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| Rydges Australia Square |
On a recent visit to Sydney, I enjoyed an overnight stay at Rydges Australia Square, a contemporary hotel in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Formerly known as the Tank Stream Hotel, the property combines its interesting Sydney history with modern accommodation and hospitality.
For my stay, I was accommodated in a Premium King Room and enjoyed a comfortable evening, a good night's sleep and a buffet breakfast at Le Petit Flot the following morning.
A Hotel With An Interesting Sydney History
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| Rydges Australia Square |
The property was originally a 1960s commercial building on the corner of Pitt and Hunter Streets. The site was associated with Dymocks, which operated a bookshop there for many years, before the building was redeveloped and converted into a hotel.
Planning approval was granted for alterations to the existing building, including the addition of four new levels and its conversion into a hotel. The property subsequently opened as the Tank Stream Hotel before becoming Rydges Australia Square.
The former name referred to the Tank Stream, Sydney's historic freshwater watercourse, which played an important role in the early European settlement of Sydney.
Today, the hotel provides a contemporary accommodation experience while its location remains connected to one of the city's most fascinating pieces of history.
A Welcoming Reception And Easy Check-In
My arrival at Rydges Australia Square was straightforward.
The reception lobby has a contemporary appearance and provides a welcoming first impression. The check-in process was efficient, with the reception team assisting me with the arrival formalities and providing the information I needed for my stay.
The hotel has a 24-hour reception, which is useful for travellers arriving at different times.
I found the arrival process uncomplicated, allowing me to settle into my room without delay.
My Premium King Room
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| Rydges Australia Square |
The room provided a comfortable and practical environment for relaxing after a day in Sydney. Contemporary decor, comfortable furniture and a king-size bed created an inviting space, while the room's design made good use of the available area.
The Premium King Room also features city views and soundproofing, together with complimentary Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, an espresso coffee machine, tea-making facilities, a mini refrigerator, electronic safe, iron and ironing board and hair dryer.
I particularly appreciated the combination of comfort and practicality. Everything I needed for an overnight city stay was readily available.
A Comfortable And Practical Bathroom
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| Rydges Australia Square |
The room's bathroom also included Thankyou bathroom products and a hair dryer, providing the everyday amenities needed for a comfortable overnight stay.
For me, the walk-in shower was particularly useful after a busy day in Sydney and added to the feeling that the room had been designed around the practical needs of travellers.
The Smart TV Was Easy To Use
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| Rydges Australia Square |
The television provided access to entertainment and streaming, and I was able to use it myself without any assistance.
This was especially convenient in the evening. After spending time in Sydney, I could return to my room, relax on the bed and watch movies and stream entertainment.
It may seem like a small detail, but being able to operate the television easily without having to call reception added to the convenience of the stay.
A Good Night's Sleep
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| Rydges Australia Square |
The king-size bed, air conditioning, soundproofing and double-glazed windows helped create a comfortable retreat from the activity of the city outside.
For an overnight visit, the room offered the right balance between comfort and functionality.
Breakfast At Le Petit Flot
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| Le Petit Flot breakfast buffet |
The restaurant provides a pleasant setting for beginning the day, with a food offering influenced by French cuisine and contemporary Australian dining.
I enjoyed the buffet breakfast, which provided a selection of hot dishes, pastries, seasonal fruit, cereals, yoghurt, breads and spreads, together with hot and cold beverages.
Having breakfast within the hotel was particularly convenient. There was no need to leave the property early in the morning to find somewhere to eat.
The breakfast provided a relaxed start to the day before I headed out into Sydney.
Exploring Sydney From A Central Base
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| My window view of Australia Square |
The hotel is located at 97 to 99 Pitt Street, close to Wynyard Station and within convenient reach of many of Sydney's major attractions.
Pitt Street Mall is nearby for shopping, while Circular Quay provides access to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and ferry services. Darling Harbour, Martin Place, the Queen Victoria Building and numerous restaurants, cafes and bars are also easily accessible.
The location works particularly well for visitors who enjoy walking, while public transport provides an easy way to travel further afield.
Wynyard Station is only about a five-minute walk from the hotel, providing access to Sydney's train network. Light rail, buses and ferries can also be used to explore other parts of the city.
For visitors travelling from Sydney Airport, the airport train provides a practical public transport option, while taxis and rideshare services offer door-to-door alternatives.
A Convenient Choice For Business And Leisure
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| Le Petit Flot breakfast buffet |
Business visitors can take advantage of the proximity to Sydney's financial district, complimentary Wi-Fi and meeting facilities, while leisure travellers have shopping, restaurants, entertainment and attractions close at hand.
Rydges Australia Square also provides meeting and event facilities, including Le Petit Flot, a private dining room and an executive boardroom.
For guests wishing to maintain their fitness routine, the hotel provides complimentary access to an Anytime Fitness gym nearby.
Checking Out
After breakfast, I returned to my room before preparing to leave.
Check-out was just as straightforward as check-in. The reception area provided an efficient departure point, and I was soon on my way.
For an overnight stay, I appreciated the uncomplicated arrival and departure experience. There was no unnecessary fuss, allowing me to concentrate on enjoying my time in Sydney.
My Overall Impression
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| Rydges Australia Square |
My Premium King Room provided a comfortable place to relax, with contemporary decor, practical furniture, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a well-equipped bathroom and a Smart TV that I could easily operate myself. The ability to watch movies and stream entertainment in the evening was an added convenience, while the soundproofing helped create a restful environment.
Breakfast at Le Petit Flot was another highlight, offering a convenient buffet breakfast within the hotel before beginning another day in Sydney.
What particularly worked for me was the overall simplicity of the experience. From check-in through to check-out, the hotel provided the facilities and services I needed without making the stay complicated.
With its dining, convenient transport connections and access to Sydney CBD attractions, Rydges Australia Square offers an enjoyable and refreshingly local way to see, taste and explore the city. It is a practical choice for travellers visiting Sydney for a night, a weekend, a business trip or a longer city break.
Rydges Australia Square
Website: https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/australia-square/Email: reservations_rydgesaustraliasquare@evt.com
Phone: +61 2 8222 1200
Address: 97 to 99 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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