Hotel Review: A by Adina, Sydney
- May 22, 2023
They say it always pays to have a Plan ‘B’. But when Plan ‘A’ is that good, you’ve just got to keep working at it.
Experiencing A by Adina, Sydney on a recent trip showcased a fresh concept in hotel living by TFE Hotels that is exceptional. A mix of sharp, professional service in a minimalist environment that distracts from the ordinary yet ticks all boxes.
Location, Location, Location
A by Adina is in the heart of Sydney CBD in Hunter Street and a ten-minute walk from Wynyard station. Entrance is through a sandstone corridor with a cascading water feature leading you to the lower-ground entry foyer.
From here, you’re welcomed and buzzed on to the 22nd floor, featuring Australia’s first Sky Lobby featuring colossal ceiling to floor glass windows that puts you in the Centre of Sydney’s skyscrapers.
Once again, ‘less is more’ blends in perfectly. The design cleverly encompasses its surroundings to make the big impression rather than taking away from it. The dimly lit lobby matched the magnificent Sydney sunset-hue that peeped through the neighbouring high-rises. Check-in was swift and personalised, with front-office executives ensuring guest preferences are matched with the reservation making guests feel welcomed and valued.
Digitally lavish
In another firsts, A by Adina integrates a control system that is programmed to seamlessly getting the room-ready as soon as the guest checks-in. Which means to start off, you needn’t go looking for a floor button on the elevator and then swipe your room-key.
The room floor is programmed into the key and a swipe on the lobby lifts will take you your room-floor. As I entered the room, the control system activated the programmed lighting and opened the luxurious linen drapes in my one-bedroom condo revealing Sydney’s lavish outdoors from the 16th floor.
The first 15 seconds in the room were a truly exhaling moment. On the centre table was a ready-to-drink Jasmine Negroni screaming ‘drink-me’ just right to set the mood after a ten-hour flight.
Top amenities
The one-bedroom apartment is a lavish 34 sqm with unsurpassed skyline views.
The large king size Dreamcatcher bed with fluffy, featherdown pillows are a luxury in it’s own with a host of wall-mounted USB charging points to keep on top of bedtime charging.
The bedroom features spacious wardrobes with an array of amenities. Bathrooms are functional and well-appointed with bath amenities from Hunter Lab.
Welcome to Dean & Nancy
For a well-deserved sundowner, head to Dean & Nancy; the hotel’s cocktail bar perched on the mezzanine above the lobby. Dean & Nancy is a classic 50’s style cocktail lounge evoking a sense of walking into a lively Memphis bar of the yesteryears. The busy scene at the nostalgic bar is complemented with a melodious soft-pedal of a grand piano playing live. All carefully choreographed to keep you at the seat. Large booths and reflective circular Italian marble tables are lavish and so is the mood-lighting. Again, the large windows provide a full spectacle of a Sydneysider sunset through the perpendicular skyscrapers. The relaxed tone is further enhanced by wonderful staff working the floor elegantly and enjoy serving you while striking an interesting conversation. The engagement is immediate with a vast knowledge of the variety of food and beverage options.
Beautifully crafted cocktails
‘Around the World’ is the cocktail list, which fits with my job-profile and it’s the bar’s take on some of the world most famous concoctions. I go for the ‘Twin Peaks’ which is a take on the age-old classic, Manhattan, and a slight tilt from perfect to the sweeter side. Just the way I like it.
Freshly shucked New South Wales oysters with a mignonette are hard to go past on the grazing menu. And to finish off the Wagyu with cured egg yolk, paired with Basquiat, a perfect ensemble of coconut washed whisky, cherry herring, and coconut bitters.
A full suite of features
The hotel features 194 tastefully appointed apartments and choices can be made from studios, one bedroom and two bedrooms. Not to mention a heated mineral pool and a fully equipped gym all with million-dollar views across the city’s skyline.
A by Adina is an epitome of modern luxury with every detail thought of. It might not be obvious at first sight but it’s there when you’re seeking it. Whether is business or pleasure, A by Adina envelopes your senses to deliver a superlative experience with style and flair. On your next trip to Sydney, don’t just check-in; Arrive…
My rating: 5 Stars