Sydney's HOTTEST Hotel: Holiday Inn Potts Point - Unbelievable Views!
Holiday Inn Potts Point: Seriously Stunning Views…But Is That Enough? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – and maybe a little bit of the coffee (because that's how I roll) – on the Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney. They boast "Unbelievable Views!" in their tagline, so naturally, I had to check it out. And let me tell you, the views… are pretty damn impressive. But, like any good hotel experience, it's a rollercoaster of highs and lows. I’m going to be brutally honest here, so prepare yourselves.
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- Keywords: Holiday Inn Potts Point, Sydney Hotels, Hotel Review, Potts Point, Views, Accessibility, Spa, Gym, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Breakfast, Pool, Cleanliness, Safety, Family-Friendly, Modern Hotel
- Meta Description: Honest & detailed review of the Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney! Stunning views, but does the experience live up to the hype? Explore accessibility, amenities (spa, gym, restaurant!), cleanliness, & more in this candid breakdown.
- Title: Holiday Inn Potts Point Review: Amazing Views, But Is It Worth It? (A Brutally Honest Take)
First Impressions & Views, Views, VIEWS! (The Good Stuff First, Naturally)
Okay, let's be real, the location is gold. Potts Point is gorgeous, a vibrant hub with a cool, slightly bohemian vibe. And the views from the hotel? Honestly, they almost knocked me off my feet. I snagged a room (after a bit of a wait, more on that later) with a harbour view and, damn, it was breathtaking. Picture this: sweeping vistas of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the whole shebang, framed by a giant window. Seriously, the first thing I did was just stand there, slack-jawed, for a good ten minutes. I even tried to take a selfie, but the sheer scale of the view was overwhelming. It almost felt… cinematic. Definitely a major plus.
The Room: Functional, But… Let’s Call It “Efficient” (and Not Much More)
The room itself was clean, which is ALWAYS a win. The daily housekeeping meant the bed was made, and the towels were fresh, which is the sort of luxury I can definitely get behind. The air conditioning worked a treat – Sydney summers are brutal! There was basic stuff: a coffee/tea maker, which I used incessantly. The safe box was a good touch. Let's not forget about the blackout curtains, essential for a good night's sleep (especially if you're battling jet lag, like I was).
Now for the "buts." The decor? Let's just say it wasn't exactly… inspiring. Functional, yes. Stylish, no. It felt a little… generic. The TV featured the usual satellite/cable channels, which, while expected, didn't quite scream "luxury". The desk was perfectly adequate, but the laptop workspace felt a bit cramped. And the carpet (the bane of my hotel existence) was… there. I'd rate it a 6/10.
Accessibility: Mixed Bag, Sadly (And a Bit of a Pet Peeve of Mine)
Now, I didn’t personally experience all the accessibility features directly, but I always check these things. The hotel boasts facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, which you'd expect in a modern hotel. They have wheelchair accessible rooms, which is great. HOWEVER, I didn't see a lot of obvious signage or easily accessible information. The layout felt a little… maze-like. It definitely could be improved. I strongly believe this is something hotels need to prioritize.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
Taxi service is readily available, and the hotel is super close to the train station. There's car park [on-site], which is actually quite valuable in Sydney, considering how parking is gold, and it looked to be at a pretty reasonable price. Not that I had a car myself, but seeing options is always good.
Internet: Bless the Free Wi-Fi Gods (and a Grumble About the LAN)
Thank goodness for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a non-negotiable these days, in my book. And it worked well, for the most part. Streaming my shows at night was a must. However, the whole Internet access – LAN thing? I'm pretty sure I didn't even touch the port. Let's be honest, who uses a LAN cable these days? Maybe they should re-allocate some of that wiring into improving the WIFI bandwidth. But again, the free WIFI was a real blessing.
Food & Drink: A Pleasant Surprise (and a Few Mishaps)
The restaurants were decent. The breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard – your usual suspects of eggs, bacon, pastries. The Asian breakfast option was a nice touch. The coffee/tea in restaurant was good, if a little slow in bringing it at times. The Poolside bar was a real treat. Happy hour was a solid deal. The bar area itself was buzzing with activity. The room service [24-hour]: I did order room service once, and the soup was actually quite good. However, the delivery was delayed, and the soup wasn't as hot as I would have liked.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Mini-Spa, But No Promises (and a Seriously Needed Gym!)-
The hotel has a Sauna, steamroom, and even a spa. I didn't get a chance to experience any of these features in their totality – again, time constraints played a major factor for me. But the gym was an absolute must--and to be candid, it was small, but well equipped.
Cleanliness and Safety: Generally Impressive (Especially Considering the Times)
Let's face it, safety is paramount, especially these days. The Staff trained in safety protocol was noticeable. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. The Anti-viral cleaning products they use were, by now, a given. The Rooms sanitized between stays was very reassuring. They have CCTV in common areas and outside the property. The front desk [24-hour] always made me feel at ease. For example, one day I saw a cleaning staff member meticulously sanitizing the elevators. It was reassuring to see.
The Real Messy Bits: The Human Side of Things (and Some Minor Gripes)
Okay, now for the juicy bits, the little imperfections that make a hotel truly memorable (for better or worse).
- Check-in/out [express]: This was a bit of a mixed bag. I arrived, exhausted from my flight, and the queue was… long. I was standing there for a while! Luckily, the staff were friendly, but the process felt a little slow. I think they need an extra staff member for the busy periods.
- The Elevator Saga: The elevators, initially, felt a little slow.
- Missing Amenities: One thing I noticed and found a bit odd, was the lack of a convenience store. Considering the location is prime, and it's still a hotel, you'd think there would be a spot for quick snacks and emergency toiletries.
- The Service: A Mixed Bag: Some staff members were absolutely fantastic – friendly, helpful, and genuinely enthusiastic. Others… well, let's just say they could have been having a better day. It felt a little inconsistent, which is something I always notice.
- The Noise Factor: Okay, this is a minor gripe, but worth mentioning. Depending on the time of day, you could occasionally hear some street noise. The soundproofing could have been slightly better. But it's a city hotel, so I'm not going to hold it against them.
Final Verdict: Spectacular Views, with Some Work to Do (but I'd Still Go Back!)
Overall, the Holiday Inn Potts Point is a solid choice. The views alone are worth the price of admission, seriously. However, it's not perfect. It's more "functional" than "luxurious." The staff could use a little more consistency, and there's room for improvement in terms of streamlining processes and accessibility.
Would I stay there again? Probably, yes. The location is unbeatable. The views are that good. And while I'd have some minor expectations, I'd be prepared for a few hiccups. Just be prepared to embrace the good, the bad, and the occasionally slightly indifferent, and you'll have a perfectly pleasant (and visually stunning) stay. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next trip back.
Beaumont's Best-Kept Secret: Suburban Studios (TX) Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you’re about to get a real look at my chaotic, sleep-deprived, and ultimately, amazing trip to Sydney, specifically basing myself out of… deep breath …the Holiday Inn Sydney Potts Point, an IHG Hotel. God, that’s a mouthful. Let’s just call it the Holiday Inn. Right?
Trip: Sydney, Australia - AKA "Operation: Get My Sun Drunk" Duration: 6 Days. Lord, have mercy.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pizza Panic of Potts Point
- 7:00 AM (Sydney Time): Okay, so I arrived. Jet lag is a REAL demon. My brain feels like someone's stuffed it with cotton wool. The flight was… well, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Except maybe Brenda from accounting, who keeps using my stapler.
- 7:30 AM: Managed to find the airport transfer. Success! Although, it's taking a solid hour to get to the Holiday Inn… which actually is not that far, but still.
- 8:30 AM: Check-in! Okay, the lobby is… functional. Not exactly Instagram-worthy, but it's got a coffee machine, and that's what REALLY matters. The room? Small but clean. Standard Holiday Inn fare. Fine by me. I'm here to see Sydney, not the interior design of a hotel room, though the wallpaper makes me nauseous.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Unpack. Attempt to fight off the urge to nap for 12 hours straight. Fail. Managed to stumble upon a tiny, cute coffee shop across the street. The coffee was strong enough to revive a corpse, which is precisely what I needed.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Or, rather, the Great Pizza Panic of Potts Point. I swear I walked for a mile trying to find a decent place to eat. Every place was either packed, closed, or looked like it sold things I didn’t want to eat, so i ended up settling for pizza. It was okay. Edible, that's the most important point.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore Potts Point. OMG, the architecture is AMAZING! The art deco buildings make me feel like I've stepped into a movie. I did a quick walk around the area to soak it all in, I felt like a tourist, a very tired tourist, but a tourist nonetheless.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Nap. I'm not even ashamed. Jet lag is a valid excuse, OKAY?!
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a random Thai place. It had a good vibe and the food was surprisingly good. Pad Thai to the rescue!
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Actually asleep. It was a miracle.
