It’s hard to pick just one favourite thing about the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park. There’s the ‘gram-worthy rooftop pool. Spectacular vistas that span the CBD skyline and beyond. Unbeatable 24-hour room service (order the steak sandwich and thank me later). Spacious suites. A central location that’s within walking distance to ‘hoods like Surry Hills and Paddington.
Yep, if there are boxes to tick, this hotel checks them off with ease.
A long-established presence on the southeastern corner of Hyde Park – the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park first opened in 1992, and underwent a major multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2013 – it remains a welcoming, modern accommodation option for guests looking to work or play.
I am visiting with a bit of both in mind; I’m in the Harbour City to spend time with my colleagues in the Time Out Sydney office, but I’m also hoping to squeeze in a teeny spot of sightseeing if my schedule allows. The prime location means I’m just a short stroll from the CBD (or a leisurely jog from the Opera House) and a hop, skip and a jump from the insanely cool eastern ‘burbs.
The Pullman Sydney Hyde Park boasts 241 stylish lodgings, ranging from comfortably appointed rooms to luxurious suites that boast five-star views. I’m staying in a Junior Suite, and the first thing I notice is the sheer size of the space. With a bedroom, lounge area and marble bathroom (complete with a corner spa that you simply must have a soak in), it feels bigger than most apartments in Melbourne.
The king-size bed is plush and palatial, and perfectly positioned beside the window so you can fall asleep to the sight of the twinkling Sydney Tower – if you don’t mind sleeping with your blinds open, that is. There’s a well-stocked minibar, two (!!) flatscreen TVs, a comfy sofa and a cute little desk space that (for me, at least) doubled as a makeup station with fantastic lighting.
While it’s tempting to settle in and order room service like I did late one evening, the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is home to two excellent drinking and dining options. Bar Thirty6 on the ground floor is your go-to for coffee, cocktails, a relaxed lunch or swanky dinner. The menu spans flavours from across the globe – think Spain, Turkey and India – and all ingredients are sourced from within a 50-kilometre radius of the hotel. If I hadn’t already been swayed by the lure of the aforementioned steak sandwich in bed, I would definitely have popped down for the beer-battered flathead fillet or mushroom bolognese linguine.
For a buffet brekky that will keep you fuelled for the whole day, Windows on the Park Restaurant is where you need to head come morning.
But the pièce de résistance has to be the rooftop pool. As one of the only city hotels to feature this luxe amenity, there’s no way you can stay and not take a dip. I recommend snagging one of the poolside lounges and kicking back with a good book. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the view – which is, unsurprisingly, gorgeous. Best of all, the pool deck opens early and shuts late, so there’s really no excuse not to visit. Also on the recreation deck is a fully equipped gym with weights, cross trainers, treadmills and exercise bikes (suddenly a workout never seemed so appealing), plus a jacuzzi and sauna.
If you're in town for business, the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park has you sorted for that, too. There are dedicated meeting spaces and conference rooms, and complimentary high-speed internet so you can seal those deals, stat. Want to throw an event? The hotel can cater for up to 250 guests.
See what we mean about ticking all the right boxes? You’ll experience style and top-quality service here at the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, and that’s a pretty impressive combo.
Time Out's stay was hosted by the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park.
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