The Westin Sydney

The Westin Sydney is a stunning mix of old and new architecture. The hotel is split between the historic General Post Office, built in 1844, and a modern high-rise annex, constructed in 1999. As a result, grand staircases and imposing sandstone archways meet glass and steel structures and contemporary furniture and artwork. The guest rooms are split between both buildings, and other businesses share the vast lobby area too. A massive atrium is run through with light cascading down over many terraces, restaurants and bars. There's plenty of marble to be seen throughout the hallways and passages of the hotel, and it's massive size can feel a bit mall-like. Although many guests are here on business, the property is equally welcoming to families, and provides free cribs and infant beds on request.

Located in Martin Place, the hotel is in the heart of Sydney's fashion and finance district, known as the Central Business District. The area is brimming with upscale shops, bars, and restaurants, and is a great spot to be based for both business and leisure guests. Many of Sydney’s top attractions are within walking distance. Sydney Tower is a four-minute walk, while Darling Harbour, Harbour Bridge, and the famous Sydney Opera House are all a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Bondai Beach is a 20-minute drive, and Sydney Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive depending on traffic.

Guest rooms at the Westin are split across the old and new parts of the property, and there is a disparity when it comes to style. Heritage Rooms are in the old post office building and have traditional decor and high ceilings, long draping curtains, and antique window finishes. Tower Rooms are in the 31-story modern high rise section and have a contemporary style, floor-to-ceiling glass windows. These rooms aren't particularly stylish, and the tan on tan on tan design scheme is quite bland overall. There's little in the way of wall art, and these rooms have a distinct corporate-chain aesthetic. Room types are Superior, Deluxe, Premium, or Executive. As the category increases, so does the floor level of the room, and the views get better the higher you go in the hotel. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, Bose stereos, a coffeemaker, safe, DVD player, minibar, bathrobes, and a work desk. In the bathrooms, guests will find deep bath tubs and a separate shower with rainfall shower head. Suites are also available which have large separate living rooms and extra large bathrooms, as well as the decadent additions of a guest powder room and walk-in wardrobe.

Despite being surrounded by excellent restaurants, dining on site at The Westin is an attractive option as the Mosaic restaurant serves top-notch modern Australian cuisine. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and dishes on the menu include Hirramassa Kingfish with braised Octopus and black fungi. The restaurant itself is spectacular too -- it has a glass ceiling which floods the room with natural light during the day and shows off the floodlit clock tower by night. A popular Sunday brunch is served there too, for which reservations must be made in advance. Breakfast is not included in room rates. Cocktails and light meals are served at the hotel’s lounge bar, too, and 24-hour room service is available. There’s a business center with computer stations, and seven meeting rooms, a boardroom, and two ballrooms for private events. The modern fitness center offers classes, a steam room, cardio equipment, and weights, all free of charge for guests. Parking is available at the hotel but carries a steep daily fee. Unfortunately, free Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby and is chargeable in the rooms.