The staff were very friendly and willing to help us with any questions regarding transport, airport, local food places etc. The hotel itself is a beautiful building and the rooms are lovely and classy. Location is excellent, in between two train stations, close to QVB, town hall and the shopping precinct.

After a 17 hour flight I checked into the Grace. It was about 10-15 minute cab ride (on a Sunday) from the airport.
Very pretty building & lobby - as everyone mentioned. Very pleasant at desk - only thing is they didn't tell me how I would use the WiFi/ internet (did I need a log in?). As some mentioned, it is $25 bucks a day for WiFi - ouch. Concierge/ doormen/ bellhop were two guys working all aspects - super friendly.

Up to room 739: pretty basic, but very clean. (see pics)
King bed looks nice - mounted reading lights on each side. HUGE wardrobe with dresser inside. Usual ironing board & iron and a clothes brush (nice). Wardrobe lights up when you open it - nice touch. extra pillow and blanket in the wardrobe. Safe is a bit small - barely fit my mac book pro. Electric kettle & tea in room and mini bar where you fill out the form to take with you at check out. appears to be soda, beer, a few sweets.

Outlet at desk for computer - you have to turn on the outlet. This hotel is an eco/ green hotel - you MUST put your key card in a slot by the door to turn on any lights/ air conditioning, etc. good desk light as well. Ok flat screen (I'm guessing 30"?) The hotel has all their info, guest messages, etc via the TV as well via a messaging system. I was worried b/c on the hotel info on the TV it seemed that there were only 5 TV channels - but there are more when you just surf through them. (I know nobody goes to Sydney for TV, but when jet lag hits!)

Small sitting chair/ side TV and lamp - two big windows. not a great view though - some high rises on this side. Two large side tables with leather look on each side of the bed. lots of room. Alarm clock. Full length mirror.

Bathroom: haven't tried yet but clean and spartan. Ok amount of room for supplies - but I have a lot of things. One of those attached hair dryers. HUGE shower, no tube in this room. Probably fit 4 people in the shower.

No additional lock on the door - which I'm used to with American hotels. Just the one latch. I will try out the business center, pool and sauna later.

Food: There is apparently 24/7 room service which I will try out & report on. As well as the Grace Brasserie and Cafe. I did go to the P. J. O Brien's right around the corner. Typical pub place - go up to the bar and order & pay and you get a number for your table. So Americans, don't expect to be seated:) Fish & chips were good, but nothing amazing. Service friendly.

What's around? There is a HUGE row of shops one block down on George Street. Boutiques, Apple Store, Tourist places-- you name it. There is a pharmacy/ drug store almost right across York St. from the hotel - perfect for anything you forgot. Besides toiletries they have some candy, snacks, soda, water. There are a few corner shop/ bodegas around the corner as well.

Getting around: There is apparently 1 block away on George St. in front of the Apple Store the "Free 555 Green Bus" - that goes in a loop for free to the Circular Quay. I will try out & report back. Lots of taxis always in front of the hotel too.

To sum up for first impressions: friendly, great location, pretty lobby, clean but sparse rooms.

This hotel has a certain style and charm that makes relaxing simple.

The rooms are very clean and are larger than the average hotel room in Sydney. As a business traveler it has all the features and services I require when on the road.

I returned back home to Sydney for a 3 night stay and wowser, the Grace Hotel certainly delivered. The location is absolutely fabulous with the QVB and Town Hall station one block away. All of the shopping in Pitt st Mall and Sydney Westfields is one block away as well.
The hotel itself is art deco style and is classy and elegant. The room is a moderate size and the bathroom is well appointed with a shower over the bath. The view is of other city buildings but thats not a surprise. One big plus is that the hotel is super quiet and peaceful even though it is a decent size. No vacuum cleaners going off at 8am kinda thing..
The staff were super friendly and check in and out were a breeze. The concierge helped order us a maxi taxi for our luggage and surfboard and on our way we went.
I would be back sooner but I cant get the awesome rate I got the first time so will keep an eye out for any specials.