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.




Book with Prince of Travel and Four Seasons Preferred Partner










Book a hotel stay with Prince of Travel through Four Seasons Preferred Partner and enjoy exclusive additional benefits at no cost to you, including:

Daily breakfast for two guests, including in-room dining
Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
$100 (USD) property credit for room bookings; $200 (USD) property credit for suite bookings
Special offers combinable with Preferred Partner benefits
Third, Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Night Free at select properties

 


Book Four Seasons Sydney






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.




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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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Exterior
Arriving at the George Street entrance, I was welcomed by the covered porte-cochere, through which skylights bathe the space in natural light.
Four Seasons Sydney – Entrance
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Lobby lounge
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Check-in desks
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room bedroom
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room bedroom
The king bed is positioned to the right, with the Four Seasons logo embellished on the pillows.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room bed
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room seating area
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room seating area
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room welcome gifts
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room minibar & Nespresso coffee maker
Located near the entrance, there’s a small closet to store your belongings. Inside, I found a fluffy bathrobe.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room closet
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room bathroom
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room bathroom
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room vanity
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room bathtub
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Deluxe City Room view
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Premier City Room bedroom
Four Seasons Sydney – Premier City Room bedroom
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Premier City Room seating area
Four Seasons Sydney – Premier City Room seating area
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Premier City Room bathroom
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Four Seasons Suite bedroom
Four Seasons Sydney – Four Seasons Suite bed
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Four Seasons Suite bathroom
Four Seasons Sydney – Four Seasons Suite vanity & shower
Four Seasons Sydney – Four Seasons Suite bathtub
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 – Four Seasons Suite view
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Opera Royal Suite living room
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.
Four Seasons Sydney – Opera Royal Suite daybed
Additionally, the suite features a dining table for up to eight, along with a desk and ergonomic chair nestled into its own nook.
Four Seasons Sydney – Opera Royal Suite dining area
Four Seasons Sydney – Opera Royal Suite desk & ergonomic chair
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.

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