Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Towering over the tin roofs of the historic Rocks district, the Shangri-La Hotel has helped set the standard for Sydney hospitality, not to mention harbor views. Alongside the Asian influences, personal attention, and secret scent (it’s not just the cascading floral arrangements) that Shangri-La is known for, the Sydney hotel also incorporates earthen Aussie tones and a host of foodie surprises—ranging from an award-winning deconstructed carrot cake to a 36th-floor restaurant with 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling vistas. In 2014, all the premium suites and the Horizon Club Lounge were spruced up with pops of turquoise to complement the color palette of cream, gold, and dark wood. Behind the scenes, the Shangri-La has worked hard to become more sustainable and socially conscious; initiatives include adding energy-efficient and water-saving fixtures, producing much of its food in-house, and donating money to local charities such as OzHarvest.

The Shangri-La Hotel has the greatest breakfast in the world, and the best part is: it’s free (for hotel guests). Fruits from all over the world were so fresh and delicious, they set a new mark for quality. There were breakfast foods available for every culture, including pancakes and bacon, fried rice and spring rolls, cheese and pastries, and just about anything else you can imagine. Before hitting the buffet, a waiter asks if you want coffee or tea, and then delivers an entire pot of either. A fantastic addition to a hotel with the most comfortable pillows and softest spa bathrobes.