Sir Stamford Double Bay by Greg Clarke

Double Bay is one of Sydney’s most exclusive areas and this Sir Stamford is set near to upmarket cafes and designer shops. The first level reception is a suitable reflection of Double Bay’s predilection for opulence and perhaps somewhere within Gloucestershire is a drawing room that gave inspiration to it. Nineteenth-century china is subtly lit from within antique mahogany sideboards, there is a Louis XV style marble fireplace, and original art work adorns oak panelled walls (once far more extensive much of the multi million dollar collection was removed following a change of hotel ownership).

When known as the Ritz Carlton this hotel welcomed luminaries including Bill Clinton and Madonna. Tragically it was in one of the 140 rooms where Michael Hutchence met an untimely death. Despite its relationship with celebrity, conferencing is big business. There are 11 function rooms. Other amenities include a roof top pool, gym and a la carte restaurant. In keeping with the old world, Winstons, a bar named for the erstwhile Churchill is near reception. A humidor keeps a ready stock of cigars.

The rooms
Devotees of the 5-star will feel right at home. Marble-floored bathrooms have separate bath and shower. All rooms have double basins. Reproduction antique cabinets are used for tastefully secreting away TVs. Many of the rooms have floor to ceiling French doors opening onto spacious balconies. North facing rooms have vantage points that allow gazing at yachts drifting across Rushcutters Bay. Roll-away beds are available for children.