THE LOCATION

Squarely in the CBD, Market Street's shopping area is buzzing at 4pm. While Louis Vuitton, is not on the (credit) cards, there are plenty more affordable mainstays in the stunning Queen Victoria Building and Westfield. The Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour are in walking distance.

THE SPACE

For first-timers, the lift from the economical entrance and a most welcoming valet to the vast eighth floor is akin to a big reveal, such is the size of the lobby, lounge bar and restaurant, all nicely delineated. Eight half-moon shaped booths that comfortably seat four are ideal for an early morning latte or a quiet pre-show drink before heading across the road to the State Theatre. The outdoor pool is heated, there's a small but well-kitted out gym and the day spa, naturally, uses products from Switzerland where the hotel group originated.

THE ROOM

I'm in one of the just-finished 14 signature skyline rooms and suites – new spaces occupying the hotel's top four floors. They were designed by CHADAwhose projects include Saffire​ in Tasmania and Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. My balcony room on the 23rd floor has stylish sheen and   substance. The curved black leather and chrome chaise, inspired by a Mies van der Rohe classic is comfortable and the lacquered cocktail cabinet lined in orange is at waist height and holds a coffee machine and mini bar with transparent door. All that shine is softened by charcoal carpet, fabric bedhead and 300 thread count sheets on a king bed. Outside, the balcony, which overlooks the QVB, is the perfect spot to sit among the city lights when insomnia takes hold. The walk-in wardrobe has decent lighting to see what's in the bottom of the suitcase and in the bathroom there's a rain-water shower. The 40-inch LED television playing upbeat jazz welcomes me to my room. The two skyline suites on the 25th floor have a twin basin en suite, a bath and a separate lounge and dining area.

THE FOOD

There are guests taking advantage of the restaurant JPB's early dining (two courses for $49 a person and a glass of wine) from a menu that includes Mission Bay tiger prawns, Cone Bay barramundi and Thirlmere chicken breast. For the unhurried, the more extensive menu has signature dishes of Coorong pipis and free-range pork belly.

STEPPING OUT

Actually, it's stepping up, to level 9, where the executive lounge overlooking the foyer, bar and city is quite the welcome home after a big day out. There are couches, magazines, library, an open fire and business and pleasure travellers relaxing with drinks and snacks. Breakfast the next day is equally as pleasant with a standard buffet breakfast, decent coffee and more than 10 choices of T2 brews.

THE VERDICT

New rooms make for that new-hotel-stay feel, minus the teething problems. Exceptional location and helpful staff aid this directionally challenged guest.

ESSENTIALS

The new signature rooms cost from $369 a night and includes executive lounge access for two.

68 Market Street, Sydney 2000. Phone (02) 9238 8888, see swissotel.com.

HIGHLIGHT

A hotel room with an outside space to take in the city and fresh air.

LOWLIGHT

The room compendium could do with a refresh, referring to its latest hotel and the 2014 Sochi Olympics as a future event.