Sydney has a number of hearts: the business heart in the shadows of Hunter Street; the transport heart at the frenetic Central Station; the entertainment heart near Chinatown in George Street and the shopping heart in the Pitt Street Mall. But the Sir Stamford is the calm heart and within 500-900 metres of each of the other hearts. It is within a stone's throw of Circular Quay, the Opera House, a short walk to George Street shopping and across the road from the Botanic Gardens. It is on beautiful Macquaire Street, one of the most historic streets in Sydney.

We booked our stay on the hotel's website as we found that the 'summer deal' there was better than other websites. We could choose either free parking or other benefits with the deal, but as we were driving into the city it was perfect. The website gave exact details of the check in procedure and we pulled into the curb outside the hotel, were greeted at the door, had our bags taken for us and given instructions to the carpark (we did not select valet parking - we were keeping costs down) which was literally around the corner. Back at the hotel our booking was ready. The staff were pleasant and greeted us every time. The lounge was set up for Christmas and was an elegant space to meet friends or sit and relax. I had requested a room with a view and we had a Juliet balcony that looked down onto Circular Quay. The furnishings, lamps, bedding, towels, bathrooms and bathroom were all of superior quality. We attended a formal event in the city, and found the clothes hanging, iron and generous bathroom mirrors very useful.
The best part of the stay was the early morning walk in the Botanic Gardens. It opens at 7am and we walked through the gardens and around to the Opera House before returning for breakfast. The standard breakfast was generous with a variety of food including cereals, toasts, meats and fruit. The honey was straight off the comb. If you want eggs you can order that from another menu. We were hungry after our walk and there was plenty of good food from the regular menu.
There is an extended hours 711 around the corner and a variety of restaurants at Circular Quay in easy walking distance.
So if you are coming to Sydney, try the calm heart at Sir Stamford.

We stayed here for one night to see a show at the Opera House. We live an hours drive from Sydney and are regular weekend visitors to see the shows. First stay at this hotel which is easy walking distance to the Opera House, Circular Quay and The Rocks. Hotel presents well in its attempt to bring period charm, albeit a little dark for my tastes. The staff were helpful and unobtrusive. We had the basic king room and it was spacious, clean, and quiet throughout the sleeping hours. Very nice bathroom facilities. Bed was of good quality and linen was fresh. Very good value relative to other hotels in this area, though not cheap. Definitely recommend for short stays in this part of Sydney. We stayed on the 4th floor, nothing in the way of views (you need to go several floors higher) but we came to see the show and get a good nights sleep. Mission accomplished

Wow ! Wow ! What a dream place ! Yes this is a really old hotel, BUT , its like stepping back into old world charm, BEAUTIFUL ! We had a mother & daughter weekend in Sydney. We were up graded on arrival to a suite ... Beautiful. The rooms are gorgeous, spacious, comfortable, clean,
etc, etc, I could rave on & on ! WE SIMPLY LOVED IT !! Its easy walking distance to the Rocks, Circular Quay, We did a live theatre show a couple of blocks away, too easy, Lunch on the Harbour, etc. Breakfast at the hotel was exceptionally tasteful, delicious, worth every cent we paid. The staff there were very pleasant & helpful, I must take my husband there !!! he'll love it.
For a moment there I thought I was back in England visiting royality ??
Now do I recommend this hotel. ABSOLUTELY YES YES; Go see for your self - you will love it !
I wish I knew about this place for my honeymoon when we got married. But I probably would not have been able to afford it back then. ? Did I mention it is a little pricey, BUT IT IS WELL WORTH IT !!

Good value,old style hotel may be a tad dark and old fashioned for some. Room on 3rd floor , at the front, still quiet and HUGE....did I say the rooms were big....we have stayed in many Sydney hotels and these would be the largest rooms so far.
The wall coverings in the room are showing their age but bot too bad.service was good the only issue I had was with the bar manager,I was served a beer that was out of date,didn't notice till half way through,didn't make A big issue of it but when asked of the bar staff,the manager said it was still fresh......why do beers have use by date???
Would I stay here again...YES