“And the Sydney sky
Is rainless and sings off key
But it’s cool in a weird way
That I wish I could be”

- Go Farther in Lightness, Gang of Youths

An annual trip to celebrate our anniversary - Sydney Australia ticks the boxes for sun, shopping and sparkling harbour views. We seek those rainless Sydney skies that singer/songwriter David Le'aupepe from Gang of Youths alludes to in the song Go Farther in Lightness….

However, this trip posed a few challenges for tourism. Australia had been battling their worst fires and drought in decades and this had taken its toll on citizens and the economy. The usually sparkling city of sunshine and shimmering waters had been clouded in a deep red smoke and choked by the pallor of the national fires crisis. Tourism was at an all time low but we felt for our cousins across the Tasman and decided to continue our trip. Based on the news reports we changed our hotel from one with a harbour view by the Rocks to one which was tucked away closer to the CBD.

We chose well.

The smoked glass exterior of West Hotel Sydney belied what was inside. We found ourselves in an urban sanctuary which honoured the native botanicals of Australia. Fitting, considering the devastating effect of the fires on the native Australian flora and fauna.

West Hotel Sydney Curio Collection by Hilton - Internal Courtyard

West Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton sits conveniently on the western side of the CBD by Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour. Small, intimate and stylish, the building is only 6 floors high on the road side yet distinguishes itself from the neighbouring pub and office building with a glamorously modern, dark faceted glass façade. This appealed instantly to my Architect husband Mr. M and I on arrival. Intriguing yet respectful this building doesn’t cry out for attention: its quiet allure is there for those who seek something different.

West Hotel was designed with an introspective viewpoint centred around a lush, jungle-like internal courtyard, creating an oasis from the city outside. Surrounding this verdant haven are comforting deep wooden hues, dark tiles and charcoal toned glass juxtaposed with velvet textures in tones of deep teal.

I had read that the architects were briefed to deliver an immersive experience for the guests - which would change with the light within this central courtyard - reflecting off the faceted, smoked glass façade. The rainless skies were only in the lyrics as we arrived under dark, brooding clouds, yet the glass façade performed as requested, reflecting light and piquing our interest in what lay inside…

West Hotel Sydney Curio Collection by Hilton - Atrium

Entering the light-filled, yet intimate entrance we were captivated with the triple height void filled with an ethereal sculpture suspended in mid air. Reminiscent of fine, tangled vines it also had a smoke-like quality: poignant considering the current Australian crisis. The dark clouds and heavy rains were gathering outside (a godsend for Australia and certainly not to put a damper on our trip), yet this light, airy, organic sculpture brushed the darkness away.

The atrium space with its diamond patterned wood flooring and a feature wall of textured, horizontal tiles evoked a feeling of comfort and repose. To the left, behind an illuminated golden ‘reed-like’ railing, was the lush internal courtyard filled with greenery. Ahead was the low-lit counter with a large scale floral mural of the rare White Waratah flower as an exotic backdrop for the welcoming staff member who greeted us warmly.

White Warratah Mural close up - West Hotel Sydney Reception

Continuing with the floral motifs, deep blue carpets with gold and cream coloured flora details led us to the right behind the open air atrium, which was anchored by the rich tan and golds of the leather couches and brass elements cocooning the lift lobby.

West Hotel Sydney Curio by Hilton - Lift Atrium view to Internal Courtyard

Exiting the lifts on the top floor, bright red and orange floral motifs popped from the deep teal coloured carpet as we walked down the hallway. Reminiscent of Australian textile designer Florence Broadhurst’s Japanese Floral designs, they added a warmth and vitality to the corridor.

The inside of our room was inviting and cosy. The deep blue coloured carpet featured floral Kangaroo paw motifs. Soft lighting emanated from behind a black geometric panelled wall which functioned as the bedhead for the King size bed. Crisp white bed linen with a charcoal embroidered border completed the picture. It all felt fresh and distinctive - so different from the typical beige and cream of many hotel rooms.

West Hotel King Deluxe Plus Banksia Room

West Hotel Room detail Chair and carpet.jpg

A cute, rounded back chair and footstool in the corner, upholstered in deep teal coloured velvet, sat alongside wooden bedside tables with black and gold lighting which reflected down from the bedside lamps. Normally, we would be keen to get outside into the sunshine but with the welcome rains we were pleased to be able to stop and settle into our cosy oasis. Music from the inbuilt Bluetooth ceiling speakers was connected and coffees made with the in-room coffee machine. And it was only 9am! (The advantage of travelling anywhere from New Zealand is that you travel ‘back in time’).

The in-room entertainment had a playful feature which allowed us to select what “curiosity type” we were: nature-seeking Pathfinders, gourmet-style Epicureans, arts-inspired Culturalists, mind-body focussed Spiritualists and adventure-seeking Challengers. The on-screen curiosity quiz recommended Sydney destinations and activities for each traveller preference: outdoor tours and adventures, food markets, art galleries, churches, cocktail bars and other unique interests relating to our types were suggested with their locations all close by the Hotel. *

There wasn’t an option for “Sleepy Kiwis” so being of the ‘Epicurian’ and ‘Culture’ types, we put on our raincoats and ventured back down to the Solander Bar, partaking in another piccolo and long black coffee (made by super friendly staff) and enjoyed the view of the lush atrium and Australian floral arrangements.

Revived by our double coffee intake we ventured out with a West Hotel Hilton umbrella to brave the rains and walk a quick few blocks into the Strand and QVB buildings.

After lunch at Mr Wongs, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art and a fix at our favourite bookstore Kinokuniya, we arrived back at West Hotel a little damp but laden with bellies full of dumplings and new reading material. It was time to freshen up for our Anniversary dinner reservation in Paddington at Saint Peter.

Imagine our surprise when we opened our door and saw a bottle of Australian Cuvée in an ice-bucket, champagne flutes and five of the most delicious house-made macarons we have ever tasted: each one a different flavour of intensity and balance and all beautifully presented on a black slate board with fresh fruit pieces and a luxurious schmear of decadent white chocolate. Bravo to the Solander pastry chef!

West Hotel Anniversary treat from staff.jpg

A card was written from the hotel staff congratulating us on our Anniversary. This was just another way West Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton show their point of difference: I had only mentioned our anniversary briefly in conversation at check-in. Yet another example of our delight in the details.

This intimate, designer Hotel experience is one which I urge any aesthete to try: we will certainly be going back to the lush haven of West Hotel, Curio Collection in Sydney and look forward to experiencing the atrium and a meal in Solander Dining and Bar - hopefully with sunshine but guaranteed the warm hospitality that Hilton staff are renown for.

West Hotel Sydney Curio by the Hilton was cool, but not in a weird way.

“A curious traveler is someone whose desire for one-of-a-kind discoveries draws them to distinctive hotels that are an essential part of their travel experience,” said Stuart Foster, vice president, Global Brand Marketing, Curio Collection by Hilton.