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Summary of reviewsW Sydney receives high praise for its central and convenient location on Darling Harbour, which offers magnificent views and proximity to key attractions like the Sydney CBD, Chinatown and Darling Square. Guests appreciate the easy access to amenities, dining options, entertainment and the convention center, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Families commend the nearby playgrounds while other visitors enjoy the vibrant nightlife and beautiful views, including fireworks on Saturday nights.
The breakfast offerings at W Sydney are celebrated for their variety and quality, consistently garnering high marks for food abundance, flavor and presentation. Standout features include fresh fruit juices and made-to-order dishes with many guests describing it as one of the best breakfast experiences in Sydney hotels. The ambiance and service further enhance the dining experience. However, some guests find the breakfast cost high and note occasional service inconsistencies and operational hiccups.
W Sydney’s dinner service is also well-received with particular praise for the excellent food quality and enchanting views over Darling Harbour during the fireworks display. The 29/30 bar is commended for its ambiance and food. There are, however, minor critiques about limited late-night options and food service delays, particularly with room service and rooftop pool meals.
Guests frequently laud the hotel’s rooms for their spacious, modern and aesthetically elegant design. Many rooms offer fantastic harbor views and the amenities like comfy beds, rain showers and soaking tubs contribute to a comfortable stay. Nevertheless, some guests report issues with room size, cleanliness and noise from traffic.
Staff at W Sydney are highly praised for their friendliness, attentiveness and eagerness to ensure a pleasant stay, enhancing the overall guest experience. Yet, some reviews indicate a need for improved training and better logistical management.
The spa, gym and pool amenities offer a mixed experience. The spa's cleanliness and ambiance are appreciated, though access restrictions and booking difficulties pose challenges. The gym, located on the top floor, is praised for its excellent facilities and views, despite occasional over-crowding. The rooftop pool garners excitement for its views and warm water but closes early and can sometimes be crowded.
Parking at W Sydney is an area needing improvement with many guests finding on-site parking insufficient and expensive. The hotel offers diverse parking options, but the high costs and convenience issues are frequently noted.
The beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to restful sleep. However, some find the beds too firm or smaller than expected, pointing to a need for more varied options to cater to different preferences.
Overall, W Sydney offers an enviable blend of luxury and convenience, particularly highlighting its location, breakfast service and friendly staff. Despite some areas requiring attention, it remains a desirable choice for many travelers seeking a modern and stylish stay in the heart of Sydney. Show more
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Luxury Hotel
W Sydney delivers a vibrant and stylish experience with its modern design and lively atmosphere. The hotel features luxurious rooms, multiple dining venues, and a rooftop pool with stunning city views. Its location provides easy access to Sydney's entertainment and nightlife.
Hotel for Honeymoon
W Sydney provides a stylish and modern honeymoon experience with its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and trendy bars and restaurants, offering a unique and exciting stay.
Hotel with Spa
Features the AWAY Spa and 24/7 FIT gym on Level Two, offering individual relaxation or social indulgence. Includes a beauty bar, spa treatments, sauna and steam room access, an indoor WET Pool on Level 22, and a rooftop WET Deck on Level 29.
Dog Friendly Hotel
As part of the W Hotels' P.A.W (Pets Are Welcome) package, your room will be decked out with bespoke amenities, including a pet bed, food and water bowls, a litter box (for cats) or clean-up bags (for dogs), and a 'Pet In Residence' door hanger.
Romantic Hotel
W Sydney offers a refreshing sanctuary with a beauty bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alongside light bites. It has a couple's treatment room with a private bathtub. The hotel has a WET Lounge with experience showers, a sauna, and a steam room.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
W Sydney offers a heated 30-meter infinity pool looking over Darling Harbour. It provides a gem of a heated hotel pool with a view.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Rated as a 5-star hotel with excellent reviews, W Sydney typically caters to a clientele that includes business travelers seeking modern design, vibrant atmosphere, and quality amenities.
Hotel with Gym
Provides a stylish and modern fitness center with cutting-edge equipment. The hotel's vibrant atmosphere and trendy design appeal to younger travelers looking for a dynamic workout experience.
5-Star Hotel
This hotel offers stylish accommodations and vibrant social spaces. Located in Darling Harbour, it features modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining and bar options, catering to a trendy clientele.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
The hotel features a 30-meter heated outdoor infinity pool on Level 29 with glorious Darling Harbour views. The WET Deck offers a poolside bar, cabanas, and sun loungers.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
W Sydney boasts an Indoor WET Pool on Level 22, which is heated and open 24 hours a day. This pool features a distinctive waratah-inspired mural and is integrated into the hotel's wellness area, which provides access to a spa, sauna, steam room, and gym.
