Kimpton Margot Sydney ticks all the boxes for a city escape

Why stay here

With its ultra-convenient location at the southern tip of the CBD, Kimpton Margot Sydney is within easy reach of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods and attractions. Chinatown’s smorgasbord of lip-smacking Asian cuisine is just down the road, while major retail destinations – Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall, Westfield and David Jones – are an easy seven-minute walk away. Another short stroll will see you arrive at buzzing Darling Harbour with its myriad restaurants, family attractions and that inner-city sanctuary: the Chinese Garden of Friendship. For a slightly more refined crowd, Barangaroo’s elegant waterfront restaurants are a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive away, as are buzzing Surry Hills and upmarket Paddington. When you’re all tuckered out from exploring, the fig tree-lined avenues and green stretches of Hyde Park – just a three-minute walk from the hotel – offer ample shady spots for a rest (or siesta).

Design

Located in the heritage-listed, former Sydney Water Board offices building, Kimpton Margot Sydney is considered one of the finest examples of original Art Deco architecture in Australia. Eight towering pink scagliola columns – restored by world-leading Italian master craftsmen – take centre stage in the expansive, light-filled lobby, which also showcases original 1930s details including restored marble travertine flooring, metal-framed windows, intricate bronze work, glazed terracotta tiles and restored terrazzo flooring. Splashes of bronze and brass in everything from the imposing reception desk to the eye-catching Art Deco lighting nod to the old-world glamour of the 1930s. That eclectic, San Francisco-born Kimpton DNA, meanwhile, adds a modern flourish to the interior design through a rotating curation of more than 600 colourful, modern artworks, plush furniture in tactile velvets and vivid prints, and bountiful botanical displays.

In the room

As was the case with the building’s previous iteration, the Primus Hotel, Kimpton Margot Sydney’s rooms are some of the most spacious you can find in Sydney. My 61-square-metre Margot Suite boasts an oversized living space with two lounges along with a corner desk, and the bedroom’s Art Deco-inspired ensuite, replete with oversized bathtub, is practically big enough to be a room in itself. It’s these generous proportions that add the luxury factor to my suite, whose design is pared back and neutral, but for the odd piece of contemporary art.

Dining

In the unlikely event that none of the above piques your interest, do yourself a favour and stay at Kimpton Margot Sydney for the food alone. The Luke Mangan-helmed restaurant, Luke’s Kitchen, is the culinary jewel in the crown of this hotel, and modern Australian fare is served up with attentive yet relaxed service. Whet your appetite with prawn toast with corn salsa and chipotle aioli, or the sashimi of Spencer Gulf hiramasa kingfish with dashi and sesame dressing, pickled plum and radish – so delicious we ordered it on two occasions. For meat-lovers, you can’t go past the mouthwatering wagu cut with Mediterranean dressing, smoked eggplant and onion rings. In truth, it’s impossible to order the ‘wrong’ dish at Luke’s Kitchen – they are all that good.    

Up on level seven, Harper Rooftop is the largest open-air rooftop bar in Sydney, and boasts a flashy pool ideal for those who want to soak up some rays waterside without battling the crowds of the eastern suburbs’ beaches. The menu offers elevated pub classics like fish-and-chips and burgers along with Mediterranean-style share plates and seafood – Sydney rock oysters never disappoint.

Cafe and bakery Pantry at Margot’s is a brilliant little addition to the hotel lobby, where stylish Wilmot Bar is also located. Serving top-notch barista coffee and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, it’s ideal for time-poor business travellers, who can pick up a croissant and flat white on their way out to a meeting.

Special touches

If you don’t like hotel gyms but fancy getting some exercise while in Sydney, borrow one of the custom-designed Kimpton Lekker bikes and go exploring; or, request a yoga mat and on-demand video class from reception. Better yet, take your dog for a walk – Kimpton Margot Sydney is pet-friendly. The hotel also offers a hosted evening social hour every evening from 5-6pm, so the next delicious mixologist-created tipple is never far off.

If you want to upgrade

Spanning 160 square metres and boasting a separate open-plan dining and living area with lounge seating, a powder room and even a butler kitchen, the Hammond Suite is the most palatial room on offer at Kimpton Margot Sydney.

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KIMPTON MARGOT SYDNEY

Margot Suite

Size: 61m2
Price per Night: From $449
Website: kimptonmargotsydney.com