Room A with a view

In the heart of central Sydney, the InterContinental offers space, luxury, and views to thrill, writes

The place

Inside a stunning 171-year-old heritage-listed Treasury building, InterContinental Sydney sits proudly on the corner of Macquarie and Bridge streets at the bottom of Sydney. It takes 20 minutes to drive from the airport, but the prime location one block from Circular Quay means you are an easy six-stop train ride away.

The space

The well-established hotel has just undergone a $120 million renovation to bring it up to the demands of the modern five-star guests.

Sydney architecture studio Woods Bagot handled the redesign and took inspiration for the interiors from the Australian landscape, the emerald harbour and the neighbouring Royal Botanic Garden. In the lobby, heritage sandstone alcoves and earthy brick archways meld beautifully with refined contemporary touches, brass detailing, low velvet couches and lush ferns.

The room

The 70m2 Opera House View suite I stayed in on the 24th floor was almost bigger than my apartment at home, and definitely better decorated. Opening the door to my own hallway told me I was in for a treat.

At a push of a button the curtains in the bedroom and adjoining lounge rooms draw back to reveal a view worthy of the front of a postcard, framed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Pull your eyes away and you will notice a kingsize bed, and a well-stocked minibar with Nespresso machine, batch-bottled espresso martinis, quality glassware and parlour games.

The white marble bathroom easily fits the freestanding bath and shower with rainhead fitting that were well-used during my stay, as were the Byredo bathroom products.

A separate guest toilet means your long soak will go undisturbed.

The amenities

Televisions in the bedroom and lounge can be used for entertainment and as an alarm clock. The wardrobe had plenty of hanging space, with room to store luggage. The heated indoor pool on the 31st floor is generously sized, and the gym has everything you would want or need.

The hotel has 14 flexible meeting and event spaces for business or social gatherings.

Food and drink

Set 32 levels up, the rooftop Aster bar is a great spot to sip an inventive cocktail, take in the expansive views of Sydney, and to plan how you are going to experience it all.

A buffet breakfast is held in the light and airy Conservatory restaurant on level one. Traditional breakfast fare is offered alongside some more unusual items such as barbecue pork buns.

For those wanting to spend every possible moment in the luxe accommodation, the in-roommenu is available at all hours, with breakfast favourites such as smashed avocado on toast, gourmet sourdough sandwiches and charcuterie selections and more substantial protein-led mains.

Worth stepping out for

The extremely central location means the best of Sydney really is right on your doorstep. The Opera House and the dynamic waterfront are a block away.

A seven-minute downhill walk around the harbour will take you to the Museum of Contemporary Art, or it is a 15-minute stroll up to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the soon to open Sydney Modern complex.

Diagonally across from the hotel is the Museum of Sydney, also home to This Way Canteen – a great spot to fuel tummies before exploring Sydney.

The highlight

Thoughtful touches are what separate truly luxurious stays. A built-in bench seat under the vast windows in my room were the perfect perch from which to watch the ferries coming and going, without the unnecessary bulk of a full couch.

Flick the bedside lamp on in the middle of the night, and the bathroom light follows suit in anticipation.

The lowlight

The hotel renovation was so fresh that when we visited so was the smell of paint fumes in some areas of the lobby. And while the pair of bottled waters added to the room each day were refreshing, surely there is a more eco-friendly option?

The verdict

It could be all about the view at this luxury stay in an unbeatably central location, but there is enough on offer to tempt you from the vista.

Accessibility

A room on each floor of the hotel is wheelchair accessible. The hotel allows service animals.

Essentials

Opera House View suites at InterContinental Sydney from A$1629 (NZ$1766) a night.

The writer stayed as a guest of Destination New South Wales.