I ended up sleeping under a bridge in Sydney, what a sight!

The first "real" stop on my world tour was Sydney, in Tokyo I couldn't get out of the airport because the borders are still closed, so I don't consider it. When I chose hotels for my week around the globe, I had the usual goals: make points, take advantage of benefits, and visit unique places.

The Pier One Sydney Harbour, which belongs to Marriott's Autograph Collection falls under 100% in all these objectives. Sydney is spoiled for choice, here below the beautiful W Hotel and the centrally located Hilton, but in the end the uniqueness of this structure prevailed over the classic endless skyscrapers.

Reservation

Of course, I did it directly on the Marriott app because. only then do you have benefits and points for staying. And thanks to my Platinum level in the Bonvoy program means late check-out at 4 p.m., free breakfast and bonus points.

And indeed just before arriving at the hotel, I received a notification on my cell phone alerting me to a free upgrade to a room two categories higher than the one I had booked. At the moment I am not gambling on guaranteed upgrades in suite which are given away with the status, those I keep for when I travel with my family in the near future.

Location

This hotel is in a crazy location, not unique because the Park Hyatt also has a similar location, but there are only two of them vying for the crown of best location.

It is literally underneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge., the one to understand us that every year is immortalized on New Year's Eve, this is where the fireworks start that kick off the New Year.

You can get there easily on foot from the pier where the boats leave to travel throughout the area.

I arrived from the airport to the pier by train, the Circle Line, which connects the airport with major parts of the city, makes it possible to get downtown in less than 15 minutes. After less than 10 minutes of walking I was at the hotel.

The hotel

The structure is over 100 years old, and is a former warehouse on the wharf of the NSW capital's commercial harbor. It has been restored while maintaining the original framework of the structure; wooden beams are everywhere. From the lobby, to the hallways, from the rooms to the restaurant.

Being a pier it is literally in the middle of the sea.

On one side the view is toward Sydney's historic Luna Park and Lavender bay.

On the other side is her: the icon of Sydney, namely the Opera House.

If you are looking for a modern, aseptic facility, Pier 1 is not in this category. Pier 1 is full of history, if it could talk it would tell about when merchant ships landed goods in the late 1800s And everything moved more slowly. The structure is three stories and is very long, like all such buildings, there were no cranes of today at that time, so the buildings could not be too tall.

Check-in

When I arrived I was soaking wet. It's almost winter here, so it's only natural that a thunderstorm might come, and I caught it in full force. I was given a towel and offered hot tea while I went through the paperwork. In addition to the upgrade, since it was just 9 a.m., I was immediately given the room and offered breakfast. Really TOP service.

The room

My room was on the top floor, and I must say it was really beautiful. Colors, lights, decor enhance the structure you are inside. The wooden deck is beautiful, and the play of light from the bed on the carpet seemed to levitate the mattress.

Other elements in the room were also carefully selected. From the piston table for working with a sea view, to the late 19th-century ocean liner cabin-style closet.

Of course, with all the technology and conveniences of 2022. From home automation for the curtains, to a big screen, from ultra-fast wifi to a mini-bar and galley with everything on hand.

The bathroom is also large and well maintained, with an eye to the environment since the dispensers in the shower were "refillable."

Food & Beverage

I did not take advantage of the bar service, but the ambience again is well-maintained and very relaxing, suitable for a drink upon returning to the hotel.

The breakfast is excellent, the room is small but it overlooks the sea. The products offered are excellent and sought after. The buffet is not large in size, but it is taken care of down to the smallest detail.

A chef was available to prepare omelets, waffles, and pancakes on the spot according to guests' wishes.

In conclusion

Top location, over the top room, great breakfast and super friendly staff. What more could you want from a hotel stay? Free upgrades and breakfast thanks to status and late checkout to quietly enjoy your last day in Sydney.