If I had a few million dollars I’d buy a nice little pad in the heart of Sydney, just like the one we stayed at in the Adina Apartment Hotel Town Hall Sydney. But since that will only ever be a dream, I can at least pretend it’s mine when we check in for a night.
Adina promotes its full-service apartment accomodation as being like a ‘home away from home’ and that certainly rings true for the newly refurbished apartments in the Adina Town Hall. If we could move in tomorrow, we would.
The one-bedroom apartment we stayed in was on the 20th floor, in a prime corner of the building with wrap-around windows overlooking St Andrew’s Cathedral, Centrepoint tower and neighbouring rooftops.
The location is sensational with many restaurants, shops, attractions, and public transport just outside the door. Town Hall train and light rail stations are a block away, and Gadigal metro station a block beyond that.
Even better, the hotel has its own secure car park, not next door or up the road but literally on the first few floors of the hotel. The hardest part about parking here is navigating the one-way streets and no right-hand turns, because if you arrive on the wrong side of the hotel, you’ll have to go through the whole CBD palaver all over again. (Hint: disregard Google Maps directing you to Bathurst Street and look out for the driveway entrance on Kent Street.)
The hotel re-opened earlier this year after a nine-month shutdown. The refurbishment was led by sustainable design firm, Bates Smart, who were briefed to leave no area untouched. All 20 guest and public floors, from the 144 one-, two- and three-bedroom and studio apartments, through to the lobby and corridors, four conference spaces and the pool area were given a makeover.
On arrival, first impressions are of a small but stylish reception and lounge area, with a contemporary look in earthy tones of brown, ochre, forest green and gloss white. The new-look restaurant (on the first floor) had not yet opened at the time of our stay, but we look forward to returning at some point to experience it.
Our one-bedroom apartment was very spacious with a large open living area, an enormous sofa for lounging on, and two flat-screen televisions, one of which could be viewed from the king-sized bed. And that bed, by the way, is deliciously comfortable with crisp white sheets, plush pillows, and cushioned from city disturbances by soundproof glazing and blockout curtains.
A round dining table positioned near the corner of the floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowed for meals to be taken with a view. Off to one side of the living area was a small, well-equipped kitchen with cooking facilities, sink and full-size refrigerator.
The apartment had a washing machine and dryer, perfect for longer stays. The spacious bathroom had a walk-in shower (no bath).
We had a squiz at the pool — no time for a swim but it was very enticing, open to the fresh air but partially undercover so you won’t be burnt to a crisp. It’s a good length for lap swimming and there are plenty of sun lounges, tables and chairs close by. There’s a well-equipped gym too.
With 24-hour reception, Adina Town Hall has all the advantages of a hotel along with the benefits of a fully self-contained apartment. Being self-contained means you can self-cater if you wish. Yet there are so many restaurants nearby – in the CBD, Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Barangaroo – you really are spoilt for choice.
In short, the apartment has everything you could want from a city pad. When can we move in?
Adina Apartment Hotel Town Hall Sydney
511 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
www.adinahotels.com
Tel: +61 (0)2 9274 0000
With thanks to TFE Hotels for hosting us for a night at the Adina Apartment Hotel Town Hall Sydney. We stayed in Room 2006.
