Location: No 1. Martin Place, in the heart of Sydney’s business and financial district.
Background: Sydney’s newest hotel and Westin’s first Australian venture.
Accommodation: 417 rooms, including 51 Heritage Rooms located in the original building. The rest of the 366 rooms and 22 suites are located in a modern 31-storey Tower annex.
Rates: from £100 for a standard Tower room, from £180 for a Heritage room. Executive suite from £280. Westin Guest Office or Executive Club, an additional £12 per room per night.
Facilities: two ballrooms; six meeting rooms; Executive Club Lounge; Westin’s Guest Office rooms featuring in-room printer/ fax/copier/scanner.
Restaurant/bars: the lounge and bar are in the huge, open plan lobby area and atrium, as is the e-cafe which has painfully slow service. The bright and airy Mosaic Restaurant serves a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Service: service Express is a Westin initiative allowing guests to dial one number for any service or request.
Highlights: well stocked minibar; huge bathrooms with adjustable lighting.
Minus points: no harbour views.
Overall impression: Guest rooms are big and attractive. The sheer scale of the lobby area is breathtaking but slightly impersonal.