The hype
Travelers are universally relieved by the soundproofing and love the 2022 room refurbishment.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport by IHG
$150-230/ night
Book this if You have a layover in Sydney and want a modern, silent room with runway views rather than a soulless terminal bench.
Why People Love It
- Legitimate soundproofing (double-glazed windows) that blocks 747 roar
- Walkable to Mascot Station for quick CBD access (15 mins to Opera House)
- Biggles Bar & Grill has a surprisingly decent pub vibe for a hotel
Quick Take: A slick, refurbished airport hotel that nails the 'sleep' part but completely forgot the 'pool' part.
Reviewed by @DewiMeliala9755500: I was honestly shocked by how new this room felt! The renovation is top-tier, and the $12 shuttle made our morning flight so much easier. Plus, the bed was comfy enough for my husband to literally dive into. A total win for our family layover.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The paid shuttle feels like a nickel-and-dime move, and housekeeping can be patchy with restocking tea/coffee.
- You are an aviation geek who wants to watch planes take off from bed
- You need a 24-hour gym to fight jet lag
- You want excellent Asian food within walking distance (Mascot is a hidden gem for this)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed tea/coffee restocking.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Grout is clean (refurbished 2022), rainfall showers are scale-free.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The 2022 refurbishment means paint, carpets, and fixtures are still fresh.
- Linens & towels: Crisp white linens, standard hotel grade. Towels are fluffy enough.
- Odors & scents: Neutral. No heavy perfumes, but also no musty 'old hotel' smell thanks to the reno.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise on lower floors facing O'Riordan Street
- Hallway chatter if near elevators
Before you book
Good to know
- Mascot Station is a 5-minute walk; trains to CBD are cheap, but trains to the Airport terminals trigger a ~$17 AUD 'Gate Pass' fee.
- Credit card surcharge is 1.9% for Visa/Mastercard and higher for Amex.
- Breakfast at Sirocco is a solid buffet (~$38 AUD) but local cafes are half the price.
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a low floor)
- Universal travel adapter (Aus plugs are angled)
- Swimsuit? Leave it at home (no pool!)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premium Room, High Floor (Runway View) for the best visuals
- Standard Room facing away from O'Riordan Street for maximum quiet
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the street (traffic noise)
- Connecting rooms if you aren't using them (sound bleed risk)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (Level 9 or 10) with a runway view, away from the elevators and O'Riordan Street traffic noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the airport shuttle free?
No. It costs $12 AUD per person, one way. It runs daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Can I walk to the airport?
Technically yes to Domestic (T2/T3) in about 15-20 mins, but it's along a busy highway. International (T1) is too far to walk.
Is there a pool?
No. This is the biggest complaint from families. There is a sauna, but no pool.
How much is parking?
Expensive. Self-parking is around $40-45 AUD per night.
Is it pet friendly?
No. Pets are not allowed in guest rooms. Service animals only.
What is the breakfast price?
Buffet breakfast at Sirocco is approximately $38 AUD per adult.
Insider Tips
- ✨
For 2+ people, an Uber to the terminal is often cheaper than the shuttle ($12/pp) or the train (Gate Pass fee).
- ✨
Ask for a 'runway view' room specifically; the 'city view' often just looks at other buildings.
- ✨
The 'Mascot Central' retail precinct is a 4-minute walk and has a Woolworths supermarket for cheap snacks.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom showers sometimes have half-glass screens that flood the floor.
💡You can spot the Qantas hangars directly from some south-facing rooms.
💡The 'dog friendly' marketing refers only to the outdoor terrace at Biggles Bar, not the hotel rooms.
💡Housekeeping sometimes forgets to restock the free tea/coffee pods.
💡The gym is actually decent for a hotel gym, open 24/7 with modern Technogym gear.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport by IHG is located and what's nearby.