The Hyatt Regency brand has returned to Sydney with a take-over and $250 million redevelopment of the Four Points by Sheraton hotel.
Located at 161 Sussex Street, straddling the northern edge of Chinatown and overlooking Darling Harbour, the new Hyatt Regency Sydney picks up bragging rights as Australia's largest hotel.
There are 892 rooms in total, with 222 of those in a new 24-floor tower designed to make the most of the site's panoramic views.
The Hyatt Regency will also elbow its way into the the crowded conference and events brigade, due not only to its proximity to the revitalised Darling Harbour and Barangaroo precinct but also for the hotel's own massive and pillar-less ballrooms.
While the location is familiar, the lobby and other public areas are the beneficiary of an extensive and stylish make-over.
Late December will see the opening of a new rooftop bar with sweeping views to the west – perfect for a sunset cocktail, not to mention Sydney's dazzling New Year's Eve fireworks.
Speaking of cocktails, drinks served at the rooftop bar will "range from timeless classics to contemporary twists and experimental creations", Hyatt promises, with a changing selection of seasonal creations.
(We've already tried, and can recommend, the Scrumpy Cider Apple Gimlet based on apple-infused Four Pillars Gin.)
Just one floor below will be a Regency Club executive lounge – something most business travellers rate as a must-have, but which was sorely missing from the former Four Points by Sheraton.
For more information and bookings, visit sydney.regency.hyatt.com.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.