Review: Rydges Sydney Airport hotel launches new executive king rooms

The latest upgrade to this Sydney international airport hotel has added new room categories with luxe features and amenities for an even softer landing.

Take the stress out of getting to the airport on time with a stay over the night before.

The low down

Pre and post flight sleeps in Sydney now include new ways to stay in the revamped Airport View Executive King and Executive King Rooms at Rydges Sydney Airport where luxury LaGaia toiletries, Dyson hairdryers and Nespresso machines help you refresh in style. 

Location

Mere steps from Sydney International Airport there’s no need for taxis, Ubers or hotel shuttles here, just walk across the road and you’re there. If you’re flying the next morning you can get the airport train to the International Terminal and stroll on over to the hotel. Or if you’re like me and have just flown all night and day in an economy seat the joy of being able to walk straight from the airport to your hotel room is real. As an added bonus the Qantas Terminal Transfer is directly opposite the hotel so I was able to clear security before being bussed to T3 for my domestic flight the next morning. 

The hotel is located tarmac side.

Set the scene

In 2019 the hotel went through a major refurbishment of public areas including the lobby, cafes, restaurant and bars and as I walk through the doors I’m greeted by a light, bright and airy space with Tasmanian oak timber and Australian sourced marble touches. To the left of the lobby Smithy’s Bar and restaurant is buzzing, while to the right there’s an open library space with computers and printing facilities. 

The business space offers computers and printing.

There are self-serve kiosks to check in and out but as there are no queues I choose to check in with a smiling human instead. To save lugging luggage over carpet you can take your airport trolley all the way to your room, where you can either stay in with room service or head up to the bar for open air cocktails with runway views before dinner in one of the two restaurants. 

It's light, bright and breezy at check in.

The room 

In March this year the Rydges Sydney Airport introduced new room types with eight Airport View Executive King and two Executive King rooms. I’ve scored one of the new airport view rooms, which feels fresh, modern and cosy at the same time and features warm timber accents, and rivet style art and details in a nod to the Sydney Opera House. 

The new King rooms are bougie plus.

In the bright white bathroom luxe LaGaia toiletries wash the long flights away while the Dyson hairdryer adds to the feeling fancy freshen up. Beside the bed hardcover travel books and a retro Marshall Bluetooth speaker are a nice touch, while in the wardrobe I find waffle robes and slippers along with the safe, iron and extra pillows and blankets.

The mini bar is stocked with soft drinks, chocolate, chips, nuts, kombucha, beer wine and more, along with complimentary Nespresso machine coffee and T2 teas. There’s a small work area and couch and a 50-inch smart TV with casting capabilities to watch shows from your own device with the free Wi-Fi. 

Timber accents add a warming effect to the room.

Thanks to the soundproofed windows and black out curtains it’s easy to forget there’s a runway right outside my window as I snuggle down in my king-sized Rydges Dream Bed. But I love watching the planes before bed at night and throwing the curtains back in the morning to see early morning airport life at dawn. 

Food & Drinks

For casual bites Smithy’s Bar on the ground floor is the place to be, while for open air cocktails and snacks with runway and city views head up to the Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar.  

Cocktails at Cloud 9? Don't mind if we do.

For dinner and the included breakfast I make my way to The Ascot on the mezzanine level where the hotel’s signature restaurant offers two course meals for $69 and three courses for $79. I go for the 250g dry age beef striploin with fat Desiree potato chips followed by apple rhubarb crumble and that perfectly cooked juicy steak really hits the spot. 

Along with the mostly Australian wine list the drinks menu includes Australian spirits, craft beers, ciders, cocktails and mocktails including a delicious and refreshing vanilla and quandong caipiroska. 

Two or three-course meals at The Ascot.

If you just want to stay in your room for the night keep in mind the room service here is so popular it can take up to 45 minutes, so call as soon as you get to your room to check the estimated timing and order before you hop in the shower if it will be a while.  

The extras

While the hotel may be pool free there’s a large gym with cardio and cable machines, free weights and more. If you’re like me and doing a short onward hop before coming back to Sydney the hotel can also store your bags for $15 per bag per day so you can leave your check in behind and fly carry on only. 

What’s hot

Being able to walk from baggage claim to your hotel shower and big comfy bed in a modern room in mere minutes. 

What’s not

The position of the blackout curtains behind the mini bar is a bit of a stretch. A button to open and close would make life easier. 

The verdict: 8.5/10

The new look and feel rooms at Rydges Sydney Airport have created a welcome and luxurious way to start or end an international flight. 

Book here

The writer was a guest of Rydges Sydney Airport. 

Originally published as Review: Rydges Sydney Airport hotel launches new executive king rooms