We stayed here in Feb for 5 days on a 3 city visit of Oz. Dubious at first as the hotels web site made it look stuffy, however the staff were very friendly and helpful, even without a tip.

Hotel. This hotel has one of the best locations i imagine you could get in Syndey, it really is only 2 minutes walk from circular Quay, the Opera House, the Bridge, the Ferrys, bars, resturants etc. We never once caught a cab in Sydney, from this location you can get anywhere using public transport and, wait for it, your feet.
As i said the staff were great, the entrance hall and lounge where the lifts are is imposing. The rooms were large with comfy beds, Only con was we had an ajoinoing door to the next room which meant we could hear them occasionally, and i suppose they could hear us.
Must admit we didnt eat here as we went out every night, however there were lots of other guests eating.
We used the bar every night when we got back, it seemed very old british colonial which we loved, and we used to finish the evening off with a few glasses of port or brandy and their cheese board.
Yes there are many cheaper hotels in sydney, yes some of them are near circular quay, however for a few extra bucks its worth coming hear if your a couple and want somewhere romantic to stay and also be close to the action.

I booked the Sir Stanford via Wotif for our final night in Sydney (the previous 3 nights we stayed at the Sheraton at the Park, but the 4th night there was going to be too expensive due to demand).
We paid A$280 for a Quay Lounge room (3rd floor, canapes, breakfast included). The Sir Stanford continually promotes itself as saying its own website will offer the best online deals, but in comparing Wotif with the company website, found that for the same thing the company website was circa A$50 more expensive). Maybe just an oversight on this occasion but I was not arguing with it.
My wife took an instant liking to the room - very English like, nice curtains, juliette balcony, white marble bathroom, lovely bed etc. And spacious.
Some negatives, that hopefully management (if they read these reviews) can work on for the benefit of guests:-
1. As we were only coming from the Sheraton up the road, we checked in circa 12.15pm - room was apparently not ready, but were advised to come back about 2pm. I explained that as we were leaving quite early the next morning we would appreciate a room as soon as possible, and the front desk girl confirmed with me what my mobile number was and that she would phone as soon as the room was going to be ready. I did not receive any phone call but when we returned to the hotel at 1.45pm, our room was ready and baggage was already there. So the promised phone call did not eventuate - poor service in my book.

2. Drinks and canapes provided on Level 3 between 5 and 8pm. The alcohol range was fine. The nibbles - absolutely pitiful. The service by staff - terrible. Non existant I would say.

You are provided with a plate of small delicate morsels - three each, on a plate which is brought out of their back room. That is it. I did ask for another plate - and was told sorry, only one per couple. There was no food at all once you had your little plate - not even nuts.

Initially the service was okay - we came into the Quay Lounge, sat down and were offered drinks and the small plate. We stayed maybe an hour, and watched as other guests came, and had to help themselves to drinks as no staff member was around (there would have been a maximum of two in the back room, but heaven knows what they were doing). I waited for about 15 minutes before helping myself to a top up of my wine glass.

Compared to the drinks and canapes we had the previous three nights at the Sheraton on the Park - the Sir Stanford gets a total of 1 for 'the English feel' - the Sheraton blows them out of the water in terms of food and service in scoring a 10 by comparison.

We did not stay for breakfast as we left at 6am so cannot comment on the quality of the breakfast food and service.

The hotel itself is in a brilliant situation (better than Darling Harbour hotels) as it is on the doorstep to the Opera House and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. It is also an easy ten minute walk to The Rocks. If you want to catch a ferry or train - at most, a three minute walk away.

Best part for us was taking a walk at dusk through the Botanic gardens and having the lorikeets and cockatoos land on your arms and shoulders searching for food. Although they have signs up to not feed the birds, take an apple or two as it will make a wonderful picture with these darlings sitting on you feeding away (but also take a few tissues as they do have a tendancy to go to the 'toilet' whilst posing wonderfully for the camera!).

In summary, Sir Stanford, great location and lovely room. But poor marks for front desk (promising to phone then not delivering) and limited food and non existent service at the Quay Lounge.

This hotel is located close to the Opera house. I stayed here for two nights and it was very nice. My room was very comfortable and it provided me with a great view of the city. I booked directly through the hotel website and booked the weekend deal for $315 per night which included one free movie, popcorn, free breakfast & a $40 coupon to use in the bar. When I arrived at the hotel a door man greeted me and I was checked in and walked promptly up to my room. I found this hotel to be distinctive and comfortable . The staff was very helpful and provided me with great service. I dined at the bar and found the appetizers to be ok, I paid $18 for 3 scoops of ice cream. The bar had a great atmosphere but it was a bit over priced. I liked this hotel and I would stay there again

Saturday morning 6.30 checkin, friendly, proffesional staff, elegant old world ambience,gorgeous room overlooking the botanic gardens and Sydney harbour......bed, sleep.

Our trip centered around attending a symphony performance at the Sydney Opera House. For this purpose there is no better place to stay, the views mentioned earlier neglected to note the towering sails of the opera house rising majestically above the canopy of trees that only partially obscure historic Government house.

Room service, the bar, the fresh juicey apples placed in a bowl for all to enjoy, the attention payed to small things, "Did you enjoy your walk sir, good to see you back".

View the photos, they sum it up.