STAY > The Morris Hotel, Sydney

The Morris is one of the newest hotels in the Sydney CBD, part of the Accor Groups ‘Handwritten Collection’ this is a boutique hotel with the structure of a big hotel group. Located at the grittier Haymarket end of Pitt Street, close to China Town, Surry Hills and Central Station. The Morris offers smart rooms, a small restaurant and bar.

Originally built in 1929 by an Italian Australian architect Virgil Dante Cizzio and it remained Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years and boasted both hot and cold running water, which can still be seen on written on the hotels exterior.

SLEEP >

The beds are excellent at the Morris as you would expect from any premium hotel in the Accor group, in our room which was a ‘Dante’ at 24m2 there was quite good room for bags, comfortable dark claret red velvet chairs, a marble table that not a bad work space and a coffee / tea station with pod Nespresso but no mini bar.

Rather than providing a wardrobe there is a space saving hanger on the wall which is fine if you only have three or four things to hang but might be difficult if you have more, they also provide a Phillips ‘Steam and Go Plus’ clothes steamer rather than an iron and board.

The bathroom has smart dark terrazzo tiles (non slip), a small basin and generous rain shower but there is not a lot of space for toiletries or make up. The lighting in the bathroom is a little dark but it does have a low on the floor night light the comes on with a sensor for late night visits.

EAT >

Bar Morris is a 40 seat bar and restaurant, part wine bar, part small restaurant and part hotel foyer but it all kind of works. It is a stylish space that delivers functionality and also a sense of plush.

The kitchen is led by Italian chef, Rosy Scatigna who brings her heritage to the dishes with a range of dishes such as prosciutto Toscano sliced fresh and served with melon agrodolce and gnocco fritto. There is a spaghettone aglio e olio, pangrattato and smoked roe and a range of Italian classics. Be sure to try the house made focaccia which is excellent.

Breakfast is available in the restaurant from 6.30am to 10am daily.

WORK OUT >

There is no gym or pool at The Morris so either go for a walk/run around the harbour or head to Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool which sits on the harbour with fabulous views. If the weather is bad there is also the Cook + Phillip gym, indoor pool and aquatic centre which is just on the other side of Hyde Park.

DRINK >

Drinking is in the same space as the eating but there are some smart choices on offer. A full cocktail bar and a good range of wines by the glass.