Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

The Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is situated in a 22-floor concrete-and-glass building with elegant arched accents and a multi-story central window flanked by marble columns. The three-story lobby has the same marble columns and winding staircases that lead to open-space balconies and sitting areas. The first-floor sitting area seamlessly melds classic pieces with modern accents: Wingback armchairs pair with leathery bench seats and striped drum lights. The Conservatory Bar is a standout, with a huge window that extends to the ceiling. The hotel's central location draws tourists, while its business center and meeting spaces attract a good share of travelers in town for work.

Exceptionally well-located in downtown Sydney's Central Business District, the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park sits on Elizabeth Street, directly across from Hyde Park, near Archibald Fountain. Elizabeth Street is one of the busiest in the city, and is known for its restaurants and bars. A three-minute walk away, the Sydney Tower Eye is surrounded by upscale shops and major department stores. The Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbor are less than a 20-minute walk from the hotel, but public transportation is also easy with the St. James station about a four-minute walk and the Town Hall station about an eight-minute walk. The Sydney Airport is 30 minutes away by car, though it can also be reached by train in 30 minutes. Self- and valet-parking are available, but both come with additional fees.- Three-minute walk to Sydney Tower Eye and shopping

• Three-minute walk to Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park
• Four-minute walk to St. James station
• Seven-minute walk to St. Mary's Cathedral
• Eight-minute walk to Town Hall station
• 13-minute walk to Sydney Aquarium
• 15-minute walk to Circular Quay
• 17-minute walk to Darling Harbor
• 20-minute walk to the Sydney Opera House (five-minute drive)
• Five-minute drive to Powerhouse Museum (20 minutes by public transport)
• Five-minute drive to the Rocks (15 minutes by public transport)
• 15-minute drive to Sydney Airport (30 minutes by public transport)

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park has 557 rooms, 48 of which are suites -- but even the standard rooms seem like upgrades (according to the hotel, the entry-level rooms are the largest of any in the city -- both the City Side Rooms and Hyde Park View Rooms measure 430 square feet and include couches, king-size beds (or two twins), and writing desks. Standard Rooms include minibars, along with coffee- and tea-making facilities, safes, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players -- but in-room Wi-Fi requires a fee. All rooms overlook the city or Hyde Park, with the best views coming from higher-floor rooms. Double-glazed windows and plantation shutters keep guests well-insulated from outside noise and light. Bathrooms are stylish, with marble floors, spacious wooden vanities, and separate baths and walk-in showers with clear-glass walls. Rooms include irons, hairdryers, robes, and toiletries. With upgraded rooms come such extras as access to the Sheraton Club on the 21st floor, and they might also include plasma TVs, Bose sound systems, iPod docks, Hermes toiletries, or spa tubs. 

The hotel has a 42-foot, indoor heated pool with a glass ceiling -- it's on the rooftop along with an indoor hot tub and outdoor sundeck that offers exceptional views of the city. The adjacent fitness center looks out on Hyde Park, and is well-equipped with cardio equipment -- including multiple treadmills, elliptical machines, rowers, and bikes -- and a range of weight-training machines, along with a full rack of free weights and other workout accessories. A sauna and steam room are also located on the top floor, along with a Day Spa with five treatment rooms where guests can get massages and facials.The hotel's Feast buffet restaurant, the Gallery Tea Lounge, which, as its name suggests, serves high tea and snacks, and the Conservatory Bar offers drinks and small plates. Both restaurants have a chic, modern style that blends with traditional accents. Breakfast is available, but it's not included in the room rate.The hotel has 18 stylish meeting and event rooms that can accommodate up to 900 people, as well as a 24-hour business center, the Link@Sheraton, which goes above and beyond with wood slat walls, giant drum lights, spaces for informal meetings, open outlets, and computers for guests' use, along with free broadband Wi-Fi. The Link also has a lounge area with newspapers, magazines, and board games, and offers printing and faxing services.Guests staying in higher-priced rooms can use the Sheraton Club Lounge on the 21st floor, which offers an exceptional view of Hyde park along with a concierge, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and evening drinks, among other perks.The hotel has a 24-hour reception and 24-hour room service, and will arrange for dry cleaning, laundry, babysitting, or transportation.