There are many ways to enjoy a staycation. And, while, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park has all the add-ons like in-room massages, a rooftop pool, and a spa for some serious pampering, we instead use our last-minute getaway to explore our beautiful city like a newcomer.
Just off the top of Oxford Street and Hyde Park, the hotel is perfectly placed for some inner-city action. It’s just a short walk from Oxford Street’s bustling clubs as well as the many bars and restaurants of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. It’s also within strolling distance from the CBD, Circular Quay, and the Botanical Gardens. So, all in all, it’s ideal for a go-with-the-flow staycation.
First impressions
The large open lobby has everything you’d expect from this kind of establishment. Multiple desks for quick and easy check-in, grand multi-floor modern chandeliers, and a separate seating area with colourful artwork for extra pizzazz. And, with a concierge and a rental car desk on-site, it has everything you need for a hassle-free stay.
Once we’re all checked in, we hop into the lift up to the twenty-first floor. As we step out, we take in the expansive view. With skyscrapers on one side and harbour views over Shark Island and North Head in the distance on the other, we marvel at the unique beauty of Sydney. Beautiful beaches and exceptional hiking plus a thriving CBD and countless bustling suburbs – this place pretty much has it all. And, as we remember just how much we love this city, we breathe out a sigh of relaxation and breathe in that giddy holiday feeling.
Room 2109 (Deluxe Room)
Upon entering the room, our eyes are immediately drawn to the large window showcasing a spectacular cityscape basking in the warm glow of a winter sunset. Below, we see the luscious beauty of Hyde Park and the surrounding hustle and bustle of the busy streets. And, as the sun continues to go down over the next hour, the light offers a new yet equally gorgeous hew every few minutes as it playfully bounces off the buildings.
The view is absolutely the star of the show here, but the supporting cast – a large and comfortable bed, a sofa, a desk, a Delonghi Nespresso machine, and a mini bar with chocolates, soft drinks, beers, seltzers, and more – offers everything you would expect from a large hotel chain. It’s not overtly luxurious but it’s clean, comfortable, and has pretty much everything you need.
We don’t end up using the bathrobes or the ironing board but it’s nice to know they are there. The glass Purezza Premium Water bottle, replaced daily, is also a nice and eco-friendly touch. Some slippers would have been appreciated and perhaps more than one towel each in the bathroom (the long-haired struggle is real), but it’s nothing we can’t do without, or easily ask for if needed.
The generous workstation next to the huge window makes us feel like a super important exec. The office chair is comfortable and supportive and our only regret is that we don’t have any Zoom meetings to show off our impressive view. Note to self for next time…
Sleep Quality: A robust yet not-too-sturdy mattress and soft pillows make for a comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep, while the wonderfully effective curtains provide a nice little lie-in, undisturbed by the outside light. An absolute must for any staycation if you ask me!
The gym and spa
Whether you’re on holiday or travelling for business, the hotel has everything you need to keep up with your fitness routine. The twenty-third-floor gym has all the basic cardio equipment and weights you need to work out while taking in gorgeous city views. And, if you prefer to work up a sweat without moving a muscle, there’s a sauna too.
We were looking forward to taking a few selfies from the small yet well-positioned hot tub to make our friends jealous but, unfortunately, it’s closed for maintenance. And, given that it’s mid-winter, we also give the outdoor rooftop pool a miss. But, with a breathtaking 360 view of Sydney, plenty of sun loungers, and a QR code for ordering poolside drinks and snacks, we imagine this would be a pretty epic place to kick back for hours on end in the warmer months.
Bar Thirty6 and 24/7 room service
The rest of the hotel has everything you need to relax without ever leaving the building. Bar Thirty6 on the ground floor offers bar snacks, meals, and excellent cocktails. There are also plenty of comfortable and quiet spots near the bar and lobby where you can get some work done. And, if you just don’t fancy leaving your bed, you can access room service 24/7 using a QR code.
Breakfast at Windows on the Park
Breakfast is served from the first-floor restaurant. It offers a wide range of options including cooked breakfast (plus eggs made to order), waffles and pancakes, cereals, and more. We even spot vegetable curry and roti. But, having already slopped on a healthy dollop of scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast, and baked beans onto our plate, we regrettably give it a miss for fear of exploding.
If you prefer a continental-style breakfast, there are plenty of pastries to choose from along with fresh fruit, yoghurt, and muesli pots. The barista-made coffee – as opposed to a self-serve machine or a ready-made pot – is also a nice and much-appreciated touch.
