Status?
Platinum Ambassador

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked 1 King Premium Room via Amex's The Hotel Collection on a 3-4-2 offer for AUD 743 inc tax. Received 1 King Premium having been advised at check in the hotel was fully booked and no upgrade was available. THC credit was AUD 150

How are the rooms?
The hotel is the former Sydney Water Board building and the architecture is art deco throughout. For me, the rooms are ample in size, AC is good, and with decent sized bathrooms even in entry level rooms.

How is the exec. lounge?
n/a but at the Social Hour, good range of drinks including a French sparkling and variety of local Australian wine.

Did you receive a welcome gift?
No

What was good and what was bad?

Good
Location, easy access to public transport.
Breakfast a la carte items presented well, range of food on the menu.
Considering prices in other similar Sydney hotels I consider the Luke's Kitchen restaurant good value for money
Generally a pleasant vibe
Lobby is "grand" and very nice spot for a drink, meeting or catching up on some work
Friendly staff

Bad
Last year I had booked the Margot via Amex THC and the stay had been credited to my IHG account, this time round I was advised my status wouldn't be recognised.

Quite a lot of building work going on in this part of Sydney at present and there was consistent noise from the street throughout the night. I'd recommend asking for an internal/atrium facing room when staying again.

Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
IMO very good value for the location and size of rooms.

Would you return?
Yes, definitely