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Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

176 Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia (show on map)

The Shangri-La Sydney is a landmark in its own right, famously known for offering some of the most unobstructed, panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Located in the historic Rocks district, the hotel opened in 1992 as the ANA Hotel before being rebranded. Its design, by Guida Moseley Brown Architects, was a complex feat of engineering; the tower actually sits above a rail tunnel and incorporates several heritage-listed structures, blending modern luxury with the area’s deep convict-era history.

A standout feature is the Horizon Club on the 30th floor, designed to resemble the lantern room of a lighthouse—a detail that makes the hotel visible from across the harbour. The property is also home to an unexpected urban initiative: honeybees kept on the roof, the output of which is served in the hotel’s award-winning Altitude restaurant. For those seeking relaxation, Chi, The Spa uses ancient wellness philosophies and local Australian products like Sodashi to create a serene sanctuary.

Its location is perfect for exploring Sydney’s most iconic sights. Guests are just a short walk from Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The hotel’s proximity to the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks provides easy access to vibrant weekend markets and artisan boutiques. Whether you are watching the sunset from the 36th-floor Blu Bar or taking a leisurely stroll to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art, the hotel serves as an unmatched home base for experiencing the best of the harbour city.

Expert reviews

Fodors review:

“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.

Forbes review:

“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.”

CNN review:

“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.”

Telegraph review:

“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.”

Guest rating

4.5 out of 5.0

Ranked 11th in Sydney


This an aggregated guest review rating of Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. We have taken customer review ratings from hotel booking sites, search engines, the official hotel website and other travel platforms. This is the average of all those ratings. We only list places that have a guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5.0


What guests liked


Value for Money

89.03 %

Ranked 8th in Sydney


We use a smart algorithm to determine the value for money each hotel offers. The score is based on a combination of aggregated guest review ratings and the average nightly rate. The higher the percentage, the better the overall value you receive for the price you pay.


Location

Recent guest reviews

5.0
Hillary

5 July 2026

Very good experience living with the Shang-la hotel.

Very good nice view with Opera house for the room, perferct location and comfortable bed.

The aircondition could be better feeling dry sore when you sleep in the nighttime.

4.5
Janet

4 July 2026

Fantastic location, excellent customer service- we will definitely be back!

Great location, we received an upgrade to our room which was amazing and the horizon club was fantastic!

5.0
Fiona

2 July 2026

The food was excellent, staff attentive. Loved the pool and spa

The staff are friendly and attentive.
The Horizon club was impressive

5.0
Kate

2 July 2026

Amazing views, facilities and breakfast - highly recommend

Top facilities and amazing views

5.0
Sen

1 July 2026

Amazing service, so worth the money!

Amazing service from all staff at the horizon club lounge! Wonderful food everg day and had 9am check in and 4pm check out. Highly recommend booking a horizon club lounge access room to access all the extras 😍😍

4.5
Dwyer

1 July 2026

Very pleasant, comfortable, warm and welcoming

There was a warm welcome at my early arrival and complimentary early check in. The staff were always friendly professional and polite. The room was spacious, very clean and the bed was really comfortable. The bathroom was great - with a spa bath, although I didn’t have a chance to use it on this trip. Maybe next time! There was also a pool and other amenities which I didn’t yet explore. I did go to the casual bar on the 36th floor for the view over the city, harbour and opera house! There was also a more formal Restaurant on this floor. The location was also great! Between 10-15mins walk from the historic shopping strip, ferries and beautiful harbour with its many restaurants. I ate in on the first night and found the food at the Shangri-La was great - so you could easily just eat there.

There wasn’t much I didn’t like - it should be noted though that the area around the Shangri-La is quite hilly! I walked a lot so it’s not too bad.

5.0
Karen

1 July 2026

Our five day stay was a very enjoyable holiday. Left very relaxed.

The view and the Horizon Lounge made the stay very special. Everything about our room was excellent.

I wish they didn’t allow children and prams in the Horizon Lounge.

5.0
Krystal

1 July 2026

Excellent staff, we felt so looked after, facilities were beautiful and we highly recommend the horizon club. Free drink

It felt luxury

We loved everything, there was nothing to dislike

5.0
Almt50

30 June 2026

A relaxing weekend

This was our fifth visit. Location of Hotel is excellent. A short walk to the rocks and Opera House. We had use of the Horizon club and being able to sit and relax while being able to look out onto Sydney harbour, especially while its rains.. Service was excellent, always making sure that we had any needs. Coffee and tea was always available and the drinks and canapes at 6.00pm is a popular time and at times the club is full. The room had everything needed and the fudge and bed turn down every night was a nice touch.

Having to leave

4.0
Ninlawan

30 June 2026

Great staff, great service but bad size bed.

Location and view of harbour and opera house.

The bed. We booked the room with twin beds. We were so disappointed with beds as it was so small compared to single bed to other hotel that we stayed.
It was so small that once you on the bed you can’t move otherwise you will be on the floor. For the price we paid I think it was so poorly.

4.5
Chanel

29 June 2026

Absolutely gorgeous, views to die for

Friendliness, accommodating, and perfect location in Sydney

Little bit outdated inside room, and maintenance required

4.0
Shane

29 June 2026

Great location with an excellent cocktail bar on Level 36.

Great view, and Level 36 was excellent to have a few sneaky cocktails.

Buffet breakfast was great if you ordered of the custom menu, but hot food was only warm, and machine coffee was luke warm at best. Order from your waiter and you will have the best omelette and coffee.

5.0
Christine

29 June 2026

Would return again. Very relaxing and comfortable.

