Review: Four Seasons Sydney

Beforing leaving Sydney and heading to Melbourne, I wrapped up my visit to the city at the Four Seasons Sydney.

Four Seasons is renowned for being one of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands, and I’ve been spending time exploring some Four Seasons properties in the last little while.

This particular property has an interesting history dating back to 1982, when it was built on the site of an old colonial prison in The Rocks district by the Sydney Harbour. It originally opened as The Regent, and then later became the Four Seasons Sydney in 2002.

Four Seasons Sydney – Booking

The Four Seasons Sydney has a prime location in the heart of Sydney. Despite Four Seasons’s reputation one of the world’s most lavish hotel brands, this property offers more affordable rates than other Four Seasons properties in the world.

On the higher end, expect to pay around $1,000 AUD ($670 USD, $885 CAD) for a regular room. However, during periods of lesser demand, you can find rates as low as $510 AUD ($350 USD, $460 CAD). For this stay, I qualified for a favourable industry rate.

Four Seasons doesn’t offer a traditional loyalty program with points and elite status. However, you can still derive additional value from your stay at Four Seasons by using the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program.

By booking your stay through this program, you can enjoy exclusive supplementary benefits and perks without any extra cost. These advantages include complimentary breakfast for two, a $100 (USD) property credit, and more.

Moreover, Four Seasons Preferred Partner differs from other comparable programs, such as Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, as its own bookings take priority in terms of upgrades, early check-in, and other special requests.

What’s more, you’re able to combine all promotional rates with Preferred Partner benefits, including prepaid rates, in addition to flexible or fully refundable rates.

Four Seasons Sydney – Location

Located in Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), the Four Seasons Sydney occupies a superb location on George Street, one of the main thoroughfares in the CBD.

Situated on the southern end of The Rocks neighbourhood, the hotel is surrounded by an array of shops, restaurants, and bars in a bustling district.

Notably, the Four Seasons Sydney is near some of the city’s most popular attractions. Just a short distance away, you’ll find Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, both accessible within a 10-minute stroll from the hotel.

A leisurely walk to the edge of Sydney Harbour offers breathtaking views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Within a 15-minute walk, you can explore several nearby attractions, including the aquarium, botanical gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Four Seasons Sydney is also ideally situated near public transportation hubs. Circular Quay station allows you to easily catch a ferry and venture to scenic destinations like Manly and Darling Harbour.

Likewise, the Bridge Street stop, which is just around the corner from the hotel, provides easy access to trains and light rail services.

Travelling to and from the airport is also a breeze. Sydney International Airport is approximately a 20-minute drive from the hotel, or you can opt for the Airport Line (T2), which offers a direct route to Circular Quay.

Four Seasons Sydney – Check-In

Rising 34 storeys above the city, the Four Seasons Sydney harmonizes with its surroundings with a concrete and glass façade.

Arriving at the George Street entrance, I was welcomed by the covered porte-cochere, through which skylights bathe the space in natural light.

The lobby has an elegant atrium, adorned in marble flooring and brown leather and wooden accents among office-like carpets. On the other hand, some parts of the hotel look a bit outdated, despite the most recent refurbishment in 2020.

A seating area with soft plush benches sits in the centre, next to the check-in desks.

Additionally, a staircase leads to a mezzanine level, which is where more seating is located.

The front desk associate assisted me with check-in and confirmed my stay in a Deluxe City Room.

The guest rooms at the Four Seasons Sydney vary greatly, with over 16 different room types.

You’ll likely have partial city or harbour views unless you’re in a Deluxe Full Harbour View Room or higher, which offer direct views of Sydney Harbour, the bridge, and the Opera House.

Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room

As I entered the Deluxe City Room, I was greeted by a cozy and elegant bedroom, with chic white panelling and an LED light behind the bed. The oak accents add a touch of class and warmth to the space.

The king bed is positioned to the right, with the Four Seasons logo embellished on the pillows.

