Sebel Pier One hotel at Sydney Harbour

THE Sebel Pier One is the only over-the-water hotel perched over Sydney Harbour.

Sleep at the base of an icon

WHILE many hotels claim water views, there's only one in Sydney that has an on-the-water location.

Sebel Pier One Sydney in Walsh Bay is perched over Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks precinct at the base of the southern pylon of the Harbour Bridge. As a location to watch the world go by, they don't come much better than this.

Guests are reminded of the over water location when they check in as a section of the lobby has a glass floor to offer a window on the water below.

This heritage building was the terminal for P&O liners from 1912 to 1977. Subsequently, the building was initially converted to a restaurant and shopping precinct and in 1999, a hotel opened on the site.

Elements of the old passenger and cargo terminal have been creatively retained in the recently completed contemporary refit. The best water views are from Sebel's seven deluxe one-bedroom suites and 22 waterside and heritage king rooms.

These suites were designed by Bates Smart Architects and include four harbourview balcony suites, which have access to expansive and private balconies with enviable views of the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park. The largest balcony of 40sq m protrudes over the edge of the pier to provide a magic setting for intimate dining, cocktails or to simply take in the unbeatable ambience.

Each suite features a deep freestanding bath tub, rain showerhead, double bowl vanities and luxurious Appelles Apothecary toiletries. There's no finer view of ferries passing beneath the Harbour Bridge than from the deep bathtub of the harbourview balcony suites.

All 189 guestrooms include the latest hi-tech gadgets and plush modern furnishings while elements of the building's 100- year-old heritage have been retained in all. Huge exposed wooden beams are a feature of the common areas and in each guestroom. Specially commissioned pieces of art adorn the hotel walls.

One of the cosmopolitan features of the pier is that sections of it have public access, so from the hotel's Front Restaurant and Bar there's a procession of people from joggers to camera-totting tourists. Guests can also arrive in style by yacht or water taxi at the hotel's dedicated pier.

Front Restaurant showcases modern Australian cuisine and a fine wine list. Dine on starters such as honey-glazed pork belly and sour apple puree, followed by wagyu sirloin, potato salad and red wine sauce and finish with desserts such as peach creme brulee.

The recently refurbished Workout Room gym sensibly provides 24-hour access.

Water @ Pier One is an exciting function area on the ground floor at the front of the pier that is ideal for parties, cocktails, events and weddings.

Sebel Pier One Sydney is located within an easy walk of one of Sydney's most important heritage enclaves. Guests can take a walk to The Rocks, Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art and iconic restaurants such as Rockpool and Peter Doyle at Circular Quay.

Sydney's Explorer Bus also stops at the harbourside front door of the hotel.

If these suites sound appealing for a memorable New Year's Eve celebration make sure you specify which New Year when you inquire as all of them are booked for 2013.

GO2 THE SEBEL NSW

Contact: The Sebel Pier One Sydney, 11 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Sydney.

Phone [phone] or see www.sebelpierone.com.au

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