InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach brings five-star luxury to the Eastern Suburbs beach.

It may be controversial, but as a Sydney local, I would pick Coogee over Bondi any day of the week. This lively coastal suburb in the Eastern Suburbs supplies enough dining, drinking and boutique shopping options to keep one entertained beyond the beach. Though golden sand and relatively calm waters make beach days (or a day spent at Coogee’s historic ocean pools) enticing. Now, the five-star InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, which opened in December 2025, brings an elevated stay to the heart of Coogee.

Slip into contemporary luxury, while maintaining the relaxed coastal charm this suburb is known for.

Location

It’s been a few years since I was lucky enough to live in Coogee, but this trip down memory lane has left me with intense nostalgia. InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach is just steps away from the beach itself, and I cannot express how much of a delight it is to spend a lazy morning wandering over to Grumpy’s Bakery for a croissant and coffee, then enjoying it as you wander along the famous cliff-front coastal trail towards Bondi (don’t worry, you can turn around at any time). Or a casual Sunday Sesh spent at Coogee Pavilion on the waterfront. Or an evening dining in one of the excellent restaurants or bars.

Of course, now that I’ve experienced InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, I’d be just as satisfied skipping the afternoon and evening options, opting instead for poolside cocktails and restaurant delights.

Style and character

It’s all about bright and neutral coastal luxury at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. After opening in December after a multi-million-dollar transformation – designed by global architecture and design studio Woods Bagot – a series of thoughtfully considered spaces have been created, shaped by the light and landscape of Coogee. 

The ocean itself is used as the centrepiece, with views from the pool deck to the balconies that wrap around the rooms, and framed by every window.

Facilities

Èliva Spa

At the holistic Èliva Spa, the philosophy is rest, recovery and invigoration. And boy, did I. Here, contemporary techniques are mixed with nature-led therapies. The aim is to offer a more immersive and personalised wellbeing approach than the traditional spa model. That starts from the moment you meet your masseuse, when they help you craft your own massage oil from apothecary-esque glasses. It’s a very fun touch.

I started with a massage, and I’ve just started hitting the gym again, so the poor masseuse had her work cut out for her. With all the knots in my shoulders gone, it was on to the thermal facilities. This was my absolute highlight. If the pool is where I’d be all summer, this is where I’d be all winter (or year-round, if I’m honest).

Think magnesium mineral pools, infrared and salt saunas, cold plunge baths and a crystal steam room. There’s also a dedicated recovery lounge, with things like PEMF infrared masks, LED facial masks, compression boots and vitamin C-infused showers.

Infinity pool and terrace

It’s entirely possible this is the best hotel pool in Sydney. An infinity edge shows off views of Coogee Beach below. Planters, canopy palms, coastal grasses and native species help to blend this elevated space into the nature surrounding it. In the summer, it would be difficult to tear me away from this spot.

Alas, I have arrived in winter, so swimming is out of the question for a wimp like me (though the pool itself is heated). But it’s a sunny day, and the private cabanas and sun lounges around the pool deck still make it an inviting space to linger – particularly with a poolside restaurant and bar.

Club InterContinental

This is the same exclusive, premium lounge experience offered at select InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. But with a distinct Coogee difference. This discreet sanctuary unfolds as a series of interconnected spaces for different purposes – including a fully private, open-air terrace. Which is exactly where we were enjoying breakfast when a couple of humpback whales decided to put on a show, leaping out of the ocean behind Coogee Beach. From where I sat with my partner, we had a perfect, magical view.

Here, a decor palette of sun-washed tones, organic textures and subtle nautical touches is bathed in natural light. It’s truly an inviting space, and the staff are incredibly friendly. Wander through to find comfortable lounges, low coffee tables and quiet nooks. Be sure to pop in for a complimentary afternoon tea, or twilight drinks with a selection of wines, cocktails and canapés.

Pickleball courts

Keeping up with current sporting trends, two pickleball courts will soon be added for guest use. 

Gym

An on-site 24-hour fitness studio features elliptical machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights and more.

Rooms

The InterContinental Sydney Coogee offers 198 rooms and suites that each uphold a coastal charm, but make it luxurious. Rooms come in Classic or Premium with all the basic amenities you could need, keeping it minimalistic, but classy, with some looking out onto the beach or the pool. Opt for Premium to enjoy a balcony (it’s absolutely worth it, waking up to a tea on your balcony with the beach below). While premium suite options (The Pacific, The Coastal, The Signature and Pool View) maximise indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Spend an afternoon reading in a deep, comfy lounge by the window, enjoy a separate living area, and some even boast an outdoor bathtub.

Food and drink

Shutters Restaurant & Bar

Open, breezy spaces, a bright and neutral palette, and seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menus combine to make Shutters a chic coastal restaurant. Gaze out the shuttered windows onto sweeping ocean views as you sip on wine or carefully crafted cocktails. The dinner menu offers a great low-key option, though the breakfast buffet is really where this spot shines.

This restaurant, bar and function space is open from breakfast until late night, with 24-hour in-room dining for hotel guests.

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is the flagship Sydney restaurant, and conveniently located inside the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach hotel. Famous around the world for its seafood prowess, the Coogee location is no different. The menu here is definitely about celebrating Australia’s finest coastal produce. Think freshly shucked oysters and grilled lobster for the seafood purists, and dishes with a twist for those seeking a more adventurous palate – like fish curries, Mediterranean-inspired classics, and signature creations that Rick Stein is known for.

The atmosphere is relaxed, yet refined. Natural light fills the interior, and a breezy terrace has the perfect view. Pops of blue stand out against the white decor.

Pool Bar

I’ve already mentioned that the pool is a destination that begs you to stay all day, and part of that appeal is the Pool Bar and its selection of drinks and light refreshments. The menu is intended to reflect ‘the ease of beachside living’, with dishes like bowls of the Buddha, fruit and poke variety, Moreton Bay bug rolls, cheese plates and fries. The cocktail list keeps it light and breezy, with a range of beers, teas, coffees and other non-alcoholic choices as well.

Does InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach have access for guests with disabilities?

Very much so. Find dedicated accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Plus step-free access to public areas like the pool and restaurants.

Is InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach family-friendly?

Absolutely. The location alone makes it great for kids, with Coogee Beach mere steps away. But the hotel also has some handy family features, like offering paid babysitting and childcare services, and kid-friendly meals in the restaurant.

The details

Best for: Luxurious seaside getaways

Address: 242 Arden St, Coogee NSW

Phone: (02) 9315 7600

Cost: From $416 per night. Opt for The Experience Package (available until 31st December 2026), including an overnight stay, access to Èliva Spa’s thermal facilities, $100 dining credit, Club InterContinental access and more at $829 for two.

Website: coogeebeach.intercontinental.com