Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

Top 10

Destinations Worldwide

Must Visit

Guide to

Eat, Stay & Do

Rio de Janeiro

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

Best Smoothie Bowls

Travel Guide

Koh Kood

Island Escape

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Sydney

Australia

Upmarket hotel with elegant rooms and suites, many offering balconies, plus fine dining and a bar.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3akozbm5RRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2X1PrGmuEmsRrgRKqd4bb9I/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3akozbm5RRRAB

Nice, but not worth the price. I stayed for one night, and while the room was very spacious and with nice furnishings, the whole experience was a bit inconvenient. The room did not have easy access to power points for charging phones (they were down low and behind furniture), we requested a late checkout and was offered a 1pm checkout but our room keys stopped working at 12pm, and when we checked out I asked if the room service we ordered would be charged to my credit card used to checkin and was confused when the employee just kept asking me if she should email me an invoice. To be honest not worth the $469 I paid for one night.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3ajlxeWJnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2X1PrGmuEmsRrgRKqd4bb9I/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3ajlxeWJnEAE

1 Star – Absolutely Not Worth the Hype

This hotel should not be rated 5 stars, not even close. The Sir Stamford in Sydney was one of the most disappointing hotel experiences I’ve had.

The place is completely outdated like stepping into a dusty time capsule from the 1800s. Tired furniture, worn carpets, gloomy lighting (no ceiling lights, seriously?), and a vibe that’s more depressing than “historic.”

Breakfast? Don’t bother. It was the bare minimum, cheap, bland, and completely uninspired. Not what you expect when you’re paying premium prices.

The bar closes at 9pm — in Sydney. And the staff? Cold, unwelcoming, and couldn’t care less if you were there or not.

And then, the cherry on top: a notice warned us the hot water would be turned off between 10am and 2pm. Fine. Except we got back at 11pm to find there was STILL no hot water. Next morning? Still none.

No communication, no apology, nothing. Completely unacceptable.

This hotel is an embarrassment to Sydney’s hospitality scene. I would never stay here again and strongly advise others to avoid it unless you enjoy being ignored, underwhelmed, and left without hot water after a long day.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUN3MElqMWNREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2X1PrGmuEmsRrgRKqd4bb9I/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUN3MElqMWNREAE

I stayed in a delux twin room for nearly a week, room lay out was perfect. I hope to return to Sir Stamford for future Sydney holidays. Loved the stay, fabulous staff who were so helpful & friendly. Taxis never took long to arrive, supermarket not far away, train was close, so much to see in the area. I loved the older style hotel decor

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURRdDkyNGZ3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2X1PrGmuEmsRrgRKqd4bb9I/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURRdDkyNGZ3EAE

Just popped in for a drink and a little disappointed.  This has been a favourite haunt over the years.  Bar still gorgeous but greeted with a wave of mustiness as we entered.  Just some scented candles and airing would help guys.  Waitress then had her phone on loud and ignored her phone ringing in her pocket whilst taking orders.  Not ideal and not hard to fix.  It’s just about the service guys.  Do better, the bar is beautiful, just a bit more attention to service experience please.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfanZYdEJREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ2X1PrGmuEmsRrgRKqd4bb9I/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfanZYdEJREAE

Part 2 of 2 -
I asked today about the magician's event - and was told that the signage for it was completely out-of-date - they no longer serve champagne and canapes, they serve nothing. The gentleman who performs doesn't do it on Friday and Saturday night - it alternates. The start time is wrong. And it's gone down from $110 or $130 to $50. They can't even be bothered to update the hotel entertainment ad which is a revolving TV screen  and I was told it has been like that for some time.

You can buy a room with breakfast added for about $50 extra but don't. The walk in rate is $39 and if you buy a ticket the day before its $32. The food is good, not the standard before where they had , for example real honey comb - and I literally mean a honey comb where you could get a jar of honey from - it was lovely. Today, it's good with a nice variety. The don't bother labeling everything, so there are some things that you need to try - one of them was a sad cake thing that was dry. The people who collect the plates, etc. are very professional and friendly. Sadly some of the managers just hang around people who have American accents because they know they will get a tip. I'm Australian and I live in America - and I do still give tips when i'm here and I gave mine to the people who collected the plates because they were pleasant, consistent and weren't money hungry and ignored the other guests. It was quite disgusting to watch the manager grovel for a few bucks.

So, sadly, The Sir Stamford is no longer a glance into the past with pride and elegance. It's just a run down old hotel that needs a LOT of TLC and paint and people who like to work, and want to work there.

The location is great however it's about the only saving grace.
For a few dollars more and a lot more light, friendly staff and a beautiful ambience you can go to the Intercontinental Hotel -  literally within walking distance - they have two locations were you can drink and eat and they are open much later than the Sir Stamford and their staff don't look at their watches every five minutes to check that they get out of there before the kitchen closes. They actually enjoy their jobs and talking to their guests. They make you feel welcome.

I'm also a member there, and I truly regret not booking it. Next time.

Sir Stamford, you would roll over in your grave if you could see your hotel these days, and may you RIP.

Luxury Sir Stamford Hotel at Circular Quay, Sydney - Elegant Rooms & Fine Dining

Indulge in elegance at Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, Sydney’s premier dining and lodging destination. Experience unmatched views and luxurious comfort—book your escape now!

Luxury Sir Stamford Hotel at Circular Quay, Sydney - Elegant Rooms & Fine Dining

InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel

Whale Watching Sydney

Saké Restaurant & Bar The Rocks