Blue - A Taj Hotel Sydney

( 4 stars , Sydney , Australia )

I took my mother for a long weekend as her 55th birthday present. She loved it, I loved it. Great location, service and internet deal. We had a great view with very large room and bathroom. Will be going back for sure.

Location and initial impressions of hotel were fantastic. Very trendy reception area etc and really helpful front desk staff. The room however (supposed upgrade to Marina view) had a view of the road. It also felt very strange having to walk through the main lobby area and bar area plus other public wharf areas in a robe to get to the pool ! Finally that evening we went for drinks at the Water bar (again supposed one of worlds best bars). Took us 15mins to get a menu; then another 30 mins to receive our first drink. This was not for want of staff who appeared plentiful (they just didnt appear to want to actually serve !!). Really disappointing especially as we were so looking forward to the evening.

Stayed only one night - was very good and comfortable. Would recommend to everyone

We stayed here for 9 nights in Oct 2005, spending the first 6 in a marina room and the last 3 in one of the 2 level loft rooms, both at the same rate. I'd definitely go for the loft one, the marina wasn't so spacious, had a shower room rather than a bath and a shower curtain rather than boxed in screen which looked like it needed changing. Beds were great, very comfy! Nice Aveda bathroom products. Pretty funky hotel, situated on a lovely wharf, great for people watching. Restaurants in this area can be pretty pricey but it is a nice 10min walk into the CBD through the park. Service was excellent (except when they tried to overcharge us for the last 3 nights, but a quick phonecall resolved that), but the room service menu was definitely through the roof, don't order breakfast in, just head downstairs to the cafe or across the road to a greasy spoon. Harry's pie stall is a 1 min walk away also. The gym is small but fine but the second time I used the pool it was freezing, as were the showers. Wireless internet access is available in the reception and the cafe and when we were in the loft room managed to pick it up for free. It was $25 for 24hrs otherwise.

This hotel is wonderful! The staff were very helpful and friendly and its everything you would expect! The only possible downside is the lack of a restaurant in the hotel, but there are several really nice ones on the wharf just outside so its not a problem. The cocktail bar is excellent.... the drinks are amazing!

We had a great time in the W(blue)hotel. It's one of the most beautyfull "design hotels" I know with a warm feeling. Very profesional and kind working-people. Service was very very good!