For the final lodge keep of my around the world journey with dad, we spent an evening on the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport (SYD). The 247-room lodge solely opened in 2020, so it’s one of many latest resorts by the airport.
Whereas we might have liked to enter the town, we solely arrived in Sydney at round 9:30PM, and we left to the airport the next morning at 4AM, so this was essentially the most sensible choice to get not less than some relaxation. Given our brief keep, I apologize for not with the ability to evaluate all of the amenities, although I did my greatest.
Anyway, this ended up being an ideal property for our functions — the lodge is trendy, our restricted interplay with workers had been good, and I even managed to redeem some lodge free night time certificates.
Reserving the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport
Once I knew we wanted to spend an evening close to Sydney Airport, I first thought of reserving Rydges Sydney Airport, because it’s essentially the most handy lodge, and is linked to the worldwide terminal. Nevertheless, the speed there was over 400 AUD (~$270) for the night time, which appeared steep, so I checked out different choices.
Fortuitously IHG has each a Vacation Inn and Vacation Inn Categorical close to the airport. I had two IHG free night time awards that had been expiring inside a few months, so this appeared like an excellent alternative to make use of them. I ended up deciding on the Vacation Inn Categorical, as a result of it was nearer to our arriving terminal, and in addition as a result of it was a more recent property.
For what it’s price, the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport was charging 200 AUD (~$135) per night time, and I booked two rooms with free night time awards. Whereas not the best worth redemption ever, the playing cards have annual charges of underneath $100 and supply a free night time award yearly, so with out one other particular use in thoughts, this appeared price it.
Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport location
We had arrived at Terminal 2 on Virgin Australia from Perth, and had been departing from Terminal 1 on Qantas to Los Angeles the next morning.
Getting from Terminal 2 to the Vacation Inn Categorical was straightforward, because it was only a 10-minute stroll. I used to be simply capable of navigate us utilizing Google Maps — I wouldn’t say it’s one of the best setup on the planet for strolling, however in the event you’re touring gentle, the stroll could be very doable, although you’ll must cross a few streets.
The Vacation Inn Categorical is considerably farther from Terminal 1, so don’t plan on strolling there. The lodge presents a shuttle service via a 3rd celebration for 10 AUD per individual per path. Nevertheless, the primary shuttle didn’t depart as early as we wanted to depart, and for that matter, an Uber might be roughly the identical worth in the event you’re touring with multiple individual.
I’ve at all times discovered it attention-grabbing how in america it’s fairly normal for airport resorts to supply complimentary shuttles, whereas exterior america it’s fairly unusual.
Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport foyer & check-in
We entered the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport via the bottom ground, whereas the foyer was one degree above, on the primary ground. The bottom ground simply had elevators and a little bit of seating, plus some cute propellor artwork.
Upon exiting the elevator on the primary ground, the reception desk was straight forward, and there was additionally loads of cozy foyer seating. The check-in course of was environment friendly and pleasant. I used to be thanked for being an IHG One Rewards Diamond member, and was knowledgeable that we had each been upgraded to king rooms on a excessive ground.
Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport king room
With keys in hand, we headed as much as the eighth ground, the place our rooms had been positioned. I used to be assigned room 828, positioned a methods down the corridor and on the left.
At 21 sq. meters (~226 sq. ft), rooms listed below are compact, however nicely appointed. The room featured an entryway with the lavatory to the correct, and a few uncovered closet area and the minibar space to the left.
The principle a part of the room had a king measurement mattress, a desk with a chair, a wall-mounted TV, after which a chair for lounging with an ottoman within the far nook. Given the scale of the room, I believe they did an excellent job taking advantage of these little rooms.
The room had views of some close by buildings, so there wasn’t a lot in the best way of airport views.
As an avgeek, I liked the aviation-themed touches, like the outside of the lavatory space being made to seem like an arrivals board.
The toilet had a sink, a bathroom, and a walk-in bathe. I don’t suppose I’ve seen this earlier than at one other lodge, however the toilet had one door that would swing — you might both use it to separate the lavatory from the bed room, or to separate the walk-in bathe from the remainder of the lavatory.
The bathe had glorious water stress and temperature management, and toiletries had been in reusable bottles from City Skincare Co.
Again close to the minibar space, the room had a kettle with prompt espresso and tea, in addition to an empty mini-fridge.
Actually, I used to be very proud of this room — it was clear, trendy, and used area effectively. Wi-Fi within the room was quick and free as nicely.
Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport gymnasium & laundry
On the second ground, the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport has each a gymnasium and visitor laundry facility.
The gymnasium is open 24/7, and options treadmills, an elliptical, two bikes, and a few free weights.
I additionally love how the lodge has visitor laundry, which is a function that positive turns out to be useful in some conditions. I didn’t want it this time, however I’m positive it’s one thing that these on longer journeys would get worth out of.
Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport meals & drinks
Since we had been on the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport for round six hours, we didn’t eat or drink something right here. Nevertheless, as is normal for Vacation Inn Categorical properties, the lodge presents a complimentary breakfast in The Nice Room, throughout from reception. Moreover, the lodge has partnered with Menulog, a meals supply firm, for lunch and dinner orders.
The lodge does promote a number of drinks within the foyer, and many individuals gave the impression to be sitting round there to get pleasure from these after we arrived.
Backside line
For our functions, the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport was nice. It was inside strolling distance of the home terminal, and the lodge was trendy, clear, and purposeful. Better of all, I might use bank card free night time awards for our keep. I wouldn’t hesitate to remain right here once more sooner or later underneath comparable circumstances (although hopefully I’d plan an extended stopover, so I might correctly go to Sydney).
What do you make of the Vacation Inn Categorical Sydney Airport?
