InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
117 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
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About
#76 of 207 hotels in Sydney
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Nestled in the dress circle of Circular Quay with unparalleled views across the Harbour City, InterContinental Sydney has been an icon of choice for more than 35 years. Set within the restored Treasury Building of 1851, the hotel's 509 guest rooms including 28 suites boast views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens or the city skyline.
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Wifi
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Paid private parking on-site
Pool with view
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Rooftop bar
Taxi service
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Rooftop terrace
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Butler service
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
VIP room facilities
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Iron
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese
Location
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
256Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
78Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
117 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
Getting there
Circular QuaySydney Trains3 min
Martin PlaceSydney Trains8 min
Car HireSee all Sydney car hire
5678Reviews96Q+A100Room tips
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This hotel just underwent a massive renovation. Why put all that money into a renovation without replacing the poor mattresses? I’m presently at the hotel and am seriously regretting my choice. Not only is the mattress 20+ years old (no support whatsoever), but they completely disregarded my requests - even though I confirmed them at check-in. For one, I asked for a room far away from the elevator. Where did they place me? Right next to it! I even asked at check in if my room was away from the elevator and was told yes! Next, I asked for a rollaway bed to be in the room at check-in. I was told it was already there only to arrive in my room to no rollaway bed to be found. I then called down to see where it was and was told it would ‘be right there.’ One hour later, I had to call down to check on its status while not being able to head out to my reservation. NOT off to a great start - I had previous great stays here, but I doubt I’ll be back again.…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
We stayed for one night on Friday 17th, and I was disappointed. We did have a suite and although the rooms had been refurbished they look like they have been made smaller from what I can remember from previous visits. But my utmost disappointment was the club lounge. It is three quarters covered by wall. The highlight of coming here was to sit in the club lounge and enjoy drinks and nibbles looking over the harbour. They have absolutely spoilt it. We were given two measly hot bites, and that was it, the other food was cold and uninviting, plus, the girl forgot to bring my husband’s beer, so I had to go and remind her, she had forgot. There is only one space for a couple to sit, looking directly onto the opera house. There is no 180 degrees picturesque views of the harbour right around, as it used to be. They have made this into a bar with a couple of lounges outside and the club lounge has been turned into a breakfast space. I had beautifully memories of the club lounge back then, and this was the main reason I wanted to regularly stay here, specifically for the club lounge. I couldn’t wait to get up and leave the club lounge, it was so depressing. I don’t wish to return in the future.…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Be prepared to be disappointed by the club lounge if you knew it before
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I wondered whether to write this review because others have written similar reviews, and nothing has changed, but I felt that I needed to express my deep disappointment with the direction that this hotel has taken. I have been a member of the Ambassador program since it was Priority Privilege, and I am Platinum Status, which I will not be renewing. I have been coming to this hotel for over 20 years and have celebrated many milestone occasions here. My recent stay, however, will be my last. There are just so many reasons. Firstly, I wished to use my "Complimentary" Weekend certificate (I find this curious because my membership costs $200USD, so there is nothing "Complimentary" about it). After 30 minutes on the phone with a representative of Ambassador, I was told that there was no availability on a Friday and Saturday night nor on a Sunday and Monday night at Intercontinental Sydney. But there was availability on a Saturday and Sunday night. Having to pay for the initial night, the cost was considerably more expensive due to Saturday being the first night. It seemed to me that this hotel was maximising their profit margin because my "complimentary" weekend stay ended up costing over $1000 out of pocket on top of my Certificate. Secondly, the Ambassador benefits have been whittled down so far that they are a joke. $25AUD to spend on food and beverage with so many restrictions on how and where you can use the benefit is disgraceful. You cannot even buy 2 glasses of white wine in the Treasury Lounge for $25, so there again, paying more. No included movie, no fruit plate, no bottle of wine. Just an extra cost to use the $25AUD!! Thirdly, we always like to stay in a Club Level room. Since the "renovations" the Club Lounge is no longer on Level 31 and is has been shoved to the side of the building to a room with a few tiny windows with views of the Eastern Harbour...not the Opera House nor the Harbour Bridge. A big decline from its previous location! There is one tiny window with an Opera House view but of course this is always occupied. The size of the Club Lounge is really small and seems cramped. Perhaps they are not expecting a crowd or that anybody will pay for the ridiculous offering. One positive is the afternoon tea, which is delicious. Thank goodness because the food served during our "Twilight Drinks" consisted of 2 pieces of the smallest hot canapes I have encountered (of which we only received one plate), and a display table with a couple of bowls of fruit, a cold shot glass canape, 3 cheeses with crackers and dried fruit! Hardly good enough! Fourthly, there is no weekend Seafood lunch offered since the renovations, which is such a shame. It was very popular and always attracted a crowd. We would frequent this at least once per month. Our pleas for its continuation have fallen on deaf ears, with no response from management. Please understand that this is the fault of management and that the staff have always been wonderful. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many staff members that have made our experience at this hotel so memorable over the years. Thank you all so much. What a shame that it has come to this, that we will no longer spend our time or money at The Intercontinental Sydney. At least I have my memories of better times.…
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Date of stay: February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from InterContinental Sydney , General Manager at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear DJ50, Thank you again for sharing your feedback with us. We are concerned about your stay experience and I would like to follow-up further. Would you be able to advise me of your booking details? Sincerely, InterContinental Sydney
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have stayed at the Intercontinental Sydney quite a few times however not for a few years and have always rated it highly. I still like it and it is a great location with freshly renovated rooms. Staff were also great. However I can't give it five stars - despite the renovation it felt a bit faded. Also they now use pump soap (in both the shower and the bathroom) and pump moisturisers which I always associate with cheaper hotels and, particularly for soap, is not something I like (though I understand the environmental benefits). Our room was not ready when we arrived around 4pm either which was not a big deal and staff were great about it - nevertheless a bit irritating. However it is still in a great location with an excellent rooftop bar (though open to the public so you need to book) and clean, very comfortable rooms. Just not quite 5 stars when compared with some other options in the Sydney CBD.…
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Date of stay: March 2023
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
We were very satisfied with this hotel. The room was clean and spacious and the view (East harbour) was just amazing overlooking the Botanic garden. The location is just incredible as it is next to the Botanic gardens and the Opera house and Harbour bridge are close-by. Public transportation options are also very good as the Circular Quay Rail/Light rail/Ferry is within 5 min walk. The swimming pool is a bit small being a Intercontinental hotel, but the view from the pool room is amazing as it overlooks the Opera house and Harbour bridge.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
I was provided with a fantastic upgrade to a harbour-side view room. The recent renovation work shows with lovely decor in the room and a superb atrium area. The breakfast spread was ample. Location is fantastic with very easy transport to/from the airport by train and walking distance for lots of main sights.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
Wonderful experience in the superbly renovated luxury hotel in the heart of Sydney. The rooms are spacious and well set out. The bed was huge, clean and comfortable with an option to select from a variety of pillows. I’m thanking the blackout blinds for the best nights sleep I’ve had in months. The bathroom included full sized toiletries, huge bath sheets and a powerful hairdryer. The day night lighting options throughout were great. Air conditioning was easy to use and the coffee machine was also easy to use. The buffet breakfast was lovely and I would choose to sit outside on the balcony when I return. Will definitely go back
