This $400-a-night hotel room has one of Sydney's best beach views (original) (raw)
A seaside favourite has just been zhuzhed up, with world-class design and dining.
Pacific Ocean views from the pool.
Hotel Review: InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach
THE BACKSTORY
Reinventing a favourite can be a daunting task for any hospitality group. Four years ago, when we reviewed Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach hotel, our expert called it a "terrific spot for sand-in-your-toes summer holiday". Fast-forward a few years and, following a multimillion-dollar refresh, the hotel has been reborn as the InterContinental Coogee. It's a transformation that could have stripped away the soul that made the property so beloved, but Salter Brothers has pulled it off with panache. While the new hotel retains Coogee's relaxed beachside spirit, it's been elevated with refined design, sharper culinary ambition and a more sophisticated sense of luxury throughout.
THE LOCATION
One of Australia's most famous beaches sits directly across the road - I can smell the surf from my balcony. And you're within easy reach of the coastal suburb's top drawcards - from buzzy cafes and restaurants to stylish bars and boutiques. Not to mention, famous coastal walks.
THE STYLE
Salter Brothers has played it safe: enrolled the expertise of one of Australia's most well-known design firms: Woods Bagot. And the proof is in the ... palette. Subtle shades of shale grey set the laidback coastal tone from the moment you enter the lobby and follows you wherever you go - from the sun-drenched Shutters Restaurant and Bar to the just as bright and airy Club Lounge.
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THE ROOM
The first thing that hits me when I enter my room, No. 511, is the aspect. Located on the fifth floor of the L-shaped building, it has wide-angle views of the Pacific Ocean. Then I notice the bed. Plonked in the middle of the room, it faces the private balcony rather than the TV. At 32 square metres, it's not a small room, but the placement of the bed - while quite dramatic - makes it feel a bit cramped. I have to walk in a circle around the room to access my side of the bed. There are some other minor disappointments, too: in the ensuite, there's a shower, but no bathtub; and two oversized plush towels but just one hook. Having said that, a small sitting area in the room as well as a dressing table and that balcony more than make up for any shortcomings. And on the weekend I was staying at the hotel, this room was going for a discounted price of just over $400 a night. For this view, and in this location, it's totally worth it.
THE FOOD
Shutters Restaurant and Bar.
If money's no object and seafood speaks to your soul, make a beeline for the hotel's premier eatery, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, where the twice-baked spanner crab souffle is the absolute standout. But the more pocket-friendly Shutters is just as enticing - particularly if you're visiting with family. Lemon-infused king prawns, burrata salad and Angus beef cheek pappardelle are some of the dishes we ordered, with each plate ticking all the boxes. The espresso martini tiramisu is a success, too, but make sure to share it, as the serving size can easily feed a small family. If budget allows, ask for an upgrade to the exclusive Club Lounge, which serves an elegant afternoon tea, canapés and drinks in the evening, and an a la carte breakfast - perfect if you want to dodge families turning up at Shutters restaurant for the buffet offering.
THE ACTION
One of the saunas at Eliva Spa.
There's a heavenly infinity pool at the hotel, complete with cabanas and sun loungers, where you can while away hours. During our visit, though, it was wet and cold. But this is a hotel for all occasions and weather conditions. The salt and infrared saunas as well as the three warm magnesium-rich pools at the Eliva Spa are perfect when the sun ain't shining. And if you want to turn up for the indulgence factor, simply sign up for a facial, which includes the most dreamy, sleep-inducing head massage.
UNFORGETTABLE
Service. From start to end. And - in particular - at the Shutters restaurant, where the waitress noticed I put on my jacket half way through the meal and offered to adjust the aircon. Enough said.
The writer was a guest of the hotel
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.