Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport

Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport is a solid pick as far as airport hotels go, just don't expect cutting-edge style. The atmosphere throughout the hotel is predictable, with traditional details and crowd-mollifying neutral tones almost anywhere you look. The large lobby has handsome details like ornate banisters, a grand pillared balcony, and an impressive chandelier suspended overhead. Seating areas add a homey feel, with table lamps and an unusual vertical garden. The Argentinian grill restaurant has a younger, funkier style featuring bright colored furniture and artwork. This has raised mixed reviews, but there's a more traditional bar and cafe area too. It's a busy hotel, with many travelers passing through en route to the airport or attending functions. Guests are predominantly corporate travelers and couples, with some families in the mix as well. 

Stamford Plaza is located across the street from Sydney Airport. For travelers with light luggage, it's a 10-minute walk to the domestic terminals (T2 and T3), or a five-minute drive, and about the same by car to the international terminal. Bus and train connections can be picked up from T2 for the international terminal with a 10-minute transit time. It's about a 20-minute journey by train from to Central Station, in the heart of Sydney. The same trip takes about 15 minutes by car. There's not a lot to do locally, but it's a 10-minute drive to Alexandria, which has a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Rooms at the Stamford Plaza have a classic finish that's not necessarily dated, but not exactly memorable either. Expect to see lots of neutral decor in white and light brown, plus plush furnishings, carpeted floors, and generic floral art on the walls. They're spacious, and have welcome touches like comfy armchairs with foot rests. Deluxe Rooms on the higher floors have views of the airport runways -- great entertainment for families with young children, and all are well sound-proofed. Standard features include air-conditioning, electric kettles, minibars, safes, hideaway flat-screen TVs, and irons. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only available for a fee. Raffles Suites have separate bedrooms and living areas, each with a TV, and add dining tables, sinks, and an extra guest bathroom. Suites can be interconnected with double or twin rooms, making them suitable for families and groups. Bathrooms are a good size, and feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Suites have tubs and separate showers, plus double sinks, bathrobes, and L'Occitane products. 

This hotel has a number of extras that help make it a convenient place to recharge before or after a flight. The lobby houses two eateries. La Boca is an Argentinian grill restaurant that serves traditional parilla -- or wood-fired barbecued meats. It also serves an international buffet breakfast with an egg station for a fee. Some previous guests have been disappointed with the bright decor and specialized menu. AV8 is a cozy pub-style bar and cafe, with a menu of more traditional light meals and snacks. There's an outdoor lap pool, which is unheated, as well as an excellent gym with a good range of cardio and weight machines, plus a sauna and whirlpool. The hotel has 11 function rooms catering for up to 500 people, plus an outdoor terrace. The internet lounge features several guest PCs, printing, and work space. Wi-Fi is extra -- unless booking direct -- which is disappointing. Other amenities include a 24-hour concierge and airport shuttle, though the latter also comes with a fee.