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I have been going to the Hotel InterContinental, Sydney for years, way back in the days of Priority Privilege and always felt at home walking into The Cortile on the ground floor with the massive vase centre stage full of what must have taken a forest and 200 gardens to fill. It was so huge, you could swim laps in it. The service desk for staff, was discrete, allowing the ambience of the historic venue to speak for itself, with the sandstone everywhere. Then you meandered up to Cafe Opera, with seating outside in the internal open archways, overlooking The Cortile. Then inside the main room, the tables and seating open, airy, with the window tables looking out onto Bridge Street and the historic, Department of Education sandstone building across the road. The room served the best seafood buffet as well as other fine fare, with chefs ready to cater to every whim. The room also served a sumptuous breakfast, where it was a family tradition, for us blokes, to start every ANZAC Day with and march off just around the corner. Then, up to The Club, a venue only accessible if you were staying in a Club Room and it is the only hotel in Sydney, of that calibre, to have a more than 270 degree outside viewing deck, going from almost the airport, the footy stadium, all the eastern suburbs, Sydney Heads, Opera House, Circular Quay, coathanger, The Rocks and the start of George Street. The room was the haunt of the yachties during the 2000 Olympics and the only fault was that the menu was pizza, but that is a personal choice and opinion. All have been refurbished and rebranded. And I hasten to add a dismal, dreary, waste of time, money and effort. The Cortile, now The Treasury, is more attune to being in an American diner or train carriage, the area is bland, devoid of ambience or intimacy. Bloody great long oblong bar. Gone is the tiered table settings, didn't see an area for the grand piano and to even walk to the stairs leading up to what used to be Cafe Opera, blocked by cheap plants. Even to walk to the bathrooms or out to the Macquarie Street entance/exit, you now have to make a 3 day hike and take a packed lunch and dilly bag to go to the bathrooms, stairs up the what used to be Cafe Opera. Then, up to what used to be Cafe Opera, now The Conservatory. Two huge glass and wooden doors greet you and as far as I can see, serve no useful purpose, except to have to open and walk through. The word, conservatory, would indicate to me that it is a bright, airy room, filled with greenery. Instead it has the ambience of a doctor's waiting room, devoid of anything inviting. I would at least hope the food fare is still top notch. Finally The Club Room, now The Aster, where did they get that from or did they misspell it and mean The Astor, the exclusive apartment block around the corner ? Although the room is now available for the great unwashed and the common folk, you first have to get past the gate keeper on exiting the lift. The room opens at 5pm daily, why not available all day, who knows ? Anyway, the evening I was there, 5.30pm, the gatekeeper told me the room was fully booked and if I didn't have a booking, sling your hook. There were 5 or 6 women in front of me and no booking, so were summarily dispatched to the next lift down. I was having none of that, but the gate keeper insisted I call the room from the telephone next to the sliding door that kept opening and hasn't changed in the refurb or the stairs inside the door. I had a couple of young friends with me, yes, very casually dressed in shorts and thongs and the lady was smartly dressed. This gate keeper gave them the up and down and said they were inappropriately dress. I politely told him, who died and made him king of the castle ? I used the phone, but no one was answering, but the gate keeper stood right next to me to hear whatever was said. I tried dismissing him, but he stuck like baby poop to a blanket. Finally I just went up. I arrived at the top of the stairs and the room was virtually empty and people were very casually dressed. I showed my young friends around, did the balcony and view and they left. Sitting at the bar, I engaged, over the time I was there, several couples, in conversation. During the conversations with each of them, I asked what they thought of the view and had they been out on the deck, every one of them said no, they were told they could only sit at the bar. Are you kidding me !?!? Are staff intimidating these poor patrons into submission, too scared to step out of line ? Is this what we now put up with post Covid, at supposedly a 5 star establishment ??? I was happy to sit at the bar, which gave me an opportunity to see and hear staff and what was going on, you learn a lot listening and talking to staff. The staff were just not coping and many a person came looking for their orders, some even leaving. Turns out also that the bar staff wages are pretty dismal, one telling me that he had to take a second and third job. Well someone is making a quid. I also thought the mixing and serving of drinks was inefficient. No postmix, just small cans of things like Coke and premixed bases for cocktails in small hand written labeled bottles. I ordered a cheese platter and I had to wait for it to come to room temperature and the three, four or five inch prawn rolls were tasteless and ordinary and I had to go looking for a napkin. And, by the way, I remember terry toweling hand towels being in the bathroms, nope, just paper towels, lose on the sinks, not even in a dispenser. Now out onto the deck, maybe my memory fails me, but I am sure the north and west decking has shrunk, where outdoor furniture used to be. Outdoor furniture is now only on the eastern side. Again I mention, the room was three quarters empty, so those ladies in the lift foyer, sadly missed out and it wasn't as if they were going to be there for hours. Can I ask too, on the outside deck, why would you put, basically a barrier, low pot plants and poles on the north east corner of the deck, meaning that if you wanted to walk all the way around the deck, you had to go inside, around furniture and back out onto the eastern side of the deck. At least the theme is followed from the ground floor, The Treasury. After observing the actual bar staff and the servers, I have no idea where the failure to deliver drinks was happening. Maybe it was an adhoc table number