Review of Park Hyatt Sydney, by Greg Clarke

If you have ever thought about sleeping with Sydney's iconic opera house, the Park Hyatt might be as close as you can get to fulfilling the fantasy. In the historic Rocks district (one of the oldest parts of Sydney), many of these luxury rooms are built over the water and reach out to this most distinctive landmark.

The facilities

Original oil paintings about the foyer are available for purchase. Look out for the pearl-lined wall that, at a certain time of day, captures the reflection of the Opera House. There is a small roof-top pool, along with a Jacuzzi and day spa. Accessible by water taxi, the restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows with, you guessed it, harbour views. There is wheelchair access and a 'kidsierge' program designed to give mum and dad help with little ones.

The rooms

The 158 guest rooms were designed in part by New Yorker Tony Chi and have private balconies. Some have views of both the opera house and the bridge. There are Eames chairs, ottomans and remote control curtains, though considering the views, they will be rarely drawn. In the uncluttered rooms the beds have been repositioned to take in the views and should you tire of gazing out the window, all rooms have wide screen TVs.