Rob McFarland checks out Sydney's newest five-star hotel.
THE LOCATION
Not only is the InterContinental in Double Bay Sydney's newest five-star hotel, it's also the only one outside the CBD. Breathing life back into a building with an impressive hospitality heritage (it was previously a Ritz-Carlton and a Sir Stamford), the hotel opened in November in the heart of one of Sydney's prettiest harbourside suburbs.
THE SPACE
The multi-million dollar refurbishment has retained some of the Ritz-Carlton's features (including the Italian marble floors and brass plated lifts) but overall the property looks and feels brand new. There are splashes of flamboyance in the lobby: an opulent gilded sofa and some bold artworks, but otherwise it's a safe, contemporary makeover in a soothing palate of greys and charcoals.
There's an all-day lounge bar (Stillery) and an in-house restaurant (Stockroom) but the hotel's crowning glory is a Miami-style rooftop pool and bar with sweeping harbour views.
COMFORT
With only 140 rooms, the property has a more intimate feel than its CBD competitors. Rooms have a bay, village or courtyard outlook and most have a small balcony with a table and chairs. Decor-wise it's the same inoffensive grey colour scheme with a couple of bright furnishings to break the monotony. The bathroom looks like it's been quarried from a single piece of marble and features his-and-her sinks, fluffy robes and amenities by L'Occitane. On the upside, it's all shiny and scuff-free; on the downside, it's nothing you haven't seen before.
Guests staying in one of the 15 suites get access to Club InterContinental, an exclusive lounge and courtyard that serves complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening canapes. Non suite dwellers can upgrade for $150.
THE KIT
There's all the expected gadgetry you'd expect at a five-star property: 106-centimetre flat screen TV, Nespresso machine and a mini-bar stocked with high-end goodies. Refreshingly, Wi-Fi is complimentary for IHG Rewards Club members (which is free and painless to join).
There are some clever touches too: when you enter the room, the curtains open automatically (well, mine didn't initially, stuttering to a halt halfway, but they were fixed promptly); the bathroom lights are motion-activated (so no more fumbling around in the dark) and there are two sets of master switches so you can turn off all the lights without getting out of bed. The only oversight is the lack of an iPod dock.
FOOD
Stockroom works best as a breakfast venue, the large windows letting in enough natural light to soften the dark carpet and furnishings. The breakfast buffet is impressive (particularly on the weekend) with a lavish selection of high-end produce including cereals by Sonoma and preserves by Hank's.
As a dinner venue, it's less inspiring. The lighting is unflattering and the decor feels more four-star than five. The menu looks promising, with a local produce focus and several roasts to share, but the dishes I sampled were underwhelming.
Stillery makes the transition from morning coffee venue to buzzy night spot more successfully. It's a gin-lover's haven, with more than 60 varietals, including local drops from every state except NT.
A more scenic option is the rooftop bar, which has an all-day menu and is also open to the public. Much has been made of the $250 per person minimum spend for non-hotel guests after midday but how else do you prevent the area being monopolised by stickybeaks nursing a Diet Coke all afternoon?
STEPPING OUT
After a rocky patch a few years ago, Double Bay is enjoying a renaissance. You'll still find plenty of high-end boutiques and a frankly staggering number of hair salons but there's been a welcome influx of new blood. For drinks check out Mrs Sippy, Pelicano and the refurbished Royal Oak. For dinner head to Vine for excellent French-influenced share plates in a rustic, pared-back setting.
THE VERDICT
While the hotel's premise is promising – five-star pampering in a neighbourhood setting – the product and service aren't quite there yet. Some of this can be blamed on teething problems but other aspects – like the restaurant – are more fundamental. Hopefully in time it can fulfil its potential as a compelling five-star alternative to staying in the CBD.
HOW TO GET THERE
Double Bay is five kilometres from the CBD and 14 kilometres from the airport so it's easily accessible by taxi. Alternatively, catch a ferry or water taxi from Circular Quay.
ESSENTIALS
The hotel has an opening special from $390 per night including breakfast for two in Stockroom (book by Jan 30 for stays until April 30). 33 Cross Street, Double Bay, Sydney. Phone (02) 8388 8388, see www.intercontinental.com/doublebay.
The writer was a guest of InterContinental and Vine.
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