fullerton hotel sydney travel weekly

Review: The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Reviewed by Nicholas DeRenzo

Singapore’s Fullerton Hotel occupies a historic post office, so when the brand opened a Sydney outpost in 2019, they found a heritage landmark that proved a perfect fit: the 1874 General Post Office building, built in a Victorian Italian Renaissance style with a commanding clocktower and carvings of contemporary Sydneysiders at work. (Look for the postman delivering a letter to a flirty barmaid, a duo that has raised eyebrows for decades.) Guest rooms, which expand into the adjacent high-rise, are filled with luxe touches, like Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines, and Balmain or Atkinsons toiletries. For a touch of true elegance, book the Heritage Long Suite, which occupies the former postmaster’s office and is decked out with rich crown molding, marble fireplaces, and his original writing desk from the 19th century.

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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 2,012
• Very Good 379
• Average 176
• Terrible 99
• All languages ( 2,742 )
• English ( 2,718 )
• Japanese ( 5 )
• Korean ( 4 )

" Good gym "

" Every second within the Fullerton is a treat ! So take a few moments each day to savor this treasure ! "

" Recommend the executive suite "

" Great gym on level 6 "

" Tower room "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney - Australia (UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews)

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 2,012
• Very Good 379
• Average 176
• Terrible 99
• All languages ( 2,742 )
• English ( 2,718 )
• Japanese ( 5 )
• Korean ( 4 )

" Good gym "

" Every second within the Fullerton is a treat ! So take a few moments each day to savor this treasure ! "

" Recommend the executive suite "

" Great gym on level 6 "

" Tower room "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THE FULLERTON HOTEL SYDNEY (R̶M̶ ̶1̶,̶0̶9̶2̶) RM 1,026: UPDATED 2024 Reviews, Price Comparison and 605 Photos (Australia) - Tripadvisor

Rates can vary widely by room type and season. "We Paid" is intended to give a general sense of price, but you might find considerably different rates for your trip.

When we book, we aim for the optimum season for the destination, but we avoid holidays and major public events, when prices are highest. We generally book a room at one category up from the most basic.

We take advantage of promotional rates, when possible. That means the rate you see above might have included other benefits, such as spa or meal credits.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

In the heart of Sydney ’s Central Business District, The Fullerton Sydney occupies the General Post Office building, a historical landmark in Martin Place. The clock tower structure once was as synonymous with the city as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Rare and beautiful Sydney sandstone covers the 1874 building’s ornate exterior, while inside, you’ll find comfortable and more classic interiors in the heritage building and more contemporary accommodations in the high-rise.

• Don’t miss afternoon tea at The Bar, a glassed-in atrium that serves as the bridge between two ancient sandstone buildings. The menu includes seafood, fresh cakes and scones and champagne upon request.
• Locally sourced meat, seafood, produce and fine wines from New South Wales and other Australian states are proudly featured on the menus at the hotel’s restaurants The Bar and The Place.
• As the city’s former General Post Office, the 19th-century building is a well-preserved architectural masterpiece and one of Sydney’s most prominent buildings. The former telegraph rooms have transformed into ballrooms, and what was once the horse stables, on the hotel’s ground floor, now house trendy restaurants and bars.
• Complimentary 90-minute heritage tours of the iconic building are available most days of the week, and some are reserved only for hotel guests.
• Get access to the 28th-floor Fullerton Club Lounge to enjoy light refreshments during the day and cocktails and canapes in the evening. You’ll also get two free pressings during your stay as part of your lounge privileges.
• Each of the suites is decorated with fine artwork and unique glass sculptures by talented local artists Robert Wynne and Lucas Salton.
• Many of the hotel’s 416 rooms offer beautiful city and Sydney Harbour views.
• The spacious, 2,066-square-foot Heritage Long Suite, once the postmaster general’s office, features original detailing like the postmaster’s original desk, marble fireplaces and exquisite hardwood floors.
• Balmain amenities in the suites and Atkinsons toiletries in the rooms and a pillow menu guarantee a comfortable stay.
• Accommodations have Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers and Nespresso coffee machines.

