InterContinental, Sydney

Romantic Getaways NSW - InterContinental Sydney

Enviable harbour views, a central location just up from Circular Quay in the Sydney CDB, and an elegant Club InterContinental are just a few of the many attractions of this iconic Sydney hotel. A fabulous pad for a romantic getaway, it enjoys pride of position in one of the world’s great holiday destinations, with all of Sydney's most popular sights, its top restaurants, and some excellent shopping just minutes away on foot.

The InterContinental Sydney is a luxury hotel which has held a special place in the city since it threw open its doors to the public back in 1985. Popular with visiting royalty, heads of state, diplomats and the world's political elite, the site's history dates back a long way. Not only does the hotel sit atop the very first site where the first Australian grape vine was planted in 1788, but it's also the custodian of one Sydney's most important heritage buildings, the Treasury Building. Many unusual and original features remain, including the magnificent caged elevator in The Cortile, one of the oldest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Treasury Room staircase on Macquarie Street.

The Rooms

The hotel has a variety of room types including double Classic rooms with city, harbour or Opera House views, 28 executive suites, and a Presidential Suite. Our room for the luxury hotel eview was King Club Eastern Harbour View Room, with access to Club InterContinental.

The room was a decent size, with huge picture windows and a window seat where you could lie back and enjoy the view. It was nicely appointed with a rich colour scheme of biscuit and cream with chocolate accents, and included a flat screen TV, in room movies, a mini bar/fridge, a comfortable sofa and a work space. The bathroom featured a tub and shower combined, with robes, a hand held hairdryer and a range of luxury toiletries. The bed was a king size with plush pillows and a padded fabric headboard. There was turndown service in the evening.

Club InterContinental

I love this lounge for many reasons, including the views, and the exemplary service by the staff. Atop the hotel on level 31, this is the place to relax away from the melee, and benefit from a wide range of perks. Besides private check in and check out, free Wi-Fi, and personalised Concierge and business facilities, you can also enjoy breakfast, all day light refreshments, and twilight evening drinks. Breakfast is an all-encompassing affair where you can choose between a full hot buffet, fresh fruits, cereals, cold meats and breads, or request eggs made to order, all washed down with a freshly made cappuccino.

After 5pm the lounge is off limits to kids for twilight drinks (until 7pm), where you can relax and enjoy the views with a cold beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail. There's also a range of cold and hot canapes available, with sushi, salad, cooked oysters and mini beef pies as an example. In summer and balmy weather you can enjoy the great outdoors on the spacious wraparound terrace.

Other Facilities

Cortile, the hotel's combined bar and lounge, is located in the restored Treasury Building, and the place to enjoy a drink, high tea, or just relax and people watch. Set in nineteenth century architecture, Cafe Opera is the hotel's only restaurant, offering a seasonally inspired interactive buffet with live cooking stations and theatrical dessert displays.

Besides the usual amenities such as a business centre, there's also the Odyssey Health Club which guests can use, featuring a fully equipped fitness centre, and a 10 metre indoor lap pool with a view. The Odyssey Massage is located on level 9.

The Verdict

The InterContinental is an idea romantic getaway in NSW, and an iconic luxury hotel with views, and a great location. History aside, it's a hotel with plenty of class, style and if you bag a room at a high enough level, jaw-dropping views of Sydney's unique landscape. Club rooms with club access are well worth the extra money.