A Rose Margarita at Solander Dining, West Hotel, Sydney.
Courtney Whitaker stays at The West Hotel, Sydney.
Location: You can't get much more central than Sussex St. Pitt St mall is a 10-minute stroll away, and the new and popular Barangaroo precinct, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour are also close by.
Check-in experience: The reception desk sits in front of a stunning wall-length mural of the rare white waratah flower, painted specifically for the hotel by artist Heidi Willis. I was warmly welcomed and swiftly checked in.
Room: Botanical themes feature heavily, giving the rooms a boutique look and feel. I loved the use of bold floral carpets, and mismatched blue and green velvet chairs. A marble desk and brass accents added a touch of luxury, and the king bed looked inviting against a backlit blue herringbone-patterned feature wall. Extras included in-built surround-sound speakers, which were able to be connected to your phone or device via Bluetooth, a Nespresso machine, complimentary snacks and 49-inch wall-mounted television.
The hotel: The West , Australia's first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, opened in January with 182 sophisticated, well-appointed rooms. The striking, modern exterior of the hotel, with its geometric black glass, certainly stands out among its older counterparts.
The bed: I slept like a queen in the luxurious king bed, buried in a gaggle of goose-down pillows.
The bathroom: A stylish modern space, with black frosted glass on the shower and bathroom doors, a custom-designed marble vanity, and fluffy bathrobes. The mood lighting in the bathroom, however, is both a blessing and a curse: it's relaxing and calming, and at the same time less than ideal for makeup application.
Toiletries: Beautifully scented, paraben-free Australian products by Biology Smart Skincare.
Food and drink: Solander Dining, off the downstairs atrium, should be your first port of call. Breakfast is served here each morning, with both continental and a la carte options.
There is a noticeable focus on healthy, plant-based food here, in line with the theme of the hotel. Dinner at Solander was a highlight of my stay, and executive chef David Vandenbeele has created a menu using fresh, locally sourced produce. My seared salmon with fresh garden peas, fondant potato and lemon myrtle yoghurt was a winner. The bar is not to be missed for a pre-dinner tipple, and has a menu of creative cocktails using infusion techniques such as sous vide. I ordered a Rose Margarita with Gold tequila, activated charcoal and house-made rose and violet syrup (pictured); other options included a pressed organic Beetroot Colada and a Hibiscus and Bark Sling. Drinks are best enjoyed surrounded by the lush greenery of the jungle atrium.
Facilities: As well as a restaurant and bar, the hotel has a well-equipped 24-hour gym.
Views: I was on level seven, facing west, and could glimpse the water from our elevated spot above the motorway. There is a particularly pretty view at night with the surrounding buildings lit up.
Contact: westhotel.com.au; solanderdiningandbar.com.au
Wi-Fi: Free and fast.
Price: Rooms start at AUD$208 per night.
What's so good about this place: The attention to detail and bespoke design touches make for a special oasis away from the busy surroundings.
Perfect for: The "curious traveller" seeking an authentic experience, a couples' getaway, or for business.
Would I return: Yes please.