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Review: Fullerton Hotel Sydney

While the historical charm of the Fullerton Hotel Sydney is undeniable, it's a significant step down from the experience at its Singapore cousins.

Next up on my seven nights, seven hotels tour was the Fullerton Hotel Sydney. It’s not the kind of place I’d normally stay in, but I’d already reviewed both  The Fullerton Hotel  and  The Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore, so I figured I might as well complete the trifecta and visit the outpost in Sydney too.

This was the most expensive of the four hotels I paid cash for, and expectations were high. 

Sydney hotels reopened in October after a prolonged lockdown, and for this stay, I booked a reopening offer with 20% off the BAR and daily breakfast for A$307. I’d say this is a pretty decent rate, given how room-only rates usually start upwards of A$360. 

If you’re looking for deals, you can browse some other options here. One interesting package is an A$360 voucher that includes one night in a Tower Premium Room and a A$100 dining credit. 

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s official address is 1 Martin Place, although if you navigate here, you’ll end up on the back side of the hotel. To find the driveway and main entrance, set your GPS instead for 159 Pitt Street. 

The hotel is very accessible by public transport, with the Martin Place and Wynyard stations a short walk away. There’s also plenty of shopping in the area, courtesy of The Strand, Westfield and the Queen Victoria Building. 

Just like the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, the Sydney outfit is housed in a former General Post Office building. This was completed in 1891 and functioned as NSW’s postal service headquarters until 1996, before becoming the Westin Sydney for more than two decades. Fullerton Hotels secured a management agreement for the hotel , and reopened it in 2019 as the Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

The lobby was decked out in Christmas decorations, and in terms of architecture, felt very similar to its Singapore counterpart. A grand staircase forms the centerpiece, and doubtlessly makes for very good wedding photos. The soaring atrium is filled with natural light, and the stately interiors give it a natural elegance few hotels can match. 

There wasn’t any queue at check-in, and I was attended to immediately. I was hoping my I Prefer Elite membership might be worth something here, but not really. The staff told me I’d been given a “larger” Tower Premium King Room, but looking at the size and layout (see next section), I’m quite certain that didn’t happen. The only amenity worth noting was a complimentary Sydney Sling. 

I was also hoping to book a heritage tour , one of the signature experiences of staying in a Fullerton hotel. Unfortunately, these were suspended due to COVID-19, though a spokesperson tells me they’ll return very soon. 

During regular times, the 90-minute tours run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m and 11.45 a.m. The 10 a.m slot is exclusive to hotel guests, and interestingly enough, 11.45 a.m can be attended by the general public. 

My booking was for one of the Tower Premium King rooms, which as the name suggests, are located in the hotel’s high-rise section (levels 14-27). 

Rooms in this category measure between 33 and 50 sqm. The front desk mentioned I’d been given a room on the larger end of this spectrum, but looking at the floor plan, I highly doubt that. If anything, it looked like one of the smallest rooms on the floor.

I’ll be frank: I didn’t find the rooms anything to get excited about. The beige walls, light wood furniture, frosted glass table toppers are straight out of a 1990s time capsule, and for the amount they’re paying per night, guests should expect much better. 

The room didn’t feel luxurious or welcoming at all, just bland and lacking any sort of character. A review from March 2020 mentions that a refurbishment is due, but more than 18 months later, there’s still no word as to when this will actually happen. 

At least beds are timeless, and this king-sized mattress was firm and comfortable. Guests can choose from a pillow menu featuring options like buckwheat, contour neck, and latex.

The bedside area had a Harman Kardon bluetooth speaker, plus a pair of power outlets and USB ports. 

Another sign of the room’s age was its ancient-looking TV, an early-generation LCD screen that washed out easily in bright light. 

To complete the last century vibe, there was even a DVD player!

Beneath the TV was a mini-bar with a Nespresso machine, three capsules and assorted TWG teabags. 

