Suite: Studio Spa Suite
Size: 52 square metres
Price: Rates start at A$493 per night.
Website: radissonblu.com/en/plazahotel-sydney
Review by: Gary Allen
Why stay here?
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is housed in the former offices of Fairfax newspapers, a sandstone building steeped in history (circa 1856) on the corner of Pitt, O’Connell and Hunter Streets in Sydney’s CBD, making it an ideal base from which to explore the city, as it’s walking distance to many hot spots like Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Rise and shine breakfast time
A full breakfast buffet of Continental, Northern European and American dishes is available each morning at the Lady Fairfax Room in the hotel. For guests who choose to upgrade to Business Class Lounge, breakfast is also served there (plus evening drinks and canapés) daily. For busy guests, there is also the option of a Grab & Run take-away breakfast.
What’s for dinner?
The ground floor of the hotel houses Bentley Restaurant & Bar (which operates independently). The Bentley features an innovative menu and has both a lower bar area (with a casual menu) and an 80-seat dining room. Chef Brett Savage was named Chef of the Year in 2015 by The Sydney Morning Herald and the restaurant was awarded two hats in its Good Food Guide 2016. And for a drink (whether something caffeinated in the morning or a little stronger in the evening), there’s The Fax Bar, located in the hotel lobby.
Time out
Active guests won’t need to skip a beat in their normal fitness routines – the hotel has a gym, steam room and 15-metre indoor pool and spa.
Wow factor
July saw the finishing touches completed on a 13.5-million-dollar hotel redesign at the hands of interior architects Bates Smart. The 336 rooms and 28 suites, including Studio Spa Suites, now feature a new look that includes contemporary furnishings, Italian metallic wallpaper and touches of Radisson’s signature metal-blue throughout the designs (including in the sumptuous velvet lounges).
I would like an upgrade
For a bit more room, try the One Bedroom Spa Suite, which offers a bit more room at 56 square metres and provides a separate sleeping space from the lounge, plus an extra deep bathtub. Rates start from about A$593 per night.