Sir Stamford at Circular Quay

Literally never had a worse service experience in any industry, across six continents. Room was dusty/dirty, no one had vacuumed under/behind the furniture for at least a year, stained carpet, moldy bathroom… no hot water, tv did not power on, mini fridge hotter than outdoor temperature.

Ordered room service, waited over 70 minutes (quote was 30-45) and when I called about where the order was they THEN told me they didn’t have what I’d ordered! Went down to the front desk to ask for a room swop, asst manager was SO RUDE, repeatedly interrupting, raising his voice, claiming to have been in the business for however many years, cutting me off to answer the phone while I waited even though my own calls to the front desk had gone unanswered.

Instead of a room swop and getting the meal I’d waited and paid for, I was rudely told to stay elsewhere or they would call the police. As I left the same asst manger attempted to report ME to my booking agent. Funny enough, even after holding my phone with the confirmation email pulled up displaying the agent’s website in big, bold font… he shouted after me as I left that he was calling a *different* booking company to report me. Obviously experience doesn’t equal quality and attention to detail is non existent.

“City view” is of a building under (noisy) construction.

Great rooms, great service, great location. The upsides outweigh the downsides but valet parking and less dusty rooms would be good. I was impressed when i previously had valet parking and the guys were wearing top hats and tails, was a great touch on revist they were not there which was a bummer. But for us we really lived this place and wouldnt take much to get it to 5 stars. Very happy currently 4 stars for us

Give it a miss. The place stinks, it’s ancient and in desperate need of a revamp. Stuck in the past. Concierge were ‘busy’ and couldn’t take our luggage to the room. Sauna is like a dungeon. Gym and pool are average and decrepit. The building’s dark and musty throughout. And you don’t even get complimentary WiFi? ! Joke. So many better options available. Leave this to all the old fogies arriving on cruise ships.

Location is excellent. Service is as well. Rooms are fancy but little things like up to date tvs that you can stream to would be better

Magnificent historical hotel ideally located for our access to Opera House & Theatre Royal shows

It respects formality and tradition and is wonderful. Also, it is convenient as it is close to the station. However, the water area is foreign and difficult to use.

Didn't get to stay here so can't comment. My sister called and made a booking over the phone during the day of the 10th. The girl she spoke with confirmed the booking and asked for our time of arrival which she gave. We even called back to say we were running late and were advised that was okay. Arrived and parking was all full due to an event in the Park across the road. We finally found parking and had to walk approx a block and a half. When we finally arrived with suit cases in tow only to be told there was no booking. We were offered a room in the hotel next door at a much higher rate, we declined. We are from Melbourne. Will never recommend this Hotel to anyone.

First and last time we stay here as this hotel is in desperate need of a renovation. This may have been a 5 star hotel a decade ago however it cannot compete with other 5 star hotels in the area by today's standards.

Tiffany was kind, helpful and knowledgeable. It's rare to receive such good service, even in more modern hotels. She went the extra mile and I really appreciate it.

My phone was dead and the staff was very nice and let me charge it in the lobby to call an Uber

Steer clear for an event. We have been coming here for years for an annual event and the service and cost for value has PLUMMETED. They cannot (or will not) cater to dietary requirements as specified. The buffet spread provided included spam (or ham?) from a can, store bought ravioli and some salads with potatoes. Honestly, the rolled meat I get for my dog was of a higher quality. When asked for butter we were given something frozen. Vegan and vegetarian attendees couldn't eat anything other than a limp salad or beetroot mush. The food also ran out with twenty attendees (a third of the guests) needing to ask for things to be replenished. The Sir Stamford, is supposed to be a hotel of high repute and standing. Apart from the leather couches in the foyer I am yet to see evidence of this. Lastly, the only remaining hope of a bare minimum experience, the drinks service, was appalling. I think after constantly chasing a waiter I managed two drinks. For $100 per head the buffet was an embarrassment, service a disgrace and an overall disappointment.

I have wanted to stay at this location for ages and decided to treat ourselves to a weekend away in Sydney. We booked an executive suite with a harbour view. The area carpet in the lobby was very worn and shabby, frayed at the edges - definitely had seen better days. The size of the room was fantastic - however - that carpet was very tired - suffering from stains and burn marks. The bed was very comfortable. We went down to the lobby for dinner to find that they were only select meals available at the bar as the dining area was only open for breakfast. That was fine we were within walking distance of many other choices. The mini bar was emptied since COVID and although COVID was over - they hadn't been restock. You could have items brought to your room - in packages worth $36 each. We had the buffet breakfast included and went for the 2nd sitting. Food was lukewarm with an average selection both mornings so that was disappointing. I will say the staff were lovely and helpful. Parking was close by. The character of the hotel is charming but it is in much need of a makeover. For the cost and the rating of 5 star I would have expected better.