Unlike some other hotels in Sydney, the mini-bar was stocked with still and sparkling water, juices, energy drinks, beer and half bottles of wine and champagne. Snack options included chocolates and cookies. All items must be paid for.

The work desk had a blue cloth covered chair that didn’t provide much in the way of back support, though stuffing a pillow behind improved it somewhat.

Wi-Fi speeds clocked in at 169 Mbps up and 200 Mbps down, making it suitable for practically anything you could think of. 

On the table was a tablet which allowed guests to order in-room dining, look up information about the hotel and facilities, and order pillows from the pillow menu. You could also request for luggage assistance, or a shoe shine. 

Two complimentary bottles of 350ml mineral water were provided. 

Outside the bathroom was a wardrobe area with hangers, bathrobes, an ironing set, and a digital safe. 

There was also a separate luggage nook that could fit a large-sized check in bag.

The bathroom was clad in light colored tiles, with clear glass shelves and countertops. 

While the vanity area provided plenty of storage space, the shallow design of the sink meant that water splashed out quite easily.  

The bathtub’s design allowed for lying at either end, and you could lower a set of blinds to provide some privacy from the bedroom. 

The shower area didn’t have the best of water pressure, although it was a welcome sight to see shower amenities from Atkinsons’ Amber Empire range, in their signature purple squeeze tubes. 

The toilet lacked a bidet hose, and surprisingly didn’t have a concealed cistern (which hotels often adopt to prevent tampering).

Compared to the Fullerton Bay and Fullerton Hotel Singapore, this room was conspicuous by virtue of its anonymity. Even at the discounted rate I was paying, I felt distinctly underwhelmed. 

The Fullerton Sydney lacks a swimming pool, which is a bit of a downer for what’s supposedly a luxury property. 

Instead, guests can make use of a fitness centre, open 24/7. To get there, take the lift to level 6 and cross over the bridge that links the two ends of the hotel- you’ll enjoy some great views en route.

The gym is fully kitted out with Technogym equipment, all in very good condition. 

Self-serve bottled water and towels were available for guests.

A buffet breakfast is served at the somewhat pretentiously-named “The Place” from 7 a.m to 11 a.m daily.  This costs A$30+ per person, if not included with your rate. 

This was the first buffet breakfast I had on my Australia trip (QT Sydney and Shangri-La did it a la carte style), and given how seriously breakfast is taken here, I was hoping I’d be in for a treat. Reality, unfortunately, was disappointing. The buffet may have had a good spread, but the food quality was average at best. 

None of the items impressed. Bacon and hashbrowns were soggy, pancakes were too dense, vegetables lacked seasoning, and fruit was served before it was ripe. I’d much rather they’d served a few items and focused on getting them right than going for variety and messing it all up. 

Perhaps the most disconcerting thing for Sydneysiders is that coffee comes from a soulless machine- no barista here!

The Fullerton Sydney isn’t bad by any means, but it’s also not a hotel I could recommend wholeheartedly. The rooms feel old and dated, and breakfast is a far cry from the quality you could find elsewhere. While the gym is impressive, there’s no swimming pool, and given the price guests are paying, it feels like they should be getting more. 

And if you think it’s silly to complain about dated rooms in a heritage hotel, the Fullerton Singapore shows how “contemporary heritage” isn’t an oxymoron. Not too long ago, its rooms weren’t all that different from the Fullerton Sydney.

But a major refurbishment gave the rooms a whole new lease of life, while still maintaining their historical character. Take a look at the photos below and tell me that’s not impressive.

So I can only hope the Fullerton Hotel Sydney has a similar transformation planned, and soon. Otherwise, it’s just dragging the brand down. 

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I used to stay here every month when it was a Westin, until around 2012. It was impressive then but doesn’t look like it has changed at all!

I stayed during off peak date, only 150 AUD per night when it open as westin SPG.

I agree this is a bit sad. It looks exactly the same as it did back in 2008 when it was the Westin Sydney. Even the bedside clocks look the same.

i looked at some old reviews of westin sydney ( https://youngtravelershongkong.com/2018/02/26/review-the-westin-sydney/ ) and yup, it’s shot for shot the same hotel.

