InterContinental SydneyDouble Bay was unveiled today as this year's most anticipated new hotel and one of the most exclusive properties in Australia, nestled within the prestigious and picturesque village suburb of Double Bay in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

Marking the arrival of the fifth InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in the country, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is the only five-star luxury hotel outside Sydney's CBD and is pivotal to the resurgence of the Double Bay area.

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay has worked together with developers and owners, Royal Hotels Australia and designers Bates Smart Architects to transform the iconic former property into an intimate and private bayside sanctuary.

Officially opening the hotel today, Frederic Brohez, General Manager, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay said: “Sydney's newest luxury address, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is the pinnacle of elegance and world-class service, the perfect choice for creating a flawless event, building everlasting memories or just to relax in seclusion.”

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay offers world-class accommodation, unique event spaces, stunning views of Double Bay village and bay, unparalleled service and an abundance of dedicated amenities, with an elegance and personalisation of service proving popular with the high-calibre of clientele for which the bayside address is renowned.

Upon arrival into InterContinental Sydney Double Bay marble reception, guests and visitors will be wowed by the stunning architecture of the hotel, characterised by a blend of contemporary design and beautifully-reinstated features, including original Italian white marble and grey-green marble fireplaces.

Each of the retreat's 140 light-filled guest rooms and suites are exquisitely furnished, with most opening out onto private balconies.

Just five kilometres from the CBD, the hotel offers some of Sydney's best views, from the magnificent yacht-dotted bay to the leafy village and hotel's internal French provincial courtyard.

Arguably the best vista is enjoyed from the hotel's Rooftop Pool and Lounge, featuring private cabanas, a bar and dining options by the pool: a perfect retreat for those looking to relax on holiday or after a long day of work.

The original Grand Ballroom has been restored as the venue of choice for Sydney's premium weddings and events, with capacity to host up to 495 guests cocktail-style. For smaller events, the hotel offers an additional six flexible spaces on the first floor, featuring state-of-the-art technology and design. The hotel is also home to Sydney's only fully-separate kosher kitchen.

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay's Stillery gin bar is anticipated to be one of the city's hottest new haunts. Inspired by the rich distilling history of the local area, beautifully-designed Stillery focuses on a growing collection of high-end local craft, imported, vintage and rare gin, poured behind a stunning seven-metre-long marble and leather-clad bar.

When it comes to dining, the options at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay are plentiful. The pinnacle is Stockroom – a destination restaurant turning seasonal market-fresh produce into culinary creations, prepared using techniques such as curing, smoking, pickling and cooking using a robata grill. Headed up by Executive Chef, Julien Pouteau, Stockroom is spread across two areas: a light-filled and elegant dining room and a European pantry-style space featuring bar stools at marble-topped chef's tables.

For those who would rather relax in the comfort of their room, 24-hour in-room dining is available, while the hotel's Stillery bar and Rooftop Pool and Lounge both offer an extensive selection of delicious dishes.

Guests can also enjoy culinary delights in the hotel's exclusive Club InterContinental lounge and spacious French provincial courtyard, landscaped with original stone, a collection of evergreen trees and a manicured fragrant garden.

Additional dining options will be available in the coming weeks and months, on the ground floor retail precinct of the building, including Henley's Wholefoods, contemporary Japanese offering Sake Restaurant & Bar, and a restaurant and bar concept by local hospitality outfit, The Group. Also on this floor, is 24-hour gym Snap Fitness with dedicated personal trainers and a wellness centre.

To celebrate its launch, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is offering an opening rate of from AU$390 per room, per night, including breakfast for two in Stockroom, available from 6 November 2014. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. For more information and reservations, email reservations.doublebay@ihg.com.

For more information on the new hotel, visit www.intercontinental.com/doublebay.

For more information on InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, visit www.ihg.com/intercontinental.  To explore IHG Rewards Club, the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, visit www.ihgrewardsclub.com and for more information on IHG, visit www.IHG.com.

For media enquires:

Jessica Grimshaw
Senior Planner & Strategist
Jessica@themintpartners.com.au Ph: 0404 679 665

Felicity Burridge
Senior Account Manager 
Felicity@themintpartners.com.au Ph: 0415 173 593

Jasmine Cook
PR and Communications Manager, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
jasmine.cook@ihg.com Ph: 02 8388 8344 / 0417 466 848

Notes to editors:

About InterContinental Sydney Double Bay

Sydney's newest luxury address, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay opens on 6th November 2014 as an intimate bayside retreat, just minutes from the CBD. Set in picturesque Double Bay village, the hotel features 140 guest rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and lounge, Stockroom destination restaurant, Stillery concept gin bar, world-class concierge, pillarless Grand Ballroom and exclusive Club InterContinental lounge and courtyard.

33 Cross Street, Double Bay, Sydney NSW 2028

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/InterContinentalSydneyDoubleBay

Instagram: @InterconDoubleBay

Twitter: @InterconSydDB

About Royal Hotels Australia Pty Ltd

Royal Hotels Australia, whose portfolio in the Asia-pacific region includes a wide range of properties comprising of residential, industrial and commercial estates, manages the hotel's reformation and development.

About InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts

The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand has 181 hotels located in more than 65 countries, with local insight that comes from over 67 years of experience. As a brand, we believe that superior, understated service and outstanding facilities are important, but what makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show in our guests. Our desire is to help guests make the most of their time. We connect our well-travelled guests to what's special about a destination, by sharing our knowledge so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives and broaden their outlook. For more information visit www.intercontinental.com, https://twitter.com/InterConHotels or http://www.facebook.com/intercontinental.