Landmark hotel The Crest, located in the heart of Kings Cross and considered to have some of Sydney’s best views, has re-opened as the Mercure Sydney Potts Point and will return a much-needed 227 rooms to Sydney’s tight room supply. The owners, Australand, have appointed Accor to manage the property after it had been closed for almost two years.

The hotel’s relaunch comes at a time when Potts Point and the surrounding Kings Cross and Darlinghurst areas are undergoing a real gentrification that has brought a touch of class to their urban edginess. A high level of development in the commercial, retail and residential sectors has seen Potts Point become one of Sydney’s most vibrant communities, with more than 250 restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance of the hotel.

The former Crest has legendary status in Sydney’s hotel scene and was recently upgraded with a $30 million refurbishment, with new furniture and fittings and a funky, modern design by Marques Interiors.

Set high on Victoria Street above Kings Cross Station, the Mercure Sydney Potts Point offers spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney’s east and boasts a huge outdoor terrace and four meeting rooms  for up to 300 delegates so it’s perfect for both business and leisure travellers.

Sydney has suffered a massive rooms shortage since 2000, with Accor’s Sydney hotels consistently running between 80% and 90% occupancy throughout 2010, so the addition of these quality rooms will have an enormous impact on the city’s infrastructure. The Mercure will effectively provide the first “new” rooms in Sydney since the Ibis King St Wharf opened in 2008.

Within walking distance of the Mercure are a host of attractions including great boutique shopping on Macleay St, several theatres, Tusculum, Elizabeth Bay House and more. Embarkation Park, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all easily accessible on foot.

In addition to being at the heart of Sydney’s premier dining and entertainment district, the Mercure is also just a short stroll from cosmopolitan Woolloomooloo and just one train stop from Martin Place in the city centre. Bondi Beach is about 10 minutes drive away.

The Mercure name will bring truly global branding to the hotel and will see the introduction of the brand’s famous Grands Vins wine list as well as the Pure

Pleasures elements which make any stay at Mercure special.

Mercure is the largest mid-market hotel brand in Australia, with 28 hotels in key locations across the country and more than 670 hotels in 50 countries globally.

For more than 35 years, within the Accor Group, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalised service. Operating in more than 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staff of the 700 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting.