InterContinental Sydney Double Bay by IHG — Hotel in Sydney

Four years ago I rated this a five star experience - I’ve stay 10 times over the years, my last stay was my last. Tired, unclean rooms; the worst room service I’ve experience, no membership acknowledgement or treatment and when issues raised received the ‘thanks for letting us know, we’ll do better next time’ - although there won’t be a next time for us. We booked a harbour facing room arriving from Dubai at 930 pm. Checkin was initially good - very nice recptionist, but quickly became aware that no membership acknowledgement or upgrade had taken place - we were supposedly given a great room which was at the end of the row and had a construction site out the front. Got up to the room - Sydney is a known backwater when it comes late night dining and so after lokkk g at what was available around (nothing!) we thought we order room service - there was almost nothing on the menu. We tried to order through the ridiculous online system which asked us to put in a phone number to get a text confirmation - that never came through. Ring reception, no one answers, ring again you can hear the phone being redirected around the hotel until it feels like someone in car parking answers. Long convoluted ordering process - always on. hold whilst they check what we order is available, again and again. Finish ordering go to have shower - shower is dirty with hair on soap dispenser, start looking around the room it’s tired, ripped lampshades on each side of the bed and the shear curtain, crumbs in the minibar server, dirty spoon (clearly jump been given a light wipe) it’s 11 now we’ve flown 14 hours we just want to sleep - bed was clean and properly made.

Food arrive and some how they’ve made it without flavor - like they boiled the spaghetti bolognese all together and then drained (this one one of the three options available) the ham and cheese panini was two huge slices of bread a thin piece of ham and cheese. Desert not brought up with the meal nor was the water - they are ‘going to check if available’ - we never hear from them again, we eat half the ham sandwich 1/8 of the inedible bolognese and go to sleep. Wake up at 7 am too a Huge piling rig out the front our room. Walking around the room in the morning carpet feels sticky in front of the balcony, eeeeww we’re totally done by this stage

Save your money and stay elsewhere, in its current state, this is no better than a highway motel. There was no manager on when we checked out at 1 (they were good enough to give a later checkout) sent a long detailed list with photos and got a nice reply which basically said we are sorry but thanks for your money. Lesson learned, we should have kicked up immediately on noticing each and every issue, we paid in full for the terrible room service

Save your money and stay else where. This is on the down hill slide and expensive for nothing

Overpriced for nothing - has Swedish bathroom supplies in a pump pack like a gym rather than individual -...

We took two rooms here (travelled with parents). We were staying in Double Bay because we have a long history with the area, having lived here in the late 1990’s and kept a place here till early 2000s. This was the old Ritz Hotel and has been refurbished. The area is simply the best place to be in Sydney for convenience, shopping, eating and a village feel. If I visit Sydney I always stay here, go to Joh Bailey for a haircut (super place and a lovely guy) and eat either at nearby places like Catalina (Rose Bay), Margaret (DB - new Neil Perry place) and the literally dozens of fab places to eat either within walking distance or a 5 min Uber away. The hotel has a lobby you take a lift to and is plush. Rooms are good (we had two adjoining exec rooms) and the breakfast is nice. The gym they use is on the ground floor and is excellent. The pool on the roof not so great but there is a bar there so that’s good. Breakfast is good with a decent buffet selection. Service isn’t quite at 5 star level and they have some issues there - all minor but a little annoying. The laundry service isn’t great and they have lots of rules and times etc. This should never happen in a 5 star hotel, but to be fair when I said I was unhappy with the times and the forms and the slow turn around after initially hanging up on me (I was polite but there are definitely training issues here with some staff) the duty manager rang and said no again. I told him that wasn’t really how a 5 star should operate and that they should collect laundry when the guest asks and then give the times they can do rather than refuse to or in this case collect it and then return it to my room unwashed because it was outside the times and they wanted some form filled in (which the attendant whom collected it said I didn’t need to do as they would do it - which is what literally every single 5 star in the world does except this one). So the duty manager was also unhelpful but later someone else called and said they would collect the laundry and do it. We had room service one lunch also and it was fine but not amazing - having said that most room service is patchy everywhere. On checking in I usually get some recognition as an Intercon Diamond/Platinum Ambassador. I did this time in the form of some fruit etc but usually I get a one level upgrade of rooms and the hotel was far from full but not this time. I just feel this property needs a management shake up. Its position is perfect and I will stay again but the staff are all officious and quite cold and a frankly a little mean. I get the feeling they think you should be grateful they let you stay there - which is just insane. A bit of training and new management would fix it I am sure because the ingredients are all there for a fab hotel in the best position in...

We recently had the pleasure of staying at the InterContinental Double Bay in Sydney for two weeks, and it was a truly magical experience—one we will never forget.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Vanessa at Concierge, who was not only kind and professional but incredibly attentive. After our long journey, she personally brought us coffee, water, and ensured we had everything we needed to settle in comfortably.

At the front desk, Veronica greeted us with exceptional hospitality. She knew who we were and had our room ready for early check-in, which we greatly appreciated after a long flight. She was courteous, professional, and eager to assist in every way possible. Throughout our stay she tended to our every need, she is absolutely exceptional.

Our room was spacious, with a stunning view overlooking the bay and Sydney Harbour. It was beautifully appointed, fully automated, with sheer and blackout shades and a luxurious marble bathroom. The balcony became one of our favorite places to relax and take in the incredible surroundings.

Veronica had recommended the breakfast buffet, and she was absolutely right—it was outstanding. The selection was varied and fresh: everything from fruits and vegetables to proteins, pastries, cereals, and a wide array of juices. The à la carte offerings and beverages were excellent. The breakfast staff was phenomenal: Juan, our server most mornings, was the epitome of professionalism and courtesy. Michelle, the hostess, went above and beyond—assisting with drinks when needed and always greeting us with warmth. Bruna was sweet, attentive, and made us feel at home. Elaine, the barista, made some of the best cappuccinos, lattes, and hot chocolate we’ve ever had—both beautiful and delicious.

In housekeeping, Amaya and Andrea ensured our room was always impeccable. They checked in often, provided complimentary water daily, and took great care to make sure we felt comfortable throughout our stay.

Beyond the hotel itself, the location is unbeatable. Steps away from some of Australia’s finest restaurants and chefs, just a short walk to Baker Blue, Next Door, and the local farmers market on Thursdays. The ferry to Sydney is just 2–3 blocks away, making it easy to explore the city while enjoying the charm of Double Bay.

This trip truly felt like an experience of a lifetime. We feel incredibly lucky to have chosen such a wonderful boutique hotel in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the InterContinental Double Bay for making our stay so special. Our sincere apologies if we've missed any names—every single staff member was exceptional. We look forward to...