A few weeks ago I found myself in need of some R&R at the end of a busy week. Thankfully, a weekend away at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney did just the trick.
Upon walking into the gold-draped lobby of the hotel, it became clear to myself and my companion that this wasn’t just any boutique-style accommodation.
Housed within a stunning heritage-listed building, most recognisable by its peculiar diminutive Flatiron shape, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney was once home to Fairfax & Sons – the publishers of Australia’s oldest surviving newspaper, The Sydney Morning Herald. Now, over 160 years after it was first built, and following a revamp in 2016, it successfully balances its historical roots with elements of modern flair to provide guests with the ultimate luxury stay.
The hotel has 338 guestrooms and 26 suites across its six room categories. With each of these fitted with modern amenities and chic style, you’re not missing out with the standard option. But, if you’re looking for something a little bit extra, you can upgrade to a room with an extra-deep jetted tub, or to one of their Business Class rooms, which includes exclusive access to the Business Class lounge.
After checking in, we made our way up to find our own spacious room with all the bells and whistles, including individual room climate control, an iron and ironing board, and bathrobes and slippers for the both of us.
The sophisticated marble bathroom includes both a bath and shower, with a window connecting the two rooms to allow you to watch your favourite TV show surrounded by bubbles. The hotel also provides a selection of pillows and bedding for guests to choose from, ensuring the utmost comfort during your stay.
After dropping off our bags, we took to exploring some of the hotel’s amenities, which include a fitness centre, pool and spa. The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney also has three restaurants; the Lady Fairfax room, which ensures a start to the day second to none with their Super Breakfast, the award-winning Bentley Restaurant & Bar, and The Fax Bar, which is the perfect setting to unwind after a big day in the big city.
However, one of the highlights of our stay was finding out just how close the hotel is to almost every attraction in Sydney. On the night of our stay, we went to the incredible ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’, which was showing at the Capitol Theatre – just a short 20-minute walk away down the ever-lively Pitt Street.
Upon our return to the hotel, the comfortable king size bed meant that we were asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows – but not before setting an alarm to ensure we could make the most of a big day ahead.
Before we knew it, we were back at the Lady Fairfax room to indulge in the buffet breakfast of our dreams. Though all the classics were present, filling our first plates with scrambled eggs and hash browns, and fruit and yoghurt respectively, the spread didn’t stop there. The room was lined with tables boasting a selection of upscale options like smoked salmon and ham, and the sweet stuff, including delicious pancakes and waffles.
With full stomachs and wide eyes, we then left our luggage with the incredibly helpful staff to again take advantage of the hotel’s prime location, walking first to Darling Harbour, then to eat our way through Manly via Circular Quay.
With all that and more right on your doorstep, there’s no doubt that the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is the perfect location to spoil yourself in the heart of the city.
Cassidy Pearce is a news and entertainment journalist with The Western Weekender. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, she has previously worked with Good Morning Macarthur and joined the Weekender in 2022.
