InterContinental Sydney enters new era of luxury
Iconic heritage hotel reveals new public spaces, guestrooms and restaurant & bar concepts following a $120 million transformation
InterContinental Sydney has announced the completion of its extensive renovation program, a comprehensive $120 million transformation which has seen a redesign of its guestrooms, public spaces, wellness areas, club lounge, restaurants and bars.
Our latest AccomNews print issue is available now! Read it HERE.
The hotel’s General Manager, Jennifer Brown said she was “thrilled to finally relaunch our new hotel for both visitors and locals to enjoy.”
“InterContinental Sydney is one of the city’s most loved and storied hotels, and we are excited to welcome back our guests to form part of its next chapter and explore what the new era for this hotel hails,” she said.
“I know many are eager to sample the curated cocktails and soak in the spectacular views from our new rooftop bar. This is just one of the many new experiences we have to share.”
Located in Sydney’s 171-year-old Treasury building, the landmark hotel has undergone what architecture studio Woods Bagot, which oversaw the property’s once in a generation redesign, says carefully respects and celebrates the heritage-listed building.
Each of the hotel’s 509 generously sized guestrooms and suites have been meticulously reimagined with a modern new design, features and amenities. Drawing green and blue hues from the adjacent Royal Botanical Gardens and harbour through unobstructed windows, the redesign creates uninterrupted flow from indoor to outdoor.
Quintessential Australian elements of water, sand, wood and sky, have also been incorporated adding texture and warmth, creating a homely and relaxing environment for guests to retreat.
Additional features include new integrated Google Chromecast services, luxury amenities and an enhanced minibar offering, featuring custom-made offerings from local suppliers.
Guests staying in one of InterContinental Sydney’s refreshed Club Rooms will enjoy access to the hotel’s new Club InterContinental lounge located within the property’s reimagined rooftop space, complete with sweeping Sydney Harbour views.
Included in the transformation was a redesign of the hotel’s entrance and reception area, imbued with organically designed reception pods where guests are welcomed with an intimate and seamless check-in experience.
Whether entering from Macquarie Street, Phillip Street or via the hotel’s grand driveway, the main feature of this space is a new and intricate feature art wall that details a historical timeline of the city and property from 1788 to the present day.
The hotel’s wellbeing amenities have been revitalised and continue to incorporate a state-of-the-art gym and an indoor heated pool, which floats 31 stories high enjoying breathtaking views overlooking the Sydney Opera House.
InterContinental Sydney’s relaunch also marks the highly awaited public opening of Aster Bar on level 32. The hotel’s renowned rooftop space is now open to hotel guests and locals alike, offering more members of the community the opportunity to experience unparalleled views across Sydney’s harbourside, spanning Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Inspired by the hotel’s legendary history, the magic of astrology and taking cue from well-known rooftop bars from around the globe, Aster Bar offers immersive experiences whilst Australian flavours and local produce reign on the menu.
Located in the original cortile of the building where the nation’s first grape vine plantation was laid, The Treasury is a new bar and dining destination.
With references to the roots of its location, the new lobby bar offers a flora-filled, all-day urban oasis where guests can enjoy flavours and stories from the past from a carefully cultivated menu of cocktails, wines and dishes.
The bar is experimental in its approach, offering contemporary interpretations of old classics and extensive integration of botanical flavours.
The hotel’s newly designed breakfast space, The Conservatory, provides an elevated experience for in-house guests. Here guests will greet the day by exploring open cooking stations and a walk-in pantry.
Throughout the day and evening, the space can be booked for exclusive use as a premium event space. A unique, circular private dining room, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling plush green velvet, is also available to hire for up to 16 guests.
InterContinental Sydney also offers a broad range of distinctive meeting spaces in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Fourteen flexible meeting and event areas are complemented by revamped food and fine beverage experiences, refurbished rooms and suites and an on-site event and audio-visual specialist team.
The hotel is equipped to host all scale of events from business meetings and intimate gatherings through to large conferences, brand launches, weddings and celebrations.
IHG Hotels & Resorts SVP Managing Director for JAPAC, Leanne Harwood said InterContinental Sydney remains one of the company’s flagship properties in the region.
“We are delighted to share its full transformation today,” she said.
“The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand has been pioneering luxury travel for more than 75 years and this hotel is a shining example of how we have evolved the brand and the luxury experience for our guests over the many decades.”
InterContinental Hotel’s owner and developer Mulpha Australia CEO, Greg Shaw, said the unveiling of the new InterContinental Sydney represents a milestone moment in the evolution of this heritage property.
“With its sophisticated design, which seamlessly blends the past with the present, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings and highly personalised service, InterContinental Sydney offers an elevated experience tailored to today’s worldly guest,” he said.
The construction was undertaken by Australian construction group, Built, recognised for its hotel and heritage experience including completing recent major refurbishments for the Hilton Sydney and Four Seasons in addition to the major heritage conversion of the former NSW Department of Education and Lands buildings into the new luxury Capella Hotel.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
