It’s all about location when it comes to the Kimpton Margot
A new hotel puts you right in the thick of Sydneys new beating heart.
Three words define marque property throughout the world: location, location, location.
Actually thats one word three times. But you get the drift
So when Kimpton Margot entered the burgeoning Sydney hotel market, they picked a site that was so central you can just about walk anywhere. It is close to Pitt Street Mall, Hyde Park, Town Hall, Haymarket, Chinatown. Exactly what you need for a city staycation. Youre staying in the new throbbing heart of the metropolis.
I had not heard of Kimpton Margot before it arrived in the heritage-listed former Sydney water board headquarters. The brand comes from California and is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts group, which also includes the Regent, Intercontinental and Sixth Senses.
And it is part of that excellent new movement QT is another which turns former industrial or commercial buildings into great hotels with strong characters.
The water board HQ was certainly a challenge. Well over a century old, the building features architectural terracotta tiles, bands of bronze and copper elements, which make this one of Australias finest examples of the art deco style. Today, its amazing red marble columns punctuate a voluminous reception area and there are corridors of yellow tiles on the floors above. The hotel has made the most of an artisan setting to create something quite unique.
Our suite is an amazing mix of dark-wood furniture and snowy-white marble. There is a desk space, lounge, six-seater dining table and a kitchen. There is also a separate bath and shower, and a huge bedroom.
It is at the heart of the city, yet the building site next door which comes alive at 5am has workers tip-toeing around as they pour concrete to create the next towering edifice.
The hotel has another ace up its sleeve: Aussie iconic chef Luke Mangan. Now, we love Lukes food. Weve eaten his delicious fare, from kingfish sashimi and crab meat omelette to liquorice parfait, everywhere from Glass at the Hilton to P&Os ships. It remains culinary classy wherever its plated (and he often pops out of the kitchen to serve it himself).
Our dinner at Lukes Kitchen didnt disappoint, though the omelette was sadly not on this menu. Its lovely to be able to retire to our suite, watch a movie and sink into a wonderfully comfy bed.
Early next morning, we took advantage of the location to hunt down some dim sum. In the foyer were Dutch hire bikes not for us, but surely for someone.
Service at the Kimpton Margot was fresh and attentive, and we were sorry we missed cocktails in reception and the rooftop bar and pool just a bit too chilly in the winter.
Location, location location. Its what makes this hotel the perfect city stay.
Address: Kimpton Margo, 339 Pitt Street, Sydney.
Rooms: Prices start at $328 per night.
Verdict: Central location and fabulous art deco building make this a unique Sydney destination hotel. Luke Mangan gives it a culinary edge.
Explore more: kimptonmargotsydney.com