Hotel with Heated Pool
Features a 30-meter heated infinity pool on the rooftop (WET Deck) with Darling Harbour views. It also has an indoor WET Pool, AWAY Spa with sauna and steam room, and a 24/7 FIT gym, offering a complete wellness experience.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Small Hotel
Room Types
Fabulous Large King Room with City ViewFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Splendid 2 Bedroom Studio Darling Harbour View (2 Kings)The spacious apartment features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bath and free toiletries. This apartment is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a wardrobe. The unit offers 2 beds.
Splendid 1 Bedroom Studio Darling Harbour View (1 King)The spacious apartment has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. This apartment is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a wardrobe. The unit has 1 bed.
Wonderful King Room with City ViewFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Spectacular Double Room with Two Double Beds and Harbour ViewThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Splendid 1 Bedroom Studio City View (1 King)The air-conditioned apartment features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The apartment provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Marvelous One-Bedroom King Suite with Harbour ViewThe spacious suite has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The suite offers air conditioning, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Wonderful Double Room with Two Double Beds and City ViewFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit has 2 beds.
Fantastic One-Bedroom King Suite with City ViewThe spacious suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The air-conditioned suite provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Splendid 2 Bedroom Studio City View (2 Kings)The spacious apartment features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bath and free toiletries. The air-conditioned apartment provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as city views. The unit offers 2 beds.
WOW One-Bedroom King Suite with Harbour ViewThe spacious suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. This suite is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a wardrobe. The unit offers 1 bed.
Spectacular King Room with Harbour ViewThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a dressing room, a carpeted floor and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Mega 3 Bedroom Studio Darling Harbour View (3 Kings)The spacious apartment features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bath and free toiletries. This apartment is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a wardrobe. The unit offers 3 beds.
EXTREME WOW One-Bedroom King Suite with Harbour ViewThe spacious suite has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The suite features air conditioning, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Oasis 1 Bedroom Studio City View (1 King)The air-conditioned suite has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The suite features a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Oasis 1 Bedroom Studio Darling Harbour View (1 King)The air-conditioned suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The suite provides a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a dressing room, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Oasis 2 Bedroom Studio City View (1 king, 1 queen)The air-conditioned suite features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The suite offers a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as city views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Oasis 2 Bedroom Studio City View (2 Kings)The air-conditioned suite features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The suite offers a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as city views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Oasis 2 Bedroom Studio Darling Harbour View (2 Kings)The spacious suite has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a bath and free toiletries. This suite is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a wardrobe. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
Location
W Sydney's location stands out prominently in guest reviews, receiving praise for its centrality and convenience. Situated right on Darling Harbour, it offers magnificent views and easy accessibility to the Sydney CBD, Chinatown and Darling Square, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Proximity to amenities, dining options, entertainment and the convention center makes it a top pick for visitors.
Families appreciate the nearby playgrounds, while guests enjoy being within walking distance to numerous restaurants and nightlife venues. Some note that it's conveniently close to the ICC, perfect for catching a show and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the area boasts enjoyable surroundings with beautiful views and Saturday night fireworks.
Despite a few comments on minor inconveniences, such as a short walk to George Street, the overwhelming consensus is that W Sydney offers an unbeatable location with excellent accessibility to all major attractions.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at W Sydney is largely celebrated for its variety and quality, receiving high praise from guests. The buffet breakfast, often described as amazing, incredible and outstanding, is appreciated for its wide range of options catering to both healthy and indulgent preferences. Many guests highlight the abundance and deliciousness of the food with standouts being fresh fruit juices and made-to-order dishes. The breakfast is termed by some as one of the best they've encountered in Sydney hotels, remarking on its exceptional quality and presentation.
The ambiance of the breakfast restaurant receives positive notes for its lovely vibe and beautiful views, enhancing the dining experience. Service is generally praised with remarks on friendly and attentive staff, although there are occasional notes about staff being overly eager to clear plates.
However, there are some points of critique. Several reviews mention that breakfast is not included with many bookings, which some found disappointing given the high cost associated with it. A few guests note issues with the buffet being monotonous and lacking variety, especially for those with specific dietary preferences, including a need for Asian breakfast options. The high price of breakfast ($110 per couple) is occasionally mentioned as being excessive.
Operational hiccups are noted by some guests with queues for breakfast and insufficient seating cited as issues. There are also mentions of inconvenience such as waiting for cutlery and coffee and occasional mishaps like a false fire alarm disrupting the meal.
Overall, the breakfast at W Sydney gets high marks for quality, variety and ambiance with room for improvement in service consistency and inclusivity of options.
Dinner
W Sydney offers a mixed dining experience that caters to a range of tastes. Guests highlighted the hotel’s fabulous restaurant, particularly praising its excellent dinner service and exceptional food quality. The restaurant, situated in Sydney's Darling Harbour, provides a perfect backdrop for viewing fireworks, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the dining experience. Many reviewers found the food to be consistently good with some describing it as amazing and exceptional. The 29/30 bar also received accolades for its fantastic ambiance and exceptional food.
