Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel 5 stars

A wonderful experience which allowed us to have a well deserved break as we are grandparents raising our 3 grandchildren full time.

Check in was great and staff very accommodating. Decor is great and view even better. Overall very comfortable and relaxing stay.

Our stay of 9 nights in Sofitel Darling Harbour did not begin well. We were told that we could choose between 2 rooms and that both of them were ready at 3 pm. After returning at 3 pm, we were told by the same unfriendly receptionist that our room is not only not ready but she has no idea when it will be cleaned. After our polite request whether she could give us en estimate, since it was 34 degrees outside and we were exhausted, she became quite cold and shortly just said 'I do not know, I put it as priority'. She then let us use the swimming pool like she was doing us a favour, although we prepaid our whole stay and were supposed to be checked in by then. We are generally nice and easy going people but we were very upset by this. Another receptionist offered (after this one just shrugged us off) that she could contact us once our room is ready which I have gratefully accepted. We waited at the pool area without air conditioning for 2 hours and still no contact. After 5 pm, we went down to the reception and I asked the nicer receptionist whether she knows the state of our room. She checked and it was ready... I asked if they tried to contact me but she had no idea. No call and no email from the hotel. By this time we were so upset that we almost went to another hotel. Only decided to stay because we were truly exhausted and both of us had suffered heat stress which also made us sick for the next couple of days. Our room was nice, the view was nice, the houskeeping was nice, as can be expected for the price of this establishment. What also surprised us that there is no wellness centre, no spa, no sauna, no steam room, only a tiny outdoor pool for this huge building which also has a poolside bar. This means that it is busy all the time and the pool is full of screaming kids. The pool showers are not stocked well with products either. I really missed the Auckland Sofitel's comfort in our 9 nights stay. Definitely would not recommend this place for couples or anyone who would like to unwind in the hotel. The drinks bar does not have a great atmosphere, but the restaurant looks nicer. We also tried the food which was exceptional. Kudos to the chef! Overall, very mixed experience and we both feel disappointed, mostly by how we were treated by the receptionist and the lack of wellness.

Great location for business or pleasure in darling harbour with bright clean comfortable rooms. Good turndown and vallet service. We have access to the club lounge which has to be the best I have ever experienced for service and choice. Rooms are not the biggest in the city but perfectly ample for a few nights. There is not a proper desk in th room if you plan to work but good facilities in the lounge for business

Everything in the hotel was flawless. The staff was incredible. It really was a perfect stay.

Beautiful spot

We enjoyed the room, it was comfortable. The view was awesome. Breakfast was good with lots of choices. Your staff was very friendly and helpful. I could not believe the size of your bath towels. For the visiting we doing in Sydney, your location was good, close to the ferry stop by the marine museum.

Everything was great. A real 5 star experience.

Well looked after. Lovely room upgrade and was showered in anniversary gifts. 1000% will be back. Felt so comforted

We were treated so specially. Your staff are excellent. It was my husband's birthday and he was made to feel so special.

Amazing

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Sofitel. The staff friendly and knowledgeable, quick to make our stay easy. The room was extremely clean and the room amenities luxurious and comfortable. The room wasn't ready as we arrived early but received the text message as promised as soon as it was ready for us. The service in the restaurants and bars were faultless and menu simple and fresh.

An enjoyable stay from check in to check out. Staff were extremely welcoming and went the extra mile for my husbands birthday. The cuisine at dinner and breakfast was lovely and the pool area did not disappoint. A wonderful stay.

Beautiful hotel and service all round.

Was a very good experience until we were charged with mini bar costs that we did not incur. Although I had advised on checkout that we had no mini bar we were charged $15.00. We are happy to pay for any expenses that were ours but we do not use the mini bar. I immediately advised Sofitel when the invoice was issued and hopefully the error will be corrected.