The Aussie hotel you’d easily mistake for a Greek island hideaway
It’s mid-June, and I’m sitting on a lounger in the sun between palm fronds, trying to decide whether I should read another chapter of my book or take a dip in the pool in front of me.
You’d probably think I was somewhere in far-north Queensland, or even Europe, to be doing this at this time of year – and that’s without even mentioning the water views and pool bar right in front of me.
The pool at The Brighton is unlike the majority of hotels in Sydney. MGallery Collection
But no, I’m still in Sydney. I actually left my office about an hour ago and, after a short drive, stepped straight into a cocoon of holiday vibes.
From photos alone, The Brighton Hotel Sydney could be mistaken for a resort in the Mediterranean, with its white-and-olive decor, lagoon-style pool, chic marble lobby, and water views from bed.
Instead, it’s actually just outside the CBD (13km to be exact), an easy drive or quick trip on public transport.
A pool, terrace, and bar like this are a rarity in Sydney, not something we can often find without heading interstate or overseas.
The hotel, part of the MGallery collection of luxury boutique hotels, shines in summer, when the adults-only pool bar overlooking the beach blares music and bartenders whip up cocktails in the golden light.
Even now in the dead of winter, it offers up a slice of Euro Summer that is so out of reach to many of us.
For those in need of a getaway, but don’t have the energy or the time for an extended trip, Hotel Brighton is a perfect place to go and escape real life for a bit.
The rooms are understated yet chic. MGallery Collection
The rooms
Over 14 floors, the hotel offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to balcony suites and the gleaming penthouse.
I stayed in a Deluxe Bayview King Room, with a balcony overlooking the pool and beach, a lounge area with a TV, a massive bath and walk-in shower, and (most importantly), a comfy king bed with views out the balcony doors over the bay.
You can't beat a morning that looks like this. Jemima Skelley
The rooms have been thoughtfully designed to create a warm and relaxing space, with gauzy curtains, timber finishes, and deep olive soft furnishings.
With USB charging ports next to the bed, Chromecast and Netflix on the TV, and a room service menu just a QR-scan away, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing night’s stay.
Or, just downstairs, a night out awaits.
Dining
When you get peckish or need a drink, the hotel has a few choices for you.
There’s the laid-back Sands bar on Level 3, where you can grab a beer, wine, or cocktail, and light bites. Take a seat out on the terrace and soak up even more Mediterranean vibes (low lounges, macrame umbrellas, white stucco).
For an elevated dinner, there’s Greek at Ammo’s or Italian at Benetti’s. I headed to the latter, where I really wished I was dining with eight other people so that we could order one of everything and try it all.
The bread at Benetti's is a must-try. iStock
Instead, I settled on meatballs, their signature puffed bread, and snapper. Despite me being pregnant and always hungry, it ended up being too much food – so make sure you come with an appetite!
It was all delicious, though I regret not trying a pasta dish after eyeing off the one ordered by the guy at a table next to me.
Breakfast is a standard hotel buffet affair, in the light-filled, glass-ceilinged Sands Bar, with everything from fruit and pastries to made-to-order dishes from the chef.
Amenities
Along with the outdoor pool mentioned above, and the child-free one at the Sands Beach Club, there’s also an indoor pool, perfect for chillier mornings.
A steam room and sauna complete the package, establishing the hotel as a bona fide (if DIY) wellness destination.
The on-site gym is also great, equipped with cable machines, treadmills, stair machines, free weights and a stretch area.
You'd be forgiven for thinking you're at a resort in the Mediterranean. MGallery Collection
Location
The hotel is right across from Brighton Le Sands Beach, and across the bay, you can watch planes taking off and landing from the airport. In its former life as the Novotel, this was a dedicated airport hotel.
It’s about 10 minutes to the airport, a 25-minute drive to the CBD, or a 30-minute bus-and-train trip from Central. It’s also a quick drive south to Cronulla or the Royal National Park.
The writer stayed as a guest of MGallery Collection.