Not worth the money. I can deal with the rooms being dated but there are also multiple deferred maintenance issues (drawers not staying shut and sliding open so they are a tripping hazard) and the staff service is indifferent at best. I had to ask the duty manager four times on checkout for the GM’s email so I could complain – the pushback was symptomatic of service generally. Apart from the location (and the Hilton is just as good in that respect) I would steer well clear.

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Travel review: The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The first overseas property of the fullerton hotels and resorts, revitalises another historical landmark..

These days, few people pause to admire the intricate sculptures on the sandstone facade of Sydney’s former General Post Office (GPO). The building’s transformation into The Fullerton Hotel Sydney will redirect attention to the stones’ history.

And the story is this: In 1883, when the carvings along the Pitt Street entrance were unveiled, they were so scandalous that the city’s elite were set on tearing them down. Italian sculptor Tomaso Sani had 01 depicted the trades of daily life in 1800s Sydney – then a British colony – and the carvings had included a “flirtatious” postman delivering a letter to a barmaid and a miner happily counting his gold.

Compared to conventional symbols of the arts, sciences, agriculture and commerce and royalty, including Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales, the themes were considered crass and vulgar. But in an early show of that Aussie devil-may-care attitude that is so beloved today, the proposal to demolish was ignored.

“During this period, Australia was coming into its own culture. Elitists who supported all things English were losing favour among Australians who were now creating their own traditions,” says Margaret Monger, the guide who leads the hotel’s 90-minute heritage tours.

Today, these cheeky sculptures continue to delight those who know of the story – something Monger and The Fullerton team are determined to share with as many people as possible.

The hotel’s atrium, lit by natural light, evokes the setting of the Singapore property.

The Place restaurant now offers famed Singaporean dishes.

Before the Internet, the Sydney General Post Office represented the gateway to the world.

Protectors of heritage

It’s no coincidence that The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, a homegrown brand owned by Sino Land (Hong Kong), a sister company of Far East Organization, decided to take over the premises of a former post office to open its first property overseas.

The 416-room Fullerton Sydney, a former Westin hotel relaunched last October after seven months of facade renovation, reinforces the Fullerton brand, which made its name when it transformed the Singapore General Post Office into the city’s most distinguished hotel 20 years ago.

Similarly, the Sydney building has long been a historically significant landmark. Its 73m tall clock tower was a popular meeting point and the post office, which also provided telegraph and telephone services, was regarded as its gateway to the world.

“In the early 19th century, Sydneysiders dressed to the nines and met under the GPO clock as a rendezvous point,” said Giovanni Viterale, general manager of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts.

“We have earned our reputation as custodians of heritage through our transformation of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Similarly, in Sydney, we hope to advocate preservation and shine the spotlight on the unique characteristics of the historic building.”

Fullerton engaged Stonemason and Artist, an expert team with a combined stonemasonry experience of over 300 hundred years to lead the restoration. A 38,000-hour chemical-free cleaning process, using toothbrushes, steam and water, was required to remove accumulated layers of dirt without altering the sandstone’s natural patina.

The rooms, which have been updated with new amenities such as mattresses, Harman Kardon bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines and Atkinsons toiletries, are next in line for a major upgrading.

(Related:   Leica opens new gallery in The Fullerton Hotel dedicated to photographers and their art )

Rooted in the present

Today, the hotel continues to occupy one of the best locations in the city. Popular landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are a 25-minute stroll or 10-minute cab ride away.

It is smack in the middle of Sydney’s luxury shopping district, with a newly reopened Louis Vuitton around the corner and boutiques such as Burberry, Gucci, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. in the vicinity. Close by is Barangaroo, a new waterfront food and beverage district, where laid-back Sydneysiders are known to start happy hour at 3pm.

The hotel’s buzzy natural-light filled atrium, where people meet for a spot of tea, hold business meetings and even pose for photographs on the grand staircase, is reminiscent of both the pleasant bustle of the Singapore hotel as well as a throwback to how it used to be a meeting place.

