The Observatory Hotel

( 4 stars , Sydney , Australia )

This hotel is a lovely one-off experience. Rake your partner if they like an old-fashioned polished timber and brass decor. Modernists beware. Beautiful original paintings by Sydney Nolan adorn the lo

The Observatory Hotel in Sydney is truly an amazing experience. The service was excellent, the facilities excellent and the hotel itself is beautiful. I would highly recommend a visit to the Observatory Hotel.

Fabulous - Posh but comefortable even when you're scruffy Fabulous old building with loads of character. Kind of typical old school posh, wood panelled and floral fabrics, the bar and breakfast room are more like a drawing room in a country manor. We felt really scruffy walking in after spending some time up north; sunburnt, hung over and tired wearing T-shirt jeans and sandles. But the staff were amazing - professional, friendly and down to earth. They upgraded us on check-in to a suite which was a nice surprise but even if we only had the room and the bathroom, my review would be glowing - L'octaine bathroom products were amazing! Possibly the best cocktail we ever had in the Bar. There are no glorious views but we had that at one of the modern highrise view hotels on another stay in Sydney and it wasn't a patch on this place for charm and person service.

I had thousands of dollars of handmade and antique jewellery stolen from our room. Had noticed a large bag had been opened on our first night, and on second day when we were out for a number of hours, all the jewellery left behind was taken. It was reported to police, and the officer informed us that he had taken other reports of stolen items from this hotel. Mr Griffin the general manager, was rude, pompous, and could do no more than suggest the police officer must be lying! Instead of helping to investigate the theft, they have done the opposite. When we were discussing it in the foyer of the hotel, they kept trying to lead us away so no guests would discover what was going on, but we flatly refused and stated that everyone staying at this hotel should be made aware that their belongings can be stolen at any time. There was a safe in the room, but after over 30 years of travelling the world and staying in 5 star accommodation, this is the first time I have had anything stolen, and remarked to Mr Griffin that when you pay these prices you presume you are paying for security and quality of staff. There was a safe in the room, but this would have been far too small to fit such items as expensive cameras, which thankfully I had taken when we left the hotel that day. Unbelievably a few days later I received a letter from the hotel stating they had taken it upon themselves to debit my credit card for the sum of $92 for a bottle of bubbly (which had obviously been stolen at the same time as the jewellery). Not many thieves would bother opening the fridge, unless they knew they had time, knew there was french champage inside and knew it could fit in one's pocket without being detected! Over a week later I have received no information from the hotel re their investigating this matter, but have received a helpful response from police. The following 2 days we spent at another 5 star hotel in the city, who could not have been more helpful and sympathetic.

Excellent location and the service was outstanding.

Boutique style service in a decent size. Extremely comfortable rooms in old world charm. Pool is to die for. Service is unobstrusive, private and confidential. The major setback is location and limted views from rooms.

Great service but the view could have been better very romantic stay.

We enjoyed the friendly helpful service. The bar & dining were most enjoyable. The Day Spa and pool were fanatastic.

We have stayed in this hotel on several occasions and had made only very good experiences. The only issue we had has been with the bill as we had twice problems to get the money released that was used for deposits. However, we are going back there soon and recommend this to anyone that wants to indulge them selfs or have pets they like to take. To our knowledge it is the only hotel in city Sydney that allows pets.

Very over rated hotel. Not in a good area. May have some 'old' world charm' but not enough for the cost. More of a posh motel than a 'leading hotel of the world.