Latest news with #GreatWaveofKanagawa
The Age
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
A stylish central Sydney hotel for under $150 a night? It exists
I'm in a Deluxe Queen Room with balcony, one of only four in the 413-room property (21 wheelchair accessible). The balcony is more of a terrace – about one third the size of the room itself with a large table and chairs for outdoor dining, and high surrounding walls keeping it fairly private. That said, it's raining, as it often seems to in Sydney these days, so I'm restricted to remaining indoors throughout my stay. Inside the room itself features the titular queen-sized bed, two armchairs and a small table (which is too high to sit at comfortably in one of the chairs, as it happens). It's mostly muted tones with grey carpet, white walls and beige cupboards, the exception being the bright art above the bedhead. There's a kitchenette with a sink and microwave, plus crockery, which is standard in all rooms. The bathroom is big enough for one to be comfortable, but two at a time would be a squeeze. The toiletries, in large bottles, are limited to body wash and a shampoo/conditioner combo. Ibis Styles spruiks its 'Sweet Bed' beds, and it is indeed very comfortable. The food A restaurant at a budget hotel hardly screams 'must try', but I'm pleased to report the property's Japanese and Korean style eatery, Mee So Bar, dispels any reservations one might have. I indulge in the tasting menu ($65) of six dishes, including peking duck baos, prawn wontons and a spicy pork taco, each beautifully presented. There's also a long and fun Japanese-influenced cocktail list, with detailed descriptions of each concoction. I have a Great Wave of Kanagawa ($21), which 'depicts the pureness of what lies beneath the ocean'. I'm not sure about how pure it is, featuring a mix of vodka, blue curcao, alize bleu and Japanese calpis with nori syrup, but it is quite refreshing. Another thing that defies expectations here is that, for a hotel restaurant, it's busy on a Tuesday night – seemingly with many patrons who are not guests at the hotel. See Loading Stepping out From the hotel it's a short walk to Hyde Park or head straight up Wentworth Avenue to and on to College Street to visit the Australian Museum, which is particularly appealing for kids with its extensive displays of wildlife, fossils and dinosaurs. See The verdict It's in a great location, it's clean, it's comfortable and you can get rooms for less than $150 a night – what's not to like? The fact there's a lively, cool bar and restaurant downstairs is a bonus. Essentials Rooms from $139 a night. See Our rating ★★★★ Highlight Sydney hotels are notoriously expensive so it's got to be that price. Lowlight The old-school air-conditioning vent is quite noisy when operating. Lowering the fan setting doesn't seem to make any difference.
Sydney Morning Herald
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
A stylish central Sydney hotel for under $150 a night? It exists
I'm in a Deluxe Queen Room with balcony, one of only four in the 413-room property (21 wheelchair accessible). The balcony is more of a terrace – about one third the size of the room itself with a large table and chairs for outdoor dining, and high surrounding walls keeping it fairly private. That said, it's raining, as it often seems to in Sydney these days, so I'm restricted to remaining indoors throughout my stay. Inside the room itself features the titular queen-sized bed, two armchairs and a small table (which is too high to sit at comfortably in one of the chairs, as it happens). It's mostly muted tones with grey carpet, white walls and beige cupboards, the exception being the bright art above the bedhead. There's a kitchenette with a sink and microwave, plus crockery, which is standard in all rooms. The bathroom is big enough for one to be comfortable, but two at a time would be a squeeze. The toiletries, in large bottles, are limited to body wash and a shampoo/conditioner combo. Ibis Styles spruiks its 'Sweet Bed' beds, and it is indeed very comfortable. The food A restaurant at a budget hotel hardly screams 'must try', but I'm pleased to report the property's Japanese and Korean style eatery, Mee So Bar, dispels any reservations one might have. I indulge in the tasting menu ($65) of six dishes, including peking duck baos, prawn wontons and a spicy pork taco, each beautifully presented. There's also a long and fun Japanese-influenced cocktail list, with detailed descriptions of each concoction. I have a Great Wave of Kanagawa ($21), which 'depicts the pureness of what lies beneath the ocean'. I'm not sure about how pure it is, featuring a mix of vodka, blue curcao, alize bleu and Japanese calpis with nori syrup, but it is quite refreshing. Another thing that defies expectations here is that, for a hotel restaurant, it's busy on a Tuesday night – seemingly with many patrons who are not guests at the hotel. See Loading Stepping out From the hotel it's a short walk to Hyde Park or head straight up Wentworth Avenue to and on to College Street to visit the Australian Museum, which is particularly appealing for kids with its extensive displays of wildlife, fossils and dinosaurs. See The verdict It's in a great location, it's clean, it's comfortable and you can get rooms for less than $150 a night – what's not to like? The fact there's a lively, cool bar and restaurant downstairs is a bonus. Essentials Rooms from $139 a night. See Our rating ★★★★ Highlight Sydney hotels are notoriously expensive so it's got to be that price. Lowlight The old-school air-conditioning vent is quite noisy when operating. Lowering the fan setting doesn't seem to make any difference.