Like at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, it is a pleasure to experience in the flesh how an old post office can once again play a role in enhancing human connections.

Singapore cuisine meets Australian produce at The Place

In true Singapore style, one of the first things to be revamped for the opening of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney was its restaurant’s menu.

Alongside modern Australian fare, The Place will also serve South-east Asian dishes: hearty kong bak pau (braised pork belly in a bun), tasty Singapore chicken rice, satay (barbecued beef and chicken skewers) and the like.

To ensure the authenticity of flavours, a team of chefs from The Fullerton Hotel Singapore flew to Sydney to work with The Place’s chef Gerrit Schellenberg. The dishes benefit from being made with local ingredients – such as Cowra lamb and Hawkesbury mushrooms – which gourmands know are the key to Australia’s fresh-tasting and memorable cuisine.

A highlight is the seafood laksa, topped with Yamba prawns and scallops. So is the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef rendang.

The Bar in the lobby serves a Signature Afternoon Tea that includes savoury bites like Lobster Cornet a l’Oriental and smoked salmon millefeuille with caviar. Also served are confections like pecan maple tart and pandan lamington, which have a flavour profile similar to ondeh-ondeh. Perfect for when you crave the flavours of home.

(Related:   The Fullerton Hotel opens its first outpost in Sydney )

• General Post Office Sydney
• Harbour Bridge
• Margaret Monger
• Sydney Opera House
• The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
• The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
• The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts
• Tomaso Sani

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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

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• Excellent 2,012
• Very Good 379
• Average 176
• Terrible 99
• All languages ( 2,742 )
• English ( 2,718 )
• Japanese ( 5 )
• Korean ( 4 )

" Good gym "

" Every second within the Fullerton is a treat ! So take a few moments each day to savor this treasure ! "

" Recommend the executive suite "

" Great gym on level 6 "

" Tower room "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

THE FULLERTON HOTEL SYDNEY: 2024 Prices & Reviews - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

1 Martin Place, Sydney Central Business District, 2000 Sydney, Australia – Excellent location – show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

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Everything was beautiful Comfortable bed and the bath was awesome Nothing bad at all about this Hotel

After a tiring journey, this is a perfect place for you to rest. Great food, clean room, and friendly staff members. Especially, I would like to thank the recipient for taking care of the four of us: Emelia( I hope I spelled her name right). We booked two rooms on Good Friday, and her enthusiastic attitude really made our day. The view from a high-level room is breathtaking. I would love to bring my friends and family to come here again.

The location is ideal and close to many attractions. The bed is comfortable and the room is spacious and clean.

Giant room with a huge bathroom and lots of storage space.

The room was beautifully appointed and very comfortable and clean. The location of the hotel is perfect: close to everything in the CBD of Sydney. I have stayed at the hotel previously and it is excellent.

The buffet for breakfast was wonderful. They had everything you would want. You could even order your eggs the way you like them. So many choices.

Everything was beyond my expectations! I loved my stay!

Beautiful hotel, conveniently located, very clean.

Location was great. It was in the heart of the downtown area and really convenient to the light rail and Sydney trains. We really liked the breakfast. We stayed six days and had the buffet breakfast everyday. We never tired of it. The rooms were clean and well equipped. The fitness center was great, but can get a little crowded in the early mornings. If you can avoid those times, you'll have the entire facility to yourself. Room service staff and the breakfast area crew were especially kind. Since we stayed there multiple nights, the one guy remembered us and knew what kind of coffee we liked... sorry I didn't catch his name.

Great location, friendly staff, fantastic building!

Excellent location!

