Four Seasons Sydney

Few global hotel chains have the prestige and cachet as Four Seasons, and the 39th addition to its 120-property-strong portfolio is no exception. Since opening its doors in 1982 at Sydney Harbour, Four Seasons Sydney has become one of the most renowned destinations in the brand’s global collection, not least for its prime location and iconic vistas. In the heart of Sydney’s harbourside hub, Circular Quay, the hotel boasts unparalleled views of renowned landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. With impeccable service and world-class accommodations, this is where to stay when seeking Sydney’s best. 

The Hotel 

In recent years, luxury hotels have started to lean more toward the intimate and discreet, but there’s something to be said for entering a foyer as expansive as Four Seasons Sydney. With ample staff and plenty of space to get settled, I felt immediately at ease and attended to, setting the tone for my two-night stay. 

Polished marble floors, high ceilings, and a neutral palette accented with dark woods, gold tones, and modern artwork signal refinement. Some of the decor reflects a turn-of-the-millenium contemporary aesthetic, but I enjoyed the enduring charm and heritage-rich atmosphere. I can especially appreciate how seasoned clientele would embrace the classic, familiar aesthetic. 

When it first opened in 1982, it was the tallest hotel in Sydney, a significant architectural feat and one of the most luxurious properties in Australia, setting a new standard for upscale urban accommodation. A defining landmark to locals and visitors alike, there’s little wonder that it has hosted celebrities, diplomats, and business leaders over the years.

I was surprised (and honestly, quite impressed) to learn that to this day, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts does not offer a traditional loyalty rewards program like many other hotel chains of its calibre. Rather than a points-based system or tiered membership, Four Seasons focuses on personalised service and genuine relationship building with their guests to ensure they have a steady flow of regular patrons.

The Room 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a view as exquisite as the one offered in the Full Harbour Club Suite. This spacious, open-plan escape overlooks the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, providing a breathtaking panorama of the city’s waterfront and skyline. Windows encase the entire corner of the room, and watching the water glisten as the sun rose above the shoreline was remarkable. 

With 498 guest rooms and just 33 suites, these 570-square-foot havens are a rare indulgence. I was travelling with one other person, but with a king bed, one sofabed, plus one rollaway or crib, the room can host three adults or two adults and two children. Likewise, spaciousness is the hallmark of the suite’s beautifully appointed polished marble bathroom, which includes a deep soaking tub and a separate walk-in glass shower. Dual vanities ensure ample room for couples or individuals to get ready with ease. 

With a muted colour scheme of creams, dark wood, black marble and blue accents that echo the sea outside, the Full Harbour Club Suite lets the view do the talking. While clearly premium, the decor is quite simple, and there’s not much in the way of unique flair, but with Sydney’s most iconic backdrop on display, this restraint feels intentional.

Read our review of the Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Dining 

In addition to room service and the Executive Club, there are three establishments for dining and drinks at Four Seasons Sydney – MODE Kitchen & Bar, Grain Bar and The Cabana. Grain Bar, located on the ground floor of the hotel, creates an upscale yet warm atmosphere, focusing on artisan drinks and a carefully curated selection of premium spirits, craft beers, and wines. The emphasis here is locally sourced ingredients, with expert craftsmanship and quintessentially Australian flavours detectable in every sip. 

The Cabana is your go-to spot to unwind on a sunny day, situated on the third-floor terrace by the outdoor pool. Here, you’ll find light meals, snacks, and beverages made with seasonal, fresh ingredients. For those days spent poolside on a deck chair with a good book, this laid-back alfresco dining experience is a casual retreat with an air of comfort. 

The highlight of my dining experience at Four Seasons was MODE Kitchen & Bar, a celebration of modern Australian cuisine on the ground floor. The dimmed lighting, minimalist design and open kitchen, allowing the artistry of the chefs to be showcased, creates an intimate yet sophisticated setting. Seasonally driven and elegant, dishes are designed to highlight the best of Australia’s produce. Masterful execution of classics is the modus operandi, with bites like polenta chips, iceberg lettuce with sesame dressing & furikake and zucchini flowers delivering elevated flavours while impeccably prepared mains take centre stage. The food is refined without being overly complex, presenting a true taste of modern Australian fare.

Amenities 

On the third-floor terrace is an outdoor pool nestled in the urban surroundings. It’s heated year-round, so swimming is on the cards no matter when ou plan your stay (though almost every month is swimming weather in Sydney). The space is dotted with plush sun loungers, which provide a relaxing spot to soak up the sun. While the pool itself is decently sized for those wanting a quick dip, the number of loungers is limited, so I’d suggest getting down there early to secure a spot and ensuring plenty of time spent poolside.

It should be noted that there’s a very well-catered 24-hour Fitness Centre on the premises (which I did pop my head into; it looked impressive), but my focus was the on-site Endota Spa. With treatments including facials, body treatments, hot stone massages and aromatherapy, this is the perfect pit stop after a long flight or day in the city. I opted for the 60-minute customised facial, which featured organic, Australian-made skincare products. The experience was soothing and blissful, though next time, I might select one of the intriguing high-performance options they offer, like electro-mesotherapy or the clinical peel. 

Location 

It’s hard to overstate just how ideal the location of Four Seasons Sydney is. You’re a 5-minute walk from Circular Quay, which has departure points for ferry trips to places like Manly Beach and Taronga Zoo. The Opera House hosts genre-spanning performances, enjoy a pre-show tipple at the vibrant waterfront Opera Bar beforehand. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb the Harbour Bridge with a group tour and see a panoramic view of Sydney like no other. 

Just around the corner is The Rocks, Sydney’s historic district known for its cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, artisan markets, and charming pubs. The Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-see if you’re looking for a dose of culture amidst the bustling surroundings. For shopping, Pitt Street Mall and George Street are the city’s main retail precincts which boast a mix of high-end boutiques, department stores, and international brands.

While staying at Four Seasons, deepen your knowledge of the land on which you’re staying (Gadigal land, part of the Eora Nation), by engaging with local activities led by the First Nations community. Connect with the history of the area by taking The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour, join the Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour which starts at The Royal Botanic Gardens, or book a cultural tour at Barangaroo Reserve.

Executive Club

One of the standout perks of staying in the Full Harbour Club Suite is the daily access to the Executive Club Lounge 32, an exclusive, residential-style retreat on the 32nd floor. Each morning began with an extensive buffet featuring a variety of hot breakfast dishes, continental selections, and made-to-order eggs. Throughout the day, the Executive Club offers a selection of refreshments, while from 4pm to 8pm, we indulged in gourmet canapés paired with sommelier-selected wines. Enjoying pre-dinner cocktails by the window during golden hour from a towering vantage point was an unforgettable highlight. If you’re not staying in a suite, access to the Executive Club can be purchased for an additional fee, and if your trip allows, I highly recommend taking advantage of this experience.

Final Thoughts 

Four Seasons Sydney embraces the cosmopolitan flair of Australia’s most iconic harbour city. While it might not have the opulent grandeur of some other Four Seasons properties, the hotel exudes a sophisticated, international feel while staying grounded in its Australian roots. It offers a perfect blend of comfort, world-class service, and style throughout, delivering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sydney.

This property is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Sydney and Australia