The Beaux-Arts design building certainly makes a statement. It was once the headquarters of the Fairfax newspaper empire in Australia and it retains that aura of gravitas. After a period as bank headquarters, it was purchased by a Malaysian entity in 1997 and the new owners maintained the building’s integrity while giving it a substantial makeover.
THE VIEW: There isn’t one unless you count the tall office buildings surrounding the property. But then you don’t come here for the view. You come here to access the tall office buildings and shopping precincts close to the hotel. Anyway, those iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are just down the road.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The Beaux-Arts design building certainly makes a statement. It was once the headquarters of the Fairfax newspaper empire in Australia and it retains that aura of gravitas. After a period as bank headquarters, it was purchased by a Malaysian entity in 1997 and the new owners maintained the building’s integrity while giving it a substantial makeover.
THE LOCATION: For business and shopping you couldn’t be more in the CBD than the corner of Pitt, Hunter and O’Connell. And for leisure, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to Circular Quay, Opera House, the Sydney Harbour ferries and The Rocks. Being in the heart of the city, an evening drink in the Fax bar is a good time to observe the after-work crowd.
THE ROOM: There are 338 rooms and 26 suites, one of which is the two-room Presidential suite. My 10th floor room had easy access to the business lounge. The entire hotel is smoke-free. Radisson Blu Plaza covered all the bases as far as ironing out those minor annoyances you sometimes find in unfamiliar hotel rooms. Example: Light switches you can never find in the dark.
THE SERVICE: Obliging at every touch point.
MEMORABLE MOMENT: Special mentions to the doorman who walked me down the street to point out the direction I should be taking to attend a meeting, and the chatty staff in the business lounge in the evening.
FINAL WORD: The Radisson Blu Plaza in Sydney does an excellent job in promoting the brand’s individuality and commitment to green initiatives.