The night I arrived in Sydney back on January 6th, 2009, I was merrily skipping through the airport (yes, I said it: skipping!) on my way to the main concourse to claim my bags. As I headed out to the taxi stand, I couldn’t wait to see where in Sydney I’d be spending the next few days. I knew the city was home to some of the most opulent hotels in the world. And when you’re a major city that is home to world class attractions, upscale shopping, and a dynamite beach scene, you had better not disappoint. By the time I arrived at my hotel, the Four Points Sheraton, I felt pretty damn good about my new digs. One restful night sleep later, and I was more than sure that I was in a fantastic, nay, a really fantastic hotel!
The Four Points Sheraton is Sydney’s largest hotel. And with over 600 rooms, it is also the largest hotel in all of Australia! But size is everything here. The hotel sits on Sydney’s historic Darling Harbour. While it may not be as iconic as Sydney Harbour, where the Opera House and Harbour Bridge meet, it is a scenic treat for the eyes. If you’re lucky enough to get a room with a view of the harbour, you’ll awaken to historic vessels, shimmering waters of Cockle Bay, the Pyrmont Bridge, billowing flags, the Harbourside Mall, and the Sydney Monorail. I was very fortunate to have a room with such a view. Frankly, you’d be surprised how enjoyable a stay at a hotel can be when there’s a beautiful view outside you’re window.
But views cannot alone make the stay complete. Fortunately, the Four Points Sheraton offers more than scenic sights outside your window. Since the hotel is practically in downtown Sydney, specifically the Central Business District (CBD), the location is rather impeccable. Step outside, and you’re just a stones throw from some great shopping and entertainment at Harbourside Mall, just across the Pyrmont Bridge. For some more upscale shopping, head around the corner, behind the hotel, to the opulent Strand Arcade. If you prefer to walk on the wild side, walk a short distance to Sydney Wildlife World where you can get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most friendly fauna! For even more breathtaking views, head on foot to the Sydney Tower, and prepare for a 360 degree vista of Australia’s largest city. Oh, and did I mention you’re about a half-an-hour walk from the Sydney Opera House?! But if walking is too much, head to Town Hall station, and hop aboard Sydney’s CityRail. If you’re checking out of the hotel, you can get to Sydney Airport in less than 45 minutes.
When I checked in to my room, I was thrilled to see such a huge bed greeting me behind the card slot door. Anytime I stay at a hotel that has a bed built for three people, but is just for me, myself, and I, I can expect a long, peaceful slumber. Of course, with so many attractions outside my window, sleep is the last thing on my mind.
Pricewise, the Four Points Sheraton in Sydney is a fair one, to say the least. Rooms start at around A$179-A$239 per night. Not exactly the Holiday Inn, but compared to other five or six star hotels, that is a bargain.
When I came back to Sydney in September 2013, I knew exactly where I wanted to stay. Maybe it was because it was the only hotel I stayed in Sydney before, so I was waxing nostalgic for it. Maybe it was the great prices that made it sound like a economic place, but staying here felt anything but. But between you and me, like everything in real estate: LOCATION, LOCATION LOCATION! What I neglected to do on my first visit to Sydney was check out the nearby Star City Casino resort, or The Star, as locals refer to it. It was clearly visible from my hotel window, not to mention walking distance away. When I came back to Sydney, I put on my best suit jacket and shirt, walked the long 15 minutes over to The Star, and proceeded to have a rendezvous with Lady Luck. Two hours later, I’m came back with a fistful of A$100 notes and a spring in my step! But I digress. This isn’t about the casino, or the prices, or nostalgia. I came back because it is a great hotel! That also, fortunately enough, is just steps away from several hotel/pubs in the CBD that always have a Tooheys or VB on tap for me whenever I walk in! And when I came back from the footy game late at night, an Aussie meat-pie stand was open nearby and filled me up! Once again, I digress. Everything is at my fingertips from this place.
If you’re planning a vacation in Sydney, all signs point to the Four Points Sheraton in Sydney. It’s great for those who are looking to not spend a lot of money, but you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck at this accommodation. You cannot beat a better location, second only to being on top of the Sydney Opera House. If I ever go back to Sydney, I GOTTA get back to this place. In New York, I wanna wake up in a city that never sleeps. In Sydney, I wanna wake up in a city where I can be steps away from kangaroos, shopping, and rugby fans!
FOUR POINTS SHERATON
161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
+61 2 9290 4000
www.starwoodhotels.com
