InterContinental by Greg Clarke

The InterContinental, opened in 1985, incorporates the 1851 heritage-listed Treasury Building and its fetching sandstone arcades. The cortile may be set below a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and historic but an large refurbishment, completed in 2004, has transformed this InterContinental. Bespoke abounds. It extends far beyond the works of Australian artist Arthur Boyd’s at reception and the commissioned photography giving life to hotel corridors.

A Club lounge is built at the top of the hotel where, prior to the refurb, airconditioners and other industrial necessities claimed the spanking harbour views. Thanks to the floor to ceiling windows, Club guests can gorge on the views as well as complimentary breakfast, drinks and canapés. A winner of Travel + Leisure gongs the hotel also won the City of Sydney Business Awards – Most Outstanding 5-Star Hotel 2005. This is the place of choice for folk including Mel Gibson and Elle Macpherson, and for reasons yet unexplained, they even let David Hasselhoff stay.

The rooms
Within the 509 rooms the hotel has embarked on setting a point of considerable difference to other more conservative 5-stars. Light-filled rooms show off designer style - much of the contemporary furniture was custom-made, including the bench seats under the windows. The use of colours including purple and beige is as striking as it is refreshing. According to designer Joseph Pang one very clear design direction was to create a room with a feminine feel due to the high percentage of female corporate guests. There is frosted glass on wardrobe doors and bathrooms have a quirky window that connects with the main room. North rooms have harbour views while those to the south look over parts of the Botanical Gardens.