The Luxe List 2016: Primus Hotel Sydney

The rooftop pool at Primus Hotel Sydney.

The rooftop pool at Primus Hotel Sydney.

A vacant building in Sydney’s central business district is rare indeed, let alone a space with heritage features and large enough to house 172 rooms and suites. But that’s exactly what the Primus Hotel had to play with, the new property occupying a prime piece of real estate that was once home to the Metropolitan Water Sewage and Drainage Board. Abandoned for a number of years, the handsome 1939 edifice—the last
major government building to be completed before the outbreak of World War II
—held a number of surprises for developers, not the least being eight burgundy 
scagliola pillars hidden from public sight since 1965 when a mezzanine floor was built over the lobby, blocking their full eight-meter height. Now a major focus in the hotel’s entrance, the pillars are crowned by a ceiling of glass, reflecting light off the gloss of marble floors below. While there’s no denying the appeal of Art Deco flourishes, ex-Rockpool chef Ryan Hong’s stellar restaurant, or bathroom amenities courtesy of Sydney’s own Appelles Apothecary, the hotel’s highlight is arguably its rooftop. Once used as a rifle range, the vantage now houses a guests-only pool and bar, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of Australia’s largest city. (61-2/8027-8000; primushotelsydney.com;
 doubles from US$212).

This article originally appeared in the December 2016/January 2017 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“The Luxe List 2016: Primus Hotel Sydney”).

Inside the Executive King Room.

Inside the Executive King Room.

The lobby at Primus Hotel Sydney.

The lobby at Primus Hotel Sydney.

Share this Article

Related Posts

Five Countries That are Flattening the Curve

The examples of these nations—all in the Asia-Pacific region—offer some much-needed hope and a w...

Six Stories on Wildlife Encounters from Our Archives

With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day coming up this week, we present a selection of must-read Dest...

Covid-19: The Asia-Pacific Countries Now Easing Restrictions

News from these three nations are a rare bright spot amid the daily deluge of gloomy headlines.

The Luxe List 2022: Best New Hotels in Asia-Pacific

From a rain forest lodge in Queensland to a converted Rajasthani fortress, read on to discover where...

Qantas to Reroute Sydney-London QF1 to Fly Via Darwin

This will result in the first-ever non-stop flight from Darwin to London, making Darwin the second ...

15 Reasons to Visit Australia in 2022

With New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria already open to vaccinated travelers, it’s time to st...