Sydney
Australia


The Experience

Imagine being able to lie in bed with the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge just beyond your toes and you'll have an inkling of what makes the Park Hyatt such an extraordinary place to stay. The feeling is a bit like staying on a cruise ship anchored in Sydney's fabulous harbor, a superswank and highly stylish hotel that floats on a spit of land between Circular Quay and the famous "coat hanger" bridge. There's even an outdoor swimming pool (with awesome skyline views) on the building's "top deck." It would be difficult (if not impossible) to find a more perfect location for exploring the city, close to the historic Rocks neighborhood, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Darling Harbour. Or you can hop one of those yellow water taxis right outside the hotel front door to anywhere you wish to venture around the world's most beautiful harbor.

The Rooms

As strikingly modern as the Opera House, rooms feature ergonomic chairs with matching ottomans, flat-screen TVs and stylish lamps. In typical Park Hyatt fashion, even the smallest rooms have expansive bathrooms, with separate walk-in shower and a tub big enough to stretch out. Other goodies include high-speed Internet, satellite radio and feather pillows. But the biggest treat is a balcony with views of bridge, bay or skyline. The superchic Premier Suites offer a bed and adjacent spa tub that are both big enough to throw a small party in, separate lounge area and two balconies from which to admire the amazing views.

The Service

With 24-hour butler, shoeshine and room service, Park Hyatt keeps the staff on their toes around the clock. The concierge desk is a veritable fountain of information and inside tips on how to get around and how to pass the time in Sydney.

The Highlights

The hotel's HarbourKitchen restaurant is one fine eatery, nouvelle Aussie cuisine served in a waterfront dining room directly opposite the Opera House. But where the Park Hyatt really excels is drinking -- both the beverages themselves and the ambience in which one imbibes -- with great views and amiable bartenders. Browse the hotel's Wine Library, stocked with several hundred bottles of only the best plonk. Sip martinis or boutique beers at the HarbourBar with black leather stools and floor-to-ceiling windows. Or slink into a vintage cognac and a Cuban cigar at the cozy Club Bar with its open fire, soft jazz and rich wood paneling.

-- Joe Yogerst

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