It’s easy to start your trip in a relaxed frame of mind when you’re staying just 181 steps from Sydney Airport’s International check-in counters. It instantly removes any stress of encountering unexpected delays on the way to the airport.
That’s the beauty of staying at Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel, oh and the fun you can have plane spotting from your bedroom window.
I stayed there recently before a 10 am international flight to Ho Cho Minh City, Vietnam. Here is what I discovered.
Checking in & Beyond
I am greeted by friendly and efficient staff at the 24-hour reception who perform a hassle-free check-in.
When I arrive in my room I am tickled pink to be greeted with a welcome letter, cheese platter and a bottle of Australia red wine. It’s probably not standard procedure but the gesture is deeply appreciated and compliments my relaxed evening of Netflix (with their super fast, free wi-fi) and chill.
The Room
I am lucky enough to be staying in a Deluxe Airpot View Room on the top floor. There is a big, comfortable king size ‘Rydges Dream’ bed with two photographs showing off Bondi Beach hanging above it. There is plenty of space to move around as well as a lounge chair and footrest, flat-screen screen TV and a mini-bar.
The bathroom has the biggest walk-in shower I have ever seen with the choice of a large waterfall showerhead or a handheld showerhead. Waterfall it is for me and it’s beautiful. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little disappointed that there was no bath, but that’s just personal preference.
What the room lacks in a bath, it makes up for in its incredible view over the runway. It’s mesmerising watching the jets soar off into the sky. And what a great job they’ve done soundproofing, even metres from the runway it’s still quieter than living in Sydney’s inner west.
Food & Drinks
You can choose from a continental or hot buffet breakfast at the hotel’s signature restaurant Blackwattle Bar and Grill. The hot buffet is not huge but it certainly is refined. Quality not quantity is definitely my motto.
Everything tasted fresh and I was particularly impressed with the smashed avocado and fetta on offer – both classy and quintessentially Australian…and not often seen at a buffet.
I arrived after dinner so I wasn’t able to experience a meal in the restaurant but I did take a peek at the gorgeous Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar also which offers an intimate setting for signature cocktails, spirits, champagne and wine with views of the runway.
Facilities and Services
The hotel is well-suited to business travellers with a full business centre featuring 11 function rooms for conferences and events. For something extra special there is a rooftop venue with terraces which have a view of the runway.
If you want to get your daily workout in, the hotel also has a well-equipped gym with treadmills and weight machines.
Getting to the International Terminal is just a two-minute walk for but those departing from the Domestic Terminal a free domestic transfer service is available from 5am to 11pm daily.
The Verdict
I would definitely stay here again and again after that. The feeling of knowing that all you have to do to catch your international flight in the morning is cross the road takes all the stress out of travel.
Aside from the fabulous location, the hotel is modern and immaculate with some of the coolest views in Sydney (if you love plane spotting). The staff do efficiency with a smile well.
The Details
Rydges Sydney Airport has 318 rooms, a signature restaurant, sports bar and café.
Rates start from $230 a night.
See more here.
- READ: HOTEL REVIEW: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Hawaii
- READ: HOTEL REVIEW: Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu, Philippines