For those lucky to be transiting Sydney, the new Mantra Hotel a short walk from Sydney Domestic T2 and T3 terminals makes a welcome addition to the airport precinct.
This is a hotel designed with travellers in mind – from the fast, free wifi in the lobby and good number of USB slots and power points in the rooms, to the 24-hour reception, express check-out, internet kiosk and airport digital screen updates.
It’s also a good base to explore Sydney. Twenty minutes on the airport train will land you at Circular Quay and front-row seats to the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
A thirty minute taxi ride will have you in Bondi Beach, the sand beneath your feet, and at the start of the stunning Bondi to Coogee coastal walk that takes in Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly beaches.
Rosebery is home to hip eateries Three Blue Ducks and Pizza Da Mario, Black Star Pastry (try the famous watermelon cake) and chic gin bar Archie Rose Distillery. Paddington, in the city’s east, is the place for chic designer shopping.
In the inner-west suburbs of Enmore, Newtown and Marrickville, a 15-minute drive away, craft beer lovers can check out hipster brewpubs Wayward, Batch and Young Henrys and grab a bite to eat from the food trucks out front.
For travellers keen to stay put, the Mantra has a bar and restaurant with Young Henrys on tap, a small selection of wines by the glass, handcrafted cocktails and relaxed bistro dining. Mornings, there is a full buffet breakfast with eggs made to order and local newspapers daily.
Rooms are stylish and neat with a pale green art deco palette and framed sketches of vintage planes above the bed. It’s a nice touch given the Mantra is the closest hotel to Sydney Domestic Terminal.
There is no wardrobe. But for a short stay, the clothes rail is ample enough. The bathroom features a spacious rain shower, large towels and quality toiletries.
What stands out at the Mantra is the simplicity in how everything operates – from the shower, to the digital alarm clock and TV. No hunting around to turn off that last pesky light either. The light switch beside the bed extinguishes all the lights.
As for the bed, it’s king-size and supremely comfortable. The only quibble is the one size fits all pillow. For those who like to plane watch, there are plenty of runway rooms (ask when booking).
Officially opened on the 19 July, the new 136-studio room Mantra Hotel provides much-needed hotel accommodation to the 42 million passengers who travel through Sydney Airport each year, as well as the thousands of visitors and staff who visit the airport precinct daily.
“Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport addresses the demand for contemporary airport accommodation with vibrant, dynamic facilities and a slick service culture,” said Mantra Group Chief Executive Officer Bob East.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Sydney Airport on this project, which is a win for the economic growth of Sydney.”
The eight-storey landmark building is the newest hotel at Sydney Airport and Sydney’s third on-airport hotel.
Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport is located at 3 Ross Smith Avenue, Mascot.
