Intercontinental Hotel Sydney boasts a fantastic location, a few steps away from the Circular Quay in the centre of Sydney.

It isn’t the most modern or glamorous hotel in town but it has a few fantastic features like the best club lounge in Sydney with amazing views and wonderful gourmet food. Indoor pool is a great treat for families with children and a wonderful fine dining restaurant 117 that serves a sensational degustation menu is another highlight of this hotel.

Rooms & Suites

Intercontinental Sydney is a large hotel by Sydney standards with 509 rooms and 28 suites. The rooms were last renovated about 10 years ago and could benefit from a freshen up – carpets, bathrooms and doors look a little tired but that could be forgiven once you look out the window. Many rooms and suites have wonderful views towards the harbour.

I stayed in the Harbour View Suite with a comfortable bedroom and separate living room. We had a lot of space, a very comfortable bed, great views, but the living room seemed a little ’empty’ and was missing personal touches like throws, lamps, artwork and other soft furnishings that make a hotel suite feel homey.

Facilities

Intercontinental Sydney is mostly a business hotel hence there is no great focus on recreational facilities. In saying that, the hotel has an indoor pool, exclusively for the use of the hotel guests who can also access an Odyssey gym (independently owned & managed, yet conveniently located in the building). The gym didn’t seem very modern, so to keep up with the exercise routine we preferred to go for a jog in the beautiful Botanic gardens next door instead.

Dining

Breakfast is served either in the main restaurant Café Opera or at the Club Lounge. We recommend booking a room / suite with the Club access as it is by far the best club in Sydney with wonderful atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and the best view.

The food offering is very similar between the two breakfast venues and the atmosphere in the club is much more exclusive, so head straight to level 28 for your morning refreshments.

For dinner we highly recommend trying the new restaurant 117. It is situated on the ground floor of the historic Treasury Building of 1851 and is decorated as an English gentlemen’s club – dark wood, brown leather and dimmed lights. Degustation menu designed by Tamas Pamer also has manly notes to it – a lot of meaty dishes perfectly suited for the upcoming winter months. A few of my favourites from the menu are Cured Ocean Trout, Wagyu Striploin and a fun desert, a little unexpected girly finish to a winter meal – Summer Fairy Floss. Accompany all of the above with either matching wines or with a glass of Riunart champagne and a wonderful night out is guaranteed.

I’d recommend a visit to 117 even if you are not staying at the hotel – great new restaurant in town.

Club Lounge

Lounge is located on level 28 with direct views of the Harbour and Opera House. It serves breakfast and pre-dinner drinks which are accompanied by a large selection of wonderful food – salads, dips, vegetables, hot mezzes, cured salmon, cheeses and deserts.

All served with premium Australian wines and served by a very friendly and attentive staff.

Guests can choose from either outdoor terrace or comfortable lounge chairs inside. Lounge experience was absolutely wonderful throughout my stay and I highly recommend it to all hotel guests. It will change your view of the hotel and will enhance your Sydney stay.

The Lux Traveller Loves

Best Club Lounge in Sydney (excellent food, views & service)

Harbour views from all suites & premium rooms

Historic feel of the hotel

The Lux Traveller Didn’t Like

Interiors of the rooms and common areas are a little dated

No private gym or spa

All In All

Intercontinental Sydney is a good option for a short stay in Sydney. Great location in the ‘not so busy’ part of CBD and only steps away from the famous Sydney Opera House.

If older style bathrooms don’t worry you and you prefer to spend your money on the great views rather than latest design features, you’ll enjoy your stay; but make sure to book a room / suite with Club access and Harbour view.