For 50 years, well-known hotel brand ibis has led the way in making travel accessible to everyone. With more than 2500 hotels in 79 countries around the world, ibis declare they put the most into your stay, so you can get the most out of it.
To celebrate half a century in the hospitality business, ibis recently launched its new global brand campaign ‘Go get it’, and I was fortunate to spend a couple of nights at their newly-refurbished ibis Styles Sydney Central.
The last time I had stayed at an ibis property was in historic Edinburgh a couple of years ago, so I was really keen to see how an ibis Styles hotel differed.
From doing some research prior, I discovered that every ibis Styles hotel offers an immersive experience inspired by a unique theme.
When I stepped foot inside the all-new ibis Styles Sydney Central, I quickly realised that this hotel’s theme was inspired by the trendy – and somewhat cheeky – part of town it was situated in.
Conveniently located on Wentworth Avenue on the doorstep of vibrant Surry Hills and Oxford Street, this 413-room hotel is the premier destination for experiencing all Sydney has to offer with sought-after restaurants like Chin Chin across the street, hidden cocktails bars like The Soda Factory 100 metres up the road, and the best shopping, theatre and live music venues all just a stone’s throw away.
This was an area of the Sydney CBD I’ve never stayed overnight in before, and somewhere I was eager to immerse myself in.
Following a smooth check-in process, my wife and I made our way to the elevator bound for the 18th floor where our Deluxe King Room awaited us.
Upon entering, I was thrilled with the modern and spacious room that we were given. There was a fully equipped kitchenette, large bathroom with walk-in shower, comfortable bed and pillows, working temperature air control, a large flat screen TV and the most amazing windows that had sweeping views of all the fun that was awaiting us down below.
You could immediately tell that this property had a multi-million-dollar upgrade because the entire floor as well as the décor inside the room appeared fresh, clean and colourful.
As the sun began to set and the lights of the CBD started flicking on outside, we got changed and made our way down to the restaurant on the ground floor.
Open to hotel guests and to the public, Mee So is ibis Styles Sydney Central’s new Korean and Japanese fusion bar and restaurant.
Inspired by the streets of Seoul and Tokyo, diners at Mee So can discover an immersive foodie experience as they dive through a diverse menu, expertly prepared with high-quality ingredients.
With thanks to the incredible team at Mee So, my wife and I were treated to the $65 per person Mee So Tasty Menu.
With a strong emphasis on a fusion approach, combining traditional Korean and Japanese techniques to create innovate flavour combinations, we were served six uniquely tasting and plated dishes that included Japanese Style Tuna Tartare, Miso Eggplant, Prawn Wonton, Peking Duck Bao, Spicy Pork Taco and the absolutely to-die-for Airy Cheesecake.
This dessert, which came in a cocktail glass, was like no other! It was airy-fairy and fluffy with berry tuile, toasted soybean flour & 100 per cent pure maple syrup.
On top of Mee So’s incredible food and dessert menu, I still catch myself thinking about their signature cocktail list, which the bar says is inspired by Japanese and Korean artists and their masterpieces.
From the classics with a twist to their signature potions, each concoction that Mee So’s mixologists crafted me dead-set blew my mind and were downright Instagram worthy!
Seriously, if you’re just after a couple of cheeky beverages with some friends before hopping off somewhere else for the night, this is the place! Plus Mee So’s resident DJs do a great job in getting you in the party mood as well – a cool touch!
Along with everything I wrote about earlier, ibis Styles Sydney Central also has the bells and whistles you’d expect from a three-star Sydney property and more, including 24-hour reception, complimentary Wi-Fi, luggage storage, access to secure off-site parking, express check-in and check-out kiosks, in-room dining, buffet breakfast and a guest laundry and dry cleaning service.
So, with summer – and the party season – fast approaching, you won’t find many better options in this part of the city than the newly-refurbished ibis Styles Sydney Central.
The writer stayed as a gust of ibis Styles Sydney Central.
Visit https://www.ibisstylessydneycentral.com.au.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.