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Located in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), next to bustling Martin Place, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney features an à la carte restaurant, a bar and access to a fitness center. It features luxurious rooms with unique décor and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms offer stunning city views. Guests enjoy free WiFi in public areas. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is 15 minutes’ walk from both Darling Harbor and Chinatown. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Sydney Opera House are each within 20 minutes’ walk. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Fitness Center is located on level 6 of the Hotel. The Fitness Center provides cardiovascular equipment, free weights, treadmills and strength equipment. Offering rooms in the heritage-listed Sydney General Post Office building and in towering levels overlooking Sydney, the Fullerton is just 5 minutes’ walk from both Martin Place Railway Station and Wynyard Railway station. Guests can choose between the contemporary rooms in the high-rise section and the more classically inspired accommodations in the heritage building. All hotel rooms feature high-speed WiFi, luxurious amenities and a tablet which provides an interactive digital concierge. Also available are luxurious and spacious hotel suites, which offer dining areas and kitchenettes. From modern Australian cuisine to multicultural Southeast Asian signature dishes and handcrafted cocktails, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers different dining options. Located in the light-filled atrium on level one, The Place features à la carte specials for lunch and dinner. The Bar is located in the hotel lobby and is where you can enjoy the hotel's signature Afternoon Tea, served daily from 12:00 midday to 18:00.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Parking on site
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Fitness center
• 24-hour front desk
• Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
• Very Good Breakfast

Property Highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.7)

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.

Parking available at the hotel

Loyal Customers

끖 There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

Saved to 19911 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, see what guests loved the most:.

Hotel area info

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Cuisine Australian • Asian
• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Ambience Modern
• Dietary options Vegetarian • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Great facilities! Review score, 9

• Toilet paper
• Bathtub or shower
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Alarm clock
• Coffee machine
• Electric kettle
• Refrigerator
• Socket near the bed
• Live sports events (broadcast)
• Tour or class about local culture
• Walking tours
• Flat-screen TV
• Coffee house on site
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Kids' meals
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Breakfast in the room
• Tea/Coffee maker
• Valet parking
• Parking garage
• Invoice provided
• Baggage storage
• Express check-in/out
• Daily housekeeping
• Suit press Additional charge
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
• Business center
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• Key card access
• 24-hour security
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Wake-up service
• Ironing facilities
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Wake-up service/Alarm clock
• Room service
• Personal trainer
• Full-body massage
• Hand massage
• Head massage
• Foot massage
• Neck massage
• Back massage
• Spa/Wellness packages
• Spa facilities
• Body treatments
• Makeup services
• Facial treatments
• Beauty services
• Massage Additional charge
• Spa Additional charge

See availability House rules

From 3:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Until 11:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets are not allowed.

When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Accepted payment methods

Cash The Fullerton Hotel Sydney accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Payments by Credit Card shall incur Merchant Service Fee of 1.85% and 1.40% for debit cards.

Please note that The Fullerton Hotel Sydney requires a $100 per night, credit card pre-authorization upon check in to cover any incidental charges.

Please note entry to the fitness center is for registered guests only over the age of 18. Guests aged 16-18 years are only permitted entry with a consent form signed and presented by a parent or guardian. For more information, please contact the property, using the contact details found on the booking form.

Photo ID provided must match personal details on Credit Card. Credit card used at time of reservation must be presented upon check in at the hotel, or check-in will be denied.

We partner with two nearby public parking facilities. Secure Parking at 171 Pitt Street (located under the hotel) has self parking $68 per 24 hours and Valet parking $115 per 24 hours. The second option is Wilson Parking at 123 Angel Place (Pitt Street) for a charge of $25 per entry per 24 hours on weekdays and $18 per entry per 24 hours on weekends. Please note both options must have the ticket validated by the hotel Concierge.

Prices are subject to change.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

FAQs about The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

What type of room can i book at the fullerton hotel sydney, how much does it cost to stay at the fullerton hotel sydney.

The prices at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

How far is The Fullerton Hotel Sydney from the center of Sydney?

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is 1,150 feet from the center of Sydney. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What is there to do at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney?

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Check-in at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

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The best of sydney.