Day 2: Harbour Views and a Serious Seagull Standoff
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling (relatively) human. Breakfast at the Holiday Inn. Free buffet? Score! The usual suspects: scrambled eggs that were probably made from powder, some questionable sausages, toast, and the ever-present stale coffee. I filled up.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Harbour cruise! Okay, the Harbour is STUNNING. I mean, seriously, the Opera House? The Harbour Bridge? Iconic! I got a little emotional. I’m a sucker for pretty views and historical landmarks. Also, the boat staff were pretty good looking, so. Bonus points.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch near the Opera House. Got ripped off by a tourist trap restaurant. The fish and chips were soggy, the service was slow. Lesson learned: research your restaurants, you idiot!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Wander around The Rocks. I bought a ridiculously overpriced souvenir. It’s the law.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: THE SEAGULL STANDOFF. Okay, this deserves its own paragraph. I bought a ridiculously good-looking ice cream cone. It was sweltering. I took ONE lick. BAM! Seagull attack! A huge, terrifying bird swooped down and tried to steal my ice cream. It was like something out of Hitchcock. It was terrifying but also… kind of hilarious. I, a grown woman, SCREAMED. Eventually managed to chase it away, but my ice cream was ruined. The seagulls, they win. The bastards.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Recover from the seagull trauma. Ice cream is a core memory, ugh,
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Find a genuinely good restaurant. Italian food. The pasta was divine. The wine? Crucial for recovering from a seagull incident.
- 8:00 PM: Crash. Sleep like a log. Probably because I was traumatized by birds.
Day 3: Bondi Beach Blowout, and a Very Long Walk
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Another go at the “eggs.” Wonder if they change their recipe over the many years.
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Bondi Beach! Okay, Bondi. I can see why people lose their minds over it. The beach is beautiful, the waves are epic, the people are gorgeous (mostly – let’s be honest, some of them are just… tanned). Spent some time just lounging around.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Oh. My. God. It was beautiful, yes, but it was also… LONG. I hadn't expected the level of hiking, or the sun. I took a lot of pictures. My legs are currently screaming. I'm pretty sure I saw a mermaid. Or maybe I need more water.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Find a pub near Coogee. Beer. Lots of beer. Needed.
- 7:00 PM: Walk back to the hotel??? NO. Cab. Definitely a cab.
- 8:00 PM: More food. And maybe another nap.
Day 4: Museums, Markets, and the Pain of Shopping
- 10:00 AM: Slept in. Thank the gods of sleep.
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: The Art Gallery of NSW. Actually incredible. I’m not even a huge art person, but the current exhibit completely blew my mind. Also, the building itself is gorgeous.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lunch and then the Paddington Market. The market was not for me. Lots of expensive clothes I couldn't afford and crafts that looked like my first grade art project. Left empty handed.
- 4:00 - 5:00 PM: Shopping for souvenirs, yet again.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a fancy restaurant. Finally feeling like a civilized human being. This one was actually good, thankfully.
Day 5: Scenic World and… More Coastal Bliss
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast and pack my stuff, tomorrow I'm leaving.
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Scenic World in the Blue Mountains. Wow. The views are insane. The cable car ride was terrifying. The "world" felt like a trip through another planet. The rainforest walk was incredibly peaceful.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Last meal in Australia. Had a beer and ate some of the leftover pizza.
- 7:00 PM: Pack more.
- 8:00 PM: Order some room service and watch some TV
Day 6: Bye Bye, Sydney!
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. The most hated sound on earth. Pack last-minute things, check out, and head to the airport.
- 10:00 AM: On the plane. Goodbye, Sydney! I'm exhausted, sunburnt, and broke, yet so happy.
Overall Impression of the Holiday Inn Sydney Potts Point:
It was… fine. Functional. Clean. Close to everything. The location was great. The breakfast? Let’s be honest, after a few days… boring. But hey, it had the basics, and the staff was friendly. Would I recommend it? shrugs For the price and the location? Yeah, sure. But don’t go expecting luxury. Go expecting a place to sleep and shower after a day of adventures. And maybe bring your own coffee filters. Just in case.
Final Thoughts:
Sydney, you magnificent beast. I loved you. From the iconic sights to the seagull attacks, it was a trip of a lifetime. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm investing in better sunscreen. And maybe a bird-repelling spray.
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Is the 'Unbelievable Views' thing just marketing fluff? Be honest!
Oh god, no! Okay, look, I’m a cynical New Yorker. I’ve seen "unbelievable views" before. Usually, they're 'unbelievable' in how *meh* they are. But at the Holiday Inn Potts Point? Seriously, prepare to have your jaw drop. I was there last month. I’d booked a room, thinking, "Yeah, yeah, city views…blah blah." Walked in, fumbled with my luggage, and then… *BAM!* The Harbour Bridge, Opera House, the whole damn shebang! Actually took a step back, nearly tripped, and swore like a sailor. My partner thought I’d seen a ghost. Worth it. Totally worth it. Just…prepare to be impressed.
