Introduction

For my last night in Sydney I’m moving a bit closer to Circular Quay for two reasons: first, because I have tickets to see Puccini’s La Bohème at the Sydney Opera House, and second, because I’m leaving Australia tomorrow and my flight leaves at 09h00 in the morning. So I’d like to be a bit closer to a train station on the line to the airport, seeing as I’ll have to make a fairly early start.

Location

The InterContinental is just a stone’s throw away from Circular Quay Station and within easy walking distance to the opera house. On foot it takes less than five minutes from the station to the hotel. There’s a slight incline, but nothing overly dramatic.

Check-In

I arrive at the hotel just after 14h00. Not having any status worthwhile mentioning with the IHG Group, I fully expect the guy at reception to tell me that the room is not yet ready. Much to my surprise, though, he hands me the key card straight away and tells me that I’ve been upgraded to a Harbour Bridge View room. The first impression is definitely good.

The hotel is built around an old building which used to be the treasury. Part of the outer facade and the lobby are situated in the courtyard of the original bilding.

The Staff & Service

As my stay is only a short one, and I won’t even have time for brekkie, my only interaction is with the gentleman at reception, and he’s very good. He’s polite and incredibly efficient.

Harbour Bridge View

The room is fairly small. Or perhaps it’s just normal size and I got used to the enormous room at the Sofitel in Darling Harbour. In any case, there are two Queen double bed in the room. The mattress is pleasantly firm. Just the two pillows are a bit thin.

By the window is a long, padded bench that runs the full length of the window. In the corner there’s also a small coffee table and chair.

Now about that view. I’d love to be able to say that I really know how to pick them, but I think we all know that’s not true in this case because I was upgraded – but the view from my corner room certainly doesn’t disappoint. I have Circular Quay and the mighty Harbour Bridge directly in front of me.

The bathroom, by the way, is rather small, by any standard. It has a walk-in shower that easily passes the shower test: zero spillage, excellent pressure, and reliable and consistent temperature control. The cosmetics in the room are a brand I‘ve never heard of.

Amenities

As far as amenities go, I receive a small box with two pieces of toffee in it from the gentleman at reception. My room has a kettle and a Nespresso machine. Complimentary milk is in the fridge. There are also slippers and bathrobes.

Conclusion

The Sydney InterContinental is a nice hotel. As a loyal AllAccor member it was also interesting to see how other hotel chains do things for a change. The upgrade was a nice surprise. I‘m wondering what that was all about, and if perhaps I fit a demographic that suggested I could be a future member. Whatever the case may be, gift horse, mouth…, I‘m not complaining. The hotel‘s location right in the centre of town is excellent!