RADISSON BLU PLAZA in Sydney - Hotel Review with Photos

SD › Sydney › Best Hotels › Radisson Blu Plaza Review
Updated: June 23, 2021

Essentials
• Location: O’Connell St in the city center.
• Hotel website: radissonhotels.com
• Hotel phone: +61 (0)2 8214 0000
• Check prices for Radisson Blu Plaza

Review of Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney.

The historic Radisson Blu Plaza hotel offers plush and comfortable rooms in a central location.

Radisson Blu Plaza – A historic hotel, centrally-located and quiet.

Based in an old building that takes up most of an inner-city block, the Radisson admirably maintains much of its history and character despite recent major renovations. Corridors with plush carpets and ornate lampshades lead to the Superior Rooms with a colorful combination of gold-colored cushions, grey carpets, and blue sofas. The windows are original and offer street views, and the lovely bathrooms come with marble baths. Slightly more spacious, the Deluxe Rooms feature identical furnishings, golden wallpaper behind the bed, and small balconies. With an indoor pool, some interconnecting rooms, and the possibility of extra single beds, it’s a decent option for families. Located in a quieter part of the city, it’s walkable to transport, shops, and restaurants.

Radisson Blu Plaza – The Location

Area: Along O’Connell St, in the city center and very close to Circular Quay for trains and ferries.
Address: 27 O’Connell St.
Nearest Transport: Bus – Spring St before Pitt St (200m), Tram – Bridge St (350m), Ferry – Circular Quay (500m).
Handy to: Hyde Park, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Aquarium, Tumbalong Park, Circular Quay.

Radisson Blu Plaza – The Basics

Guests: More suited to business people, but a decent option for holiday-makers.
Pets: Not allowed.
Views: Of the neighborhood.
Parking: Valet parking available for A$50 per night.
How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
Phone: +61 (0)2 8214 0000
Email: res.sydplaza@radisson.com
Website: radissonhotels.com

Radisson Blu Plaza – Amenities

Pool: Indoors, with a jacuzzi attached.
Spa: Tanya Day Spa is well-equipped and has a sauna.
Fitness Center: Sizable and open 24 hours.
Private Pools/Jacuzzis: None.

Radisson Blu Plaza – Food and Drink

Restaurants: Bentley Restaurant & Bar offers a top-of-the-town setting, silver service, and award-winning chefs. $$$$. • Lady Fairfax Room oozes history and charm. Open for breakfast only (public is welcome).
Lounge/Bar: The Fax Bar is alongside the lobby. Historic, atmospheric, and perfect for High Tea.
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast provided for an extra A$29-32.
Room Service: Available 24 hours.

Radisson Blu Plaza – Rooms

Room Types: Atrium Room • Superior Room • Twin Premier Room • Premier Room • Deluxe Room • Business Class Room • Studio Spa Suite • One-Bedroom Spa Suite • List of all Rooms
Smoking Rooms: By Australian law, smoking is forbidden within hotel buildings.
Best Room: On the highest floors for optimum views, the One-Bedroom Spa Suite offers a balcony, separate living area, and marble bathroom with spa.

Radisson Blu Plaza – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars

Kansai – Japanese buffets in a cavernous room downstairs.
Méjico – Trendy, with Mexican grills and spit-roasted delicacies.
Rockpool Bar & Grill – Contemporary Australian cuisine by a renowned chef in an Art Deco setting.

Local Transportation

2-minute walk to the train station and ferry terminal at Circular Quay.

Radisson Blu Plaza – The Hotel

The Radisson Blu Plaza hotel is based in an historic building dating from the 1850s and was used as a bank and newspaper office.

The Radisson Blu dominates a busy block in the city centre and faces three main streets: O’Connell, Pitt and Hunter streets.

Most of this area of Sydney is packed with high-rise office blocks, so the hotel stands out from the rest of the buildings.

The pool is notable but indoors and therefore, smells of chlorine.

The Superior Rooms are colorful, if a little garish, and simply furnished.

The decor inside the Deluxe Rooms is virtually identical to the Superior.

Most views are of other buildings across the street.

The streets around this area of Sydney are dotted with lovely old buildings from the 19th century.

Pedestrian Malls around Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Some of the side streets in the city centre have been converted into pedestrian malls. Regimental Square has a memorial to Australia’s involvement in overseas conflicts since World War II.

The hotel is just around the corner from Sydney’s major thoroughfare, George Street, which heads north 400m to Circular Quay (for ferries across the harbour) and south (1.3km) as far as Chinatown, past shopping areas like The Galeries.

Classy Boutiques in Queen Victoria Building

About 600m south down George Street is the iconic Queen Victoria Building, home to many classy boutiques and appealing cafés.

Popular shopping destination of Queen Victoria Building

One of the most famous shopping areas in Sydney, the Queen Victoria Building is within walking distance (600m) of the hotel.

Bargain-hunters' paradise of Paddy's Markets

Wynyard train station is about 250m west of the hotel. From there, it’s only two stops to Paddy’s Markets, a vast undercover area with hundreds of stalls.

There is always a chance to pick up a bargain at Paddy’s Markets.

About 300m north along the famous Pitt Street is Circular Quay, which faces the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House can be seen from most ferry trips across the harbour, starting from Circular Quay.

Ferry terminal between Opera House and Harbour Bridge

The city ferry terminal at Circular Quay is squeezed between Sydney’s two icons: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Affordable harbour sightseeing via ferry

The easiest and most affordable way to experience the magnificent Sydney Harbour is by public ferry. The only city terminal for services across the harbour is at Circular Quay, which is about 400m north along Pitt Street from the hotel.

About 700m north of the hotel along George Street is The Rocks. This former site of old Sydney town has been converted into an area of quaint cafés and trendy bars.

In The Rocks, The Orient is one of several pubs that claim to be the oldest in Sydney. Check rates and availability: Radisson Blu Plaza

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Sydney, Australia

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