Road Warrior Tested: Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney
By: Darren Booth
Bathroom: The long, rectangular bathroom featured a deep European bathtub separate from the marble shower. One side of the granite sink area offered plenty of room for all of my necessities. The other side (as shown left) housed the faucet taps, as well as shelves revealing shampoo, conditioner, lotion and body wash commonly found at most hotels. Bathrobes and slippers were available, and another set was in the large closet outside of the bathroom. As at most upscale hotels, a phone hung on the wall inside the bathroom.
Hotel Amenities: The Bistro Fax Restaurant and Bar on the lobby level features Australian cuisine with European influences for lunch and dinner, as well as a complete breakfast service. High tea is also available in the afternoon. In-room dining is offered 24-hours daily.
A health club and full-service spa is located on the Mezzanine level and features an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and fitness center. The business center is on the same level and included computer workstations, a printer and copier/fax.
An executive lounge is also present on the 10th floor, though I hadn't booked a room in that category, nor is access available to elite members of their loyalty program, unlike some other major hotel chains.
Service: Check-in and check-out were friendly, though nothing special. My elite status wasn't verbally acknowledged by the front desk staff (no big deal, but always nice when it happens). However, I did receive the room upgrade and in-room amenity of fruit and sparkling water per my normal benefits. Oddly, though, the morning newspaper wasn't at my door, but at most others down the hallway.
The concierge and doorman were incredibly friendly, helpful and always smiling. They were receptive to engage in conversation at every encounter, which you don't often find at some hotels.
Summary: It's a fantastic property and lives up to what I've experienced before, and expect, at the "Blu" brand of Radisson hotels.
