When it comes to airport hotels, travellers are often searching for the basics: convenience, comfort and cost-effectiveness.

So, when I stepped inside Citadines Connect after a short, 15-minute walk from Sydney Airport, the playful interiors, warm hospitality and overall sense of fun was a welcome surprise on top of the three Cs.

Checking in at the hotel’s penthouse lobby, guest services officer Shank was quick to welcome me in with a friendly smile and show me around the property, which officially joined The Ascott Limited portfolio in 2019.

Taking nods from the airport precinct, the hotel’s 150 guest rooms give travellers the choice of economy through to first class room types, depending on their needs and length of stay. There’s even a fleet of dog-friendly rooms on level one, each with their own small balcony and treats for the furry companions.

Each of the rooms offer all the basics for a good stay: a comfortable bed, a work desk, a 55-inch TV with Netflix and blackout curtains, alongside some added luxuries: a rainfall shower, Kevin Murphy amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi. My first class room was generous in size and even had a free-standing bath perched on one side of the bathroom.

But I’m confident most guests don’t spend an awfully long time in their rooms, considering what’s on offer on the penthouse level. Just beyond the check-in desk is a trendy cocktail bar, styled with bright pastels, neon signs and Instagrammable artwork. The best seats in the house are by the windows, where you could easily spend an afternoon watching the airport runways in action, or in the swinging chairs suspended from the roof.

Up in the penthouse, Citadines Connect offers two meeting rooms, Boeing and Airbus, both a decent size for a commuter hotel with space for up to approximately 70 delegates. The spaces are fitted with all the essentials for a productive meeting or event, including audio visual capabilities.

Shank tells me the rooms are often joined together to accommodate mid-sized corporate groups, while groups can also utilise the adjoining rooftop terrace, which is perhaps the greatest feature of the property itself.

The outdoor terrace is open 24 hours and at night it transforms into what’s touted as Sydney’s only hotel rooftop cinema, streaming a different movie each night from 8pm. Guests can order from the hot and cold ‘grab and go’ menu, alongside a selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages, and enjoy their meal by the cosy outdoor fireplace. I was pleasantly surprised by the dinner options that were still available after my 9pm arrival, and a Thai chicken curry really hit the spot after my evening commute.

There’s a lot to love about this hidden-away hotel, so much so it appeals to travellers beyond the overnight commuter. One guest enjoyed the experience so much, they stayed an entire year.

For corporate teams looking for a conveniently located meeting venue, with all the necessary requirements along with some added luxuries and trendy spaces, Citadines Connect Sydney Airport is a solid choice.

And for those looking for a place to turn in for the night as they get back into the swing of corporate travel, you can rest assured the friendly hotel team will make you feel right at home.

*Spice Magazine stayed at Citadines Connect Sydney Airport as a hosted guest