system, everything still seems to be done by paper and pen. Maybe the Hotel InterContinental has regressed to pre-technology. Finally, how cheap can you get ?!?! Now I am all for responsible serving of alcohol and I know all bar staff must have done the RSA course, but, seriously ?!?! I watched bar staff and even the person in charge of the room, meticulously, measure out to the nth degree, nips of spirits and wine, the wine in huge glasses and the amount that went into them was hardly worth the effort. Do they seriously think that people will get on the drink to that degree ? Yes, I know it looks nice and fancy, but for staff to waste so much time and effort in pouring it to exact measurement, beggars belief. Bar staff told me they are not allowed to free pour. I guess they don't want patrons getting the wobbly boot on or more to the point, eating into valuable profit. I mean, there is only one Australia sparkling wine and the cheapest import, French champagne, Louis Roederer Collection, isn't even vintage, not even 2023. Cheap and tacky. Can I also say, post Covid. Is the patron going to be dictated to by staff or is it still about service. But seriously, whoever did this make over, clearly had The Emperor's new clothes story in mind, with the taste of a dead trout. It is as plain as flour. I guess they are relying on the view and thank God for that, because everything else is a fail. When I was leaving, I approached the main reception and check-in desk and said how it had all changed. The person, of Asian appearance, could not understand what I was saying and I had to repeat it a couple of times. I then could not understand him and he said he had trouble pronouncing certain words. I make no further comment. What an overall disappointment. What have you done to my Hotel InterContinental !?!?…
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Date of stay: February 2023
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from IHG Service, Owner at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
Responded 4 weeks ago
Hi Norm S M, Thank you for letting us know of these concerns. We appreciate you for choosing InterContinental Sydney for your stay and for doing business with IHG® Hotels and Resorts. I am sorry to learn about the conditions that prevented you from having a pleasant stay. We strive to make each stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible, and we will use your comments to coach our team in order to provide a better experience in the future. I’ve also sent you a private message to obtain additional details about your stay. We value your feedback and welcome the opportunity to serve you better. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Crisel V. Case Manager IHGService
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After an extensive refurbishment this hotel is modern and light inside. Great venue for a conference or city stay. Delicious and impressive breakfast buffet. Good food in general provided by the hotel. Nice large rooms with comfortable beds. Great location close to circular quay, the opera house, shopping areas etc If you need a 5* Sydney CBD hotel I can recommend this one.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: Parking is expensive $70 per day
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This was our second stay at the hotel and we were really looking forward to our return. Unfortunately since our last stay in 2019 the hotel has received a multi million dollar refurbishment - not that there was anything shabby about it before! This has meant that the club room (which had amazing views of the Opera House and Bridge) has now been moved. It has now become "just another CBD hotel" with nice views of the Botanical Gardens BUT it has lost that magical and special feel that it had before. (You can still go to the old club room for breakfast but it is now a bar that anyone can go to.) So disappointing. Can't fault anything about the hotel - great staff (which you would expect in a 5 star hotel), great location, comfortable rooms, good gym / pool etc - but we probably will not return again.…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Stay in the higher floors for the views - request if possible view of the bridge / opera house.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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PRICE RANGE
US$240 - US$314 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
intercontinental sydney hotel sydney, sydney intercontinental
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesSydneyCentral Business District
NUMBER OF ROOMS
509
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Claim Your ListingINTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY, AN IHG HOTEL: UPDATED 2023 Reviews, Price Comparison and 3,219 Photos (Australia) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Next Level Escape (0.4 km), Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (0.4 km), and Altmann + Cherny - Australian Opals (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, a rooftop bar, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Yes, paid private parking on-site, paid private parking nearby, and paid public parking on-site are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Gelato Messina Circular Quay, Aria Restaurant Sydney, and The Spice Room.
Are there opportunities to exercise at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Does InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Sydney.
Are any cleaning services offered at InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.