What do Barack Obama, Jennifer Aniston, Pierce Brosnan, and Frank Sinatra have in common with B.H.? Aside from the fact that we’ve all stayed at the InterContinental Sydney’s Presidential Opera Suite, virtually nothing else.
On the invitation of the legendary hotel, our team recently had the distinct pleasure of experiencing its eyebrow-raising $90,000 New Year’s Eve package (eat your heart out, Christmas in July). Well… sort of.
Aside from front-row seats to one of the world’s most vaunted fireworks displays from an enviable vantage point, $90,000 ordinarily buys you the following:
- Three whole nights in the Presidential Opera Suite (minimum)
- Chauffeur pick-up at the airport with a luxurious car transfer direct to the InterContinental Sydney
- Dom Perignon on arrival
- A personalised itinerary crafted with Chief Concierge Gregory Hillard
- Club InterContinental Lounge access daily with complimentary breakfast, afternoon high tea, evening canapés, and drinks
- A meticulously curated gourmet dinner with the finest selection of beverages on New Year’s Eve
- Plus a soothing in-room massage for two on New Year’s Day (90 minutes)
But given we’re neither out-of-towners nor paying customers, we only previewed the crown jewel of the 29th floor for a single night; the degustation for a total of 10 guests with a healthy Friday evening attempt at the free-flowing booze; as well as breakfast for the lucky couple who actually stayed overnight the following morning.
RELATED: Australia’s First Mondrian Hotel Finally Opens On The Gold Coast – Take A Look Inside
Though even as an abridged run-through, much like post-business class air travel, it’ll be pretty damn hard to go back those tepid ticketed events with drink coupons and overly-crowded dancefloors. Let’s just say the InterContinental Sydney New Year’s Eve package is the perfect jumping off point for throwing the ultimate party.
As delectable as the five-star menu was (and being waited on hand and foot), the Presidential Opera Suite itself is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Once upon a time, this exclusive offering reserved for high-flyers and dignitaries was renowned for being Sydney’s largest hotel room, spanning an impressive 245 square metres (and a ceiling height of 2.113 metres at the entry, 2.424 metres in the lounge).
While it’s since lost the title, after the InterContinental Sydney’s extensive $120 million refurbishment in 2022, the newly-modernised digs have never been more befitting of its storied reputation. Quality + Quantity, if you will.
From the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic sails of the Opera House to the manicured expanse of the Royal Botanic Gardens, virtually every room offers a postcard-worthy view. The sprawling main lounge, the lush private outdoor terrace, and even the master bathroom.
Inside, the Woods Bagot-designed suite strikes a deft balance between opulence and ease. Rich, vibrant interiors are framed by full-length windows, while curated furnishings and a grand piano (that may or may not need tuning before you tickle the ivories) anchor the space with a sense of timeless sophistication.
RELATED: Four Aussie Stays Among World’s Hottest New Hotels For 2025
The Presidential Opera Suite also features an elegant dining room (which we spent the majority of our time in), butler’s pantry (practically made for the idle hours of kick-ons), as well as an executive work area for the power players mixing business with pleasure.
When you’re ready to retreat for the evening, the master bedroom is ready to embrace you with a king-sized bed dressed in crisp linens and a state-of-the-art cloud mattress promises a sleep worthy of royalty; while the oversized marble bathroom – complete with rain shower, deep soaking tub, and advanced Japanese toilet – turns everyday routines into restorative rituals.
If you’re even remotely intrigued by the possibility of ringing in the new year here, hit the link below.
The Boss Hunting team stayed as guests of the InterContinental Sydney.
