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

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


    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.

    Latest News

    • Conferences

    Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

    Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

    • Food & Beverage

    Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

    Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

    • Hotels

    nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

    Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

    • Events

    Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

    Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

    • Business
    • Events
    • Exhibitions

    Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

    Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]