Diamant Hotel review, Potts Point, Sydney: Weekend away

THE SPACE

The Diamant is part of the 8hotels Boutique Hotels Co. group, which has forged a reputation for smart, design-conscious accommodation.  And this hotel fits the bill with its minimalist lobby, glossy magazines and young and well-groomed staff. The hotel's public areas and rooms are decorated in dark colours - chocolate,  taupe,  forest green and black with bursts of bright white - and while they are certainly chic,  they do lack a little warmth.  I don't think anyone could call a room here "cosy". But if there's no softness in the design, there's certainly someone in management with a heart. If you book a courtyard room, which offer views over the city, you can bring your dog with you. The hotel also offers each visiting dog a welcome pack and can supply dog beds for a small fee. While I'm no dog lover,  I can think of half a dozen friends who would grow moist at the eye at an offer like that.

THE ROOM

Despite the sharp contemporary design, there's no lack of comfort. Deluxe executive rooms are spacious and streamlined and there's no clunky furniture to trip over. A desk area stretches  the width of the room under the wall-to-wall  window and houses the mini-bar, telephone as well as a desk. A clever design with walk-in shower makes good use of the small bathroom,  also decked out in minimalist style.

A huge king-size bed with a padded bed-topper is extremely comfortable, and the white bedlinen is pristine and soft. Plenty of thick white towels are par for the course and the bathroom has quality shampoo, conditioner and soap. But I'm disappointed there's no complementary robe. Isn't lying around in a robe post-shower one of the pleasures of a boutique hotel stay? I'm only slightly mollified by the in-room iPad - a brilliant idea – free Wi-Fi and the suitably huge, wall-mounted plasma TV. 

FOOD

The Diamant Hotel's website offers breakfast when you book but in fact what's on offer is a voucher to a local cafe. I can understand the reasoning – why would you go to the expense of offering a meal service many guests won't make use of when there's plenty of great cafes nearby  - but I was disappointed nevertheless. With a 6am Sunday wake-up call and a flight to catch,  I was facing breakfast at the airport. Even a simple espresso in the lobby would have been brilliant. 

STEPPING OUT

Kings Cross is still a rowdy Friday and Saturday night destination for all ages but since lock-out laws were introduced in February 2014, locals (and police) say there has been a big reduction in drunkenness and violence.  While the hotel may be in the heart of the Cross its also a short walk from the much more sedate Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay where stylish restaurants, bookshops, wine bars and boutiques offer a more refined experience.  Paddington and the city are also within walking distance for more good shopping and eating options as well  as Hyde Park, the harbour and galleries and museums.

THE VERDICT

The Diamant provides a luxury stay with all the essentials that's perfect for the corporate market but I missed the personal service and thoughtful extras that should be standard in a hotel of this quality. 

GETTING THERE

Potts Point/Kings Cross is easily reached from Sydney Airport. Take AirportLink to Central Station then transfer to the Eastern Suburbs line. Kings Cross station is two stops from Central and the Diamant Hotel is a five-minute walk from there. Lifts at both stations make transferring luggage easy. 

ESSENTIALS

The Diamant Hotel Sydney is at 14 Kings Cross Road, Potts Point. Rooms start at $229 for a standard room. Phone 1800 037 544, see diamant.com.au.

HIGHLIGHT: Exploring the deco architecture and cafe culture in pretty Elizabeth Bay.

LOWLIGHT: Breakfast at the airport.

The writer travelled at her own expense.