A New Chapter in Sydney Luxury: Paradox Hotels & Resorts Launches First Australian Flagship at Heritage Landmark

When a brand known for breathing soul into hospitality lands in a city that beats with history, art, and ambition—magic happens. On 1 July 2025, Paradox Hotels & Resorts will officially debut in Australia, marking a major milestone with the launch of Paradox Sydney— a reimagined take on one of Sydney’s most iconic heritage properties.

If you’ve ever wandered down O’Connell Street and marvelled at the grand sandstone façade that houses what was once the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, you’ll know the building doesn’t whisper; it speaks. And now, it’s getting a bold new voice.

From Bank Vaults to Boutique Luxury

Originally constructed in 1856, the building has lived many lives—from the home of The Sydney Morning Herald, to the Bank of New South Wales, and later as Westpac Bank. In 2000, it was transformed into a five-star hotel, fast becoming a favourite for discerning travellers and Sydneysiders alike. With its soaring ceilings, heritage detailing, and prime CBD location, it has long been a rare blend of grandeur and intimacy.

Now, Paradox is taking the helm—and it’s not just a rebrand. It’s a rebirth.

What Is Paradox?

Paradox Hotels & Resorts isn’t your typical global hotel chain. This isn’t “just another” luxury name on the skyline. Paradox is a lifestyle-driven hospitality group known for creating immersive experiences that reflect the culture, community and creativity of their surroundings. With properties across Canada, Singapore, Thailand, China and now Australia, Paradox brings a deeply human touch to design and service.

Think: boutique charm meets cosmopolitan cool. Luxe without being pretentious. Soulful without being overdone.

And who better to lead this bold new venture than Tiah Joo Kim, CEO of TA Global and the visionary behind the Paradox brand. A graduate of Sydney’s own Macquarie University, Tiah’s connection to Australia is both personal and purposeful.

“Paradox is about creating places with soul—hotels that are deeply connected to the people, culture and pulse of the city,” says Kim. “To debut in Australia at such a historic and meaningful heritage address is a major milestone for us.”

A New Era for a Storied Address

Under the direction of General Manager Peter Tudehope, Paradox Sydney aims to honour the building’s legacy while steering it into a fresh new chapter. Tudehope, who has overseen the hotel through its Radisson Blu years, understands the importance of transition—and how to do it with grace.

“Since 1856, this landmark building has been shaped by three great custodians,” he explains. “The Sydney Morning Herald, the Bank of New South Wales, and Radisson Blu. Each has contributed to its remarkable story. Today, as Paradox takes the helm, we are excited to write the next vibrant chapter.”

This isn’t about wiping the slate clean—it’s about layering modern energy onto timeless foundations.

What Guests Can Expect

If you’re a fan of classic five-star comfort but crave something a little more culturally immersive, Paradox Sydney is the sweet spot.

Following a $13.5 million refurbishment in 2015, the property is already rich with elegance. Guests will continue to enjoy:

• 364 luxurious rooms and suites
• State-of-the-art meeting and conference spaces
• A fully equipped wellness centre
• An elevated restaurant and bar experience
• All within the preserved charm of a heritage-listed building

And yes—before you ask—the service will still be impeccable. The team promises a seamless, uninterrupted guest experience throughout the transition.

Refreshing with Intention

What makes Paradox Sydney’s evolution different from your typical hotel rebrand is its intention. Rather than gutting the property or simply changing signage, the refresh will unfold gradually over the coming months, introducing Paradox’s signature touches in a thoughtful and guest-first manner.

We’re talking curated art, subtle design upgrades, elevated cultural programming, and community collaboration—not gimmicks.

This approach makes sense for a brand that doesn’t chase uniformity. In fact, the only constant across Paradox properties is a commitment to individuality.

Why This Matters to Parents and Travellers Alike

Let’s face it: as parents, our “getaways” are often either full-blown family trips or 48-hour micro escapes fuelled by caffeine and the hope of sleeping past 6 a.m.

Paradox Sydney offers a third way. It’s the kind of place you could book for a couples’ weekend, midweek solo reset, or even a mum and teen bonding trip (yes, there’s a spa). Its central CBD location puts you within strolling distance of the Opera House, Circular Quay, luxury shopping, and some of Sydney’s most Instagrammable coffee shops.

And because the hotel balances heritage charm with modern convenience, you can expect peace and pampering without feeling out of place for bringing a laptop—or a nappy bag.

For business travellers or local parents in need of a sanity-saving staycation, it hits that rare sweet spot between elegance and ease.

The Bigger Picture for Sydney’s Hotel Scene

With major cities globally rethinking what luxury means post-pandemic, the arrival of Paradox signals a timely shift in Sydney’s hospitality landscape.

No longer is luxury defined by marble lobbies and monogrammed pillows alone. It’s now about connection—to place, to people, to self. Whether through art-led experiences, thoughtful service, or a room that just gets it right, today’s guests want to feel something. And Paradox is in the business of making that happen.

Final Word: Expect the Unexpected

The name ‘Paradox’ itself is a statement. It’s a nod to the balance between heritage and innovation, global vision and local flavour, classic elegance and contemporary cool.

It’s also a bit of a wink—because the very idea that a historic bank-turned-hotel could be reborn as one of Sydney’s most vibrant lifestyle hubs? That’s a beautiful contradiction.

And yet, here we are.

So whether you’re booking a romantic night away, a city break with friends, or looking for a venue that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is service-driven—Paradox Sydney might just be the refresh you didn’t know you needed.

Where to Find It:

Paradox Sydney, 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: www.paradoxhotels.com/sydney