Sometimes you just need cocktails… by the pool… with a view… with your BFF!
I was recently lucky enough to have one of my oldest and dearest friends come and visit me in Sydney. We share a joint passion for the finer things in life and couldn’t resist the idea of a staycation at a luxury hotel in Sydney. We decided on the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay so that we could casually explore the surrounding area during the day.
Described by their site as “an award winning, luxury, five star hotel located in Sydney’s leafy Eastern Suburbs village of Double Bay“, this hotel features 140 spacious guestrooms, an elegant bar and dining room, rooftop pool and cocktail bar, fitness facilities, as well as access to a spa.
LOCATION
Set in the heart of the cosmopolitan suburb of Double Bay, there is access to countless upscale bars and restaurants, boutique and luxury shops, and is a short drive to both the eastern suburb’s beaches and to the city. Rounding off with a spectacular view over Sydney Harbour from the rooftop, the location really couldn’t get much better than this in my opinion.
THE ROOM
With a chic grey theme including splashes of colour, the room was light, airy, spacious and elegantly modern. The well-stocked mini bar, Nespresso coffee machine and safe were hidden in a dark cabinet in the corner. I liked the fact that the mini fridge was at eye level and the room felt so spacious, with lots of different seating areas and a little balcony with patio doors to let the fresh Sydney air flow through.
BREAKFAST
The buffet breakfast spread was beautiful, extensive and fresh, and the a la carte menu allowed us to request hot breakfast options made to order. The dining room was cosy, modern and perfectly a little bit lavish, situated just off from the bar and concierge area of the hotel.
THE ROOFTOP
Other than location though, by the far the biggest draw card for me was the rooftop pool and bar. Unlike many city CBD hotels with rooftops, this one overlooks the suburban mansions of Sydney’s elite and beautiful Sydney Harbour. The city skyline can be seen off the side of the view, a beautiful setting for sundown cocktails or a day of sunbathing in one of the day bed cabanas. The pool is very shallow and not really designed for laps, but it is a perfect spot to cool off from the Australian heat in between drinks. We grabbed a couple of sun loungers next to the pool with our magazines and books, and ordered a jug of Belvedere frose. Made with Chandon rosé, rosé syrup, vodka and citrus, I’m not usually a rosé fan but this slushy-style cocktail was insanely refreshing, tasty and very pretty as well – topped with colorful fresh flowers. We ended up splitting two jugs between us and, as the sun set, we headed back to our room – a little bit tipsy – to get ready for an indulgent evening in gorgeous Double Bay!
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