Seska (I think her name is at the check-in section) was rude to me the second I got to the place to check in. She didn’t want to smile, didn’t want to respond back to queries, just cold. However, was delightful to the old couple that were being served before me.

Room 301 had a horrible odour as we walked in. The paint on the ceiling was chipping off and with a yellow tone ceiling, was full of white patches where there had been a leak come through. It was disgusting, so I called reception - no answer. Called concierge - no answer. Called reservations - no answer. Called assistant manager and got through to someone who was able to assist.

Changed our room to room 415, which was a lot more pleasant and without odours. However, when walking past seska to go out for dinner, my husband observed her watching me walk past and giving me a filthy look.

Went to breakfast buffet down stairs prior to checking out, and the food was just like eating at an army barracks. It was horrendous. Nice to see the prices haven’t changed for 5 years, but still, it was appalling for what we thought we would be getting at a place as gorgeous as this!

When checking out, I am so glad I didn’t have to deal with seska! It was starting to give me anxiety.

Would’ve been the perfect wedding anniversary spent with my husband and time away from kids and extremely busy work schedule we have, provided your front of house staff were actually friendly.

Great location for public transit and the major attractions. The room was very large and had nice amenities like tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water. Also, the bath toiletries were good quality. The beds are very soft. If you have any back issues and need support, this is not the place for you. There is a weird smell of something. Not sure if it's musty, as others have said, or cleaning products or what but it definitely needs some airing out. The furniture is old and shabby. The drapes were hanging askew and the sheers needed laundering. It's very dusty, also. For example the louver door in the bathroom hadn't been cleaned in a long time. As for service, everone was attentive so maybe it was a language barrier but, I asked for more bath towels, wash cloths and hand towels suitable to the number of guests and somehow got a stack of bath towels and bath floor mats! No hand towels or face cloths at all. I also got an overload of bath toiletries and coffee, sugar etc because I asked for the supplies to support the number of guests. I just don't think they understood my request.
Breakfast was convenient but $$. I personally couldn't find anything appealing on the hot buffet besides a hard boiled egg. Others enjoyed the what looked like scrambled eggs, tomatoes, sausage and barely cooked bacon, beans and potatoes. I had cereal with room temperature milk and some fruit. This is not a 5 star hotel. The price is, though.

Attended a private event in a function room so unable to comment on the hotel aspect. However, the staff were wonderful, very attentive and friendly, anticipating the needs of all the attendees.
I also loved the decor, conjuring an old school (? Gentleman's) club feeling.
The range of wines, spirits and liqueurs on offer in the bar was also outstanding.

I stay here whenever I am in Sydney; having been a frequent visitor for almost 50 years. I discovered Sir Stamford having walked by a hundred times. Everything about the place is old school; it you're looking for mirors and chrome you won't like it. Dare I say it is also THE place for that romantic getaway or anniversary. I was here a LOT pre covid; I only ever had breakfast in the dining room. Scones in the bar for morning tea are enjoyable.

My stay at Sir Stanford was very disappointing definately not 5 star coffee tables glass had scratches all over it and pieces of wood falling off,
The chairs had dust on them that I could actually write my name in it.
Ordered room service breakfast for 8am did not arrive by 8.30 called and the breakfast had been forgotten all together, a toilet continuing running even after being fixed. It was very disappointing as I had stayed there about 5 years ago and was really lovely but unfortunately it has gone down but still expected to pay top dollar. Carpet in foyer entry was badly fraying and you could quite easily slip on it. Sad but I was extremely disappointed in my stay.

There's everything to love about Sir Stamford.
The room was spacious, tastefully decorated with lots of windows and natural light. The staff were exceptionally welcoming and accommodating to anything we needed.
The location is perfect and I couldn't recommend this hotel highly enough.

Excellent all round. Beautiful decor, friendly attentive staff, great location and comfortable rooms. Will be back.

From the complete lack of reply to advertised room service hours after 10pm, to the connected bar's rando table service, it struck me the staff as of time of posting this review - though intelligent - are far from sufficiently trained. Very useful for location. Wouldn't necessarily recommend at less at a pinch - as I was.