We stayed here 4 nights (4-8 March 2024) post cruise from Auckland. (sorry it took almost 5 months to write review) We took a cab from the port and weren't overcharged as is so often the case with taxis! We arrived very early (9 a.m. or so) but were given a room on a high floor. Check-in was a bit testy as the young lady we first approached was "in training". The guy next to her took over and made things tolerable. I was having trouble connecting to the Internet even though I am supposed to connect automatically at any IHG location, even if I'm not a guest, due to my IHG Diamond status. Finally, I was able to show that I had Club Lounge access due to my IHG stays in 2023. I also receive complimentary breakfast in main restaurant due to my status (more about that later). The only card in our Key folder was about early check-out-nothing about benefits! We arrived at our basic King Classic room (upgrade was to higher floor). There were usual items: bed, desk, TV (not as many channels as expected), seating area, beverage station, closets and drawers plus safe, etc. There were ample outlets for our CPAP machines. The bathroom only had a shower, but everything was very clean with fully stocked squeeze bottles for bathroom amenities.

The Club Lounge was on 2 levels: the higher level used only for breakfast (it was a public bar area later in day) provided the best views and the main lounge a floor below was used for quiet time, afternoon canapes, cocktail hour, etc. All was good with great views as well of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House and more! Service was always excellent at breakfast with many selections found on special menu. Note: This is the only Intercontinental where I've stayed with more choices and such in the Club Lounge rather than in main restaurant. (Our 1 visit to main restaurant was testy as I drink lots of water; they only had very small glasses by a filling area for water. I asked for bottle of water or large glass and was told they would charge me for water so I asked for manager. He took care of things so I received a complimentary bottle of water - I just need a carafe or something I could fill w/o having to walk back and forth too often). They also brought bigger glasses; even with bottle, I refilled it at least twice at filling area and proved I actually do drink lots of water w/ breakfast. We returned to Club Lounge our final 2 mornings for breakfast. We did high tea once in Club Lounge. We tried to arrive early for Cocktail time (5-7 p.m.) to secure a seat near the window w/ great view. Drinks were mostly delivered by staff and could take long sometimes, but got better as the 4 days passed. One evening, since I was drinking gin & tonic, they brought me a local gin with ants in it! I did the shot and swallowed the ants, but I prefer gin w/o ants! We also drank much of the local wine. All in all, the lounge was very good, but I was told by regular guests that it was even much better before COVID!

We had many adventures in and around Sydney, including lunch in the Tower, tour of Opera House, Drag Queen tour, and more, but those will be covered in other reviews.

I really enjoyed the location, the Club Lounge breakfast and Cocktail Hour, most of the staff, the cleanliness, etc., but the main restaurant breakfast wasn't up to Intercontinental standards and I missed a tub, but this is becoming the norm at most hotels today! In conclusion, I highly recommend this hotel and would stay there again if we are able venture back Down Under (been twice in 2009 and 2024), but it's so far and we're getting older!