InterContinental Sydney

Conveniently located near circular quay with access to train station to and from airport. The room was very comfortable and the breakfast buffet was amazing. Major attractions within walking distance.

Exceptional Service — Melina, Breakfast Service, Intercontinental Sydney Melina made our breakfast service this weekend genuinely outstanding. She personally walked us to our table, kept our coffees running without ever needing to be asked, and brought a warmth to the whole interaction that felt personal, not scripted. This is exactly the kind of service that turns a routine stay into one guests remember — and exactly the kind of staff member a property should be fighting to keep. Melina deserves real recognition for this, not just a thank-you. Please pass this on to her directly, and to whoever handles staff recognition — she’s earned it.

Per their website, “Set within the beautifully restored Treasury Building of 1851, InterContinental Sydney is a heritage delight where you will uncover tales of the past at every turn. Discover a rich tapestry of Georgian elevations, neo-classical architecture and 19th century fittings throughout the building, each with a unique story to tell. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Sydney from within one the city’s most important structures.” Our experience: We arrived super early in the morning and within 30 minutes, had a room available to us. Within those 30 minutes, we were invited to relax in the arrivals lounge and freshen up, as well as enjoy some light refreshments and take in the view (seen at the beginning of the video). Our room, room #1301, had beautiful harbor bridge views, which allowed for taking in great sunsets! As for the dining, since I am Diamond Elite, breakfast was included, which was an amazing international spread of food, including a rather large area for gluten-free pastries! We also dined at the Treasury one evening, which we can honestly say skip the over-priced meal and grab a drink to take in the atrium instead. As for the location, it’s located in a great section of town, just a couple blocks from the Opera House, the Quay, and the Rocks; and a 20-minute walk to the shopping district at Darling Harbour.

Our stay was pleasant overall, although unfortunately it fell somewhat short of what we had expected from a five star hotel of this calibre. We stayed in a Harbour View room, and the view itself was beautiful and certainly one of the highlights of the stay. However, despite being on a high floor, we could still hear a noticeable amount of traffic noise, which detracted somewhat from the sense of peace and relaxation we were hoping for. Prior to or during our stay, we requested memory foam pillows, but unfortunately these were not provided. We also had lounge access included with our room, but our access card did not work. We brought this to the attention of the lounge staff, but nothing appeared to be done at the time. We raised the issue again the following day, and it was only then that it was eventually resolved. For a premium room experience, we would have expected this to have been addressed more promptly. The service at the downstairs restaurant was also somewhat disappointing. During our meal, no one checked whether I would like another beer. When I eventually reordered, the empty bottle and used glass were left on the table rather than being cleared. These may seem like small details, but attentive and proactive service is part of what distinguishes a five-star hotel experience. The food itself was reasonable, but we found it fairly average considering the positioning and calibre of the hotel. There were certainly positives, particularly the lovely harbour view, and the stay was by no means unpleasant. However, when considering the overall experience, service and attention to detail expected at this level, we left feeling somewhat underwhelmed. With a little more consistency and attentiveness from the service team, the experience could have been considerably better.

A fantastic hotel in the perfect location right in the heart of Sydney, everything is within walking distance. The service is impeccable; we were there when Tottenham Hotspur were playing. The day starts with a superb breakfast. A great selection and incredibly friendly service, in our case from Ben. A very helpful, friendly, and incredibly positive waiter who started the day with a smile.