55 George St, Rocks, Sydney
138 388
Stepping inside the Holiday Inn Old Sydney, the bustling busyness of the Rocks precinct simply melts away.
First Impressions – Foyer
You’re immediately enveloped into a bubble of tranquillity as you step into the foyer of this family-favourite hotel.
Looking around – and up – the Holiday Inn interior was not what I expected. From the outside, the brown-brick building looks a little dated, but when you enter, the elegant colours and the well-positioned interior pieces create a modern ambiance. The wood interior creates a warm atmosphere.
First Impressions – Foyer
You’re immediately enveloped into a bubble of tranquillity as you step into the foyer of this family-favourite hotel.
Looking around – and up – the Holiday Inn interior was not what I expected. From the outside, the brown-brick building looks a little dated, but when you enter, the elegant colours and the well-positioned interior pieces create a modern ambiance. The wood interior creates a warm atmosphere.
Nestled on the left was a fireplace, small bar, a few high tables and chairs, arm chairs and couches. Quiet and inviting, it added a homely feel. On the right a tour desk and a display stand with ideas for things to do for visitors.
As well as the front door, there is a side door from the laneway (which is the entry to the car park) to the left of the front desk. A display stand with a plethora of tourist ideas and a baggage scale were a nice touch.
With my husband and three kids in tow, we were greeted warmly by the front desk staff, our car keys taken and within a matter of moments a staff member whisked out to valet park our car. We were handed our room keys and guided to take the lift to level 4.
Accommodation
Watch my video here
We were given two rooms for our party of five: King Executive and an adjoining Queen Standard room. The kids took ownership of the King room (which also had a sofa bed) and started exploring the features.
King Executive
Bright, clean, spacious and with a huge bed, the room was a hit. As well as the large windows (two with a Harbour view, and two looking down at the Rocks), the room featured a flat screen TV, coffee pod-style machine, desk, arm chairs and loads of storage space.
The bathroom was large,
white, clean and had a colonial theme (which suited the Rocks old-Sydney
feel you could see though the window.) A full-sized bath with a shower,
large mirrors and toilet. If you have young children though, they’ll
find stepping up and onto the loo a little difficult!
Miss 10 decided she LOVED the complimentary toiletries so much that she pilfered the mini-bottles to take home.
Miss 10 decided she LOVED the complimentary toiletries so much that she pilfered the mini-bottles to take home.
Queen Standard
Similar to the King, but with a smaller bed and smaller in size in general, however it still was a good-sized space. The bathroom was smaller as well, and contained a three-quarter sized bath.
Similar to the King, but with a smaller bed and smaller in size in general, however it still was a good-sized space. The bathroom was smaller as well, and contained a three-quarter sized bath.
Special Features
This is where the Holiday Inn Old Sydney shines. Guests take the lift up to Level 8 and then a flight of stairs to the rooftop.
OH MY WOW!
You get an almost uninterrupted 360degree view of Circular Quay, Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Harbour Bridge and East Sydney.
It’s glorious, tranquil and the perfect spot to ship-watch. Unfortunately there wasn’t a cruise ship at the Overseas Passenger Terminal that weekend, but you can imagine the excitement you’d feel the morning of your cruise, looking out and seeing your adventure awaiting!
I didn’t want to leave the rooftop to be honest, and I can comfortably say it was my favourite feature about the Holiday Inn Old Sydney.
Dining
If you have time, grab yourself a nice glass of wine before dinner and relax in front of the fireplace in the foyer. I met a lovely couple doing just that. Watch here. We headed up to the Terrace Restaurant on Level 1 and sat down to a nice dinner.
Kids were handed a separate menu with some tasty options, but I would note here that the serving sizes are more suited for much younger children, under 6 I’d say. I had the Winter special – a generous lamb shank which was literally falling off the bone, and my husband had the sirloin. It’s a pleasant place to dine.
Breakfast however really stood out for my family. A buffet breaky is always something we look forward to when we are travelling and the Holiday Inn Old Sydney buffet breakfast was great!
Loads of dishes, which were constantly topped up, a fresh-fruit juice station, an omelette station (and a waiter brings it to your table) self-serve real coffee machine and efficient staff that kept clearing tables and topping up dishes. Make sure you make time for breakfast before you board your cruise!
Proximity
The location of the Holiday Inn Old Sydney couldn’t be closer to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. You can watch my Livestream video here. It literally only takes a couple of minutes even if you have mobility issues. And, if you are arriving via ferry or train, it is a super easy walk from Circular Quay – about 5-7mins.
Overall impression
I would highly recommend the Holiday Inn for families. It’s great for couples and singles too, however if you want to stay in an ultra romantic, luxurious hotel with your lover, then this wouldn’t really suit.
This hotel is perfect for cruisers for a number of reasons:
Location – It’s right in the heart of the Rocks – a wonderful spot full of history and lots to for locals and those from around Australia and overseas.
The view from the hotel roof – Picture perfect!
Budget – Well suited for families who can’t afford a huge expense before or after their cruise.
Proximity to the Overseas Passenger Terminal – Even if your cruise is departing from White Bay, you can grab a taxi to the terminal or to King St Wharf to for the ferry.
Location – It’s right in the heart of the Rocks – a wonderful spot full of history and lots to for locals and those from around Australia and overseas.
The view from the hotel roof – Picture perfect!
Budget – Well suited for families who can’t afford a huge expense before or after their cruise.
Proximity to the Overseas Passenger Terminal – Even if your cruise is departing from White Bay, you can grab a taxi to the terminal or to King St Wharf to for the ferry.
Guest Laundry Facilities - always a bonus!
Staff – Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Thankyou Holiday Inn Old Sydney for your hospitality. The Winter Escape package is a great deal and starts from $225. You can find more details here
