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.
Room Tip: If you need a room with a tub - I'd request since mine does not.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC