InterContinental Sydney

The InterContinental Sydney is partially situated within the historic 1851 treasury building and features a sandstone facade with elegant details and beautiful front columns. Behind this classic piece sits a modern high-rise which hosts guest accommodations along with a rooftop bar offering astounding views of the harbor and the Opera House. The spacious, bustling, four-story lobby takes the place of the treasury's old courtyard, thus showing off the building's elegantly arched brick and stone facade from right inside the hotel. This historic architecture pairs successfully with the hotel's more modern, high-end decor, as shown through leather square armchairs and cylindrical hanging pendant lights. On the bottom floor of the lobby, some of the archways have been transformed into sitting areas of plush, high-backed benches. The bars and restaurants throughout the property each take on their own vibe -- all high-end, but some classy and dark with a moody Old-World vibe reflected in floral, button-tufted bench seating and wood walls. Others are brighter and more casual. This large hotel is a hotspot for anyone who can afford it, including local leisure guests, business travelers, and tourists. 

The InterContinental Sydney is located in uptown Sydney city just a block from the harbor, directly between the bustling Circular Quay and the Botanical Gardens -- less than five-minute walk to each spot. In less than 10 minutes, guests can walk to sights like the Sydney Opera House and The Rocks. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops are all within reach on foot. For anything that's farther afield, there are plenty of public transportation options nearby, including ferries, trains, and buses. The nearby Circular Quay Station offers a straight shot to Sydney International Airport. The whole trip takes less than 35 minutes door-to-door.

• Three-minute walk to Botanical Gardens
• Five-minute walk to Circular Quay Station and Circular Quay
• Seven-minute walk to Sydney Opera House
• Nine-minute walk to The Rocks
• 13-minute walk to Sydney Tower Eye
• 15-minute walk to St. Mary's Cathedral and Hyde Park
• 20-minute walk to Sydney Aquarium
• 25 minutes to Powerhouse Museum via public transport
• 34 minutes to Sydney International Airport via public transport

Rooms at the InterContinental Sydney are spacious and contemporary with simple decor and a neutral color palette. Beige is used as a backdrop through the carpeting and walls. Plush white bedding is accented with velvety, deep red throws that matches cushy bench seats, chaise lounges or armchairs. Bathrooms are pleasant and clean with black-and-white tiled floors and vessel sinks, but for a luxury property they don't provide anything special and have combination shower/tubs covered with simple cloth shower curtains. Scales, hairdryers, and free toiletries come standard.

Rooms are stocked with high-end amenities and plenty of extras. Each includes a desk and chair with a wide array of outlets, an iHome iPod dock/alarm, a flat-screen TV, and individual temperature controls. Wi-Fi is an extra fee for those who are not IHG members (it's free to sign-up). There's also coffee/tea service and generously stocked minibars. Wardrobes hold robes and slippers, safes, and irons and ironing boards. 

Guests find the rooms to be extremely quiet, and the best options come with a view of the Harbor Bridge and Opera house. Note that some rooms that face the harbor may have views partly obstructed from nearby windows. 

The InterContinental Sydney has the amenities guests expect from a luxury property. The hotel has six restaurants and bars tucked away in different areas of the property. The Meat and Wine Co. is open for classy lunches and dinners; 117 Dining serves nightly dinners; Cortile's offers high tea; and the stylish Cafe Opera serves more casual fare, including a full breakfast buffet. Breakfast isn't included in the room rate, and while it's pricey, it's also extensive, with hot and cold options including waffles, cooked-to-order eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, and a selection of Asian dishes. Room service is available 24 hours.

Guests with Club InterContinental access (per room type, membership, or an extra fee) have access to the top-floor lounge that has astounding panoramic views over the Harbor and the Opera House from long balconies with wood floors and lots of seating. Non-members can catch a glimpse, too, at the late-night Supper Club, located within Club InterContinental, but it's only open a few nights a week, late at night, and with the requirement of a prior reservation for access. 

For business travelers, there's a small 24-hour business center on the second floor, which is pleasant with a casual meeting room and a computer and printer available for guest use. The hotel has 15 meeting and event rooms on the second and third floors, including a ballroom, suitable for anything from business events to weddings. Situated in the old treasury section of the building, these rooms tend to be filled with character and class.

The hotel has a spa that offers massages and reflexology and a sauna. The indoor pool is small but stylish; it's best feature is exceptional harbor views. The hotel's fitness center feels like a small private gym and includes a huge range of equipment. In addition to standard cardio machines, there are barbells, free weights, a Smith machine for weight training, exercise balls, medicine balls, kettle bells, plus a locker room.

The hotel has a multilingual staff, a 24-hour front desk, and a concierge team. Translation services, foreign currency exchange, an on-call doctor, and same-day dry-cleaning and laundry service are on offer. Parking is available, but costs an extra daily fee. Wi-Fi is free for IHG members (a program that's free to join), but costs an extra daily fee for non-members.