InterContinental Sydney – Hotel Review

Set in a historic building with luxuriously modern interiors, InterContinental Sydney is a Circular Quay gem that lives up to its stunning location. With one of the world’s great hotel rooftop bars, Aster, there’s no better place to take in the Harbour City. Read our full review.

Where is InterContinental Sydney?

Housed in Sydney’s heritage-listed Treasury Building, which was constructed in 1851 on historic Macquarie Street, the hotel is located in the CBD. From the airport, the property is a 25-minute train ride and short walk from Circular Quay railway station or a direct 20-minute drive.

What’s near InterContinental Sydney?

Situated in the heart of the city, the property is just a short walk from the Royal Botanic Garden, Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art and the more than 90 restaurants and bars at Barangaroo. From the neighbouring Circular Quay wharf, a hub for ferries, trains and buses, it’s a 30-minute ferry ride to Manly, 12 minutes to Taronga Zoo and half an hour to Cockatoo Island.

Room types

InterContinental Sydney has recently undergone a $120-million transformation, led by global architecture studio Woods Bagot, encompassing the redesign of the 481 rooms and 28 suites. With interiors inspired by the greens and blues of the hotel’s natural surroundings, each room is fitted out with a coffee maker, hairdryer, robes and slippers, two double or one king “cloud” bed and Byredo amenities. Classic Rooms offer a range of picture-postcard perspectives over the city, including Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Botanic Garden, city and garden view options. The spacious suites include The City, Governor Opera, Royal Opera and Presidential Opera, the latter a grand 245 square metres.

Restaurants and bars

Breakfast is served at The Conservatory Restaurant, a sleek eatery on Level 1 of the hotel. But the real show-stopper is The Treasury restaurant and bar taking pride of place in the hotel’s central antique domed atrium. Surrounded by elegant archways, guests can take a seat on the plush green velvet banquettes and sip classic cocktails with a modern Australian twist, such as the Lemon Myrtle Highball or Saltbush Old Fashioned, best enjoyed with freshly shucked oysters topped with finger lime. On Level 32, Aster bar and its alfresco terrace (now open to non-guests) offers an extensive wine list and share plates, plus panoramic vistas.

Sustainability

All InterContinental hotels use the Green Engage system, which provides the properties with the means to manage their impact on the environment, focusing on energy, water and waste. In 2019, IHG Hotels & Resorts launched a national partnership with OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, supporting its mission to fight food waste, and the Nourish program, which offers at-risk youth training and qualifications in hospitality.

Accessibility

The hotel features ramp access as well as an accessible entrance, public toilets and restaurant. Inside, you’ll find braille on lifts and in public areas and services for guests who are hearing-impaired. InterContinental Sydney also has wheelchair-accessible rooms with adequate turning space, handheld showers, built-in transfer shower seats, safety handrails and accessible controls in the bathrooms.

Travel for work

Consider upgrading to a Club InterContinental room or suite to gain access to a dedicated concierge and business centre facilities. You’ll also have entry to the newly refurbished exclusive Club InterContinental lounge (open 11am to 10.30pm) on Level 31 for personalised service, five-star cuisine and front-row seats to those breathtaking views.

Pool and gym

The 15-metre-long heated pool is one of Sydney’s most picturesque thanks to its outlook over the Opera House and harbour. Laps or unwinding on one of the reclining deck chairs are best timed for sunset. Also on Level 31, guests can make use of the recently refurbished gym equipped with rowing machines, treadmills, cross-trainers, free weights and a Peloton.

What you need to know

Situated on Level 29, with 270-degree city views, an outdoor terrace with fireplace, baby grand piano, window-side circular bathtub and full kitchen with butler’s entry (imagine evenings at the 14-seat dining table), The Presidential Opera Suite is your next-level home away from home.

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