This was our third stay at Pier One. We booked a king waterview and the room was huge with beautiful exposed beams. Although there was no balcony, which was a bit of a disappointment, the window took up almost the whole side of the room and meant that it was really light.

The bathroom was enormous and although we did suffer a little from flooding showers, the floor was angled to that it drained away pretty quickly. Given it was our third stay we are well used to the toilets which as some reviewers mention are a bit strange at first!

The location is great, close enough to the city centre so that nowhere is too far away, and far enough away so it is nice and quiet. We always enjoyed walking back in the evening along the water's edge, listening to the water and watching the bats.

You can hear the noises from the bridge on that side of the hotel but I couldn't comment on whether it disturbs a good night's sleep as our room has always been on the other side, overlooking the water.

I can understand why some people may have been disturbed by functions - of which there seem to be an inordinate number - but again we were at the other end of the hotel so it wasn't too much of a problem. For us this meant only that a quiet "end of evening" drink was pretty much out of the question.

Room service food is great and a good "jet-lag" option when you can't face moving or have woken up at an inconvenient time. Bar food also good (pretty much the same menu) and efficiently served, but again needs to be timed right to avoid the function hordes.

Unlike some other reviewers we had no issues with the staff who were all perfectly pleasant, although would comment that that concierge doesn't always seem to be around - luckily we know Sydney pretty well but this could be an annoyance to those that don't.

We stayed on the 3rd floor with gave us magnificent views of the Harbour and the Sunset. The bed was comfortable and the two large lounge-chairs were a pleasant surprise.

Unfortunately, the bathroom design allowed for water to pour out of the shower cubicle all over the bathroom floor. We needed to roll a towel and pack it against the shower cubicle doors to soak up the water while showering. The problem appears to be that the floor has no run-off angle back to the drain. The hand basin was set too far from the edge of the vanity making it necessary to lean right over to wash/clean teeth. Also the mirror was too far back. with no good lighting for applying makeup. Although the vacuum toilet flush is a water saving initiative in keeping with hotel philiosophy, the very load noise wakes a partner up during the night.

Overall, the reservation desk/welcoming staff lacked enthusiasm, whereas the conceirge was very helpful. The female staff member on duty did not provide one smile during our visit. When we asked about computer /internet use she abruptly asked "what do you want it for". Another female staff member on the next night was very helpful and showed us the business centre to access our Qantas flight details.

As the room was really well appointed and the views great our rating would have been excellent, if not for the bathroom problems and the desk staff abruptness.

Judging by the most recent reviews it seems like this hotel is getting their act together. We were concerned having booked at the Sebel Pier for the start of our Oz trip and then reviewing previous postings on trip advisor stating discourteous staff, dirty rooms etc failed to materialize. Needing an early check in we didn't hold out much hope but were pleasantly surprised to find our room available at 8.30 in the morning. The room was clean, spacious, high cathedral ceilings (ask for top floor/waterview room) with excellent views over the bay and North Sydney. One or two of the rooms have a large terrace for the smokers out there, but I imagine these are at a supplement but ask anyway. Prices for food and drink are what you would expect from the star rating and a little overpriced, but on a nice day sitting on the quayside with a beer and butty, very relaxing!!

My other half and I stayed in this hotel for 2 nights when we were in Sydney for a wedding. It is in a wonderful location (under the harbour bridge), and everything about it is of a very high standard. The staff were great, the room was great, the bed was great, I loved it and would definitely stay there again.