Pullman Penrith: Australia’s newest five-star hotel is 70km from Sydney’s CBD, but promises ‘old-school service’ you won’t find anywhere else

A brand new five-star luxury hotel and conference center will breathe new life into Sydney’s western suburb of Penrith when it opens its gleaming glass doors.

The Pullman Sydney Penrith and adjacent Western Sydney Conference Center – built at a cost of $110 million – will welcome guests from Friday.

General manager Glen Erickson told Daily Mail Australia that visiting guests along with Penrith residents who frequent the posh bars and restaurants can expect a world-class experience.

‘That old-fashioned romantic idea of ​​a five-star experience where the concierge waits for you, where there’s a lot of attention to detail; that’s what we want to give people,” Erickson said.

“If you go for a run, someone might be waiting for you in the lobby with a towel and a bottle of water or doormen will open for you, that sort of thing.”

“It’s our job to give people a comfortable night’s sleep, so we’re introducing a sleep menu where you can order different pillows, essential oil diffusers, background sound machines and lighting.”

The chain, known for its hotels in Paris and London, offers 153 rooms at its Penrith location, along with “unparalleled service, design and innovative technology” that promises an unparalleled experience within a 30-mile radius.

Western Sydney Airport is expected to welcome passengers from 2026 and Mr Erickson said buzz in the area is growing, boosting the economy and jobs for locals.

‘Around 75 per cent of our staff are from the Penrith area and this development and level of service is something they can be really proud of.’

The restaurants offered will be Marcel Bar and Bistro together with lobby bar Tori.

A modern European restaurant, Marcel offers a ‘sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere with elegant dishes that celebrate the bountiful produce of the area’.

Tori, on the ground floor, is a modern take on a traditional lobby bar, offering light bites, brews from local coffee bean roasters and pastries for breakfast throughout the day, before transforming into a venue for live music and evening drinks with a spectacular Blue Mountains background.

There will also be an elite fitness and wellness centre, developed in conjunction with the high-performance team of the Penrith Panthers.

The state-of-the-art Western Sydney Conference Center adjacent to the hotel offers state-of-the-art technology and culinary options from Chef Colin Chun, available for conferences, events, formal dining and wedding receptions.

Construction started in 2018 and was interrupted due to the Covid pandemic, but resumed with a new focus, according to Mr Erickson, with construction completed ahead of schedule.

Architecture and design studio Turner used the Nepean as inspiration for the curved building design that resembles three winding bends of the river.

The design both inside and out is also a nod to the local Indigenous community that has lived and fished along the river throughout history, Mr Erickson said.

“We’ve got our 120-man team ready to wrap up training and do dress rehearsals for the past two weeks.”

‘For example, we have 150 wines and 300 drinks on the menu, so there is a lot involved.’

“The influx of reservations and demand is high and a conference or event is booked every week until December, but there is still plenty of availability.”

“The hotel offers a range of room types, from superior and deluxe rooms to junior suites,” he added.

Room rates start from $300 per night, although Mr Erickson said they will be holding a number of opening specials to attract Penrith residents and visitors alike.