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12 December, 2023

REVIEW: The Novotel Sydney City Centre’s $20m refurbishment leaves no stone unturned

The Novotel Sydney City Centre has just undergone a 20 million dollar renovation, giving a building in a prime Sydney CBD location a new lease on life.

Travel Weekly attended a media event last week where we got the chance to take a first look at the new look property.

Look & Feel

The first thing about the hotel you must mention is its location in the heart of the Harbour City, a short walk from Wynyard train station, light rail stops and Circular Quay ferry wharf.

Checking in was a breeze. (Supplied)

Arriving last week after a summer’s day stroll from Surry Hills to the York Street hotel, I was refreshed by the well air-conditioned lobby. Fitted with self-service check-in facilities and traditional concierge staff and on one side is a bar and eatery (secret for now), on the other a comfortable lounge area. It’s pretty sleek, as you can tell from the photos!

This is the first Australian Novotel hotel to present an innovative room from its designers in Paris called ‘Hypothesis’, centering around the ethos of creating a hotel with less waste – environmental, of course, but also decreasing wasted space and time.

This innovative design philosophy creates rooms and public spaces that move with guests, championing a new style of hospitality that ensures optimum stay experiences.

ROOMS

There is 238 rooms across the 22 floors and we stayed in a junior suite, on the second level which was strikingly spacious and comfortable.

Junior Suite room. (Supplied)

With USB and power sockets conveniently on your bedside, an efficient and modular working space, kitchenette with microwave, bar fridge and kettle, the junior suite is a great option for the business traveller who might be in the CBD for a few days work, or a couple who want a little extra space to unwind.

One of the highlights of my hotel tour was the superior king room with balcony which gives its occupants a secluded oasis overlooking the hustle and bustle of city life, a perfect place to relax with a cold beer or glass of wine before dinner.

It’s a spacious balcony too! (Supplied)

FOOD

There’s a bit of hush around what’s really happening with the hotels dining, but what we can say is that the lunch and dinner options are truly gourmet. The exciting new dining concept will be headed up by a renowned chef and also be unveiled in January 2024, bringing a new level of culinary excellence to the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Buffet and continental breakfasts are waiting for when you awake, and it’s delicious, rich scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes and bacon were my picks, though if you wanted something a little lighter there is serial and toast and even to go bags for those in a rush.

FACILITIES AT THE HOTEL

Novotel Sydney City Centre will introduce the Novotel Fitness Studio, next year (2024) offering those guests
seeking to maintain their fitness routines the incentive of accumulating points while cycling in the studio.

Lobby bar, yet to be unveiled. (Supplied)

Guests can also indulge in a Pillow Menu, set to launch in early 2024, ensuring a personalised and comfortable night’s sleep and smooth TV features like Chromecast make your stay feel as if your at home.

FINAL VERDICT

The Novotel Sydney City Centre is a stylish inner city hotel waiting for you to to come and stay. With its great location, incredible dining (you’ll have to trust us) and modern rooms, we hope you get the chance to enjoy it as much as we did.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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