Review: InterContinental Sydney Double Bay

Published Feb 22 2025, 11:36 AM, Updated Feb 22 2025, 12:52 PMPerfectly positioned in the sophisticated and cosmopolitan suburb of Double Bay, the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay offers a luxurious escape a few hundred meters from the beach. It has a rooftop pool and bar, stylish accommodations, and ferry access to Sydney’s CBD city life while enjoying a much classier location.

Location

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is situated in one of Sydney’s most prestigious neighborhoods renowned for its leafy streets, high-end boutiques, and chic cafes. In and around Double Bay, guests can enjoy peaceful walks along the waterfront, explore cultural attractions, or immerse themselves in the local dining scene.

The hotel is just 10 minutes from Sydney’s CBD by taxi or ferry, providing easy access to Sydney’s attractions without the constant hustle and bustle. The hotel is well-connected but is removed from the tourist-heavy areas including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The surroundings of the hotel are actually much nicer than the surroundings of most of the hotels in central Sydney.

Those looking to experience Sydney’s natural beauty can visit the hidden gem of Redleaf Beach, a serene harborside retreat ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Redleaf Beach (also known as Murray Rose Pool) is near InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. It is located in Double Bay, about a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The beach features a harborside tidal pool with a wraparound boardwalk, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

Style & Character

The InterContinental Double Bay in Sydney was initially built in 1991 as part of the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain. It was later rebranded as the InterContinental Double Bay in 2014 after the InterContinental Hotels Group took over the property.

InterContinental Double Bay has seven floors that overlook the elegant suburb of Double Bay, with many of its rooms offering stunning views over the harbor.

The hotel’s grand interiors incorporate marble, arched doorways, plush furnishings, and refined décor. Glittering light fittings are inset into the ceilings, and grand staircases give the hotel a regal feel. Inspired by the great hotel bars of London, Rome, Paris, and New York, the hotel’s bars and lounges reflect an era of glamour and sophistication.

Whether guests are enjoying a cocktail in The Bar’s stylish setting or lounging by the rooftop pool, the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay offers a chic and relaxing experience.

Service & Facilities

The hotel boasts an impressive range of facilities, on-site parking, and EV chargers for eco-conscious travelers. The pet-friendly policy makes it easy for guests to bring their furry companions along for the experience. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art gym, Fit Collective, which features Technogym equipment, free weights, treadmills, and personal trainers to assist with workouts.

One of the hotel’s standout features is its stunning rooftop pool, a true showstopper that offers panoramic views of the harbor. With heated waters, cabanas, sun loungers, and attentive towel service, the rooftop pool is the perfect place to unwind.

The InterContinental in central Sydney also has a pool, but it is indoors, so the pool at the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is a huge highlight and could well convince guests choosing between these two InterContinental hotels to choose the Double Bay InterContinental over the central Sydney InterContinental option.

The exclusive Club InterContinental lounge enhances the luxury experience for suite guests, offering private check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening canapés with drinks.

Rooms

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay features 140 elegantly designed rooms and suites in grey hues, which are flooded with natural light. Chaise lounge seating is placed in front of the window and balcony, and rooms on the higher levels offer breathtaking views of the sparkling bay, the village, or the charming French provincial courtyard.

The guest room balconies are large enough to sit out on and enjoy a morning coffee, but they are not large enough to lounge on all day. This is partially because the seating is upright and arranged around a metal table. Seating in some lower rooms is placed on an exterior patio, giving these rooms extra outdoor space.

Rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and coffee makers. The plush bedding and tranquil ambiance make for a restful night’s sleep, while the spacious bathrooms, complete with premium bath amenities and rain showers, add to the sense of indulgence.

For those seeking the ultimate luxury experience, the suites provide added space and comfort, with access to the exclusive Club InterContinental lounge.

Food & Drink

The Upper Bar, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, provides a breathtaking setting for small plates and expertly crafted cocktails. With stunning harbor views, this venue is perfect for socializing and celebrating special moments. It is open daily from noon until the early evening.

Drawing inspiration from some of the world’s most renowned hotel bars, The Bar transports guests to an era of classic glamour. Its opulent design, velvet seating, and expertly curated cocktail menu make it a must-visit spot for those seeking an elegant drinking experience. The cocktails feature gold-leaf olives, premium vermouths, and a mix of herbaceous and citrus-based liqueurs.

High tea enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s signature afternoon tea experience, which presents an exquisite selection of delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and premium teas. Whether indulging in an elegant high tea or savoring a handcrafted cocktail, guests are treated to exceptional flavors in a refined atmosphere.

Guests can also shop and dine at the upmarket Double Bay boutiques and restaurants. There are loads of great cafes and restaurants located close by, along with the Double Bay ferry service to Circular Quay if you want to eat out in the center.

Conclusion

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay offers a stunning rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views of the harbor, something most city hotels lack. Its chic rooftop bar is perfect for sunset cocktails in a quieter setting.

Because of its tranquil location, it feels more exclusive and relaxed than hotels in Sydney’s bustling city center. The surrounding boutique shops, high-end restaurants, and stylish cafés offer a sophisticated village-like charm with an entirely different vibe from the city center’s high rises. Many rooms offer serene harbor views rather than just urban skyscrapers.

For travelers who appreciate sophistication, tranquility, and waterfront luxury, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay offers a more refined and relaxing alternative to staying in the city center.

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