Sydney Opera House views from 30,000 Marriott points: A review of Pier One Sydney Harbour
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420193174″] If you find yourself heading to Sydney and want to stay in a hotel with views of the city’s two most iconic landmarks — the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge — it might be time to cash in some Marriott Bonvoy points and do just that. Though the Park …
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If you find yourself heading to Sydney and want to stay in a hotel with views of the city’s two most iconic landmarks — the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge — it might be time to cash in some Marriott Bonvoy points and do just that.
Though the Park Hyatt Sydney famously offers prime views and the most luxurious stay in town, just around the corner is Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, an affordable alternative that’s located right underneath the bridge itself.
Here’s what it was like staying at this Marriott property for two nights in early May.
Related: 30 best Marriott hotels in the world
What is Pier One Sydney Harbour?
Pier One Sydney Harbour is a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel found in a historic Sydney neighborhood called The Rocks, which dates back to 1788. In 1912, the hotel’s building was constructed as a cargo facility and passenger terminal for ferries coming and going from the area. Over the years the building has lived various lives — but was converted into a hotel in 1998, and finally became a Marriott property in 2014.
Today, the hotel has a charming boutique, maritime vibe, with a bar offering seating right on the water, a popular events space with views of the bridge and modern rooms with a rustic feel — including some with high wooden beams that lean into the building’s historic nature.
How much Pier One Sydney Harbour costs and how to book it
Cash rates for Pier One Sydney Harbour can be found as low as $161 per night for an entry-level king guest room, though I’d opt to upgrade to a bridge view room for views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (and, if you’re lucky like I was, the Sydney Opera House). Marriott Bonvoy members can book this hotel from 30,000 points per night, though award rates really do vary based on season and demand.
For my two-night stay in early May, TPG paid 93,000 points for a bridge view king room.
When booking the Pier One, you’ll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Platinum Elite status; and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rooms at Pier One Sydney Harbour
My bridge view king room was located on the third floor, and from the moment I walked into the 323-square-foot-room, I was shocked at how cozy it felt.
The room felt both spacious and homey, partially thanks to a vaulted ceiling with large wooden beams that really brought the “pier” aspect of Pier One to life. Tie that together with the ocean-inspired carpet, the massive wood-panel headboard and the small window, and if you’d told me I was on a trendy boat, I’d have believed you.
The bed was very comfortable, and I was really into the ultra-plush velvet throw pillows, which added a nice pop of color.
Off to the side of the bed, two sliding doors revealed a closet with a safe, iron, ironing board, hangers and an umbrella; slide the other door open and you had a straight view into the shower. Most importantly for me, the large flatscreen TV had casting capabilities so I could catch up on some TV after being on the road for over two weeks.
A concealed minifridge was stocked with sodas, juices, beers and wines. Above the fridge was a snack area stocked with chips, chocolates and a Nespresso machine, among other goodies.
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Though my window wasn’t big, it was the star of the show. From this rectangular space, I could look out and see both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, both of which felt like I could just crack open the window to reach out and touch them. In fact, the window offered a prime viewing spot as people made the ascent on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb tour, something I had done two weeks earlier when I arrived to the country.
The bathroom wasn’t necessarily anything to write home about, but it was large and clean, and the shower had great water pressure.
I’m a sucker for nice bathroom products and really enjoyed the musky, leathery scent of Sydney-based Who Is Elijah‘s Morning After soaps and shampoos. And, though I have little hair to blow dry, having a Dyson at the ready was an especially luxurious touch.
I really enjoyed my time in this space, and would book this room again in a heartbeat, especially if I’m traveling back to Sydney with people who are visiting the city for the first time and want to be close to major attractions.
Dining at Pier One Sydney Harbour
The hotel has two options for guests or locals looking to dine or imbibe: Harbour Bistro and Pier Bar.
Pier Bar was a great place to sit and unwind after a few long days exploring Sydney, especially during sunset hour. Here, I had a couple of glasses of Australian wine ($10 each) and enjoyed a leisurely time watching boats cross the harbor, runners with dogs coming and going and people milling about taking in the scenery. Cocktails and seafood-forward bar snacks (think: lobster rolls, poke bowls and Australian cheese plates) were also on the menu.
For breakfast, I paid about $29 for the buffet spread that included made-to-order eggs, traditional hot items like bacon, sausage and beans, fruits, cheeses, yogurts and some sweet options like churros. I had an egg-white omelette that wasn’t particularly special, but filling and on the healthy side. I also had a glass of Champagne from a build-your-own-mimosa station.
At breakfast, I was tickled when, at a little after 9 a.m., the restaurant staff presented me with a giant piece of cake that read “happy anniversary” written in chocolate on the plate. The previous day was my first wedding anniversary, and my spouse had called the hotel and asked to have this (along with a bottle of bubbles) waiting in the room when I checked in. Disappointed that there wasn’t a surprise in the room, my husband finally told me before I went to sleep that the hotel had missed the request.
But the chocolate cake the next morning more than rectified it. And, when I got back to my room later that day, a bottle of prosecco was waiting in an ice bucket.
I didn’t have the chance to have dinner at Harbour Bistro, but the menu features a la carte options like steak frites ($38), caviar cheeseburger ($44) and Sydney rock oysters ($27 per half dozen). Shareable tasting menus with a large selection of items, including starters, mains and desserts, are also on offer.
Amenities and things to do
- Get a workout in at the gym.
- Visit Pier Bar for a sunset happy hour with oyster and cocktail specials daily 5-6 p.m.
- Walk around The Rocks for great shopping, iconic views and wonderful restaurants.
- Take the short walk to Circular Quay and hop on a ferry to Manley Beach for some of the best views of the Opera House and harbor skyline.
- From the hotel, you’re right around the corner from Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, a must-do experience on your first time Sydney.
- For a really special experience, book an oyster excursion outside of the city with Sydney Oyster Farms to shuck and eat oysters right in the water where they’re grown.
Accessibility
Pier One Sydney Harbour has a limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms, and most of the hotel’s public spaces are mobility accessible, with wide elevators throughout the property.
As always, TPG recommends calling the hotel directly before booking to discuss what exactly is available, and whether or not the hotel will suite each traveler’s individual needs.
Bottom line
Between the Park Hyatt Sydney and Pier One Sydney Harbour, it’s impressive to see how far points and miles can take you in this city. In the case of both of these hotels, they’re right at the doorstep of two of the world’s most famous structures: the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge.
For people looking to save some cash or points, Pier One Sydney offers a trendy, comfortable stay with plenty of little luxuries on prime real estate. I could’ve sat by the water with a nice glass of Australian shiraz and watched the boats pass by for hours. And, considering it’s excellent location near ferries, buses and public trains, it’s a great spot to call home during a trip to the larger Sydney area.
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