My welcome drink of amethyst-coloured butterfly tea with simple syrup and rosemary matches the veining that runs through the massive marble accent table in the Pullman Penrith’s hushed lobby. Talk about attention to detail. In this new hot spot, which opened two months ahead of schedule, guests and visitors will find world-class cocktails, a personalised sleep menu and a cutting-edge wellness and fitness centre all under one ribbon-shaped roof.
The city’s first international five-star hotel is part of the Panthers Precinct (adjacent to the new Western Sydney Conference Centre and Panthers Leisure and Entertainment Precinct on Mulgoa Road), at the foot of the Blue Mountains. I’ve driven in from Sydney, and with the M8, it was surprisingly quick and easy to get here. It’s a handy location, easily walkable from the station, and if you require it, underground parking is a breeze with electric charging stations available. After I check in, I take the lift to my room and unpack. There’s a desk for working, a Nespresso pod machine, and a tablet next to the bed where I can check the weather, room service, local attractions and also order my sleep specifics! (Yes to the latex contour pillow and the sleep sound machine, no to the night light and shower fizzy.)
The Pullman’s entry into Penrith shows great timing, with this region rapidly developing as a high-growth economic hub, and in readiness for the new international airport in Western Sydney (ETA 2026). The West continues to grow, and visitors expect premium experiences and offerings. It’s slated to be Sydney’s second CBD, after all.
They won’t be disappointed here, for in addition to the creature comforts of spacious light-filled rooms and junior suites, they’ll find upmarket dining at in-house restaurant, Marcel. Chef Colin Chun’s refined European-inspired menu takes cues from his history working for his family’s restaurant in Korea. He says, “Penrith is an area with a strong and fast-evolving culinary scene, and I want to elevate it even further and contribute something different and special. I want to push boundaries.” General manager Glen Errickson sees the opportunity to advance standards and expectations, stating, “Our ambition is for Marcel to attract a new level of critical and customer acclaim to Penrith.”
For me, though? It was the bar inside of Marcel that knocked my socks off. I don’t remember the last time I was so impressed with a cocktail. The Jean-Claude Pandan is Plantation Pineapple Rum, Flor de Cana Blanco Rum, pandan, pineapple and coconut in a tall glass, and IT IS PERFECTION. When asked to describe it, Dylan, the bartender, called it a “clear Piña Colada”. There’s also the kid-in-a-candy-store Patrón Trolley and a marvellous (and enormous) open wine cellar where guests can browse the selections and get expert advice from the sommeliers. Akshay Arora, Director of Food and Beverage, puts it perfectly, “Penrith deserves this recognition. It’s a vibrant city of its own with a need for somewhere iconic to celebrate special occasions; a place where locals can invite others from near and far and show off the pride of Penrith.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Pullman Penrith 83 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, NSW (02) 4275 6000 Marcel Bar and Bistro Mo–Fr 6:30 am–10 am Breakfast (11 am Sa/Su) Dinner service Mo–Th 5:30 pm–9 pm, (9:30 pm Fr/Sa) Closed Sunday.
