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To many, it would seem like any other airport hotel, but to a massive online community, Rydges Sydney Airport has become somewhat of a mecca.

Its proximity to one of the busiest airports in the region has made it a destination in itself for plane enthusiasts.

Forget any preconceived ideas you may have about “plane spotters” or AV geeks, the community is massive and it’s diverse.

Boosted by the popularity of online live streams from SydSquad, Sydney Airport and its Rydges Hotel have become known around the country.

Traveltalk spoke to Hotel Manager Rydges Sydney Airport, Daniel Neuman about how the hotel embraced the love from the community.

Why is the hotel so good for plane spotters? 

Our Cloud-9 Bar, features both an air-conditioned enclosed viewing deck and an open-air  terrace where Plane spotters can Enjoy stunning vistas of Sydney airport, and watch planes take off and land while sipping on a handcrafted cocktail perfect for any weather. This coupled with our convenient location and proximity to the International Airport has optimized our hotel and made it a prime location for plane spotters. We also continue to evolve, regularly  hosting innovative events like plane spotting days, further solidifying our position as a key destination for aviation enthusiasts alike. 

Tell us about the history of the hotel 

Rydges Sydney Airport opened its doors in 2013 as the first hotel directly connected to  Sydney International Airport, setting a new standard for convenience and comfort for travellers. Strategically located just 181 steps from the terminal. Built only 10 years ago, the hotel is completely brand new, one of a kind and has been voted the busiest hotel in  Australia and is by our own standards. The hotel was designed to offer more than just a place to stay. We have multiple food and beverage outlets including the Cloud-9 rooftop bar and multiple conference spaces, providing panoramic views of the Sydney Airport runway,  creating unique experiences for guests. Over the years, it has become a favourite for events,  meetings, and social gatherings, leveraging our unparalleled location and exceptional hospitality. 

Where did the idea for a plane spotters event come from? 

Our unique location gives us a front-row seat to all the action at Sydney Airport. From our rooftop Cloud-9 Bar, guests can enjoy unparalleled views of the airside runway, the city skyline, and Botany Bay. Over the years, we’ve noticed a dedicated community of plane spotters choosing to stay with us to enjoy these incredible views. This inspired us to create a special event that not only highlights our one-of-a-kind vantage point but also brings aviation enthusiasts together. It’s a day for them to connect, share their passion, and enjoy an experience tailored just for their love of aviation. 

Other than these events, what else does the hotel offer for plane enthusiasts? 

Other than our plane spotter events, we have curated a Plane Spotters Package where guests can upgrade their stay to watch the incoming arrivals and departures from the comfort of their rooms. Our Plane Spotters Package includes a $50 food and beverage voucher plus a late checkout of 1 pm. 

How did the last spotter event go? 

Our last Plane Spotter Open Day was a soaring success, with 100 enthusiastic plane spotters joining us at Cloud 9 Bar and our Dreamliner conference space, both offering incredible views of the Sydney International Airport runway. The event was filled with engaging interactions, lively discussions, and countless memorable plane-spotting moments. 

We partnered with SydSquad, who took the event to new heights by livestreaming to an audience of 24,000 viewers worldwide. Aviation experts Tim Bowrey and Kurt Ams were standout contributors, attracting attendees eager to meet them and experience the behind-the-scenes magic of their YouTube streams. It was truly a day to remember for everyone involved!

Are there plans for more? 

Absolutely! The feedback from the community after our last event was phenomenal, and we’ve taken all the creative suggestions on board to make future events even better. We’re committed to giving back to this passionate community by hosting plane-spotting events every couple of months. 

Thanks to the incredible enthusiasm of aviation fans, our next event, happening on Friday,  January 17, 2025, is back by popular demand. It promises to be another exciting, action-packed day celebrating the wonder of aviation. We can’t wait to welcome everyone again! 

What other features make this hotel special? 

The hotel caters to a wide range of guests, including international travellers, business professionals, aviation enthusiasts, and families. We have 324 well-appointed rooms and suites, 24-hour gym access and lobby library with computer access and printing facilities. We have 3 food and beverage outlets, Cloud-9 Bar, The Ascot which welcomes guests daily with a full buffet breakfast and serving seasonal set menus in the evening and Smithy’s Bar which offers a variety of casual dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

We also welcome meetings, conferences, conventions, weddings, social events and Business professionals truly appreciate our hotel with 9 flexible conferencing and private event spaces for board meetings, conferences, conventions and product launches for up to 190 guests. All rooms boast state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment plus FREE WI-FI throughout the venue.

With all our offerings we strive to ensure first-class hospitality and ensure guests have an exceptional stay and feel rested before an early morning flight.