• Bondi Beach

Attractions

• Luna Park Sydney
• Taronga Zoo

Convention Centers

• International Convention Centre Sydney
• The Star Event Centre
• Australian Turf Club
• Art Gallery of New South Wales

Institutions

• Strathfield Private Hospital
• Harbour Bridge
• Randwick Racecourse
• North Head Quarantine Station
• Circular Quay
• Hyde Park Barracks Museum
• Australian National Maritime Museum
• The Royal Botanic Gardens
• Bicentennial Park

Popular Areas

• The Star Sydney
• Potts Point

Stadiums or Arenas

• Sydney Showground
• ANZ Stadium
• Qudos Bank Arena
• Sydney Opera House
• State Theatre
• Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) 5 miles
• Bankstown Airport (BWU) 13.2 miles
• Camden Airport (CDU) 32.2 miles

Train Stations

• Bondi Junction Bus/Train Station
• Sydney Central Station

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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

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THE FULLERTON HOTEL SYDNEY (S̶$̶3̶1̶1̶) S$236: UPDATED 2024 Reviews, Price Comparison and 605 Photos (Australia) - Tripadvisor

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The Fullerton Hotel Tour: A Step Back in Time

“It’s nice to be back” smiles Margaret Monger as she starts her Fullerton Hotel heritage tour.

The GPO, No.1 Martin Place

We’re standing in the large light filled courtyard of No. 1 Martin Place. Previously Sydney’s General Post Office, this ‘Grand Dame’ has many stories to tell and I’m looking forward to hearing some of them.

Margaret says these tours are the first step in the hotel owners “giving back the building’s history to the people”.  In time, a history area will be developed near the small Tank Stream museum one level down.   

That she loves her job is immediately apparent. Referring affectionately to the building as “the old girl”, her voice becomes animated describes the history of this heritage building.  

Brief History of the GPO

There’s been a post office here since 1829. Architect James Barnet designed the building. It was constructed in two stages between 1866 and 1891 and is considered the finest example of Victorian Italian Renaissance Style in New South Wales.

The Carvings

Stretching 114 metres along Martin Place, the northern façade colonnades reflect the Italian architectural style reminding Margaret of buildings in Milan. Huge granite columns support sandstone arches. Detailed carvings of faces representing various states and countries look out from the arches onto Martin Place. A bearded Aboriginal man represents Australia.

The carvings on Pitt Street were probably ahead of their time and caused much consternation. Many demanded they be removed deeming them too risqué. Sculptor Tommaso Sani depicted everyday Australians at work.

A maid appears to be flirting with the postman who has the likeness of the post-master general of the day. The architect looks like Barnet himself. Today people would wonder what the fuss was about.

The GPO Clock Tower

More controversy arose over the clock tower, completed in 1891. Standing 73 metres above the pavement, at first tubular bells were installed in the tower. Barnet objected and was proved right when tests proved their sound inferior to the traditional bells ended up replacing them.  

Margaret marvels at Henry Daly who installed the five bells. Every day for 40 years, he walked up 240 stairs to crank the chimes. The electric motor which drove the mechanism since 1989 will soon be replaced with a mechanical system as part of remediation work. 

Looking up at the tower, many wouldn’t realise that it was dismantled piece by numbered piece in 1942, to prevent it being targeted during air raids. I’m fascinated to learn that when the tower was rebuilt in 1964, the word ‘Eternity’ in the unmistakable copperplate lettering of Arthur Stace was found chalked onto the inside of the bell.

‘Eternity’

Although faint now, it’s still visible all these years later. It remains a mystery how Arthur Stace, the man who wrote ‘Eternity’ in chalk around the streets of Sydney for 35 years got access to the bell.

More letters are carved into the five-tonne hour bell, also known as Great Harry. The initials HP supposedly refer to Henry Parkes and were possibly inscribed by Henry Daly.

Delightful Discoveries

On the sixth floor a footbridge, following the route of the Tank Stream links the 31-storey hotel tower with the clock tower.

I’m delighted by the details that Margaret points out. A wall “built from besser blocks” almost looks like sandstone.  Two ‘no smoking’ ghost signs are gradually fading away. And the windows behind the Pitt Street staircase where a scene in The Matrix was filmed clearly have a different style different from other windows on the same wall.

