West Hotel Sydney – Hotel Review

With more than 100 rooms, West Hotel Sydney (part of the Curio Collection by Hilton) might not be considered boutique in size but in name it has all the hallmarks of a smaller establishment. Stylish design details and thoughtfully selected offerings combine with the best traits of a large hotel: great value accommodation and effortless service. Read on for the full review.

The striking facade of West Hotel Sydney gives way to an impressive glass-topped entranceway that leads guests past Solander Dining and Bar and a lush greenery-filled atrium (an ideal spot for breakfast) to check-in desks backed by a botanical-themed mural – a recurring motif throughout the property. You won’t find a fancy pool or day spa but guests do have access to a 24-hour gym and meeting facilities. Rooms are a little on the small side but all are tech-savvy and the service is attentive and friendly.

Where is West Hotel Sydney?

Located behind King Street Wharf, West Hotel Sydney is right in the middle of the CBD. Driving from the airport should take no more than 20 minutes off-peak but Wynyard Station is less than five minutes’ walk if you prefer to catch the train.

What's near West Hotel Sydney?

Within 10 minutes’ walk, guests can reach the retail mecca of Pitt Street Mall to the east, top-notch dining at Barangaroo to the north and the historic Queen Victoria Building to the south – it’s another 10 minutes to ICC Sydney and Darling Harbour. Barangaroo, one of the city's most exciting dining precincts, is just next door.

Room types

Modern, on-trend rooms feature smoky-tinted glass, jewel-toned velvets and warm timber tones with sleek marble and tile bathrooms. There are charging ports, Bluetooth speakers and large-screen smart TVs, plus capsule coffee machines with eco-friendly Pod & Parcel pods. There’s no booze in the mini-bar but the bottled water and snacks are free and there’s a full in-room dining menu. All rooms feature king-sized beds (or twin king singles). Ask for a courtyard-facing Acacia Guest Room or, for views towards Barangaroo, opt for Waratah Premium Rooms on floors seven and eight. There are four suites, each with parquetry flooring, separate living room with plush velvet sofa, larger bathroom with deep, freestanding tub and walk-in shower and an upgrade to super-soft Bemboka robes and Kevin Murphy toiletries.

Restaurants and bars

Solander Dining and Bar has street frontage but the vibe on this side of the windows is all soothing dimmed lighting, glossy deep-green walls and peacock-blue velvet upholstered loveseats. Stop at the bar for a signature cocktail – each has a botanical twist inspired by the restaurant’s namesake, 18^th century Swedish naturalist Daniel Solander. In the restaurant, chef David Vandenabeele highlights contemporary Australian cuisine with native produce, from banksia nectar to Illawarra plums, on an ever-changing seasonal menu which features a version of his signature broth. Breakfast is an impressive buffet: in addition to the usual suspects there’s rice pudding and pikelets with Pepe Saya butter and fresh honeycomb.

Travel for work

There’s a desk and chair in every room, as well as fast, free wifi (simply sign up to the Hilton Honours program if you’re not already a member). The Telopea Room, equipped with wireless AV equipment, looks out over the greenery of the atrium and can accommodate up to 50 for presentations and conferences; it doubles as a private dining space.

Gym

Open 24 hours, the hotel gym is small but has all of the essentials including a cross-trainer, free weights and a stationary bike. There’s great natural light from windows at each end and there are plenty of complimentary towels and filtered water.

What you need to know 

The lush garden in the atrium is the hotel’s best-kept secret: accessible from the bar or the main restaurant, you’ll find bar and table seating plus benches. Take advantage of the sunshine during the day and eat or work outside or enjoy drinks in the evening under the outdoor lights.

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in and Around Sydney’s CBD