In the corner, you’ll find a window-side bench, a small table, and a plush chair, and this is where I discovered a lovely welcome note and a bottle of Pinot Noir waiting for me.

Regrettably, there’s not a whole lot of space to spread out your belongings or sit down to work here comfortably.

The opposite wall is covered in dark oak, creating a contrast with the white panelling. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall, for optimal viewing from the bed.

Immediately adjacent, the minibar comes well-stocked with a variety of spirits and a Nespresso machine.

Located near the entrance, there’s a small closet to store your belongings. Inside, I found a fluffy bathrobe.

The bathroom is modest and functional, but it could use a refresh. The marble accents have a muted yellow tone, and the arrangement is a bit snug.

You’ll find a single vanity, a bathtub, walk-in shower, and toilet, but not much elbow room. On the plus side, the bathroom offers Codage products, which are indeed a nice touch.

The Deluxe City Room offers a glimpse of the city through two windows, providing a modest view of the harbour. There’s a slight view of the Sydney Opera House from a distance, though the room isn’t directly facing it.

Overall, the Deluxe City Room is adequate and functional, although the room is a tad on the smaller side and the bathroom could use a refresh.

Four Seasons Sydney – Premier City Room

After checking out my Deluxe City Room, I also toured a few of the other room types available at the Four Seasons Sydney.

One of those is the Premier City Room, which offers a larger layout than the Deluxe City Room. These rooms are 570 square feet, and are situated on floors six to 33.

This room features a king bed, a small dining area, and a window-side bench, as well as a separate seating area with a couch.

As for the bathroom, the design is in keeping with the Deluxe City Room I stayed in, albeit more spacious. There’s a much larger vanity, bathtub, and shower within the space.

Note that select Premier City Rooms are designated as “Full Harbour” rooms, which mean they come with best-in-class direct views of the harbour, bridge, and Opera House. 

Four Seasons Sydney – Four Seasons Suite

The Four Seasons Suite is the same size as the Premier City Room, at 570 square feet. However, these suites are located on floors 11–33, and all of them offer full direct views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.

The Four Seasons Suite I toured had pleasant corner window views, with a two-sided window bench, and an adjacent seating area.

The bathroom of this suite is fully adorned in marble, with a generously sized bathtub and walk-in shower. Here, the toilet is housed within its own compartment.

Additionally, minibar items are included on a complimentary basis, and you’ll get exclusive access to the Executive Lounge at the hotel.

Comparing the various rooms I toured, the Premier City Room has a more spacious layout that can accommodate families more comfortably, whereas the Four Seasons Suite boasts direct views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, in addition to having more space.

Four Seasons Sydney – Opera Royal Suite

Lastly, I toured the Opera Royal Suite, the third-highest suite type available at the Four Seasons Sydney. It’s located on the 34th floor of the property.

At 1,152 square feet, the suite is significantly larger than the other rooms I toured, and features modern interiors consisting of parquet floors, timber wall panelling, wallpaper, and an overall soft colour palette.

In the living room, there’s a full-sized sofa and two armchairs, which both directly face the flat-screen TV.

Tucked into the right-hand corner, a daybed is positioned next to the window for optimal views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House. Light floods in beautifully from this corner of the suite as well.

Additionally, the suite features a dining table for up to eight, along with a desk and ergonomic chair nestled into its own nook.

Heading into the bedroom, you’ll immediately note its opulence and elegance. Tall timber doors welcome you inside, and the room is adorned with a gold palette.

The king bed features a soft and luxurious headboard, and the room is minimalistically decorated with modern touches.

The crown jewel of the Opera Royal Suite is the bathroom. There’s an expansive single wet room which plays host to a shower and toilet. Then, striking twin vanities flank each side of the room.

Positioned directly by the window is a lavish circular bathtub, with prime views of the Opera House and glimmering water below.

Four Seasons Sydney – Executive Lounge

Lounge 32 is the Four Seasons Sydney’s Executive Lounge, located on the uppermost floor of the hotel.

The lounge is reserved for those staying on the Club Floor, and is open from 7am to 10pm daily, with an open bar from 12–9pm. During these hours, you can enjoy breakfast, afternoon refreshments, and evening canapés.

The lounge has stunning views of the western side of Sydney Harbour. Although you won’t see the iconic Opera House or Harbour Bridge from here, you’ll still enjoy a scenic panorama of the city skyline and the water.

The lounge has a cozy and elegant atmosphere, with different seating options ranging from plush sofas or armchairs, to leather benches. There’s also a separate dining room that can accommodate up to eight guests, as well as a boardroom with 10 seats for business meetings.

At the time of my visit, you could choose from a hot and cold buffet that had everything from classic Western dishes to international options, such as stir fries and bubble and squeak.

There was also a nice fruit display, along with yogurt, muesli, and many accompaniments. Additionally, there were the usual suspects of bread, pastries, and sweets to indulge in.

To wash it all down, there’s freshly squeezed juice, coffee, and tea available.

The evening spread was equally as impressive, if not more. There were hot items like finger foods and dip, chicken dim sum, and even chilled spot prawns, which is a rare treat in a hotel lounge.

There was also a charcuterie spread with cured meats and cheeses, and an assortment of sweets for dessert.

To top it all off, there was a selection of self-serve premium liquors, which was a nice upgrade from the usual club lounge drinks.

The service was also excellent, with attentive staff who kept refilling my wine glass and making sure I had everything I needed for my evening visit.

Four Seasons Sydney – Dining

Breakfast is also served in the ground-floor restaurant, Mode Kitchen & Bar, which has a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The restaurant has several small enclaves, each with its own charm and style.

The breakfast spread is comprehensive, with cured meats and cheese, a salad bar, cereal, yogurt, and fresh fruit. You can also grab eggs Benedict and other Western staples.

Additionally, Mode Kitchen & Bar serves modern Australian dishes for lunch and dinner, using seasonal produce and local wines. The menu changes regularly, depending on the availability and quality of the ingredients.

You can also experience the Four Seasons Signature High Tea at Mode Kitchen & Bar, which takes place every afternoon.

If you’re looking to enjoy a drink, Grain is the hotel’s stylish bar that’s open from 4pm to midnight Thursday through Saturday.

The bar looked quite stunning, with creative uses of timber, faux beams, and warm copper touches.

Finally, Cabana is a poolside lounge that serves refreshing drinks and snacks, such as salads, sandwiches, and fish tacos.

Four Seasons Sydney – Other Facilities

The fitness centre, spa, and pool are located on the third floor of the hotel.

The fitness centre comes with a modest equipment selection. There are a few decent treadmills and free weights, as well as nice lighting that pours in by the treadmills. Otherwise, the space looks fairly outdated, and could use a bit of an update.

The pool sits directly beside a busy motorway, and regrettably also isn’t too attractive in appearance.

You won’t find any views from the pool area, but there are nicely padded recliners equipped with towels, as well as dining tables shaded by umbrellas. 

Lastly, The Four Seasons Endota Spa Sydney offers six treatment rooms, including two for couples, as well as a steam room and sauna.

Conclusion

The Four Seasons Sydney has a few upsides, such as select rooms with good views, a central location, and a strong Executive Lounge offering. With that being said, it doesn’t rank among the top-tier Four Seasons properties I’ve visited, nor does it fully rise to the lofty expectations of the Four Seasons brand in terms of the hard product.

Fortunately, the price comes to match, as it’s among the cheaper and more accessible Four Seasons properties in the world, especially considering Sydney’s stature as an A-list global city.

With Sydney’s hotel market hotting up in the coming years, though – St. Regis and Waldorf Astoria are both opening new locations in the coming years, while the world-famous Park Hyatt will always offer fierce competition – I’d say the Four Seasons could use some renovations in the near future to keep up.