This was published 5 years ago
Spicers Potts Point hotel review, Potts Point, Sydney: The elegance of a grand 19th century home
THE PLACE
Spicers Potts Point is the result of a $20-million conversion of a trio of terraces into a stylish boutique hotel. There are just 20 luxurious rooms and the feel is like staying in a grand home rather than a hotel. Owned by Flight Centre founder Graham Turner and wife Jude, it exudes classic Sydney heritage with a fresh modern feel in art deco and modern architecture. The interiors are neutral with bursts of turquoise and blue and contemporary artwork by Australian artist Martine Emdur. This is the only Spicers property without a restaurant, however there's a compact but light-filled breakfast room, honesty bar and cosy library.
THE LOCATION
The three 1870s terrace houses are on leafy Victoria Street, Potts Point. On your doorstep are brilliant restaurants, cafes and bars, and the CBD, Rushcutters Bay, Botanic Gardens and Sydney Harbour are close enough to walk to.
THE ROOM
The Victoria Terrace Suite, the pick of the hotel's rooms, has a private wrought iron terrace. The alfresco table and chairs are the perfect spot for a glass of wine while deciding where to go for dinner. There's also a king-size bed, stone bathroom with freestanding bath and rain shower, mini bar with select complimentary items including cookies and bottled mineral water, Bose Soundlink Mini and Leif bath products.
THE FOOD
Aside from a generous a la carte breakfast (the hotcakes are a winner), complimentary drinks and canapes are served to in-house guests each evening. On the night of my stay, we were served a beautifully crafted G&T, along with spicy nuts, olives and a plate of dumplings. There's no need for an onsite restaurant given the incredible restaurants, cafes and bars nearby including the Butler across the road. You can also order room service supplied by a choice of local restaurants.
STEPPING OUT
There's so much to do in this fashionable Sydney enclave. Have coffee at Gypsy Espresso, browse at Potts Point Book Shop, drink martinis at the Roosevelt, or take a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The hotel offers a terrific guide to what's available nearby and we went by Spicer's recommendation and dined at Japanese restaurant Cho Cho San. Guests can also enjoy complimentary fitness and yoga classes at PE Dept Gym.
THE VERDICT
Spicers Potts Point is the perfect Sydney stay, with stylish rooms, terrific breakfasts and warm and unpretentious service.
ESSENTIALS
Rates start from $359 for bed and breakfast (parking extra). See spicersretreats.com
HIGHLIGHT
Sitting on the terrace with a pot of tea watching the world pass by, and evening cocktails and canapes.
LOWLIGHT
Having to lug my bag up several flights of stairs and the bathroom blind, which refused to work, meaning limited privacy.
Sheriden Rhodes was a guest of Spicers Retreats.
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