What's the vibe of the hotel? Is it…fancy? Relaxed? Stuffier than a penguin convention?
It's a good mix. It's not so fancy you're afraid to breathe. Thank GOD. I mean, I once stayed in a hotel where they frowned at my *jeans*. Seriously?! This place? Relaxed and friendly is the best way to describe it. The staff are actually *nice* – not that fake, Stepford Wife nice, but genuinely helpful and not judging my perpetually messed-up hair. It feels…lived in, in a good way. People are actually *living* there, ya know? You see families, couples, solo travelers all just vibing. And the bar downstairs? Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail and some people-watching. (Highly recommended, by the way.)
Tell me about the rooms. Are they tiny? Is the air conditioning a rusty, wheezing death trap?
Okay, so the rooms aren't *palatial*. Let's be real. But they're perfectly comfortable. I’ve stayed in shoe-box hotels in NYC that cost three times as much! They’re clean, the beds are comfy (praise be!), and the air con… well, the air con WORKS!. And that’s a HUGE win. I hate a hotel room that feels like you're sleeping in a swamp. And the views… again, the views! Even from a standard room, you’re probably going to get a decent cityscape glimpse. But pay the extra for a Harbour View – you won't regret it. I’m serious. I keep dreaming about the sunrise over the bridge. Seriously! I should get a therapist.
Breakfast: Yay or Nay? Is it just sad, lukewarm scrambled eggs?
Alright, breakfast. Here's my brutally honest take: it's solid. Not Michelin-star amazing, but definitely not the worst hotel breakfast I’ve ever endured. They have your basics: eggs, bacon (hallelujah!), pastries, some fruit…the usual suspects. The coffee is decent (a MUST). My advice? Go early. Beat the rush. Oh - and the toast machine? It's a fickle beast. Took me three tries to get a properly toasted piece of bread. But hey, who am I to judge? I'm the one who accidentally set off the smoke alarm in my room at 3 AM on a previous trip by trying to microwave a Pop-Tart (don't ask) . So, yeah...breakfast? Worth it. Especially if you’re hungover from the bar downstairs.
Let's talk location. Is Potts Point a good base for exploring Sydney?
OMG. YES! Potts Point is fantastic. It's super close to the city center, but it also has its own charm. Think cute cafes, trendy restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere. Darling Harbour and the Opera House are easily accessible. And the walk to the Royal Botanic Garden? Gorgeous. Truly gorgeous. My partner even went for a morning run there. (I opted for a leisurely coffee and croissant. Priorities.) The train station is a short walk, which makes getting around incredibly easy. Plus, the proximity to the nightlife is a major bonus. You can walk back to the hotel after a night out, which is a huge win in my book. No expensive taxis or late-night Uber surge pricing to contend with!
Are there any downsides? Anything I need to be aware of?
Okay, okay, this isn't *perfect*. Nothing is. The hallways can get a little noisy sometimes, especially if you're near the elevator. I brought earplugs - problem solved! Also, parking can be a nightmare in Potts Point. Seriously, plan ahead or use public transport. Seriously. And…this is nit-picky, but the elevators are a *little* slow, but honestly not a huge deal. Oh, and the gym? I didn’t use it. It looked…gym-y. So, can’t comment on that. But overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. By a mile.
Can you tell me a specific moment or experience you had there that stood out?
Okay, this is going to sound weird. But the moment that *really* cemented my love for this place happened on my second day. I was at the bar, nursing a G&T, slightly hungover from the previous night. The bar staff – I think his name was Dave, or maybe Kevin? – anyway, he noticed I was looking a bit…ruffled. He made me a coffee, extra strong, and then, here’s the key bit...he just *chatted*. About the weather, about Sydney, about random stuff. No pressure to buy more drinks, no cheesy sales pitch. Just…a genuine conversation with a complete stranger. It felt so…human. I know this sounds sappy, but it was actually really nice. That little interaction just made me feel welcomed, and that is rare in a big city. And that, more than the views (although OMG the views!), is why I'll go back.
Is it good value for money? Or am I just paying for the view?
Listen, I’m cheap. I am! I'm the queen of budget travel. And I felt like the Holiday Inn Potts Point offered excellent value. The prices are reasonable, considering the location and the insane views. You get a good quality room, a decent breakfast (as mentioned!), and a super convenient location. You could find cheaper options, sure. But honestly, for me, the combination of everything – the location, the vibe, the views, that bloody friendly bartender.. makes it totally worth it. I'd pay double for the view alone!
Okay, one last question. Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Absolutely! Without a doubt, YES! Go. JustDelightful Hotels
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