Kimpton Margot Sydney blends Art Deco charm with modern sensibilities

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Five-star excellence meets laidback charm at Kimpton Margot Sydney.

Housed within a sensitively revamped heritage-listed building, Kimpton Margot Sydney celebrates Art Deco design and generous hotel amenities. This pet-friendly accommodation strikes the perfect balance between approachable and luxurious and boasts Sydney’s largest open-air rooftop bar, generously sized rooms and top-notch dining facilities. Here’s everything you need to know.

Kimpton Margot Sydney
Art Deco-inspired design is at the forefront of this accommodation.

Location

Kimpton Margot is a 20-minute drive from Sydney Airport. It is conveniently located in the south end of Sydney’s CBD on bustling Pitt Street, making it a prime spot to explore the CBD, iconic landmarks and inner city suburbs such as dining destination Surry Hills. For those looking to venture further, Town Hall Station is a three-minute walk away, and Central Station is a nine-minute walk away. 

Guests can also borrow one of the custom Lekker bikes with picnic baskets from the lobby for a more eco-friendly way to explore the city.

Style and character

Designed by Henry Budden & Mackey, the historic building dates back to the 1930s and was once home to The Sydney Water Board office. After several iterations, IHG Hotels & Resorts acquired the building in 2021 to transform it into an eclectic hotel that pays homage to its Art Deco roots. Many of the original features have been retained including a grand safe, original tiling and a hidden underground trove, all of which bring a unique character to the hotel.

Kimpton Margot Sydney foyer
The hotel showcases a range of botanical displays.

From the Scagliola pillared lobby to the spacious guestrooms, interior design and architecture studio Stack Studio has dressed each space with bold 1930s-inspired furnishings and light fixtures, brass detailing, and an eclectic array of artworks from over 600 artists. The result is an elevated and warm design that feels equal parts stylish and welcoming.

Five Foot One Design introduced a cool beach club vibe to the rooftop which has been outfitted with colourful coastal furniture, a pastel-pink tiled bar and lush plants.

Harper Rooftop bar
Harper Rooftop Bar is a sunny spot for an afternoon tipple.

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Facilities

Kimpton Margot Sydney has a fully equipped 24-hour gym and a swimming pool. They also offer rooftop yoga with a top Sydney yogi and on-demand yoga in your room with a mat brought to your door.

Harper rooftop swimming pool
Lap it up at the rooftop swimming pool.

Rooms

While hotel rooms in any CBD are notorious for being on the smaller side, Kimpton Margot’s accommodations stand out for their generosity. There are 172 rooms and suites that range from a comfortable King Bed Essential to a luxurious Hammond Suite. They all feature plush king-sized beds (rooms with twin beds available), plenty of storage, Nespresso machines, local teas and bathrooms with luxurious bathrobes, potted plants and Mr Smith Amenities – most also have bathtubs. 

Kimpton Margot Sydney
The spacious guestrooms blend Art-Deco charm with modern sensibilities.

While you’ll find plenty of space in the rooms, the specialty suites feel like sophisticated apartments. The Hammond suite is a glorious 160 square metres of pure luxury with a separate open-plan dining and living area with lounge seating, a powder room and a butler’s kitchen.

Travelling with pets? The Kimpton’s ‘if it fits in the lift’ policy promises no additional charge for bringing your animal companion(s) with you. Expect pet-bed loaners, food, water bowls and mats.

Food and drink

Kimpton Margot Sydney has five drinking and dining spaces onsite: Modern Australian restaurant Luke’s Kitchen, lobby bar The Wilmot Bar, Harper Rooftop Bar, wine destination Cellar by Luke and lobby cafe Pantry at Margot’s.

Luke's Kitchen at Kimpton Margot Sydney
Indulge in delicious modern Australian fare at Luke’s Kitchen.

Helmed by renowned Australian chef Luke Mangan, Luke’s Kitchen serves breakfast, bottomless drag brunch (a dazzling affair held every second month on Saturday) and dinner. The breakfast menu features all the classics such as smashed avo, bacon and eggs, and some elevated dishes such as crumpets with poached strawberries, cheesy truffle toasty and a spanner crab omelette. 

For dinner, the modern Australian menu will see you indulging in dishes such as Spencer Gulf Hiramasa kingfish sashimi, potato and garlic ravioli, and profiterole with yuzu and chocolate sauce. We recommend ordering a side of the parmesan and truffle fries – you won’t be disappointed by the serving size.

Wilmot bar at Kimpton Margot Sydney
Swing by for an after-dinner cocktail at the Wilmot bar.

The 1930s-style lobby bar Wilmot is the perfect spot for a post-dinner tipple. Sink into velvet chairs and sip on experimental cocktails like the ‘Lady Marmalade’ with calvados, pear liqueur, ginger liqueur, Cointreau, cranberry juice and apple juice. Alternatively, though we recommend you visit both, a boutique wine collection with an impressive selection of drops awaits at Cellar by Luke.

Fancy a cocktail during the day? Escape the daily grind at Harper Rooftop Bar. Sit poolside and work through the playful cocktail menu, including the ‘Summer Holidaze’ cocktail with vodka, pandan, pinot grigio and lychee. Luke Mangan has designed these to be paired with tasty Mediterranean-inspired bites such as tempura zucchini flowers, cajun spiced prawns and artichoke ravioli.

Harper Rooftop Bar
Nibble on Mediterranean-style snacks and drinks at Harper Rooftop Bar.

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Does Kimpton Margot Sydney have access for guests with disabilities?

All rooms are accessed via a lift, and easy-access rooms are available.

Is Kimpton Margot Sydney family-friendly?

With its 22 interconnecting rooms, swimming pool and city location, Kimpton Margot Sydney is ideal for families.

Details

Best for: Design-savvy travellers

Address: 339 Pitt St, Sydney

Phone: (02) 8027 8000

Cost: From $289 per night

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and gin connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, along with an English major from The University of Sydney, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

    Meredith Bryan Meredith Bryan
    Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

    Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour, your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

    1. Southern Beaches

    The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village. Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

    Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

    family eating lunch in sawtell
    Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

    2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

    The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

    Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park, a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

    A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail.
    Explore the green heart of Coffs.

    3. Dorrigo National Park

    Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen.

    Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout.
    Wander the Skywalk.

    4. Northern Beaches

    For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

    Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views.
    Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

    5. Jetty precinct

    You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op, before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

    Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island, a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

    Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion, a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

    walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour
    Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

    6. Grafton

    Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures.

    woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton
    Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

    7. Nambucca

    Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca.

    a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads
    Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

    Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.