Elegance of the Grace Hotel 


 

 
Stepping into the foyer of The Grace Hotel is a little like stepping into an Agatha Christie movie. The lobby, with its' towering angular columns and leadlight windows peering out from behind timber balustrades, evokes a timelessness rarely seen in inner city Sydney. I'm almost anticipating a dark suited gentleman to step from the lift with an elegant drop-waisted dressed lady on his arm, obligatory lengthened cigarette holder held aloft. But all I encounter are other guests similarly dressed as I am, rugged up against the chilly winter breeze whistling down York Street outside.

I've entered a world of charm, grace and history at the meticulously restored Art Deco inspired Grace. With it's grand 65 metre corner tower, fan-vaulted ceilings, decorative ironwork balustrades and stonework, veined marble and majestically lit atrium, the hotel seamlessly merges warm comtemporary furnishings with the modern technology and comforts demanded of today's guests.
            

The Grace Hotel is an elegantly restored heritage listed Neo Gothic hotel built in 1930. Situated in the heart of Sydney's CBD, The Grace fronts three of Sydney's most prominent streets - York, King and Clarence. As they say, it's all about location and it doesn't get more convenient than this. Step out of the lobby and head west and within minutes you'll be at Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour. The dockside promenade is chock full of restaurants, bars and entertainment. Across the footbridge that spans the harbour is the National Maritime Museum and more waterside entertainment and dining.

Back at the Grace, and heading East you'll find one of the best shopping precincts in inner Sydney. Challenging The Grace for elegance is the Queen Victoria Building (QVB). The arcade exudes charm with its' leadlight glass, soft lighting and upper mezanine floors with wrap around balustrades, filled with tiny boutiques filled with exotic treasures. Linger over a coffee at one of the charismatic tea shops or cafes and enjoy casting your eyes over the delights of this oh so civilised shopping experience.

 


Nearby you'll also find David Jones, Myers at Sydney Central Plaza and the Pitt Street Mall with enough retail outlets to satisfy the most jaded shopper.

Moving north away from the retail and into the financial district, the stark architecture of city skyscrapers gradually give way to the gracious curves of the Harbour Bridge peeking between the buildings. Make sure you've got your walking shoes on when you head off in this direction. The Rocks, the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay with it's busy ferry terminal, all encourage plenty of exploration by foot.

Returning to the Grace after a busy day of exploration, it's a pleasure to sink onto the inviting bed for a quick power nap before the city lights beckon.

The Grace Hotel has 382 spacious guest rooms dispersed over 11 floors. They have all been designed with the frequent traveller in mind, with the latest in modern telecommunications including broadband, voice mail and data points installed in every room. The Grace beds are internationally renowned for their exceptional comfort, enhanced by feather pillows and doonas.  While the rooms are are not large, they are perfectly comfortable with modern furnishings in muted tones and are well equipped for an extended weekend.

  

The Grace Building was constructed by the Australian department store impresarios, the Grace Brothers, as their Sydney headquarters. Inspired by the Chicago Tribune building in the USA, the Grace exemplified the Neo Gothic architectural style and contained state of the art innovations and facilities for its time.

Extensive renovation during the 1990s retained and meticulously restored its many original features such as light fittings, lifts, stairwells, high pressed-metal ceilings, marble floors, wide hallways and elegant decorative ironwork. For those looking for a classic hotel with a little charismatic charm, go no further than the Grace.

  
Checklist
Contact The Grace Hotel 77 York St Sydney NSW 02 9272 6888

Tarrif

From only $230 per night for two with a delicious full buffet breakfast. Guests have complimentary access to the Health & Fitness Centre with sauna, steam room, indoor lap pool and outdoor sundeck overlooking the city skyline.

Stepping Out

Walking is the best way to absorb the colour and flavour of downtown Sydney. For exploring further afield, buy and all day pass on the ferry service and enjoy and day enjoying Sydney's magnificent Harbour at a fraction of the cost of a guided tour.

Must See

 The Rocks is worth a day's dedication, as is the Royal Botanic Gardens and the waterfront walk that stretches all the way from Darling Harbour to Woolloomooloo.
We Adore The graceful lines Art Deco lines of the foyer make it a pleasing place to linger.

We Abhor

 Grafitti and grunge on the streets take the gloss off meandering through Sydney streets









 



 
 
 Updated January 2009
 


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