Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has unveiled a host of newly renovated one and two-bedroom luxury apartment-styled hotel suites. Embarking on a new era for the five-star Sydney hotel, Pullman Quay Grand engaged Brisbane-based interior design studio, Mel Porter Design, to deliver a refurbishment of the garden-view and harbour-view suites that reinvigorates the building’s status as a premiere residence and hotel, in the iconic Sydney Harbour location. Whether you’re visiting from abroad, interstate or looking for a great city staycation, you can’t look past The Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour.
The facts
Traveller: Lisa O’Brien
Room: Deluxe Harbour View Room
Address: 61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Date: July 2023
Best for: A luxurious city stay for both business and leisure.
The Signature factor
Opulent lighting and beautiful interiors set the tone as you enter the foyer at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, complemented by the streamlined check-in, valet parking and fantastic service. Attention to detail is evident throughout, from the gold trims to the spacious lifts and halls. However, it’s the large windows that frame the view and bathe the private rooms with light that really take the cake.
The concept
Providing luxury all-suite accommodation in the heart of Sydney, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour features a range of one and two-bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy a range of superb accommodation facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen, a separate living and dining area, a private balcony, a luxurious bathroom with spa bath, internet and a work desk.
First impressions
Whether you arrive by train, ferry or drive (parking available at an extra cost) you can’t go past the prime location of this hotel. With the picturesque Royal Botanical Gardens on one side and the vibrant Sydney Harbour on the other, the light-filled property is inviting from the minute the valet greets you at the door.
The room
The Deluxe Harbour View Room has a light-filled lounge and beautiful views, as the name suggests. It was delightful to be able to open the door to a quaint private balcony to take it all in. The spacious apartment was popping with luxury fittings and inclusions, the floorplan was well-considered with room to unpack, and it had a fully-equipped kitchen – including a very well-stocked full-size fridge – and luxurious bathroom with a corner spa. The room even included universal adapters throughout for international travellers, block-out blinds and soundproof glass. The rooms were a unique measure of comfort and luxury everywhere you turn.
Top suite
The recently refurbished Deluxe Harbour View Suites offer views of Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge, a king bed, ensuite bathroom with spa bath, separate lounge with sofa bed, dining zone, fully-equipped kitchen and laundry.
On my plate
The hotel has two restaurants on-site. Q Dining is ‘where land meets sea‘, featuring a modern Australian menu that acknowledges the traditional owners of the land with a focus on locally sourced produce. Our stay included a delicious full-service breakfast, a delightful departure from the usual hotel buffet. Breakfast is served within a stunning space that boasts full-scale glazing that makes the most of the iconic views. Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge is a welcoming space offering a variety of South American plates to share set against the iconic Sydney Harbour. The service is spectacular as are the drinks.
Highlights from the mini-bar
You will find it hard to go back to a mini bar after experiencing this fridge. The shelves are lined with boutique beers, sparkling waters and mixers which, while not complimentary, are very handy upon initial arrival.
I wish I could take home…
If I could take home anything from my stay, it would be the cloud-like extra-large pillows. I couldn’t resist asking the front desk about them as I was checking out.
Staying in
Although the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour offers the perfect base for exploring Sydney, the facilities are exemplary, so expect to find yourself torn between stepping out and staying in. After watching the sun go down from your private balcony with some afternoon drinks, you can easily prepare a meal to enjoy from the comfort of your private dining and lounge area. Alternatively, venture down for dinner and drinks in one of the onsite restaurants. For those so inclined, take in the onsite pool, spa and gym area, which – you guessed it – also comes with amazing harbour views.
Stepping out
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is wonderfully located for exploring the city. Take a walk to Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, and Circular Quay, where you can hop on trains, buses, and ferries. Guests staying at this spectacular hotel can explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, take a cruise on Sydney Harbour, or brave the incredible Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Sydney CBD is only a short walk away and is home to a long list of great restaurants and bars, and the front desk is very helpful in assisting with some tried and tested choices.
Insiders’ tips
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is part of the Accor group which offers members great discounts when booking direct. Next time – and there will 100% be a next time – I would look at staying a couple of nights to allow full use of all the amenities this property has to offer.
Green thumbs up
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has eco-designed beds made from wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, and bedding made from recycled bottles. Toiletries include eco-certified soap, shower gel and shampoo, and the property uses environmentally friendly, eco-certified cleaning products. Furthermore, Accor’s Plant for the Planet program persuades guests who are staying more than one night to reuse their bath towels. The program is unique in that hotels donate half of their laundry budget savings to finance reforestation projects.
If only…
If only I could work out how to live here permanently.
Final verdict
It was great to see the city once again alive with tourists and locals. This property is perfect for overseas guests wanting a truly unique Sydney harbour experience. The large rooms are ideal for families wanting extra space and freedom, without forgoing the luxury feel. With its prime location, all forms of transport are at your doorstep which makes sightseeing around this wonderful city and surrounds easy.
Where to find Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
61 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Read more inspiring stories by Signature Luxury Travel & Style…