However, some aspects of the dining experience could be improved. Late-night menu options were mostly snacks rather than meals and there were complaints about limited dining options overall. While arrival drinks and nibbles at the bar were well-received, there were issues with food service delays. Room service dinners and meals ordered at the rooftop pool were less impressive with some guests finding the food oil-soaked and tasteless. Despite these critiques, the hotel’s range of good food and drink options, along with the great bars, ensures that many guests leave satisfied.
Rooms
The rooms at W Sydney generally receive high praise for their stunning design and attention to detail. Guests frequently highlight the spacious, modern and aesthetically elegant decor. Many rooms offer fantastic harbour views with several reviews specifically mentioning the amazing scenery from their windows. Comfort is another recurring theme with mentions of comfy beds and pillows, clean and tidy environments and well-thought-out amenities such as spacious rain showers and deep soaking tubs.
However, there are some downsides. A notable number of guests found the rooms smaller than expected, even citing discrepancies between the booking photos and the actual room size. Cleanliness issues were also reported with some rooms needing better upkeep and housekeeping services. Noise from traffic and dim lighting in certain areas like bathrooms and corridors also drew criticism. Despite these issues, the stylish and quirky room designs, along with state-of-the-art facilities, leave many guests pleased with their stay. Overall, while there are some kinks to work out, especially with room sizes and maintenance, the luxurious finishes and spectacular views make W Sydney a desirable option for many travelers.
Beds
W Sydney has garnered mixed reviews regarding its beds, though many guests found them to be quite comfortable. Positive feedback highlights the beds as comfortable with some guests referring to them as gloriously comfortable or akin to sleeping on a cloud. Several reviews praise the comfortable king-size beds and the luxurious bedding, noting that the beds had memory foam mattress toppers which contributed to a restful sleep experience.
However, there were some drawbacks mentioned by other guests. A common critique was that the beds were too firm for certain tastes with specific complaints about beds being uncomfortably firm and hard. Some guests also felt that the beds were smaller than expected with double beds being particularly singled out as insufficiently spacious. There were mentions of pillows being too high and uncomfortable, which detracted from the overall sleep quality for some.
Despite the comfort praised by many, there were recurring issues with the firmness and size of the beds, suggesting the need for some improvements to meet the expectations of a wider range of guests.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness at W Sydney garners mixed reviews from its guests. On a positive note, many guests commend the hotel for being clean, fresh and modern with super clean and tidy rooms. The hotel's newness and beautiful design also attract praise with the rooms often described as spotless, clean and well-appointed. Guests appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff, along with the great location and stylish decor. Notably, some reviews highlight the excellent amenities like the rooftop pool and well-maintained facilities.
However, several reviews point to inconsistencies in cleanliness standards. Some guests encountered dirty rooms, dusty areas and specific issues such as stained sheets and unclean bathrooms. In some unfortunate instances, guests found personal items left behind, like a used nappy or half-eaten pretzels, which detracted from their experience. There were also mentions of subpar hygiene practices and overlooked details in room cleaning.
Overall, while many find W Sydney to be a clean and attractive accommodation option, the variability in cleanliness standards indicates room for improvement.
Staff
At W Sydney, the exceptional staff receive consistent praise for their friendliness, attentiveness and helpful nature. Many guests highlight the warm welcomes they received, often greeted with smiles and a willingness to assist at every turn. The front desk and room service are frequently commended for their efficiency and great service, ensuring a smooth and pleasant stay for guests.
Dining and bar staff also earn high marks for making guests feel valued and providing professional service. Specific mentions of Sarah and Sophie underline the personal care and attention some staff members provide, going above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience.
However, not all feedback is positive. There are mentions of certain staff needing more training and instances of poor service, particularly concerning management and communication issues. Some guests experienced staff rudeness and disorganization, impacting their stay. Additionally, there were critiques about the indoor pool service and some logistical issues, such as long waits for elevators and overbooked room allocations.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall impression of the staff at W Sydney is one of a mostly supportive, friendly and attentive team, dedicated to enhancing their guests' experience in a beautiful and well-located hotel.
Spa
W Sydney's spa offers a mixed experience for its guests. On the positive side, the spa boasts a range of options that appeal to many, including an indoor pool and gym that guests find excellent. The spa is noted for its cleanliness and stylish ambiance, which adds to the overall relaxing atmosphere. Visitors particularly appreciate the amazing massages provided by lovely beauticians, contributing to a generally good impression of the spa facilities.
However, some aspects have left guests feeling disappointed. Access to the sauna is restricted and requires a prior booking, making it unavailable for spontaneous use. There were also instances where guests faced difficulties booking the spa, leaving them unable to enjoy its amenities. Despite these challenges, the spa still stands out as a valuable feature of the hotel, offering a break from routine with its range of treatments and facilities.
