8 Arrivals Court, Mascot, Australia | (888) 616-5829
Unbeatable airport location across the street from the international terminal
Quiet rooms with plug-in work stations, minibars, and flat-screen TVs
Various dining choices: cafe, sports bar, and bistro
Multiple meeting rooms and business center
Well-equipped fitness center with cardio and weight machines
24-hour room service, concierge, and self-service laundry available
Full bistro breakfast available (for a fee)
Free shuttle to domestic terminals
On-site car rental
Free Wi-Fi
Small bathrooms have only partial door separating toilet area from bedroom
Parking at airport terminal deck is expensive
Breakfast is not included in all room rates
Cab from domestic terminals in off hours is expensive
Located directly across the street from the airport's international terminal, the 318-room Rydges offers an appealing package of superior location, competitive rates and air-traveler-oriented amenities. An upscale hotel that's a step above standard airport properties, Rydges has rooms that earn high marks for their comfortable beds and quietness, even those rooms overlooking airport runways. But smallish standard rooms and dark bathrooms with partial doors downgrade the otherwise elegant accommodations. For travelers that want a hotel a bit more connected to Sydney, the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach has an oceanfront location, but it's about a 10-minute drive to the airport.
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Scene
Stylish, airport atmosphere with dining options and work spaces
Rydges loudly announces its airport-complex status at every turn. The exterior resembles that of an airport terminal with two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. The bright, linear lobby exudes the feeling of passing through an airport terminal with flowing, curved white walls, tile floors, arrival/departure screens, and various check-in stations in lieu of a single front desk. An open coffee shop and sports bar with airport views reinforce the feel. Plus a stenciled mural of an aerial landscape suspended above the front desks gives another strong hint. Deep, sand-colored couches and work areas with power outlets are tucked away and soften the space. Its airiness and library lounge help make it a pleasant area to work, eat, or await a flight. Typical of airport hotels, the lobby can be busy at times with tour groups and other guests arriving en masse. The lobby-level sports bar is a hub of activity with its banks of flat-screen TVs and pleasing pub grub. The mezzanine-level, bistro-style restaurant offers a quiet alternative with steaks, seafood, and pasta entrees in an intimate settling.
Location
Directly across the street from the international terminal
The Rydges is the closest hotel to Sydney's busy international terminal. Located directly across the street, it's a comfortable walk even for travelers with baggage. Domestic terminals are about 10 minutes away via the hotel's free shuttle, which operates during peak hours. Downtown Sydney and all of its attractions are approximately five miles north; train service takes about 15 minutes. The international terminal offers several takeout and sit-down dining options as well as duty-free shopping. Other fast-food dining options are within a five-minute drive from the hotel. Parking is adjacent to the hotel at the airport terminal, but it's expensive. Discounts for guests are available by securing parking in advance via the hotel's website.
Rooms
Comfortable beds in quiet setting with minibar and flat-screen TVs
Rooms are clean and surprisingly quiet for a busy airport hotel, and Rydges' premium bedding package gets rave reviews. Design is streamlined and tasteful with white walls and linens, dark-brown wood accents, box-frame wood desks and jet-black desk lamps. Multicolored striped pillows, pattered brown-and-teal carpeting, and framed photos of Sydney landmarks add color to the neutral palette. All rooms are outfitted with plug-in work stations, free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, electric kettles, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Suites and Deluxe Queen Rooms with outdoor terraces are available. But standard rooms feel small and a bit bleak, especially those overlooking the airport parking deck. The modern, brown-tile bathrooms are dark and smallish, with toiletries, hairdryers, square ceramic sinks, and walk-in showers. Unfortunately in some bathrooms, only a partial door separates the bedroom and toilet areas, which could present privacy issues.
Features
Free airport shuttle, concierge, 24-hour room service, fitness and business centers
Rydges amenities are worthy of a luxury hotel with concierge, 24-hour room service, on-site car rental, and barista-made coffee in the lobby. The 24-hour fitness center has a full range of cardio and weightlifting equipment; the self-service laundry is open 24/7; and there's a business center plus several computer terminals in the lobby for guests' use. Several meeting rooms are available for business travelers including a rooftop space. The bistro serves a full breakfast (for a fee) and dinner, and the sports bar offers lunch and dinner. A free hotel shuttle takes guests to domestic terminals; parking and the airport rental car drop-off area are adjacent to the hotel.
