Design files: behind the restoration of Sydney’s Hotel Morris

After a three-year restoration project, Sydney’s Hotel Morris is set to reopen in January 2023 as an 82-room boutique hotel, operated by Accor.

The Pitt Street hotel dates back to 1929 and held the title of Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. Careful consideration was given to the restoration of this Italian renaissance building, which is a rare example of the Inter-War Palazzo style by architect, Virgil Dante Cizzio.

Four agencies were behind the design and branding of the hotel, which honours Cizzio’s Italian architectural style, including hospitality refurbishment specialist Reward Group, Squad Ink on brand development, Tom Mark Henry on interiors, and Fellow Hospitality, responsible for conceptualisation.

Externally, the building’s façade has been carefully restored, with unsympathetic changes made over the years reversed. The prominent signage on the side of the building has been revived, and the windows on the Pitt Street side have been replaced to match the original 1930s steel windows and glass entrance doors.

Internally, the building was stripped back to a shell before the redesign of the contemporary hotel.

The hotel features 82 art deco style guestrooms with five ensuite varieties. Golden mustard tones are used throughout alongside brass detailing and bold stone finishes.

Bar Morris, an intimate 40-seat wine bar, is located on the ground floor. It features deep tones of green and burgundy, natural wood flooring, marble bar and tabletops, and brass metal and tiling.

Limited-edition artworks by local artists are also featured in the space.