Sydney hotel restored to former glory

 A former backpacker hostel that was once described as Australia's "most repulsive accommodation" is to be reborn in 2023 as a far more desirable destination.

The former Westend Hotel in Sydney CBD was built in the 1920s and was for more than 30 years Australia’s tallest hotel.

The hotel will reopen as Hotel Morris - its original name - in January as a boutique hotel and bar following an extensive refurbishment.

The 82-room hotel on Pitt St, close to Sydney Central Station, will feature a ground floor restaurant and bar on Pitt Street, as well as a rooftop bar.

Until a couple of years ago it operated as a hostel that garnered some dreadful reviews on social media.

It had 359 beds across 86 rooms and was much loathed, the https://pastlivesofthenearfuture.com/ website reports. 

It was originally scheduled to be an ibis-branded property after being renovated.

The property opened in 1929 as the Hotel Morris, on the former site of a business called Half Price Shoe Stores.

The Morris is one of several imminent openings announced this week by Accor, Australia and New Zealand’s largest hotel operator.

“2023 will be another strong year of growth and investment in communities for Accor. We are introducing fresh concepts and exciting new properties for our loyal guests to discover in our great cities and in beautiful destinations around Australia and New Zealand,” said Accor regional CEO Sarah Derry.