Out and about
We spend our first evening eating Vietnamese food at the well-established local favourite, Phamish (we highly recommend the Barramundi Chilli Jam and Blue Swimmer Crab Dumplings). Then, we walk off our well-earned food baby with a fascinating stroll around Darlinghurst. Following a guided walk from City of Sydney’s free Culture Walks app, we wind through the quirky laneways and get incredible insights into the area’s colourful and surprising history. From gangster hangouts and brothels to colonial architecture, there’s plenty to learn here. And, if you’re in the mood for a post-dinner tipple, there are countless warm, welcoming, and historic bars along the way.
On our second morning, we start with a coffee in bed followed by a refreshing run around the botanical gardens. Featuring iconic landmarks we usually take for granted, it’s a truly wonderful way to start the day. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge shine under the clear blue sky and, as the serenity of the gardens is just a few minutes from the hotel, it’s as relaxing as it is revitalising.
After a great start to the day, we get a couple of hours of work done from our swanky in-room office before heading into the heart of the CBD for some shopping. Again, just a short stroll away from the hotel, it all feels very effortless. Everything is within easy reach and requires no planning, travel, or parking. It all just adds to that laid-back holiday feeling we’ve been enjoying since we stepped out of the lift.
Evening dining at Windows on the Park
To finish off our staycation in style, we’re treated to a three-course meal at Windows on the Park. By day, this first-floor restaurant serves as the breakfast area. But, with some elegantly simple lighting, it’s transformed into an intimate restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights.
As you may have guessed from the name, the restaurant overlooks Hyde Park with plenty of tables around the windows allowing you to watch the world go by as you dine. It’s not super fancy or overtly pretentious, but it’s a quietly graceful space with truly delicious food.
Much like the decor, the menu is simple yet effective. With only a handful of entrees, mains, desserts, and sides (plus some kid-friendly options), it’s a carefully curated offering that changes seasonally. And, despite the limited choice, each dish sounds mouthwateringly delicious. Tempted by almost every item on the menu, we opt for the special promotion – three courses for $69.
We start with Crispy Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms accompanied by roast capsicum mousse and pigface. Served on a simple square slate, it looks and smells amazing. And, after quickly googling what pigface is (a native Australian plant), we soon tuck in. Hot and crispy on the outside and then gooey, cheesy, soft, and even a little fluffy on the inside, these are everything we wanted and more. The contrasting textures with the rich and creamy flavours are divine. And, with a sweet yet savoury capsicum mousse for dipping and the pigface leaves and parmesan shavings for a slightly salty edge, we’re in heaven. We could eat this at least twice over.
For mains, we opt for the Beef Eye Fillet and the Compressed Lamb Shoulder. I don’t sample the beef myself, but if the noises generated by my plus one during consumption are anything to go by, this is every bit as delicious as the last course. After requesting medium-rare (but erring on the rare side), they announce – between dubious pleasure noises – that it has been ‘cooked to perfection’. Served with truffled mashed potato, asparagus, forest mushroom fricassee, bourbon onion jam, and jus, it does not disappoint.
Meanwhile, the Compressed Lamb Shoulder is utterly scrumptious. The slow-cooked meat is tender, succulent, and flavourful without being too gamey. Served over a bed of roast eggplant, smoked labneh, and mint jelly, it falls apart in the mouth. The small and perfectly placed Pomme Anna towers on the side add an elegant visual while also bringing a subtle hint of starchy substance to ground the dish.
Although we want to explore as much of the menu as possible, neither of us can resist the sound of the Melting Chocolate Cake (nor do we fancy sharing!). And, when this luxuriously rich dessert arrives, we’re so glad we stuck to our selfish guns. The gooey, soft, and warm chocolate cake would be spectacular enough on its own – it literally and figuratively melts in the mouth. But, once you add marshmallows, raspberries, and vanilla bean ice cream, it’s an even more spectacular carnival of sweet, rich, creamy, and crunchy goodness. This alone is worth checking into the hotel for a night!
The Verdict
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is a solid option with all the standard facilities you’d expect from an established chain. And, with breathtaking views and in-house pampering easily available, you’ll feel like you’ve had a real break from life’s daily grind too.
What we’re addicted to: The central location – from world-class dining to cheap and cheerful cafes to spectacular scenery, the best of Sydney is all on your doorstep. We also absolutely LOVE the food at Windows on the Park. The dishes are exquisitely prepared, the portion sizes are just right, and the $69 three-course special promotion is exceptional value for money. We also love that it’s open to non-hotel guests.
What we need to be more addicted: The furniture and decor could use a bit of a spruce to be worthy of the hotel’s 5-star reputation. That being said, it’s got everything you need for a comfortable, reliable, and pleasant stay in the heart of Sydney.
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park – 36 College Street Sydney NSW 2010
Phone: +61 2 9361 8400
Windows on the Park – Open Friday & Saturday 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm
