Expert reviews
“Towering above Walsh Bay from its prime position alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this sleek hotel is the place for a room with a bird’s-eye view. North-facing rooms overlooking the water are the best.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Sydney.
“Many hotels along Sydney’s harbor feature views of their spectacular surroundings, but none quite like Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Towering 36 stories above Sydney Harbour, the Shangri-La stands alone in the city for the highest unobstructed views, boasting the largest windows of any harbor-facing hotel.”
“A modern Asian style focused on the Oriental blossom ties things together. A nice touch, but nothing tops sitting in your room and staring at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.”
“The Shangri-La distinguishes itself among the cluster of five-star chain hotels in Sydney’s Circular Quay, with its famous Level 36 bar and restaurant – one of the best spots in town for a drink or a meal with a view. All the rooms feature harbour views from enormous windows and have cosy window-seats.”
What guests liked
- Amazing views
- Great rooms
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
All you need to know
Shangri-La Hotel is situated at 176 Cumberland Street in the Central Business District of Sydney where it offers the best in hospitality amenities and facilities to tourists and travelers looking to enjoy the best of Sydney. The hotel is strategically located close to the city financial, economic and entertainment hub which will make sure guests get the unique adventure they desire.
The hotel is rated five-star for its quality services, and it also offers excellent views of iconic places such as Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
The Shangri La Hotel offers luxury and stylish room options such as Executive Grand Harbour Twin, The Rocks Suite with Club Lounge Access, Premier Grand Harbour King, Executive Grand Harbour King and Deluxe Grand Harbour King. The hotel features room options with lounge access such as the Horizon Darling Harbour King with Club Lounge Access, Horizon Opera House City with Club Lounge Access and Executive Grand Harbour Suite with Club Lounge Access.
The hotel is about a 5-minute walk away from the Sydney Opera House while the Museum of Contemporary Art is about 300 m away from the hotel.
The rooms in the hotel are fitted with standard amenities such as free Wi-Fi for high-speed internet access, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, air conditioning and a comfy bed.
The hotel provides other services, facilities, and amenities such as concierge services, luggage storage, 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle, daily maid service and room service.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
We partner with Booking.com and Agoda. Both booking websites offer the lowest price guarantee so you can be certain you will always get the best deal for this hotel. If you have seen a better price elsewhere, all you need to do is contact the booking website and they will refund you the difference immediately. You can price match right up until the day before check-in.
Location
Recent guest reviews
19 May 2025
This is our 6th or 7th stay with our family. We book for the view and the wonderful breakfast (which has unfortunately c
You can’t beat the harbour view.
The breakfast has changed and now is on the first floor, no view and only eggs can be ordered. The breakfast is usually a highlight for us but now seems very generic with a stale atmosphere.
19 May 2025
Had a lovely stay
The pool and sauna area was clean and pleasant Breakfast buffet was great
We prefer firmer mattress
18 May 2025
Exceptional
The club room access and value was fantastic all staff kind friendly and attentive
Nothing
18 May 2025
Amazing!
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Shangri-La Sydney, and I cannot speak highly enough about the incredible experience I had. From the moment I arrived, the service was absolutely amazing. A special mention goes to the two lovely English ladies at the front desk – they were not only professional and welcoming, but they truly went above and beyond to make my time there so special. Their warm hospitality set the tone for the entire stay. The breakfast was equally fabulous – a wide selection of delicious options, all beautifully presented. The servers were attentive and made sure I had everything I needed without even having to ask. It’s clear that every member of staff takes pride in delivering a high standard of service. All in all, the team at Shangri-La Sydney are a great asset to the company. Their kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail made my stay memorable, and I look forward to returning soon. Highly recommended!
Everything was perfect
18 May 2025
Brilliant and relaxing
The friendly staff we felt welcome as soon as we arrived
The hill that u have to climb if u don’t travel by public transport
18 May 2025
overall good.
location
view not that good
18 May 2025
Fabulous
The view, comfy beds, quiet room, room service, will be back
18 May 2025
Luxury
The space, the location. The view
-
17 May 2025
Located close to opera house and harbor bridge and CBD!
Located at historic part of Sydney. Close to opera house and ferry terminal and train station. And great breakfast!
Great view but window was dirty for taking photo.
