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The Darling: Guest Reviews

The Star | 80 Pyrmont Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2009, Australia
Hotel amenities
The Darling
Ranked #19 of 209 hotels in Sydney
4.5 of 5 stars 39 Reviews
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39 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Sydney, Australia
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
“a resort style break in the city”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 February 2012

My wife and I decided to find out what all the fuss was about - did Sydney's first new five star hotel in 10 years really live up to the hype? And the answer... well wait until the end of the review :-) First impressions were excellent - the atrium-style lobby area was impressive, spacious and beautiful. We stayed in a Jewel Spa Suite, and that too was beautiful - we particularly loved the large round spa bath set in an alcove of Bisazza (style?) tiles - delicious! Next stop we headed to the outdoor pool. Although close to the city, the feeling we got whilst we sipped our cocktails at the very attractive pool bar was that we had escaped to a resort for the weekend... we felt like we were on holiday, which is no mean feat for a city hotel. After spending the evening checking out a couple of the bars and restaurants in the Star complex we headed back to the room for some much needed relaxation. The only downside we could find is that there are no spa facilities available for hotel guests, unless you pay for a treatment. All in all The Darling lived up to the hype, and thoroughly deserves its Hot Pink rating on the neilsonparc Lust List.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“Great staff, modern technology but be ready to pay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I really enjoyed my overnight stay at The Darling in a room called 'Darling'.

Finding the carpark on arrival was easy enough, although be prepared to pay around $50 per day for parking unless you can earn free parking in the casino. Some sort of carparking deal when one is paying $300+ per night would be appreciated. From the carpark, The Darling was well signposted and we were soon greeted by a friendly team of staff.

The staff of The Darling are a real asset, they were always willing to help and were very friendly. It is refreshing to see staff who are very genuine and helpful.

The room was spacious enough for an entry level suite, and I personally liked the open plan style bathroom. The decor was very tasteful and the modern innovations took the room to the next level. The TV accepted all sorts of media including iPhone and iPad, and the room was easily controlled electronically using the TV or the buttons situated around the room.

The shower with the rain-style head was enjoyable and so was the European wand, but it took a considerable amount of time to heat up to the desired temperature.

The minibar was expensive ($18 for a small bag of cashews) and the automated pressure sensors which automatically bill your account upon removing items seemed over the top somewhat. The Nespresso machine in the room with complimentary pods was an outstanding feature as we could enjoy quality coffee at any time of day. We enjoyed breakfast at the Garden Buffet but it would be nice to see this included or discounted.

We were above the pool and it sounded like an argument broke out during the night on the pool deck, but this is to be expected in a communal location. The promity to the gaming floor was great for those who like to see the action at any time of day, but some may not appreciate this.

Under the fruit bowl we found some dirt and a black hair which indicates the cleanliness may be an issue, although the remainder of the room was spotless.

Apart from a few minor things as above, I really enjoyed my stay here and hope to return in the future.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Sydney, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Vegas night in Sydney”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 January 2012

Stayed mid week for a Las Vegas experience in Sydney. Very swanky hotel, modern urban chic. One of the best hotel pools in Sydney. Spacious rooms, everything controlled electronically and good decor. Attentive service from staff. Local cafes for an interesting breakfast. Will be back for another city break.

  • Stayed January 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Canberra, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“LUXURY STAY”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012

Booked a standard room at a spciel introductory rate. What a fantastic experience. All staff were polite, friendly and attentive. We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a suite which was sensational. Too many features to mention all but luxuriously comfortable and well appointed.

Room Tip: Recommend the Suites
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
“The spa at The Darling hotel is a must!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012

It's been a long time (well, never in Australia), since I have had such a good spa experience. Okay, the prices are up there but the experience is unforgettable. From the moment you get off the lift at the 2nd floor you are in heaven! The receptionists are friendly and welcoming, then there is a greeter who takes you to the changing rooms (big, airy, spotlessly clean and luxurious), and then if there is time you're led to a dim lighted room with comfy day beds and a scented face towel to put over your eyes (make sure there is as they ask you to fill out a questionnaire with GREAT questions such as 'how much talk do you like during your facial/massage - (none for me), how much pressure do you like (gentle, firm, hard) etc. which saves you having to speak up during your service and just relax! The facial I had was $135 for 45 minutes but it was worth every cent. The therapist gave me a foot bath and scrub plus massage before settling me onto the incredibly comfortable facial bed. Facial consisted of deep cleanse, scrub, then a delightfully scented massage (pressure points on face), a face mask and then an eye massage. I almost drifted off. After, if I had time i could have showered in the lovely bathrooms using the complimentary Molton Brown haircare. Hair dryers etc. are provided if you need them. I was so relaxed i couldn't wait to get home to bed.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled solo
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about The Darling

The Star | 80 Pyrmont Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2009, Australia
Price range (per night):* S$319 - 504

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