If you’re spending $22 million on your foyer, you expect it to be grand and The Star Grand Residences lives up to its name, although the real star of a stay here has to be the views.
Traveller: Kirstie Bedford
Room: One Bedroom Pyrmont Views. Room: 1255
Address: 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, Sydney, NSW
Price range: NZ$400 – $1,550 per night
Best for: Couples or friends wanting a city escape
The Signature factor
You could while away days on the balcony of your residence watching boats pull in and out of the harbour as pastels of orange and pink mark the sky before it darkens to the twinkling lights of the city.
The concept
A luxurious, private, stylish city escape where everything you could possibly want is at your beck and call.
First impressions
The Grand Foyer is well, grand to say the least. It’s the world’s first permanent indoor light and interactive digital art foyer in an integrated resort – part light, water and digital art gallery and includes a 25-metre-long crescent-shaped screen that will showcase the works of emerging and established artists.
Alongside the digital canvas is the first sculptural water installation of its design in the Southern Hemisphere – the ‘Aquatique’ artwork of falling water.
From here, walk past high-end retail outlets Cartier, Rolex at Kennedy and Versace, to name but a few, and check in to your residence in the gold-walled lobby.
The room
The opulence continues in the $100 million renovated rooms. Mine is a ‘one bedroom Pyrmont views with office ‘ and has a large central island bench, a kitchenette that would rival any ‘home’ kitchen save for the appliances, a lounge with couch and two armchairs, and doors to a balcony where the magic really starts. Slide open the doors and prepare to be dazzled.
Wake in the plush king-size bed where at the press of a button you can open your automatic windows and soak up those sparkling city views.
Top suite
The three-bedroom Darling Harbour View Suite has sweeping views of the city and Sydney’s northern suburbs. There’s an open-plan dining and living area that opens out onto a balcony and two marble bathrooms. Mood lighting also helps set the atmosphere in this stylish abode.
I wish I could take home
Those vistas …
Staying in
From authentic Italian to local seafood, there are flavours to suite any palate, and you don’t even have to leave The Star complex.
Ele is a theatrical, fine-dining concept where you move while you eat, while Sokyo pays homage to the chef’s Japanese heritage with a modern touch using the finest Australian produce. Try the 20-course omakase – including 12-hour steamed abalone sashimi and the famed nigiri.
Choose Cucina Porto for a taste of Italy with dishes from executive chef Martino Pulito’s hometown including Cavatelli served with a creamed cannellini bean base, fresh prawns, semi-dried tomato and rocket.
At Flying Fish, you’ll savour the best fish from Australian and New Zealand waters – all accompanied with an extensive wine list, including French champagne.
For a taste of southeast Asian, Rumble is the place to be and it’s all matched perfectly with inventive cocktails.
While at The Century choose steamed-to-order dumplings and fresh seafood straight from the tank.
Don’t miss Swing by G&Tea – a tea house by day and gin bar by night. And burn it all off at the gym or lagoon-style pool.
Stepping out
Technically not stepping out, but The Star is also home to the Sydney Lyric theatre which hosts all the big-name performances. Think Hairspray, Mamma Mia!, Wicked.
But should you like to see Sydney’s sights, the Pyrmont pedestrian bridge makes it easy to access the city and beyond.
Insider tips
Make a restaurant booking ahead of time to ensure you secure your spot.
If only
I had more time to savour the flavours of all those restaurants.
Final verdict
Gourmands and girlfriends will delight in the dining, shopping, shows and show-stopping vistas, and you’ll leave feeling like a star.
Where to find The Star Grand Residences
The Star Sydney, Level G, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
