Quirky and cool, boutique Felix Hotel by 8Hotels officially opened it’s doors last night with a sky-high welcome party on its Penthouse level overlooking Sydney Airport.
And KARRYON was there to get a first look at the latest airport sleepover choice for people on the move to, from and via Sydney.
First impressions? Fun, creative and full of personality.
Welcome to the lift!
This sophisticated hotel is entirely different to any other properties I’ve checked in or out of for some time. And for a self-proclaimed aviation geek like myself, it’s a plane spotters paradise thanks to a panoramic view of the runways stretching out to Botany Bay.
By definition, Airport hotels have generally never been renowned for being particularly edgy, usually featuring more obvious and dare I say it – ‘bland brand’ offerings to cater to transient international and local travellers.
The 150-room Felix hotel has a modern urban aesthetic, with a cheeky retro nod to Airlines, Pan Am or Braniff and the 1960s golden era of flying with TV and movie influences such as ‘Catch Me If You Can’ and ‘Mad Men’ everywhere you look.
The Penthouse Cocktail Bar
It’s light and bright with a young crew of personable staff giving Felix a laid-back, friendly vibe that’s instantly welcoming and inclusive.
Felix is a design hotel really, which given the affordable price tag (or bag tag) it offers, is another good reason to check it out.
The high-flying theme features throughout the hotel from the aptly named conference rooms, Boeing and Airbus down to the actual room categories – Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class. This theme could easily have ended up feeling a bit tacky, but it certainly hasn’t.
Premium Economy Room
Business Class Room
First Class Suite
All of the rooms have been immaculately fitted out with state of the art 55-inch TVs, power rain showers and blackout curtains as well as very comfy beds. There are also pet-friendly and family room available.
You actually check in on the Penthouse level which also plays home to a 24-hour food shop that stocks a range of locally sourced gourmet grab-and-go food and drink options as well as all of the munchies you could possibly ever need.
Best of all, you can swipe your room key at one of the digital kiosks and charge it all to your room. Genius.
Help yourself…
There’s also a cocktail bar, a 24-hour gym called Felix Athletic Club for those working off the jetlag (or the cocktails), a self-service laundry and an outdoor terrace which doubles up as a laid-back cinema that screens two movies every night looks back towards Sydney CBD.
The Penthouse level is also a great place to work from or hang out in with plentiful USB and power ports, hanging egg chairs to channel your inner ‘Aviation geek’ with some plane spotting and soft comfy sofas to sink into and plan the next leg of your travels.
“We are thrilled to bring Felix Hotel to Sydney and see this property elevating the airport hotel precinct. Answering to every need of our guests, from the digital nomad to the everyday leisure traveller, Felix Hotel is a cutting-edge alternative to the average airport hotel.”
Paul Fischmann, Founder and CEO of 8Hotels
Felix Hotel was designed and developed and is operated by 8Hotels, the boutique hotel group that previously launched 1888 – the first Instagram Hotel and The Ultimo – the first Astrology Hotel.
The Welcome party flight crew
The Hotel has also developed high flying ‘Jet Setter’ packages with private jet provider Fly Airly. Designed for interstate or international companies that want to fly their teams by private jet for a conference at Felix Hotel or for leisure guests who want a taste of the high life.
Felix is just a 7-minute walk, or a 2-minute drive, from the Sydney Domestic Airport and a short drive from the International terminal so very handy for folk that aren’t ready to leave just yet. If you’re really keen you might even be able to spot your plane arriving at your gate so you can time your arrival at departures.
But that could be pushing things a bit too far. Don’t blame us if you miss your flight.
Find out more at www.felixhotel.com.au