Location, cleanliness, friendly staff

5.0
Nicole

28 June 2026

Will definitely be staying again on the next Sydney trip

Great location and incredible service

N/A

5.0
Ajitesh

28 June 2026

A perfect place for family vacation or to just indulge yourself in city life with all amenities really close

The room size, set up, amazing view of opera house from room, perfect size bathtub and bathroom. Comfortable bed and free movies alot to choose from

Closing time of pool and expensive parking

4.5
Christina

28 June 2026

Great location,beautiful views and friendly staff members. The mattress is very comfortable.

Location

The room is out dated.

4.0
Sankalpa

27 June 2026

My stay was highly enjoyable! The location of the Hotel near Karstens was very convenient for me .

1503 +912. Arrived on a late flight! Reception was staffed and they were helpful! Staff at the restaurant were very helpful and friendly !! Room Service was very good. There was no alcohol in the mini bar ! ( Minor point!!)

I couldn't see the Sydney Opera House from my window ( 1503). Apparently it could be seen from 912 ! It's a minor issue.

5.0
Maria

25 June 2026

The best hotel in Sydney..

Excellent

Nothing

4.5
Belynda

25 June 2026

Fantastic views. Great spot as we did harbour bridge climb

Location.

Nothing

4.5
Carrie

25 June 2026

I had a great time and the accommodation was a huge part of that.

Clean, quiet, great room with a view, comfy bed, bath . Champagne and strawberries proved a nice touch.

Nothing

5.0
Deborah

24 June 2026

Luxurious and very special.

Room type, the view of the harbour.

Nothing- all was beyond expectation.

5.0
Reuben

24 June 2026

My partner & I got engaged during our stay! It was a wonderful experience start to finish.

The staff were incredibly polite, helpful & accommodating. The location & view was spectacular, the facilities & the room were all clean, comfortable & classy.

N/A

4.5
Wendy

23 June 2026

Luxury hotel in an excellent location with outstanding Sydney Harbour views.

The location and view are excellent. Check in and check out were efficient.

4.0
Browne

22 June 2026

Fantastic inner city with views to die for!

The room service was amazing! The staff were outstanding!

That there was no balcony or way to get fresh air

5.0
Juan

22 June 2026

Beautiful views, thoughtful service, and a truly memorable family stay that made our birthday celebration extra special.

We had a wonderful stay at Shangri-La Sydney.
The hotel is in an excellent location. Although it is a well-established hotel, the facilities and rooms are very well maintained and presented. The staff were consistently friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful throughout our stay.
As we were celebrating a birthday, the hotel kindly surprised us with a small birthday cake, which was a thoughtful gesture and much appreciated.
We stayed in a Sydney Harbour Twin Room, and the view was absolutely beautiful. One of the highlights was being able to walk to the Sydney Harbour Bridge in just a few minutes and watch the sunrise over the harbour — a truly memorable experience.
Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so special. We left with wonderful memories and would happily stay again.

5.0
Brooke

22 June 2026

Perfect location and great room

We love staying here whenever we’re in Sydney for work.

5.0
Craig

21 June 2026

Perfect best birthday ever

Everything
It was so amazing

Nil

4.5
Amanda

21 June 2026

Great views, drinks and location.

bed really comfy. Loved the fact that we could go up to the cocktail bar before dinner and dinner - all just upstairs.
I also loved the art exhibition that was displayed downstairs. The view from our room was lovely

our fridge was not working when we arrived - it did take a little bit to get a new one.

4.5
Wen

21 June 2026

Overall great experience!

Friendly staff, nice breakfast and facilities

Need to take a bit of walk to opera house.

4.5
Simon

21 June 2026

Very comfortable hotel in a great spot at a reasonable price.

Free upgrade with a view of the bridge. Bed comfortable.Room the right size. Good movie selection. Controls for the lights happily not confusing. Rooms serviced promptly.

Would have preferred a selection of black tea and a couple of biscuits. Perhaps a shaving kit and a tablet of real soap.

5.0
Lisa

20 June 2026

Lovely getaway to celebrate my friends 40th

Room with the view of the Opera House. Great location for exploring the city.

Room service brekky wasn't great quality food. The buffet was declines, great variety however too expensive for a small eater.

5.0
Josie

20 June 2026

Beautiful hotel / would highly recommend

Amazing views - fabulous staff

5.0
Shamun

20 June 2026

I spent an amazing night at the hotel. The staff were helpful and friendly, had a good workout at the gym and the breakf

It had a lot of facilities like the gym and swimming pool, nice harbour and opera house views. Excellent Breakfast.

It was a bit pricey and the room designs were very old.

4.5
Peter

18 June 2026

Unparalleled luxury, when you can afford it.

This place is really first rate. Fantastic views over the harbour, and great 24 hours service. It's really a touch of luxury.

The cost: it is such that I can really only afford to stay there once a year, for things like birthdays or anniversaries

4.0
Dazzle

16 June 2026

Nice place to stay, but dine elsewhere.

It's a nice place to stay. I chose the harbour view room for $490 /night. The view was fabulous, the bed was very comfy, nice facilities and very clean.

I stayed for 2 nights, which was lovely. However there is no fresh air to the room from outside, only the aircon unit which wasn't really fresh air. The room was a little stuffy by the early morning a result. It was a relief to go outside to breathe to be honest. Didn't eat at the hotel as pricing was over the top, compared to all the awesome cafes and restaurants near by with more choices and fabulous food at realistic pricing.

Hotel facilities

Food & Drink

  • - Restaurant
  • - Bar
  • - Breakfast in the room
  • - Special diet menus (on request)
  • - Kids' 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 & 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
  • - Happy hour (additional charge)

Outdoors

  • - Terrace
  • - Sun terrace
  • - Outdoor furniture

Entertainment & 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
  • - Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • - 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
Check availability 180£160$223¥23638C$173A$173HK$1746S$294SFr209¥1416kr1839kr1346kr1737