Description / Location

The lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, letting light flood into the area, which is decorated in a décor of tans, purples and greys that evoke the colours of Australian eucalyptus trees. The reception lies straight ahead, backed by spotlit glass panels, while on each side are scattered groups of armchairs and sofas. To the left lies the Lobby Lounge, where guests, many from the United Kingdom and United States, can relax in casual groups. A stairway of abstract metals leads up to a café and function areas, while outside lies a lily pond. The Alysium Spa & Health Club offers a range of massage and beauty therapies, and a 20-metre heated indoor pool with adjoining sundeck. An historic pub building adjacent to the main building has casual alfresco dining.

Accommodations

The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney has 563 guestrooms over the 36-storey tower block in the historic Rocks district. It offers views of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge from its Altitude Restaurant and Blu Horizon Bar on level 36, and from many of its guestrooms. Guestrooms at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney were refurbished in 2005 to offer expansive harbour views and an abundance of natural light, with large, triple-glazed windows providing views of the city and Sydney Harbour. Beds are topped with premium bedding such as 300-thread-count sheets, goose down quilts, pillow menu, silk throws, and Thai silk bed heads. Executive desks have dual-line phones, independent fax line, and high-speed Internet access.

Restaurants & Bars

Altitude Restaurant - Australian cuisine with European influences. À la carte dinners and fine wine. Seven-course degustation meals. Intimate venue. Fine crystal and table linen. Décor in purple and tan tones. Located on level 36.
Blue Horizon Bar - Large cocktail selection, premium wines, champagnes. Light snacks and canapés. New York-inspired décor. Located on level 36.
Café Mix - À la carte and modern buffet selections from Asia and Europe, with seafood highlights. Western and Asian buffet breakfasts. Contemporary, relaxed décor with displays of coloured bottles.
Lobby Lounge - Cocktails and other drinks. Light menu options including vegetarian dishes. Afternoon teas and herbal tea selections. Live piano music evenings.
Gloucester Street Pantry - Freshly baked pastries, breads, cakes, and sandwiches. Desserts. Wine and spirits. Located at street level. Open daily from early morning to late afternoon, weekdays only.
Harts Pub - Sports bar serving pizzas, light lunches, traditional barbecue lunches with salad bar. Range of beer and ale, and wine. Part of the 1890s Hart Building, and former home of Australian culinary icon Margaret Fulton.

Activities

The Alysium Spa & Health Club on level two has a fitness centre offering a wide range of the latest cardio and strength equipment, free weights, weight machines, and resistance equipment. A 15-metre indoor Roman-style heated pool has a spa tub and adjoining sundeck. There is also a sauna and a cold plunge pool. The King George V fitness centre, just 100 metres from the hotel, offers aerobics, yoga and Pilates lessons, as well as basketball courts. Within 1 km of the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, via the Sydney Opera House, is the Royal Botanic Gardens with a foreshore running and walking track. Bicycle rentals are available in nearby Clarence Street, and tennis courts in Kent Street. A 10-minute taxi ride away is Centennial Park, offering extensive running and walking tracks in addition to horse riding. Golf is available at Moore Park Golf Club (5 km), Bondi Golf Club (7 km) or Lane Cove Country Club (10 km). Sailing, windsurfing and kayaking is available in Rose Bay, a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel. The seaside suburb of Manly (30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay) offers sea kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, and numerous harbour walks.