Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, Australia

Australians have their own version of royalty following the 2004 wedding of Tasmanian Mary Donaldson to Prince Frederik of Denmark. When the newlyweds toured Australia they stayed, for a time, in the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney (formerly the ANA). Just minutes from the CBD and AUD, a large refurbishment was completed in the beginning of 2005.

The facilities

There is an award-winning cocktail bar at this luxury hotel called Blu Horizon, on level 36. The views are so superb you may not want to go anywhere else - consider a visit even if you don’t stay. Beside the bar, Altitude restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine.

With a staff of around 800 there is, not surprisingly, no shortage of amenities at this luxury hotel: extensive gym, indoor pool, as well as a sauna and steam room. There is also a business centre with secretarial services and meeting rooms. Wifi is available in the lobby.

The rooms

There are 563 rooms over 36 floors in this luxury hotel. The elevated views over the harbour and its icons, particularly from rooms facing north are, simply, spectacular. Some of the best in Sydney. The standard rooms are generously sized (40m²) with contemporary furnishings in the standards and the suites, along with subtle Asian themes. And while there are goose-down pillows on the beds you’re not going to come here for any of the décor, as fresh and comfortable as it is. The extraordinary views are the thing.