Review: Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point

Introduction

Jimmy Barnes, Cate Blanchett and Deborah Mailman all share something in common, and it isn’t just hugely-successful careers. They each have a connection to Kings Cross, with that link spotlighted in the lobby of the recently-opened Hotel Indigo Potts Point.

In line with the brand’s tagline ‘The World’s Neighbourhood Hotel’, this boutique addition to the IHG Hotels and Resorts family – a sibling to local Indigos in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide – is all about showcasing its surroundings. 

Given its position just behind the iconic Coca-Cola sign in Kings Cross, Sydney’s most infamous live music and nightlife hub, it has a lot of inspiration to draw on.

In many ways, it’s a mission accomplished, with nods to the distinctive architecture of nearby terrace houses, as well as the long-running bars and theatres of the area (that’s how Blanchett and Mailman fit in). Yet the Hotel Indigo Potts Point could do so much more.

Location & Impressions

Hotel Indigo Sydney is found at 2/14 Kings Cross Rd, Potts Point, around 15 minutes by car from Sydney Airport and easily accessible via Kings Cross railway station.

Hotel Indigo sits directly next door to the old Hyatt Kingsgate Sydney.

Formerly The Larmont by Lancemore, it’s under two minutes walk from Darlinghurst Road – the heart of The Cross and overflowing with restaurants, bars and retail stores.

Stepping into the lobby, black and white portraits adorning the walls immediately catch your eye. David Wenham and Sarah Blasko are two of the familiar faces, chosen for performing on stage at Griffin Theatre Company or local pubs.

The X Café is the social heart of the lobby.

A sculptural chandelier and red curtain – the kind you’d see in a classic cinema – add a dash of drama to the otherwise sparsely-furnished room, alongside an eclectic array of tables and chairs spilling out of The X Café. It’s rather retro.

At the opposite end of the lobby is a door to buzzy French-Japanese restaurant Luc-San from chef Luke Mangan, which also offers an in-room dining option for guests.

Luc-San restaurant from chef Luke Mangan.

Self parking is available for $60 per day.

Room

True to Hotel Indigo’s trademark styling, the 105 rooms are filled with kitsch design details, colourful statement pieces, and a few subtle nods to the neighbourhood.

My King Suite Harbour View High Floor Room on level 12 is accessible via a lift to level 11, followed by another lift or stairs to the top floor.

Hotel and neighbourhood info is accessible via the TV.

Inside, a king bed dominates the living space, with a wraparound headboard-come-lounge creating a decent, if solid, perch to watch the Chromecast TV or read one of the provided books detailing the neighbourhood’s past.

Power points are in abundance.

Amenities such as toothbrushes can be ordered via room service.

An open wardrobe with mirror, tropical robes slung on ‘rock on’ hooks, and bold pink chairs either side of a dining table dial up the playfulness, as does the rotary dial-look phone – sadly with buttons replacing the satisfying ‘twist and release’.

Shelves can be hidden by the sliding mirror.

A large buffet near the door houses a minibar and fridge.

However, the true signature design element is the abstract wall decal spanning the room’s length, which references the wrought iron railings of Potts Point’s terrace houses.

In terms of nailing the ‘neighbourhood’ brief, that’s exactly what it needed. Because, aside from a couple of books, there’s little tying you to Potts Points or Kings Cross.

Curated playlists can be enjoyed on the supplied Bluetooth speaker.

A few tasteful historic photographs showing the characters or stomping music halls that once graced the strip would go a long way to rooting the hotel in its location.

Beyond the styling, the other highlight is the balcony, from which you can see Fort Denison ahead, Sydney Harbour Bridge to the left, and as far as Watsons Bay to your right.

Sunrise is a great time to soak in the view.

Sydney Harbour Bridge can be glimpsed to the left.

Work

Despite sharing a tower with offices on the lower levels, this isn’t really a hotel made for work – your choices are the dining table in your room or popping down to the lobby.

A dining table for two.

That said, WiFi is a disappointingly modest 10Mbps.

Eat

Guests with breakfast included can enjoy an á la carte menu in The X, which lists 10 options such as coconut bircher muesli, a ham and cheese croissant, and bacon and cheddar quiche with a salad, plus tea/coffee and a juice or smoothie.

Pre-made sandwiches, wraps and pastries are available throughout the day.

Breakfast at The X Café.

In the evenings, Luke Mangan’s Luc-San is your go-to. The French-Japanese restaurant plates up shareable izakaya-style dishes, complemented by cocktails, sakes and wines.

Sadly, it’s closed for a private function during my visit.

Alternatively, guests can order a limited in-room dining menu from the restaurant, on which there are three “substantial” choices, plus some vegetarian dishes.

Relax

Guests can gain access to a 24/7 Anytime Fitness, next door on the corner of Kings Cross Road and Penny Lane, simply by visiting staff at Hotel Indigo’s reception.

Verdict

I’m a big fan of hotels that aren’t afraid to think outside the box with their styling, and on that, Hotel Indigo Potts Point mostly does a good job. I just wish it went a little harder on the ‘local’ aspect. Signage detailing why the portraits are in the lobby would be a start. 

Though enticing by day, I feel the room comes into its own after nightfall, when the backlit headboard and downlights cast long shadows along the wall, adding to its ambience.

Given it’s not a new building, there’s only so much IHG can do with the hotel’s footprint, but it certainly has a lot of potential – and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.

The writer stayed as a guest of Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point.