Overview
After an ambitious three-year-long restoration, Sydney's historic Hotel Morris is just about ready to reopen. Come late January 2023, guests will get to see how this space has been returned to its former glory — all the while sneaking in a few Australiana features for good measure.
When Hotel Morris opened back in 1929 in an eye-catching Italian renaissance building, it was the tallest hotel in Australia and known for wonderfully exemplifying Palazzo architecture.
Buildings in this style were inspired by the ornate palaces built by wealthy Italians back in the Renaissance. In other words, they are loud, inside and out. The Accor team, who now operate the property, have made sure this grand Sydney landmark keeps this old-school feel with a more modern twist.
Inside, it feels tastefully gaudy — an oxymoron, we know. It's very 'eleganza extravaganza' as the design team has carefully clashed several marble finishes with all kinds of other textiles. Within spaces like Bar Morris, many different coloured tiles sit alongside stucco wooden floorboards, brass and stone finishes and more marble. Works by Aussie artists have also been hung throughout. But they strongly focus on earthy tones, making it all work together.
Our Italian grandmothers would love this over-the-top design. And we live for it too.
While little has been said of the drinking and dining options at Bar Morris, we do know that the day-to-night menu will focus on simple, seasonal produce infused with Italian influences. Start with coffee and pastries, move on to deli-style small plates of food and eventually get into the Italian and Australian wines curated to work alongside heartier dinner options. It seems as if simple food will be served within these glam surrounds.
Now, moving up the tall building, there are 82 rooms. Fortunately, for a greater sense of calm, they have gone down a different design route up here. Art Deco reigns supreme up in these rooms, ensuring Hotel Morris keeps that European feel — but in an altogether more understated way.
Expect warm golden mustard tones with custom furniture, brass detailing and some earthy stone finishes. It reflects the rich features that have been preserved on the outside of the heritage building. The prominent ghost signage on the side of the building has also been revived, bringing some history and character back to central Sydney's streetscape.
Hotel Morris, located at 412 Pitt Street, is set to welcome guests from late January 2023. Head to the website to see more updates before its opening.