Four Seasons Hotel Sydney finishes $85 million upgrade

The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, a property home to some of the city's most spectacular views, has completed an $85 million revamp it began in October 2018.

The project saw the remodelling of 517 of the hotel's rooms along with design changes to the public spaces and corridors. Created by Melbourne design firm MIM Design, the new design aimed to create a "local" feel, more like a residence than a hotel.

First opened in 1982 as The Regent Sydney, Four Seasons has managed the property since 1992, officially rebranding it as a Four Seasons in 2002. The 34-storey hotel sits on the edge of Circular Quay, a short walk from the harbour and the cruise terminal. The project is its first major update to the hotel's rooms since 2009.

Gone are the dark colours of the previous room design, replaced instead with neutral greys and whites, with heavy curtains replaced with electronic blackout and privacy blinds. Artworks from Anna-Wili Highfield have also been added to the rooms, featuring a variety of native birdlife. Other changes included the installation of large flat-screen televisions and computer tablets for accessing hotel services and information.

The jewels in the hotel's crown remains the corner suites, which offer sweeping views of Circular Quay, including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and cruise terminal. The 52-square-metre suites have been updated to a contemporary, uncluttered feel, with clean lines and window seats replacing the couches and lounge chairs of the past, making the most of the location.

Other highlights of the hotel are still there, such as the Mode restaurant, Endota spa, outdoor terrace and pool and the executive Lounge 32.

The writer stayed as a guest of Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.