It all comes down to what you deem important. We stayed (mum, dad & 4 year old boy) last weekend and the location was the prime reason to book this hotel. It is somewhat unfair to compare this hotel to say the Hilton or my personal favourite the Westin as these are new buildings but even at a great price, I have to say the InterCont needs some money spent on it. Example .. Bathroom. Toilet flush button on wall almost dropping out of the wall. Tops on taps loose. Decor thru-out very dated. We did enjoy our stay and the staff were excellent but you can do better environment-wise a little ways uptown if you can let go of the Circular Quay location. Probably wouldn't stay again.

I always stay here when in Sydney on business. The location is great, being just a stroll from Circular Quay and a short walk from the city centre. The rooms are always very well maintained and the beds are extremely comfortable. Service is without fault and hotel staff are always willing to help with anything you need. Highly recommended!!

We stayed here for a couples getaway recently and loved our time here.
The Intercontinental is located close to the Circular Quay for easy acces to harbour trips, but be aware it is set on an in cline and the walk back to the Hotel can be a challenge for those not fit.
We stayed in the Intercontinental Club rooms on the top floors and enjoyed access to the Club lounge which affords fantastic views of the harbour bridge and opera house. The service was very good and the complimentary evening drinks and canapes went down a treat.. Entrance to the lounge is via your room key and your room number will be checked by staff. Evening drinks and canapes are available from 5 - 7pm and breakfast buffet runs from 6 - 11am. Most of the rooms have views of the city/harbour or botanical gardens. We enjoyed our stay and also the late checkout because of membership of the Hotel groups frequent visitor club. We were able to take advantage of the club lounge right up until we left which was a great way to finish our stay at one of Sydney's premier hotels.

We have stayed here a few times in the past several months. Staff are very friendly and helpful. The room on the 25th floor offered a terrific view of the eastern harbour and the botanical gardens. The conservatorium of music was just below across Macquarie. We particularly enjoy the convenience of the location. On a busy night at Sydney airport where there are lineups for the taxis it is very easy to take the train and head to Circular Quay - and the Intercontinental is just a short walk up the hill. Great if you are not carrying much baggage or anything. When we were there the place was very busy. In fact I couldn't get a room through the hotel site of the Ambassador/priority club sites which was the only disappointed. I did find a room at lastminute.com.au which helped. The Cortile in the hotel is a good place to catch up with friends. Concierge services are quick and helpful as are the team outside with respect to taxis, and drivers. It was a very good weekend and the well appointed room and comfortable bed helped us to "de-stress" from work. Looking forward to our next stay.