What it’s like to spend the night inside Sydney’s gorgeous heritage-listed former General Post Office.
An impressive 151 years ago, Sydney’s General Post Office (GPO) had its grand opening at No.1 Martin Place. Crafted from Sydney sandstone, the heritage-listed building no longer has the main function of sending letters; instead, its Victorian Italian grandeur is carefully preserved by The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
The back story
In 1874, Sydney’s General Post Office (GPO) opened as a link to communicating with the rest of the world, both by mail and telegraph. Designed by the Colonial Architect for NSW, James Barnett, the current building was constructed in two stages from 1866 to 1892.
The undertaking was an ambitious one, including many intricate sculptures – one featuring Queen Victoria – with an overall look that blended heritage and Victorian Italian Renaissance style, while still in keeping with the building’s international practicality.
After a refurbishment in the 90s, and being sold in 2017, it now houses The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, along with retail outlets and a (much smaller) Australia Post shop. Despite the changes, the hotel has worked hard to preserve the GOP’s historic grandeur.
First impressions
The room
The hotels’ 416 guest rooms and suites are spread across both the GPO heritage building and the modern tower, offering a range of options from sweeping city views to heritage decor and original historic details, like marble fireplaces and the postmaster’s writing desk from the 1870s.
I was in the modern tower, with a view overlooking George Street. The room is spacious, yet cosy. Despite its modernity, neutral tones and a marble-look bathroom still maintain a classic feel. A full-sized desk, a comfortable leather lounge chair, spacious cupboard space, a Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker, a Vittoria coffee machine and a generous-sized TV make the space more than just a bedroom.
The bed itself is soft and comfortable for a peaceful night’s sleep, but my favourite feature was definitely the large bath (with enough length for my six-foot self). The entire bathroom is separated by a large glass window with an automatic blind – wind up for bathing with a view (or to watch a movie on TV), wind down for privacy. Bath salts are offered as a bathroom amentity, which was a lovely touch. While the Balmain bathroom collection is offered in pump bottles for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Behind separate glass doors, a toilet and rain shower also fit into this large space.
The facilities
Fitness Centre
Open 24 hours a day to guests and located on level six, the hotel’s fitness centre features top-of-the-range equipment including treadmills, free weights and strength training equipment.
Guests can book a personal training session with Acero trainers at the fitness centre by enquiring with the concierge or through the Acero One Community app.
GPO Heritage Tour
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.
From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place (once the main entrance to the GPO) to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. These latter features are part of the 1880s-era facade, and each represents different states, countries and continents.
The Fullerton Club Lounge
Stay on the hotel’s club floors for access to The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. It’s something of an oasis, open for a daily continental, light refreshments throughout the day and pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. All served with views of the city skyline.
There’s also a wide-screen television, a selection of daily newspapers, free WiFi and exclusive use of the hotel’s private boardroom.
The food and drink
The Place
A level above the lobby, in an atrium overlooking The Bar, onsite restaurant The Place offers dishes featuring the best of Australia’s fresh and homegrown seafood, vegetables and meats. These can be tried on their own or as one of their signature tasting platters for a little bit of everything.
Dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with South-East Asian signature dishes, like chicken satay. My personal favourite was the Thai-style green curry. It was fairly mild as far as curries go, but absolutely not lacking in taste.
The Bar
Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails and tasty treats (although it certainly does that well). What it’s really known for is the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .
Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to Victorian tea traditions and served in a high tea style. Think cucumber sandwiches, stuffed boiled eggs and Apple Charlotte, but all with an elevated twist. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.
Personally, I can never go passed a good scone. But my other favourite was hands-down the Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding).
Above us, the GOP building’s iconic clock tower overlooked the space, separated from us by a glass atrium roof. Soft brown-leather chairs added to the classic decor.
The crowd was a mix of those who had dressed up for a special occasion and a few more casual diners. While we ate, a pianist sat down at the on-site grand piano behind our table and began playing the classics. It just added the old-world feel.
The location
The location of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney couldn’t possibly be more central, right at the start of the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions.
Details
Address: Lobby Level/1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
