we arrived for a one night stay in a king city view room. That is exactly what we got but the room amenities were dated and while the bathroom and room itself was clean, the staff were simply uncoordinated or ineffective. we asked for 2 envelopes and it took over an hour for anyone to bring it to us and when they did it was past 1 am. Instead of placing it under the door, they had the audacity to open the door when the do not disturb sign was out and intruded into our privacy. The hotel seemed very quick in chasing guests out. At excatly 11 am, we were asked if we were extending our stay or needed help with out luggage. To add damage, our loyalthy points either did not post or were posted wrongly. Television channels were also dismal and lacking for business hotel. Hotel amenities were ok but we didnt had time to check it out. Room decor was of nice colour tone but that is where the praise ends.

Hy husband surprised me with a night at the Intercontinental on Saturday. He found a package online for $310 including valet and full breakfast and the restaurant we wanted to visit was in the bottom of the hotel - so a bonus! As Sydneysiders we have stayed a number of city hotels for functions in the city but had never stayed here. Valet parking was smooth although the driveway was a bit tight and had a number of cars parked along it. Reception was slow with only one person serving at 5:30pm and we waited close to 10 minutes to check in. At check-in the receptionist was quick to advise that the valet would be refunded at check out.
The room itself was just that - a room, Nothing overly fantastic but a very large desk took up about 1/4 of the room. Fine if a business traveller - but not for leisure. The view was a promised - out over Watson's Bay to the heads, but also overlooking the expressway.
The shower curtain had some odd red stain on the inside (looked like shower gel?) The tiles were chipped and cracked and the water pressure was abysmal. The shower gel and shampoo smelled quite strong and ended up overpowering the perfume I put on later.
We had drinks in the Cortille Lounge and at $20 a cocktail, I expected a lot less ice and more cocktail! The waiter poured the best beer we had ever seen!!! On to the highlight of our stay which was the Etch restaurant in the bottom of the hotel. The food and service was impeccable and I could rave for days! Highly recommend the pork belly and scallops.
Once back in our room we settled in for a quiet night without children, only to be woken up at 3am by a very loud humming noise in the room. After 5 minutes of searching we realised it was the air con, which we promptly turned off, but the room quickly became stuffy. So much for solid night's sleep.
Unfortunately the breakfast buffet the next day was a huge disappointment. At $38/head (if purchased separately) I would have expected eggs cooked to order and top quality fruit and meat, but it was cafeteria quality at best. My husband had to ask twice for his pot of tea and when it arrived, it was just a regular bagged tea. We ended up walking out and crossing the street to the cafe at in the Museum of Sydney and for $35 got the best breakfast for two! Including the best eggs benedict and coffees.
For the money - I would recommend the Shangri-la over this any day.

For our last four days in Australia, we sprung for a club level room w/ opera house view. It didn't disappoint. A nice size room w/modern decor with window seat overlooking the opera house, Harbour bridge, and Sydney harbor -- a delight to watch the ferries come and go, the sun set and the lights come out. Bathroom not large, but well-supplied, clean and elegant. I think the value at the Intercontinental is the club level -- for not much more $, you get an elaborate full breakfast, afternoon tea, and drinks and canapes in the evening in the club lounge on the 31st floor, with spectacular views. (With all the free eats, we only bought one meal a day in during our stay!) The concierge was helpful, and we found the staff to be courteous and unobtrusive. Excellent location for the tourist -- Circular Quay, Opera House, the Rocks, the Botanical Gardens, ferries and train are all within a few minutes walk.

A typical InterContinental. Location is close to the Rocks area and its about a 15-20min walk to the city centre proper (i.e town hall). Food and drinks generally expensive, so take a short walk to the Rocks area (or the opposite direction towards the city centre) for a range of options.

The Club Lounge has great views of the harbour, ANZAC bridge and the Opera House (I am told the best view of all the hotel's in the city). I was upgraded to a harbour view room, and that was quite nice with bay windows on two walls.

Breakfast in the Club Lounge is fine, did not try the restaurants except for the lounge bar which is a bit hard on the wallet.

The only gripe I have is that the front desk/reception is way too small, and just about every time I have passed by, there has been a queue. If you are unfortunate enough to be checking in or out when a group is doing the same, then you are in for quite a wait (and you may not even get standing room).