17 May 2025
Fabulous stay in the heart of Sydney
Our room had a great view, bed was comfortable. Did have to request softer pillows. Thank you for the portable fan, it does make me sleep better. Breakfast buffet was good, but I wished we could order from the menu, since I am a small eater. Our concierge, Colton (I hope I got his name right) was so knowledgeable and kind.
This hotel is located on the hill, so slow and steady is a good pace.
17 May 2025
Very classy hotel. Would recommend. Breakfast well worth it.
Great location and view of the harbour.
Up hill from harbour.
16 May 2025
It was perfect. We had a very good time and enjoyed all the facilities . The view was astonishing. Value for money with
All the staffs that we encountered were very nice and polite. The guy who checked us in ,even gave us a complimentary wine and chocolates when he noticed that we looked like we just got married( which we are) :) Very thoughtful.
nothing
16 May 2025
Excellent service provided by staff
Everything
N/A
16 May 2025
Very good
Amazing views and the rooms were very comfortable. I enjoyed the spa facilities and I had a lovely express facial. The addition of the executive lounge was great.
It would be nice if the rooms had smart tvs, I mean it is 2025?! It was a bit much to be charging $16 to rent movies.
15 May 2025
Perfect views
Friendly staff, it was our 3 year wedding anniversary, they gave us a complimentary upgrade to a beautiful harbour bridge and opera house view, sparkling wine and chocolate. It made it extra special! Thank you so much!
The room itself is a little old - could use an upgrade, but was still very comfortable and with stunning views.
15 May 2025
Fabulous
Location and staff were excellent.
15 May 2025
Amazing stay
Great location and bed was very comfortable
Slippery shower floors
15 May 2025
BEST stay EVER
Check-in and check-out were friendly and efficient. Valet service was excellent. Room service was prompt, with high-quality food. The room itself was outstanding—immaculate amenities and furnishings that were both stylish and functional. The view was exceptional, and the built-in window seats were a standout feature.
Minor note: a bottle opener and some cutlery were not provided as standard, which would have been a convenient inclusion.
13 May 2025
Great location with stunning view of the opera house
Location
None
13 May 2025
Friendly staff
The staff handling the breakfast were amazing. Out special thanks to Ariane, Gabrielle and Silvano for the good care with our family.
We were 3 (parents and child). Beds too narrow for 2.
12 May 2025
wonderful
loved the view and location and room was great size
12 May 2025
Beautiful property, lovely staff.
Checking in was a breeze and the staff were super friendly and helpful. Checking out was just as great.
While the room was great, there was a dirty bandaid in the bathroom that wasn’t great to find. It would have been great to offer a cheaper car parking experience. $105 per night is excessive even for Sydney standard.
12 May 2025
Favorite hotel in Sydney CBD.
Favorite hotel in Sydney CBD.
Room service food quality was poor.
11 May 2025
It was great staying at the hotel, would definitely come back and utilise the pools
The location was perfect and the view of the rooms was great!
The room was bit dusty and the I believe there was some work done as you could see the patching mark of the ceiling. The chromcast connection was bit slow.
11 May 2025
Great for couples and families. Modern comfortable rooms with a great pool and spa!
Smooth check in and a complimentary bottle of wine and birthday cake was a nice touch! Pool and spa was really nice also
Nothing! All was above my expectations
11 May 2025
Friendly, professional staff, very efficient
The quality
N/A
10 May 2025
Beautiful old world charm
Beautiful rooms with that old world elegant charm . Top location and excellent attentive and friendly staff.
10 May 2025
Lovely hotel with great views of Sydney
Great location and view
Rooms are looking tired and local areas smell
9 May 2025
Great midweek place to stay
Great helpful staff. Marco helped us with everything. And Damien the porter was great also.
Nothing!
9 May 2025
Great location with harbour views
Location and view
Delayed check in as rooms were not ready
9 May 2025
A great place to stay in the city
Bed and pillows were perfect - slept so well. And the view from the 36th floor bar is worth checking out
8 May 2025
Large room, the most amazing harbour views and service better than most Australian hotels.
High floor view and excellent club access.
