I had read the fairly mixed reports on this hotel so was not quite sure what to expect. I needn't have worried. Without a doubt this is the best Hotel experience I have ever had in my 60+ years.

Firstly, the building and renovation works are complete, so absolutely no noise from that.

The staff were all magnificent, efficient, friendly and very helpful.

The breakfast which I had included in my room rate was all that could be desired and more.

The check-in went smoothly, and even though I arrived at 8am in the morning, I was thrilled that my room was ready.

We were on the 11th floor in the new extension and the room was amazing. All and more that could be expected, double aspect full length windows, a proper wardrobe, a 'fridge and 'kitchen sink' bathrobes and slippers, fresh fruit daily and complimentary bottled water, bath and seperate shower and very good lighting and finnished with a 32 inch plasma TV!.

In-room internet access was included in our tariff, but is on a 'pay by use' tariff in other rooms.

The location was also one of the best we could have hoped for, being right next to China town with amazing shops and eateries ranging from budget to more expensive meals. There were several convenience stores nearby. The awe inspiring Darling Harbour was on the door step from where you get ferries to lots of other Sydney areas. Bus, light rail (tram) monorail and rail connections were also all within walking distance.

Paddy's Market was right next door - open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays where you could do your souvenir shopping all in one go. Above Paddys Market is Market City for discount stores etc..

All in all we would not hesitate to return and we intend too! I would personally recommend this hotel to everyone.

we stayed here for 2 nights 16th apr 08. great location short walk from darling harbour and next to monorail. we had a standard room on high floor and it was large clean and tidy. the hotel staff were very helpful and overall would recommend this hotel for anyone looking to stay on darling harbour for reasnable price. the breakfast was very expensive though and i would recommend venturing out instead!

outside of the hotel we had some fantastic meals in particular Ice Cube in darling harbour. Fish orientated menu, great service and great value for money. Also the meat and wine restaurant was very good.

We needed a one night in stay in Sydney to attend a concert at the Entertainment Centre. Holiday Inn Darling Harbour could not have been any closer to the venue and is very handily located for other activities in and around Darling Harbour and Chinatown.

I believe the hotel has undergone a recent renovation and had additional floor(s) added.

Starting with reception everything was excellent. Desk staff were extremely courteous and efficient. The Concierge had an excellent knowledge of the city and was able to give great assistance with driving directions etc. Parking is limited and we were accomodated in the Entertainment Centre Car Park which was a short 3 minute walk.

The room we had booked several months back direct through the hotel was a queen deluxe with breakfast package and we were pleasantly surprised to receive an upgrade to an executive suite on one of the new upper floors. The room was great in every regard. Spacious, spotless,modern and well furnished. As we were on a high floor, monorail noise mentioned in other reviews was not an issue.

Eating options at the hotel included a restaurant that served an excellent breakfast buffet and a bar/grill with a limited but good quality and well priced menu and drinks. They cater well for people attending evening concerts at the Entertainment Centre across the road. Meals are light with a reasonable choice on the special "show menu".

It was hard to find fault with this hotel and based on this experience we would most definitely stay again. Accor hotels often receive mediocre reviews for the perception of "generic brand" or "sameness" but to some of us there is a certain comfort in knowing what to expect quality wise. This is the case with most Holiday Inns we have stayed at. The same concept of familiarity seems to work ok for McDonalds !!. 10/10 Holiday Inn Darling Harbour.

Spent four nights at the hotel at the start of our Australian holiday.
We found the hotel to be in an ideal location easy access to local transport , bus , monorail , chinatown and 5 -10 minute walk to Darling Harbour. Paddys Market is at the end of the road.

The hotel room we had was very nice, large and well furnished, the facilities at the hotel are good. This is a large hotel, unfortunately our room on the first floor at the front of the building had the monorail right outside the window. Advise you ask for a room on a higher level or away from the front of the building.

Sydney has so much to offer its hard to know were to start. We climbed the bridge, went on the ferry to Manly, visited the botanical gardens etc ,etc.