Venue review: Fraser Suites Sydney
Immersed in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District, Fraser Suites Sydney is an impressive jumping-off point for small to large conferences – with a twist.
Fraser Suites Sydney is a five-star property popular with long-stay clients, according to management, and a burgeoning event holder, specialising in conferences.
Here’s The Nibbler’s verdict.
First impression
With the hospitality and sophisticated, fully-furnished, luxurious apartments of Fraser Suites Sydney that feature city-scape views across the CBD, the property proves itself deserving of its five stars.
But what really stands out are the unique opportunities available for events in Fraser Suites’ Penthouse Suite and two floors of event spaces, and the meticulousness of the hotel’s in-house menu designed by chef Kris Wilkinson, who delivers a fresh take on traditional conference foods.
What’s more, a boon for day conferences is the hotel’s supply of natural light throughout the facility – a rare commodity in inner-city hotel event spaces – and the exquisite in-house events menu, gracious and engorging, that features a wide selection of small and delicious eats.
Additionally, I was also impressed by the lack of wastage at Fraser Suites Sydney. Check-ins are all digital, smooth and precise. I was later told that Fraser Hospitality Australia’s (FHA) four properties – of which Fraser Suites Sydney is one of – have taken the pledge to be 100 per cent paperless by late 2019.
As a conscious traveller, this is great to see.
Location
Alongside a convenient and smooth check-in was a prior, equally convenient journey to the hotel.
Fraser Suites Sydney is just minutes from the Queen Victoria Building and Darling Harbour, and a short walk from Town Hall Station.
Moreover, Fraser Suites is next to Sydney’s “ethnic restaurant hub”, Regent Place, with the hotel’s 10th floor equipped with direct access to it.
However, I must confess after sampling the food on Fraser Suites’ event menus during my visit, the hotel’s proximity to the restaurant hub seems superfluous – I can’t think of a reason why I would ever eat out.
Rooms and suites
Fraser Suites features 201 stylish, self-rated five-star apartments in Studio, one- or two-bedroom, and Penthouse configurations. And each of these is inclusive of a fully-furnished and separate lounge/dining area, designer kitchen, washing machine and dryer, and study area.
Fraser Suites Sydney is, however, soon to have a soft refurbishment, so expect these details to be refreshed and updated. The hotel was unable to provide further details on the planned refurbishment.
Although the hotel’s main configuration is one bedroom, Studio apartments are flexible between one and two bedrooms.
Moreover, while the penthouse suite of many-a-hotel is usually considered ‘off limits’ to most customers, Fraser Suites’ is not. Now available, the two- to three-bedroom Penthouse Suite (featured image) can be repurposed as a conference or events area. There is enough available space to accommodate long-table conferences, cocktail stand ups, fashion showings, intimate meet and greets, bridal showers and christenings, among others.
Topping that off is the best view in the hotel from the top floor with a nearly 360-degree view over Sydney’s CBD.
The views over the city, of skyscrapers and main roads, available from each of the hotel’s rooms, were frequently compared to those of New York – which are sure to be as regularly admired by business or leisure travellers as well.
Food
I’ve said it more than once in one way or another, but to reiterate – the food at Fraser Suites is exceptional. Serving the perfect balance of nutritious and enticing working style lunches, along with indulgent morning and afternoon treats, Wilkinson’s conference menus – sampled during The Nibbler’s tour – were delightful.
In addition, Fraser Suites also offers buffet breakfast on its 10th floor and a selection of in-room dining, crafted from local ingredients and hand-selected by the hotel’s on-site resident chef.
Conference planners also have the added option of having a bespoke menu designed, whether it be for their next special event, product launch or team dinner, among other possibilities.
Amenities
In addition to offering complimentary WiFi access, daily housekeeping services, 24/7 reception and concierge services, 24/7 security and CCTV surveillance, Fraser Suites Sydney comes complete with a range of amenities.
These include on-site parking and valet service, an indoor swimming pool and 24-hour gym with personal trainers, jacuzzi, sauna, laundry services, and a business centre.
Event spaces
If you’re planning a meeting or event in Sydney, Fraser Suites Sydney has a range of sophisticated meeting rooms and function spaces available that boast high ceilings, an abundance of natural light and contemporary design style.
With six conference rooms to choose from, small boardroom meetings to large-scale events catering up to 140 delegates can be accommodated.
Furthermore, the hotel’s architecturally designed spaces are coupled with complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel and integrated audio-visual capabilities in meeting rooms.
Alternatively, event planners can opt for a booking in one of Fraser Suites’ two split-level penthouses, which feature panoramic skyline views and separate spacious living/dining areas, contributing to an ideal location for boardroom meetings, product launches or stand up cocktail functions.
Verdict: 8/10
With five-star hospitality, a wonderful conference menu and in-house cuisine, alongside dynamic event spaces with an abundance of natural light, Fraser Suites Sydney is a classy choice for your next business conference or leisure event.
What’s more, the hospitality company’s stance on removing paper from its hotels shows it is not interested in being left behind the times.
And with the announcement of a soft refurbishment, signs point to the quality of Fraser Suites Sydney only improving.
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