The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney

The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney, formerly known as The Citigate Sebel, has just completed a $20 million refurbishment to become Sydney’s latest 4.5 star hotel.  

The hotel’s refurbishment has already been recognised by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) with The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney recently named the ‘Redeveloped Hotel of the Year’ at the 2009 AHA NSW Awards for excellence.

The architect behind the refurbishments, Michael Munro from Hosking Munro, said the hotel has undergone a complete transformation.

“The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney is now characterised by its open public spaces, modern design and natural light,” said Michael Munro.

The exterior appearance of the hotel has been completely revamped. A new colour scheme, frameless glazing throughout the foyers, revamped entry and glass street awnings along the length of the building have completely updated the hotel’s street presence.

The reception area also underwent major changes. It is Australia’s first hotel to feature a hotel lobby in-ground glass aquarium. Measuring 10.2 metres in length and 2.65 metres in width, the 41,000 litre aquarium is the lobby’s focal point and home to 20 Japanese Koi fish including the hotel’s mascot Albie.

“The idea for the in-ground aquarium came from hotel owner, Dr Jerry Schwartz who, due to his passion for all things water, uses fish tanks in his properties as his special signature. Specialists were called in to draw up the plans of the aquarium and ultimately install it,” added Michael Sheridan. 

The refurbishment included an overhaul of the 270 guest rooms, all of which now include king ‘Cloud’ beds with a 15-cm thick bed topper for exceptional comfort. The rooms feature large screen LCD televisions, modern timber furniture, new custom-designed sofas and spacious bathrooms.

Hotel guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s newly refurbished range of recreational facilities including a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, heated spa and sauna. The pool area features several large skylights which effectively brighten the area with natural lighting.

The redesigned Townhouse Bar & Restaurant, named after the iconic Sebel Townhouse in Elizabeth Bay, is located on the ground floor of the hotel. The bar includes a newly constructed open air area as well as the option to dine or drink inside. The bar design encompasses the trendy Surry Hills atmosphere with clean modern lines and natural lighting.

For more information, contact The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney on (02) 9289 0000 or visit www.sebelsurryhills.com.au.

The Mature Traveller was delighted to accept an invitation to inspect the property, with an overnight stay.

It was everything you would expect from a Sebel, the quality of the restaurants, their attention to detail, the very comfortable accommodation and the exceptional friendliness of all the staff.