8 May 2025
Very good
The amazing views
7 May 2025
Great location but property needs a face-lift
Location and views
The property is dated and in need of renovation. The marble in the bathroom was cracked, the bath fittings did not match, the leather seat in the window was torn, the arm chair in the room was low and not comfortable at all and it looked cheap, the bedding (especially the bed skirt) was shabby, the sheets were yellowed and not crisp. We noticed that the suits worn by some of the male staff were shabby and ill fitting. The service was very good but one would hope for more from a Shangri-La property.
7 May 2025
Great, worth the view. Room service excellent
We stayed in the Opera Executive and the view is great, can see the Opera House if you sit at the window ledge. Staff always wonderful never had a negative experience. They always went the extra mile with helping you throughout your stay.
A few things could be improved to make it that 10/10. There was tissue in the peephole assuming from previous Guests, because there was no peephole cover. And the door stopper was loose on the floor. We waited a little while maybe 10-15 minutes for help with bags down not bad but if you were last minute rushing could stress some.
7 May 2025
Beautiful & relaxing.
Room & Staffm
The staff were amazing. Loved the bar on floor 36. Thoroughly enjoyed my stay & will return in the future
7 May 2025
Beautiful stay, unsure if the total was worth the stay but still a very nice area and hotel.
The view was amazing and the interior was gorgeous
Some of the staff were rude and seemed to be only interested in the customers who clearly had more money.
6 May 2025
magic short break
superb location, great spa, and indoor pool, and breakfast with good coffee
they need more coffee tea and milk in the rooms
6 May 2025
Brilliant location, staff really friendly and room was beautiful.
Staff were so friendly and helpful!
Nothing
6 May 2025
Fabulous
nice size room with great value, obviously it's not cheap price
a bit late doing daily cleaning
6 May 2025
Amazing
Brilliant service
Beds
5 May 2025
Fabulous
Friendly, professional staff Great views Comfortable rooms
Lots of hills and steps to reach the hotel
5 May 2025
Beautiful hotel!
Beautiful rooms. The room was spacious and clean and very stylish. The views were fantastic. Excellent gym and swimming pool.
Quite a steep incline to get to the hotel off the main streets but in a good location for restaurants and bars.
5 May 2025
Perfect trip away
Staff were amazing, rooms were exceptional with amazing views.
4 May 2025
Well worth it. Great value for money- the view from the room is breathtaking
We only had a light breakfast in the foyer cafe. Nice food, good service & friendly staff. Room view was outstanding. Facilities excellent, bed comfy for a double (a little small for a couple) pillows superbly comfy.
Only the size of the beds (double)
4 May 2025
Wonderful location, excellent facilities and the staff are excellent.
All the staff were excellent - cheerful, helpful and professional. The room was spacious, well equipped and the views over the harbour were amazing. The club facilities were also excellent.
Nothing really - except the showers could have been a little more powerful.
4 May 2025
Exceptional
Very friendly staff. Including concierge, Colin. Check in - Jennifer and Room service - Song. All staff were excellent.
4 May 2025
Exceptional
My husband and I celebrated our 70th and 60th birthdays with an overnight stay at the Shangri-La including a Wellness Day Spa with lunch. We were so pleasantly surprised with a lovely room on Level 27 with Harbourview of Luna Park, Harbour Bridge and Opera House. As well we were treated to a birthday cake and champagne on the house on our arrival including an early check in to coincide with our Day Spa schedule and a late check-out. The 2 course package Altitude lunch on Level 36 was exceptional as part of our Wellness Spa Package. We chose to visit a local eatery for dinner and one of the staff members we were chatting to in the lift on the way down suggested we take an umbrella from Reception which was such a nice touch of exceptional service and customer care. It was so nice to just step away from our normal routine and enjoy such a luxurious room getaway. Thank you so much.
The check in on a Friday was slow as there were a lot of people lined up. Parking in the vicinity is very expensive and there should be a discounted rate negotiated by Shangrila at the local 111 Harrington Street, Car Park for guests.
4 May 2025
3 days in Sydney
If you are looking for the best view to Harbour bridge and Opera - this is it. Choose a corner room upstairs. Rooms are quiet and bed and pillows are comfortable. Swimmingpool area has saunas inside changing room areas
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kid meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Beauty Services
- - Facial treatments
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Couples massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment and family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
- - Strollers
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming Pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available
19 May 2025
Very good