Gym
The gym at W Sydney boasts facilities on the top floor, offering great views and a convenient closeness to the city. Many guests found the gym facilities excellent and particularly impressive for a hotel gym, despite some mentioning that the equipment was relatively standard or limited. The gym and spa facilities are noted to be somewhat oversubscribed, which could affect accessibility. However, the overall service is praised and guests appreciate the clean indoor gym. The rooftop bar and great location add to the appeal, making it a well-rounded choice for fitness and relaxation needs.
Pool
The pool amenities at W Sydney offer a range of experiences that guests have found rewarding, yet with a few downsides. Highlighting two heated pools, the offerings include a stunning rooftop pool with panoramic views of Darling Harbour, lauded for its warm water and pleasant sunset vistas. The infinity pool and the location of the pools have notably impressed visitors with many describing the rooftop pool as amazing and well worth a visit.
However, the main rooftop pool closes early at 6pm, which has been a frequent point of frustration, as guests would have liked the option to swim under the city lights. Despite some challenges, such as the pool area being small and sometimes crowded with children, the overall sentiment towards the rooftop pool remains positive.
Indoor pool experiences are mixed. While the heated indoor pool on level 22 was a highlight for many, its temperature has been described as very cold by some. Cleanliness and maintenance have been appreciated, though a few mentioned water temperatures and the availability of poolside services as areas needing improvement.
The drink service at the pool was praised, adding to the overall enjoyment of the pool area. While not all pool areas met everyone's expectations in terms of size and warmth, the pools at W Sydney remain a solid feature, providing a wonderful setting and experience for many travelers.
Parking
Parking at W Sydney presents a mixed bag of experiences for guests. On the positive side, the hotel offers easy and diverse parking options nearby, which some guests have found satisfactory. However, many reviews point out several challenges associated with parking. One of the principal issues is the recurring theme of insufficient on-site parking, prompting guests to use nearby parking stations, which they found inconvenient and frustrating. Valet parking, while available, has its drawbacks too with instances of long wait times and mechanical issues noted. Furthermore, the high cost of parking—ranging up to $180 for two nights—is seen as a significant deterrent with several guests describing it as incredibly expensive. Some also mentioned that clearer communication about parking options in emails would be helpful. Overall, while there are some positive elements, parking at W Sydney seems to be an area needing attention and improvement.
5 Star
W Sydney presents itself as a promising blend of luxury and comfort, capturing the attention of travelers with its beautiful decor and clean rooms. Many guests remarked positively on the hotel's stunning interior and convenient location, highlighting it as a destination that offers an escape into extravagance. The rooftop pool and other facilities were frequently praised, adding to the allure of the accommodations, which were described as luxurious and beautiful.
However, reviews suggest that the experience may not always meet the expectations set by its five-star rating. Some guests felt that the service fell short of five-star standards, citing untrained and overwhelmed staff. Despite the newness of the staff being considered, the inconsistency in service quality was a noted drawback. This resulted in comments about the hotel not being of five-star quality throughout.
In terms of value, many guests indicated that the high prices did not align with the level of quality and service they received, leading to sentiments such as poor value for money. Specific issues included unmet expectations and poor interaction quality during their stay. While some reviews praised the hotel as one of the best they had ever stayed in, others felt it did not live up to the prestigious five-star hotel standards they anticipated.
In summary, W Sydney offers an appealing luxury experience, particularly in terms of its facilities and ambiance. However, there are mixed reviews regarding service quality and value for money, suggesting that the hotel may still be refining its approach to fully meet the high expectations of a five-star establishment.
Outdoor Pool
The 'W Sydney' outdoor pool consistently garners attention for its spectacular rooftop location offering stunning views over the harbor. Guests most often highlight the beauty and prime spot of the pool, calling it both "amazing" and "fantastic". The availability of multiple pools, including an infinity pool on level 39, adds to its allure with the overall vibe around the pool area being described as fun and lovely.
However, mixed feedback emerges regarding the pool's heating. Some guests found the pool wonderfully warm, while others reported it being freezing, even though it was supposed to be heated. Cleanliness generally received positive remarks, although some noted dirty windows detracting from the overall experience.
Seating presents another area of contention; the rooftop pool area, although appealing, suffers from a lack of sufficient seats or lounges, often forcing guests to sit on the floor. Additional concerns include an inability to order food or drink easily, a sparse availability of towels and the perceived small size of the pool areas relative to the hotel’s capacity.
Despite these issues, the pool's stellar views and prime location significantly enhance the guest experience. The rooftop bar and general ambiance around the pool are considered very nice, though a bit pricey. Overall, the outdoor pool stands out for its spectacular views and enjoyable atmosphere, although improvements could elevate the experience further.
Yes, W Sydney has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at W Sydney.
Yes, W Sydney welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at W Sydney.