Just footsteps from Sydney’s iconic Hyde Park, the Australian Museum and the CBD, the Pullman Hyde Park Hotel meets the needs of leisure and business travellers.

Check-in

I arrived at midday and it was efficient and hassle-free. This is Mardi Gras territory and there’s an unmissable rainbow at the front entrance. The lobby is relatively large with a lounge area, a cafe, a bar, and a hire car desk. Service is with a smile.

The Location

On the fringe of the city’s business hub and retail shopping as well as Hyde Park’s expansive green space across the road. Pullman Hyde Park is only a 20-minute walk to Circular Quay where you can take in the splendour of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge and the Opera House or catch a ferry across to Manly. The trendy neighbourhoods of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst are close by and well worth exploring for their boutiques, bars and restaurants. The Australian Museum which hosts globally-recognised exhibitions is a few blocks away. The hotel currently has a stay package that includes tickets to the must-see Machu Picchu and The Golden Empires of Peru exhibition.

The Rooms

The room I stayed in was comfortable, with a king bed appointed with firm pillows (just the way I like it but maybe not for everyone). I had a good night's sleep, thanks to the quality bedding and minimal noise from the surrounding area. The room itself was spacious, with a seating area, desk, and a great view of Hyde Park, which freshens up otherwise tired furniture.

While the room had the basic amenities you'd expect from a 5-star hotel, there was a lack of modern tech. There were no smart controls for the blinds or lighting, so guests will have to manually pull down the blinds and flick switches for the lights. It has a bit of catching up to do with the more tech-forward hotels in the area.

The bathroom was functional, with all the necessary toiletries and a large shower, though again, it felt a little dated compared to more contemporary hotels I’ve stayed in. The shower was large and over a corner bathtub that felt a bit retro.

The Vibe

The vibe at Pullman Hyde Park is relaxed and unpretentious. It’s a hotel that doesn’t try too hard to impress, but it also doesn’t skimp on comfort and quality. The overall look is relatively understated with some velvet seating and cushions in the bar that offer some pizazz. The hotel is ideal for those who want a quiet space to unwind, yet still have easy access to all of Sydney’s best attractions.

The Service

What truly stood out during my stay was the service. The staff at the Pullman Hyde Park were consistently friendly and attentive throughout my time there. From the concierge to housekeeping, everyone I interacted with was warm and eager to ensure my stay was comfortable.

Food and Beverage

The hotel has a restaurant and a bar that offer a range of food and drink options. While both are pleasant this is not destination dining. The restaurant provides a no-fuss breakfast buffet with the usual cereals, fruit and western hot food like eggs, bacon and beans. Where Pullman Hyde Park really shines is in its room service. The in-room dining menu is extensive and offers a variety of options, including comfort food and more gourmet dishes. I ordered a club sandwich and fries one evening and it exceeded my expectations. It also arrived very quickly and was hot. If you’re looking for something more exciting than the hotel restaurant, I highly recommend ordering in.

Amenities

There is a rooftop pool with city and coast views that’s well worth a look. I took a morning dip when no one was around and then made use of the sauna in the gymnasium bathroom. The gym itself has enough equipment to keep your routine on track.

Verdict 8/10

The location is fantastic, with easy access to key spots in Sydney, and the rooms, while a bit outdated, are comfortable and offer great views of the park. What the property lacks in newness it makes up for in comfort and service with friendly staff always on hand to help. The Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is an affordable option for families or business travellers who want to be on the city fringe.

The writer was a guest of Pullman Sydney Hyde Park. The lead-in rate for the Machu Picchu package is $329.

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