This was published 7 years ago
Pullman Sydney Airport review: Dining the highlight of stylish airport stay
By Craig Platt
The Pullman Sydney Airport is a short walk from the domestic terminal.
Location
Just outside Sydney Airport's domestic terminal, the hotel is a short walk from the airport on O'Riordan Street, Mascot, in a group of blocks featuring several hotels
The space
The lobby, restaurant and bar are integrated.
Opened in June, The Pullman is one of the newest five-star hotels in Sydney (you might be surprised to know there are only seven officially five-star rated hotels in the city). The 12-storey building offers 229 rooms.
Inside, the stylish lobby merges with the popular bar and restaurant. Sleek designs of glass and metal offer dark reflective surfaces while large screens show art projections overhead. Artists Gillie and Marc have added their touches, featuring anthropomorphic rabbits and dogs that greet guests in human-sized sculptures and on the check-in desk.
There is a 24-hour gym, conference rooms and an "executive club lounge" featuring shower facilities for those in transit.
Pullman Sydney Airport's corridor carpets are designed to look like airport runways.Credit: Craig Platt
Fittingly for an airport hotel, the corridor on my floor features a carpet pattern designed to resemble an airport runway.
The room
My large room features a king-size bed, a large flatscreeen TV and a small desk. As is so often the case in modern hotel design, the bathroom is integrated into the main living space. There is a deep tub and large walk-in shower with toiletries from New York's C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries.
A deluxe corner room.
The wardrobe features glass doors, making its contents feel a bit like a retail display (the advantage of this, for those rushing to make their morning flights, is that you're unlikely to forget the jacket you left hanging in there).
The decor is a nice mix of bright walls with dark curtains and bathroom tiles. The triangular pattern on the glass wall matches that on the thick carpets.
Double-glazed windows and blackout curtains ensure travellers stuck on other time zones won't have any trouble sleeping.
The Mobius Bar and Grill is a highlight.
The food
The ground-floor Mobius Bar and Grill is a highlight, with 50 Australian wines to choose from and friendly, attentive staff. The menu consists of small dishes designed to share though most can also be ordered as mains. I opt for Alaskan crab and salad followed by Sichuan-crusted beef. The food is impressive enough that Mobius is a worthwhile dinner option even if you're not staying at the hotel. At breakfast it's a buffet with all the usual options, with eggs cooked to order.
Stepping out
The 24-hour gym.
Aside from the airport, there is not much to do around this part of the city. But chances are if you're staying at the Pullman, the airport is the reason. The domestic terminal can be reached on foot in 15 minutes or so, but if you have a lot of luggage or are heading international, the hotel offers a regular shuttle service which needs to be booked in advance ($7).
The verdict
The Pullman Sydney Airport offers a comfortable, stylish stay for those looking for a higher-end option close to the terminal. Make sure you dine at Mobius.
Essentials
Rooms start from $220 a night or $250 including breakfast at Mobius. See www.pullmansydneyairport.com.au
Highlight
The restaurant's food and service is excellent.
Lowlight
A free courtesy bus to the airport would be a welcome addition.
Craig Platt stayed as a guest of the Pullman Sydney Airport.
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