Dressed to impress, the coolest airport hotel you’ll find in Sydney is the Moxy. Less than two years old, this playful hotel has serious design credentials, with a stylish foyer bar and restaurant, coffee bar, and a sprawling lounge riddled with old-school games, including skee-ball, Jenga and Connect Four.
Facilities: Off the lounge is an art gallery/meeting room, and a music room where you can also play table tennis. There’s a gym, and a mini store for nifty last-minute purchases, such as sleeping masks. Dine in and order something delicious from the new menu. Just when you think the Moxy can’t get better, hotel management offers five night’s free parking when you stay a night, and a complimentary airport shuttle service.
Rooms: I stayed in the Family Loft, which is the perfect size for two parents and a child. The design is compact and practical, with a collapsible coffee table and two chairs hanging neatly on the wall.
Moxy Sydney Airport
Located next to the Adina, this former Holiday Inn was given a $15 million overhaul in 2022, before being rebranded as Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport late 2024 and undergoing another multi-million-dollar refurbishment. It’s a great choice for people with time to kill pre- or post-flight as there’s a large gym, sauna, restaurant, and buffet breakfast dining room.
Facilities: The gym is well-equipped, Biggles Bar and Grill has a great a la carte menu, and the breakfast restaurant has a kids’ corner. There is also an underground car park.
Rooms: I love the big, plush Premium Rooms, featuring a king bed, sofa bed and desk.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport
ADINA APARTMENT HOTEL Sydney Airport
The biggest selling point of this Adina property is that it’s in an incredibly convenient location on Bourke Street, Mascot. It’s a short stroll with a wheelie bag from Mascot Station, a handful of Asian restaurants, and a Woolworths in case you’ve left your toothbrush
at home on the Central Coast. The other reason you’d book here is you’re guaranteed a comfy, clean, smart room that the Adina brand is known for.
Facilities: There is a small gym, a conference room and underground secure parking that fits a standard 4WD.
Rooms: My Studio Room was spacious, with a king bed, lounge and desk. It’s great for business travellers who want somewhere reliable without any fuss, as well as families.
Holiday Inn Express Sydney Aiport
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS Sydney Airport
Another favourite of mine is this other IHG property, which has a lower price point than its aforementioned sister, and is best for quick stays. It’s in a handy location among a collection of airport hotels, and is opposite a bakery.
Facilities: A bonus of staying here is the complimentary Express Start Breakfast buffet in the reception area, where there is also a small lounge. There is no restaurant, but the hotel allows you to order food through Menulog. You’ll also find a gym and on-site parking.
Rooms: The Guest Room is colourful, stylish, and includes a small desk.
THREE WAYS TO REACH THE AIRPORT
- Catch the train to Sydney Airport Domestic or International stations, via Central Station.
- Drive and park at the Blu Emu Car Park (with free shuttles to the domestic terminals), or there are a number of closer car parks; book online for discounts.
- For a hassle-free experience, book a transfer with Coastwide Airport Transfers, which has a fleet of air-conditioned minibuses, with child seats and baby capsules.
The writer travelled as a guest of Moxy Sydney Airport, TFE Hotels, and IHG Hotels and Resorts.