Little Brother

While standing in the Little Ball Room trying to imagine the hustle and bustle when it was the Morse code room, a faint whirring sound interrupts my thoughts. The minute hand of the clock known as Little Brother has just moved closer to the hour, the clock mechanism right beside me, in a large circular hole in the thick wall.

Cigarette Burns and Shipping News

The first to admit that she still learns about the building from her guests, Margaret points out burn marks on the Pitt Street staircase bannister. When a teenager, one of her guests worked in the GPO. He explained how workers on a break would strike their matches on the bannister and then extinguish their cigarettes there before returning to work.

Demolished in 1927, the grand heritage staircase was reconstructed in 1999. The splendid red carpet has provided a perfect location for many a bridal photograph. Looking up at the decorative ornate plaster ceiling, two dates reveal that one section is newer than the other.

Newer floor coverings blend with the original black and white tiles which grace older sections of the building. Intricate patterning on outside steps is reflected in stairs and carpeting throughout the building.

The Shipping Intelligence board found abandoned in a storeroom now hangs in the central courtyard. It advised the public when ships (carrying their mail) were due in port, the times hand written in chalk.

Remembering the Fallen

Opposite the honour board a book stands open on a shelf behind a glass door. Margaret explains that each page of this replica bears only one name, the name of an officer from the Postmaster General’s Department who died during one of the World Wars. Every day someone would turn the page to a different name. Margaret expresses the hope that this custom will resume one day.     

A Worthwhile Tour

Margaret’s enthusiasm for Sydney’s ‘Grand Dame’ has rubbed off and our group disperses feeling more than a little affection for ‘the old girl’. 

Useful Information

• The free 90-minute tours run on Fridays and Saturdays. Each day there is a tour for hotel guests and one for the public. Contact the Hotel to book a tour.
• Customised tours are also available.
• If you ever stay at the Fullerton, Margaret recommends asking for a heritage room.

Lovely article Jo, very interesting. On the bucket list to do the tour

Thanks Robyn. You won’t be disappointed

Fascinating! I had no idea you could visit this beautiful building. Will definitely try and book a tour? Thank you for writing about it. Sabine.

Glad you enjoyed it. Tours on Fri and Sat am. You do need to book.

Enjoyed the story Joanne. What a good idea!!

Thanks Nicola

This is such a lovely building and your piece shows just how worthwhile it was not to let the developers knock it down a few decades ago. Thanks as always Jo.

Thanks June, it is a lovely building with all sorts of hidden treasures.

Thanks Joanne for the information on the historical tour of the old GPO. Visited this grandeur building and was very impressed. Sandra the historical guide was very knowledgeable, gained so much and have a greater appreciation of this magnificent building. Hope to see more historical sites.

So pleased you had a chance to enjoy the building, June.

Great tour! Will have to get the walking groups I’m in to organise a trip up and do the tour / thanks Joanne

Great idea, Chrissy

I-ll plan an excursion there. Thanks, Joanne!

You’ll enjoy it Constance. Do share your experience.

GreatJoanne, will share to Facebook.

Thanks Seana

Beautiful building and seeped in history. You captured the nuance of a bygone era with your blog and photographs. Thanks Jo.

Thanks Bernadette. It’s a lovely building carefully restored and maintained.

We just completed the tour and were amazed by the “behind the scenes” insights into the stunning architecture and stories of people who worked there. When you can’t travel overseas you realise how much beauty and history we have at our own doorstep. Two hours just flew by !…..and it is free as well!

So pleased you enjoyed it.

Hi Joanne, my mother worked as a telephonist at the GPO in the 40’s 50s. I wonder if the area she worked is part of your tour. I would love to bring her for a tour when we are in Sydney next . Chris

Oh how interesting, Christine. I went on the tour – I didn’t lead it, but the telephonists were certainly mentioned – it was a while ago and I can’t quite remember if we went into that area or not, but I know your mother would really enjoy the tour. Many people who worked in the building at various times have come back to do the tour and shared their stories with the guide. The tour for the public is on a different day from the tour for guests of the hotel. Remember to pre-book.

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