Hilton Sydney

[anat0l]

Having been to the Hilton Sydney for the first time since the lounge was refurbished, I didn't have high hopes about the look of the place after seeing media photos.

I eat my words.

If anyone claims that the lounge looks like a uni cafeteria or dorm lounge, please tell me which uni you went to. The colour, tone and decor were all quite appealing. The concrete columns - maybe out of place (but suffice to say it actually looks better than if they had painted them black or orange).

The servery looks like a much more functional area now. The board table is a nice idea, though noise made in that area resonates like a megaphone.

I'm not sure if the new lounge is bigger than the old one, but it sure looks a lot less crowded (this has possibly come at the expense of lounge chairs cf. now sitting chairs, but I don't mind).

Didn't get a chance to sample evening canapés - which seems to be in high regard - but I was there for afternoon tea, and the scones on offer were delicious.

I haven't been to the HOTP, Adelaide or Cairns Hilton Executive lounges for a while, but suffice to say from my experience, the Sydney lounge probably competes with HSW for the best Hilton Executive lounge in Australia.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Having been to the Hilton Sydney for the first time since the lounge was refurbished, I didn't have high hopes about the look of the place after seeing media photos.

I eat my words.

If anyone claims that the lounge looks like a uni cafeteria or dorm lounge, please tell me which uni you went to.

I've commented to my +1 that has been the comment, but as I've never been to uni, I cannot comment. What I can say ( as I've said before) is that I personally believe the SYD Hilton offers the best F&B selection in Oz! The lounge itself is not the best, but also not the worst.

HSW could easily be the best in Oz, but their F&B selection (although quite reasonable) does still let them down!

 

[dfcatch]

The SYD lounge is excellent now - no 2 ways about it.

But SYD as a hotel seems to be quite disappointing from the anecdotal upgrade front.

It seems that to get anything decent - you have to book exec or better.

This is not how it should be for diamonds - period.

 

[markis10]

If anyone claims that the lounge looks like a uni cafeteria or dorm lounge, please tell me which uni you went to. The colour, tone and decor were all quite appealing. The concrete columns - maybe out of place (but suffice to say it actually looks better than if they had painted them black or orange).

Melbourne Uni!

ie

http://www.jardan.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/vic_melbuni_02.jpg


Vs

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/09/b1/c1/executive-lounge.jpg

Being the son of a now semi retired Uni Head of School I have seen a few Uni Cafes in my time, I have also seen a few executive lounges and this is one of the worst in my mind that I have come across from a decor perspective. Food on the other hand is good in quality and variety.

 

[Fifa]

The tables and chairs are all far too close together. You can clearly hear the conversations of your neighbours even when they are speaking quietly.
Obviously, they were trying to fit as many people as possible into the existing space.

 

[dfcatch]

The tables and chairs are all far too close together. You can clearly hear the conversations of your neighbours even when they are speaking quietly.
Obviously, they were trying to fit as many people as possible into the existing space.

Actually - that is true!

 

[esquire]

I actually find the exec lounge in Sydney really unappealing - it must just be me. The place feels uninviting.

The it usually crowded for dinner and the food can range from good to very average soggy deep fried food. Would like more coughtail/snack food rather than soup & sushi as it isn't suppose to be dinner.
However what really puts me off (and it is not always but have experienced it a few times now) is the number of people in a feeding frenzy of "how many prawns can I eat". Maybe the Sydney Hilton Buffet is a better term for it.

The afternoon tea (when one can actually be there for it!) is actually pleasant and the place is more of an executive lounge.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

The tables and chairs are all far too close together. You can clearly hear the conversations of your neighbours even when they are speaking quietly.
Obviously, they were trying to fit as many people as possible into the existing space.

Actually - that is true!

I second those sentiments.

On the Friday night before the Chrissie in June event, we were privy to a range of proposals and thought provoking concepts shared between an elderly couple just returned from OS and their Federal Liberal politician/public servant son who joined them. Their conversation was very quiet, but Lisa and I heard every word of it, which made us feel a little uncomfortable (not enought to vacate our good seats though :mrgreen........some conversations should not be had, even in an exec lounge setting...and especially not SYD Hilton exec lounge around the time of a Gov't leadership spill!

For anyone wondering (and to be honest, if you are I feel you need professional help), Lisa prefers the old SYD lounge whereas I don't mind this one. It's small, which is the PITA part of it, but it is comfy and the food is the best (IMHO) in Oz.

 

[Fifa]

My fave hotel club lounge in Sydney is the IC .

 

[Deleted member 29185]

My fave hotel club lounge in Sydney is the IC .

We just may find that out around Christmas time!

 

[Deewhy]

I've got a Hilton Sydney booking in September, booked through a third party... has anyone got any experience as to whether they provide HH Diamond benefits (thinking at least lounge access) to a third party booking?

Any tips appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I've got a Hilton Sydney booking in September, booked through a third party... has anyone got any experience as to whether they provide HH Diamond benefits (thinking at least lounge access) to a third party booking?

Any tips appreciated.

If the third party booking can be cancelled, try the Hilton best rate guarantee. That'd ensure it.

 

[LiamPG]

As a Diamond member I stayed monthly at the Hilton Sydney. The rooms are tiny and my upgrade always gained me access to the Club level which is a great advantage for nibbles and drinks in the evening. My best advice is to have breakfast in the restaurant not the Exec Club. Access to a great gym downstairs is also a great advantage. Lately I have found the base rate exorbitant compared to other hotels in Sydney and have chosen to stay at other hotels for a much better rate. My favourites have been The Frasier Suites with huge one bedroom modern apartments, excellent gym and pool with superb location (miss Chu and Japanese downstairs are wonderful) QT Hotel provides better value with new sensational rooms . Weighing up the Diamond advantages over price , other hotel provide better option

 

[Sprucegoose]

Depends on location for me I am less of a brand freak these days and go more for how does it work for me

Cheers

Damon

 

[boomy]

As a Diamond member I stayed monthly at the Hilton Sydney. The rooms are tiny and my upgrade always gained me access to the Club level which is a great advantage for nibbles and drinks in the evening. My best advice is to have breakfast in the restaurant not the Exec Club. Access to a great gym downstairs is also a great advantage. Lately I have found the base rate exorbitant compared to other hotels in Sydney and have chosen to stay at other hotels for a much better rate. My favourites have been The Frasier Suites with huge one bedroom modern apartments, excellent gym and pool with superb location (miss Chu and Japanese downstairs are wonderful) QT Hotel provides better value with new sensational rooms . Weighing up the Diamond advantages over price , other hotel provide better option

I agree with everything you said and will like to add the Westin & Sheraton as good alternatives. They both have large rooms and good lounges.
Also, the refurbished club rooms at Shangri la have very impressive views and are my choice when I have overseas guests.