Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, Sydney, Australia - Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"How did it strike you on arrival? Tucked beside Sydney Harbour Bridge on a heritage-listed pier, this boutique escape offers stunning views of the bridge, harbor, Luna Park funfair and Walsh Bay’s wharves, near historic quarter The Rocks and Circular Quay. Nice. What’s the crowd like? Pier One Sydney Harbour—part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection—attracts leisure and business travelers. Its atmospheric, central location suits holidaymakers experiencing the sights and culture vultures attending a show at Sydney Theatre Company’s nearby wharf. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Blending Federation-style decor with contemporary comforts, the 189 rooms and suites are white and light, with large windows. Heritage rooms gaze inwards towards The Rocks or treat yourself to a Waterside room overlooking the wharves, harbor or bridge. Suites separate the bedroom and living area. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? King beds are dressed in fine linens and duvets. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Rooms include a bar and tea- and coffee-making kit, handy for whipping up drinks while you watch your flatscreen TV. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. Marble basins, stainless-steel fittings and generous mirrors add indulgence to the ensuite bathrooms, with soft cotton bathrobes. Some rooms have showers, but suites feature a deep soaking tub with Australian products by Appelles Apothecary. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? High-speed broadband and Wi-Fi internet means you can work or play. Room service: Worth it? Round-the-clock room service. Select canine-friendly Waterside rooms also offer a minibar with dog snacks, pet bed and bowls. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? Head chef Joel Bickford may have recently departed for Aria, but he put restaurant and bar The Gantry on the gourmet map. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Award-winning The Gantry serves contemporary Australian à la carte and six-course tasting menus (with optional wine pairing), plus pre-show and vegetarian alternatives. Local ingredients star, from Flinders Island wallaby to South Australian calamari. Imaginative cocktails go down a treat at sunset, with seats in the industrial-chic space or out on the waterside deck. Work it off with training sessions at the performance studio. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? Offering Sydney Opera House vistas, Harbour View Suites feature open-plan bathrooms; Harbour View Balcony Suites have overwater decks for lounging; and Admiral Suites offer freestanding, semi-alfresco tubs and dreamy decks. Bottom line: worth it, and why? Pier One’s waterside setting is a wow, especially during New Year’s Eve when fireworks shoot off the bridge. Casual food shack The Kerrigan on the pier serves charcoal-grilled and smoked barbecue delights, including saucy pork ribs, burgers and tacos, plus cider and beer." - Sophie Davies