The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, housed within the historic General Post Office (GPO) building, has recently gained international recognition by being inducted into the prestigious Historic Hotels Worldwide collection. This global consortium celebrates the architectural and cultural significance of unique heritage hotels across 47 countries and 10 centuries, and The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s inclusion underscores its commitment to preserving history while offering luxurious, modern hospitality.
Historic Hotels Worldwide, known for spotlighting culturally and historically significant properties, applauded The Fullerton Hotel Sydney for its dedication to preserving the iconic GPO building. Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, praised the hotel’s meticulous preservation efforts, stating, “We commend The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship, and vision that allows future generations to experience this unique historic destination.”
Membership in Historic Hotels Worldwide is limited to properties at least 75 years old that have maintained their authenticity, architectural integrity, and historic importance. Other members include repurposed castles, palaces, post offices, and train stations, all carefully preserved to maintain their rich heritage.
A Rich Heritage at the Heart of Sydney
Located in Sydney’s bustling Martin Place, The Fullerton Hotel is a stunning blend of historical charm and modern luxury. The hotel occupies the former Sydney General Post Office building, a landmark that has been central to Sydney’s history since it was built in 1874 under Colonial Architect James Barnet. The GPO was designed in a Victorian Italian Renaissance style using Sydney sandstone and is adorned with intricate sculptures, including a marble statue of Queen Victoria.
The building played a key role in connecting Sydney to the rest of the world, with the telegraph operating room functioning as a hub for global communication. The heritage-listed site also housed the city’s first public telephone exchange in 1882.
Restoring the GPO’s Grandeur
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney embarked on a comprehensive restoration project in 2019, ensuring the historical significance of the GPO building was preserved. Over 30 stonemasons dedicated nine months and more than 38,400 hours to meticulously clean and restore the intricate stone façade, breathing new life into the building’s historic features. The careful work of these skilled artisans allowed the property to blend its old-world elegance with the contemporary luxury of a five-star hotel.
Darryl Healey, Hotel Manager, expressed his excitement over the hotel’s induction into Historic Hotels Worldwide, saying, “This prestigious recognition is a testament to our team’s commitment to preserving the rich heritage of our iconic property while providing exceptional hospitality to our guests.”
A Timeless Experience for Today’s Traveler
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a piece of Sydney’s history while enjoying all the comforts of modern luxury. With its timeless character, prime location, and rich past, it continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers seeking both culture and indulgence in the heart of the city.
Whether staying for leisure or business, guests of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney are treated to world-class service within an iconic heritage building that has stood the test of time.
For those interested in exploring the full spectrum of historic hotels worldwide, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney now stands proudly among a remarkable collection of properties committed to preserving their rich pasts while offering unforgettable experiences.
