West Hotel Review: A strong atmosphere makes up for a lack of space (Sydney)

As part of Hilton’s boutique-minded Curio Collection, West Hotel comes to Sydney off the back of a strong and prodigious history of hotelling. Although unlike the Hilton chain, Curio clearly skews more designer, and focuses on more than just a few details to echo that ethos.

Does Sydney’s property really fit into the brand’s identity? Arguable. There’s definitely a clear attempt at distinguishing West Hotel from some of the other big players in the area. The street-level, street-facing Solander Dining & Bar clearly has design on its mind, with seductive mood-lighting and a glowed-up hotel bar that’s somewhere you’d actually want to spend some time. The food? It’s fine – I had it room-service style – but nothing to get excited about.

Small Rooms, Big Details

Out of the 182 design-led rooms that make up West Hotel, I scored a Banksia Deluxe. It’s on the small side, but there’s enough here to reiterate West Hotel’s focus on details. Jewel-toned furniture and eco-friendly Biology – one of the best men’s skincare brands – bathroom amenities go a long way in helping prop up the hotel’s ethos, but the diminutive size does make a major dent on the accommodation.

The comfy bed – big enough. The large, theatrical window – fine. The bathroom – cramped. If you’re looking for sizeable rooms and you still want somewhere where you can use your Hilton Honours points, I’d fly up further into the heart of the CBD and stay at the Hilton Sydney.

Although there’s still a lot to love about West Hotel. Lush greenery help give the common areas some much needed life, the service is tight and efficient without tending to intrude, and the location is perfect for Sydney staycationers. After all, you’re just a hop away from Wynyard Station, and a short walk to Barangaroo and it’s impressive spread of bars and restaurants.

Staycation Package

Until December 2021, West Hotel is running an inclusive staycation package for any Aussies who want a quick refresh. That’d be an overnight stay with an early check-in time of 1pm, and a late check-out. Stretching the pace of a usual stay seems like a good idea for a hotel that’s so conveniently located, especially now that…we… I don’t think I have to mention the impact of COVID-19 anymore.

Although that package does start at $250 per night. When rates at Hilton start from $209, you have to wonder if it’s worth the compromise. West Hotel does, after all, only have one restaurant, no pool, and no spa. The idea here, of course, is that you’ll be spending more time outside of the hotel, then inside. And after all that times spent out in Sydney, it’s worth having a reliable place to rest your head.

THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

The writer stayed as a guest of West Hotel.

Address: 65 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Website: westhotel.com.au

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.