Citadines Connect Sydney Airport
When it comes to design and style, Citadines Connect Sydney Airport is the number one airport hotel at the moment. The price is good, and there’s an option for all types of budgets from economy to first. The location is perfect and within walking distance from the terminal although just slightly far enough to be annoying; which is the case with all Sydney Airport hotels.
There’s a new airport hotel in town! Citadines Connect Sydney (Mascot) just opened its doors to a glamorous 1960’s aviation-inspired hotel for the discerning business traveller. Citadines Connect is trying to establish itself as a luxury airport hotel (without the price tag), and from what I can tell, they’re doing a pretty good job.
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport Hotel Location
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport is located at Sydney Domestic Airport and unlike the Pullman and Ibis up the road, it’s actually a walkable distance (5-10) minutes. Doable if you’re just checking in and only have carry-on, otherwise I would advise you to grab an Uber. It’s a brand new property on the right-hand side of the Rydges on 121 Baxter Road.
Checking In
Check-in happens at the penthouse level of the 150 room property. Once upstairs, the stylish lobby welcomes you with comfortable lounge chairs, textured rugs and dimly lit lighting to offset the stark modern concrete interior of the building. The interior is the handy work of Cressida Kennedy, and unlike so many new hotels, Felix gets it 100% right.
The Room
After I got my room key, it was back down with the elevator to level 4 which houses the “Business Class” rooms. Felix categorises its hotel room in Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class.
My business class room corner room was spacious and perfectly suitable for a one-night airport layover. The room had a comfortable king size bed with a small working desk and lounge chair in the corner.
My only issue with the bed was the fact all the pillows were the same and there was no option to go softer/thinner/harder. For me, a pillow is what makes or breaks a good night sleep, and I’ve never understood hotels that don’t offer at least 2 different types of pillows in the room.
Design wise, the room is finished with the same copper coloured details seen throughout the hotel and feels very modern with a touch of vintage nostalgia thanks to the pastel colour palette.
A large fancy Philips TV is mounted on the wall which comes with Ambilight; essentially it mirrors the colours on the TV with some LEDs behind the panel which radiate the hues back onto the wall. Needless to say, I want one!
The room comes with an empty minibar and some tea making facilities. Slightly annoying as you have to go back upstairs to purchase water from the 24/7 pantry as there’s none available in the room. A complimentary bottle of water would be a thoughtful touch and one that doesn’t cost much.
The business class bathroom is large and well designed with beautiful tiling in the shower and copper coloured tapware to match.
There was only one downside, the large vertical window looking out onto the street below does not come with any blinds. I couldn’t tell if the window was tinted or one way see through, but some people might find it awkward “exposing” themselves to the neighbours 😉
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport Hotel Features
I didn’t have time to enjoy breakfast at Felix hotel but upstairs is the dining area which looks fantastic and has some great views over Sydney airport.
Opposite the dining rooms is an outdoor lounge with a fireplace, perfect for some late night drinks and plane spotting. Adjacent to the outdoor lounge is a meeting room which would be suitable for a small gathering.
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport Hotel Gym
The hotel has a small gym perfectly adequate for a quick workout between flights.
Unfortunately, there is no pool but personally, I’m not too fussed about hotel pools in most cases. A gym, however, is essentials as I like to stay active while travelling (flying makes you fat).
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport Conclusion
When it comes to design and style, Felix is the number one airport hotel at the moment. The price is good, and there’s an option for all types of budgets from economy to first. The location is perfect and within walking distance from the terminal although just slightly far enough to be annoying; which is the case with all Sydney Airport hotels. I would say it’s the closest rival is the Pullman 500m up the road so check back for my review on that one soon!
