Accor will introduce Australia’s second Handwritten Collection hotel next week with the opening of 82-bedroom Hotel Morris on June 14.
The boutique hotel takes residence at an iconic Italian renaissance building on Sydney’s Pitt Street which first opened in 1929 and held the title of Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years.
The 82 guest rooms – with six ensuite varities – take inspiration from the art deco era as well as Australia’s landscape with golden mustard tones and Jarrah wood accents throughout.
The hotel incorporates Calacatta and blue Roma marble, brass detailing and amber onyx stone finishes, while a selection of commissioned and limited-edition art by local artists such as Nick Herd, Gabrielle Jones and Marcus Piper, adorn the walls.
Bar Morris, an intimate 40-seat wine bar, offers a day-to-night menu focused on simple, seasonal produce with Italian influences.
Italy-born Rosy Scatigna takes the helm as Head Chef, bringing a wealth of experience from Michelin-star restaurants across Italy and the UK.
A selection of Australian and Italian wines is on offer as well as a cocktail menu curated by Tom Bulmer from The Social Spirits which incorporates Australian and Italian ingredients, and brings local producers to the fore.
A peach marble bar takes centre stage at Bar Morris with rich red tones and reflective brass and tiling surrounds. The bar presents a myriad of textures from velvet banquet and booth seating to leather-clad walls, and tile and natural wood flooring.
The stairwell to the bathrooms features a striking burgundy marble, white Venetian plaster, and custom red pendant lighting, while commissioned ceramic hands appear to reach out from the wall beside the bar – a nod to the Handwritten Collection and referencing Italians’ expressive hand gesturing.