It’s now between The Capella, Four Seasons and maybe the Langham.

Bokhara2

Forget the Langham. As you will see from this map of Sydney, it's nowhere near Circular Quay. And not up to Four Seasons' standard.

Sydney map: https://goo.gl/maps/PFmeA45BAKXruh4F8

Four Seasons' rooms are smaller than some others, but otherwise it's a superb hotel with commensurately good service. Make sure you book a Harbour View.

Hi Raincitygirl, that's a great review of the Capella & chimes with what our TA hospitality guru KVE says about it.

SLOleslie

Hi Bokhara,
Yes it's a bit of a schlepp (we are big walkers), but the Langham rooms are huge. Not sure about the food there, not that we'll be eating there much except for breakfast. But the Four Seasons is a great brand.

Bokhara2

We're all different of course, but I would never in a million years choose a hotel because of its breakfast - and I understand you're probably not either.

With very few exceptions, in my experience the coffee is ordinary & the food no better. I like to get out into whatever town/village/city I'm in, see where the locals go for coffee/ breakfast & go there.

If you don't mind a walk - have you considered the Capella? Raincitygirl's review echoes KVE's and it is a gorgeous property. Closer to Circular Quay, more attractive location and a shorter walk to Circular Quay than The Langham.

RoamsAround

For what it is worth, we've stayed at both the Four Seasons and Langham. Both hotels provided excellent service and extremely comfortable rooms. As one of the previous posters mentioned the rooms at the Langham were much bigger, however the hotel is a bit far from Circular Quay and none of the rooms have a view of the Opera House. By contrast, Our room at the Four Seasons had a fabulous view of the harbor and Opera House. If you want to be near Circular Quay, I recommend you stay there.

raincitygirl

If you really want a view and it is between the Langham and the Four Seasons, I'd pick the Four Seasons hands down but only with a view room.
The Capella is a very short walk to Circular Quay, the Opera House, the Botanic Gardens, etc. We enjoyed walking all over the CBD so my husband could walk down memory lane looking at all the high rises he worked on (he was a project manager) A lot has changed in the CBD since we lived there- loads more cafes and restaurants with outdoor patios, something Sydney City Hall resisted for years for some unfathomable reason. Spoiled for choice. So if you needed breakfast you could find loads of options. Our breakfast was included in the room rate at Capella and as I said before it was exceptional and the coffee was really good too. I am very picky about coffee and food in general so was pleasantly surprised!

SLOleslie

Thank you all, very helpful!
Like Bokara, I’d prefer to eat breakfast at locals joints, but when it’s included in the room rate I guess I’m too cheap to not partake! Plus, we can fill up and rarely need lunch. ( I wonder if I called and asked for a lower rate instead of breakfast any chain hotel would allow it? I doubt it, but have never tried. )

I am taken with both suggestions to forget the Langham. Crossed off the list.
I think maybe the 4 Seasons is a go because of the views and general ambiance. And it’s cheaper for a Harbor View than semi-equal rooms at raincitygirl’s beloved Capella.
Again, my sincere thanks.

Bokhara2

Good choice. You know we'll want a Trip Report, don't you? hahah