Words by LATTE correspondent, Barry MathesonSydney’s luxury hotel scene has stepped up a notch with the official unveiling this week of the re-imagined InterContinental Sydney and it has a special treat in store, not just for guests, but the general public as well.
Opened in 1985, the iconic hotel, set in Sydney’s restored Treasury building of 1851, IHG has spent a whopping $120 million on its transformation, in conjunction with Mulpha Group, a leading hospitality investor.
It has upgraded its historic exterior, all 509 guest rooms, along with a new restaurant and two new drinking venues – the grand Treasury Bar in the lobby and an incredible new spacious rooftop cocktail bar with an outdoor terrace.Located on the 32nd floor, ASTER dazzles guests with 180-degree views over the Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
“Everyone’s been waiting for ASTER to open,” the hotel’s General Manager Jennifer Brown told LATTE.
“Previously it was exclusively for hotel guests, but we decided to open it for the first time to the public, so now Sydneysiders can drink from an extensive range of curated cocktails, along with our guests while taking in the amazing views,” she added.
Brown says the concept was to create a ‘wow’ factor from the moment guests arrive and step into the lobby.
LATTE found it hard to disagree. There’s greenery everywhere, even The Treasury Bar is decorated with a variety of plants and palms, an all-day flora-filled urban oasis inspired by the nearby Botanical Gardens.
“We created this amazing space bringing in the Botanical Gardens, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a tasty Martini from the extensive Martini menu using Australian gin,” said Brown.
The luxurious guest rooms have been designed to incorporate elements of water, sand, wood and sky to add texture and tonal warmth to the spaces.
She says all of the venues have been completely restored and great care has been taken to make sure the hotel has looked after the original history and custodians of the building.
“With prices starting from $399 per room per night, up to $8,000 a night for our Presidential Suite, we can deliver unparalleled luxury”, Brown added.
To celebrate the relaunch, InterContinental Sydney is offering all guests staying at the hotel during the month of October an invitation to be the first to experience The Treasury with a complimentary glass of Hunter Valley sparkling wine.
