Kimpton’s first Australian hotel has landed in Sydney and taken over the heritage-listed art deco building of the old Primus Hotel. The stunning site packs a surplus of history, serving as the HQ for the Sydney Water Board after being built back in 1938. Interior designers Slack Studio managed to incorporate 1930s-inspired style with a modern luxury twist.
Situated at 339 Pitt St, the hotel ticks all the boxes for locational convenience, being in a central location and within walking distance from Haymarket, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Darling Harbour. Not to mention just a block away from Hyde Park one way and Town Hall in the other. The Margot staff have a very simple objective, ensure the guests have all needs catered for.
World-renowned chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan has partnered with Margot forming the hotel’s official restaurant, Luke’s Kitchen. Luke is very well-known around the globe, and Sydneysiders might know Luke as the owner and head chef of glass brasserie.
Luke’s Kitchen is available to guests and visitors alike for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The centrepiece of the jaw-dropping lobby, which is arguably Sydney’s best hotel foyer, is the 1930s-inspired Wilmot Bar which proves to be the heartbeat of the hotel. Smooth jazz and blues massaging the ears and carefully curated cocktails generate a buzz around Sydney’s newest venue for postwork Negronis.
Kimpton Margot Sydney consists of 172 rooms cocooned away from the hustle and bustle of the Sydney CBD, ranging from essentials and suites to specialty suites. There is a luxurious rooftop pool and surrounding decking area that could comfortably accommodate over one hundred guests at any given time.
Wellness and relaxation were focal points for the Margot prior to undergoing this painstaking renovation to bring life into the historic building, and that’s why a fully equipped 24-hour gym and yoga studio have been incorporated into the basement level.
We can confidently say that guests checking out of Margot are having their expectations exceeded, and you’re about to read why.
Our Experience
The Room – Corner Suite Walking through the door had me astounded at the size of my corner suite. At 74 square metres, it proved true to me that this could be your most comfortable stay in Sydney.
A curved corner desk moulded to the shape of the window added a convenient working space for those who needed it. The bathroom included a bath, a large shower and dual sinks. The suite had all your typical hotel necessities; however, some nice touches were an in-room Nespresso machine and Mr Smith bath products.
The dark wood cabinetry partnered with matte gold lamps and lighting fixtures exhibits a Melbourne/London-esque overtone that could only be executed by an inner-city hotel, and Kimpton nailed it here. A smart tablet is available in every room, and it provides all information regarding your room, the hotel and what’s on at the Margot. At your disposal is also 24-hour room service, but not every hotel has a wagyu beef burger on its late night menu.
The Hotel As stated, the heartbeat of this establishment is the lobby. The pillared lobby is a statement in itself — think old money gatsby crossed with 2000s deco opulence. All hotel foyers have been preserved with original marble, and stepping into the modern corridors reveals a carefully manicured mix of old and new.
The rooftop pool area features abundant space for sun-drenched drinks, with a bar that operates during the warmer months. The ‘Level Seven’ rooftop provides guests with a destination to catch some sun while overlooking the Sydney skyline.
When you think of a hotel gym, you think of basic machines and a grand total of six free weights. However, the Margot prides itself on several differences. The fully equipped gym with a number of cardio and weights machines, towels and citrus-enhanced water is truly a one-stop shop for all things fitness. Just down the mirrored, ballet-motivated hall is a dimly-lit free-roam yoga room.
Perched just above the lobby on the mezzanine is a series of serviced meeting and conference rooms, surrounded by comfortable seating areas.
Wine & Dine Luke’s Kitchen is the cornerstone of food at the Margot. With Luke Mangan at the reins and head chef MJ Olguera purveying his art in the kitchen, the restaurant has been gaining serious traction.
Pantry at Margot’s is the name of the lobby cafe and bakery available every day, and it’s the perfect spot for your to-go latte before a walk through Hyde Park.
Cellar by Luke is cornered in the lobby, where you and your group will have some of the best Australian and International wines at your fingertips, literally. An interactive and informative experience in which you can pair the degustation menu with local wines.
The Wilmot Bar has to be one of the best hotel bars in the Harbour City, where skilled mixologists cater to all your cocktail desires. The plush, art deco setting makes for a perfect whisky night. From 5–6 p.m., every night is Social Hour, where the hotel encourages guests to come down and enjoy complimentary drinks.
Brunch at Luke’s Kitchen The team at Margot treated us to their bottomless brunch at 95pp, which included a 5-course degustation menu (vegan degustation available) paired with sparkling wine, white or rose. You can elevate your experience with free-flowing cocktails for 125pp and endless Veuve Clicquot for 185pp. The best way to describe brunch stimulating food journey.
Kicking things off with Peking duck broth, followed by a tortilla with Brooklyn Valley braised beef, then a mozzarella & caramelised onion toastie, next some Tasmanian salmon and finally vanilla bean panna cotta. The vegan option began with carrot & coconut soup, followed by grilled broccolini, then pan-fried gnocchi. Afterward, the roast cauliflower came, and poached spiced rhubarb ended it all.
We opted for one regular and one vegan, and each dish had us in awe. You are meticulously looked after by staff who are continuously topping up your champagne glass and knowledgeable servers dissecting each of your five premium dishes. Enjoy world-class cooking comfortably perched in what is a bullseye attempt at an affluent, contemporary dining space. Brunch at Margot’s is fast becoming Sydney’s premier brunch destination.
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Kimpton Margot Sydney Location: 339 Pitt St, Sydney 2000 Contact: (02) 8027 8000 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimptonmargotsydney/ Website: https://www.kimptonmargotsydney.com/
Luke’s Kitchen Location: 339 Pitt St, Sydney 2000 Contact: (02) 8027 8088 Website: https://www.kimptonmargotsydney.com/eat-and-drink/lukes-kitchen/
Images courtesy of: Kimpton