The newbuild Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour represents the first foray by IHG’s upscale brand into the CBD area of the Emerald City in a decade.

Soaring 13 storeys high, the latest addition to Crowne Plaza’s portfolio has started welcoming guests at last. We find out more.

Crowne Plaza’s stylish offering unveiled in Sydney

One of IHG’s best-loved brands has made its long-awaited return to Sydney’s CBD. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project has already been held to celebrate the landmark moment, attended by VIPs like Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Tourism Australia; Dean Long, CEO of The Accommodation Association of Australia; Margy Osmond, CEO of Tourism & Transport Forum; and Stephen Mahoney general manager of Destination NSW.

To say that 2020 has been a difficult year for hospitality would be a huge understatement, and so any time a major new hotel opens in these challenging times is surely cause for celebration across the sector.

Leanne Harwood, managing director of IHG Australasia & Japan, said: “This is a tremendously exciting time for the industry, as well as for IHG and Crowne Plaza. Globally, we are completely transforming the brand as we build hotels of the future with flexible design and innovation that modern travellers crave.

“And, here in Australia, 2020 really is the year of Crowne Plaza, with the refurbishment of our existing estate, and the opening of new hotels in Hobart, Adelaide and Sydney Darling Harbour. From its sustainability initiatives to new technology in the rooms and restaurants, Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is a wonderful addition to the brand’s growth in Australasia.”

New-look Crowne Plaza showcases guest-oriented design

The 152-key Sydney CBD hotel at Darling Harbour boasts Crowne Plaza’s updated design, which has a focus on smooth transitions between work and leisure time. One of the main features of this new approach is the Plaza Workspace, a casual zone where guests can work, have coffee meetings and network with other guests. These facilities are complemented by amenities where guests can relax and rejuvenate, such as the rooftop heated infinity pool, or sweat off the day at the 24-hour fitness centre.

The hotel is fully connected across all private and common areas, and guest rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views out over the city. In addition, these rooms have four distinct areas – a work desk, a relaxing lounge area, a sleep zone and a generously proportioned bathroom.

The property also has convenient access to all of Darling Harbour’s main features and attractions, including the Pitt Street Mall, the International Convention Centre and Barangaroo.

Let’s take a look at some ongoing Crowne Plaza projects: