Kimpton Margot Sydney review Pet Friendly

Looking for a truly pet friendly hotel in Sydney? The Kimpton Margot Sydney is located in the city and welcomes dogs of all sizes (and more exotic pets!) with free pet stays, dog beds and bowls. Come along as we visit the rooftop bar, nearby parks and enjoy complimentary happy hour cocktails and everything else the hotel has to offer.

Dogs, bunnies and an iguana are just three of the pets that have stayed in the historical Margot Kimpton Hotel. All Kimpton Hotels worldwide are pet friendly whether it be for furry, feathery or scaly pets. In fact Kimpton's slogan says, "If your pet fits through the door, we'll welcome them in". Greeting guests with 4 legs is second nature and when tiny Teddy and Milo arrive, the staff come out with treats to make them feel welcome.

While I've stayed at this hotel back when it was the Primus Hotel, this is our first time staying here with our dogs in tow. The historical building was originally the former Sydney Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board headquarters.

How Pet Friendly is the Kimpton Margot Sydney?

The Margot Kimpton and Kimpton Hotels are one of the most pet inclusive hotel chains in the world. At the Kimpton Margot, pets are allowed everywhere except the fenced in pool area and at Luke's Kitchen, Luke Mangan's restaurant. But even then there is a section of tables that are situated within the lobby area for Luke's Kitchen customer and dogs are greeted with smiles from staff rather than looks of concern. The entire lobby is dog friendly as is the Harper Rooftop bar. And there are no size limits for your pet so big dog owners can bring them along.

Best of all, the price to stay with pets is free and includes dog beds and dog bowls provided and pets can stay in all rooms. Make sure to ask for your complimentary tote bag which is designed to bring along on your dog walks.

Pet owners are asked to hang a sign on their door showing housekeeping that there is a pet in the room (in case they open the door and any pets escape!). Pets cannot be left unattended in the rooms and they must also be kept on a leash when in public areas.

There is also a pet friendly menu available to order online via the tablet. They are sadly out of the sweet potato chews so Teddy chooses the chicken and rice bowl which is large enough for both of them to eat and is cooked fresh to order.

What Is The Room Like?

We are staying in a King Bedroom Suite, a lovely spacious suite measuring 61 square metres. It's the perfect size for 2 humans and 2 dogs to spread out. Our room 227 is on the hotel's second floor out of 6 room floors with views of the central atrium. The suite opens out onto the sitting and lounge area with a comfortable couch, enormous tv and desk.

Two large dog beds lay waiting for the dogs. Teddy, as the older sibling, goes over to investigate the beds while Milo gets zoomies and loops around the lounge room area at rapid speed. I investigate the mini bar which has a good range of boutique branded snacks, cold drinks and wine. There is also a coffee machine, tea bags and hot chocolate and a safe here. To pass the time they have provided also bluetooth speakers to play music on and a backgammon game. I have found that the hotel does seem to run a bit cooler in temperature than others and we switch the air con off but the room remains cool.

The bedroom is on the other side of the divider and features a king bed. I've forgotten my pillows but thankfully these have some good low profile pillows. There are plenty of charging ports beside the bed including a charging pad for Mr NQN who has forgotten his charger. A large tv sits facing the bed and there's also a walk in wardrobe with mirrors. Patterned robes, slippers and a yoga mat are provided in the cupboard.

The black and white art deco style bathroom echoes the hotel's art deco heritage. There are two sinks and a comprehensive amenity set with everything you would need and Mrs Smith toiletries. The shower is excellent and there's also a large bath as well. There are also two water bowls and two food bowls here for the dogs.

Happy Hour at the Hotel

Between 5-6pm every night, hotel guests can enjoy complimentary cocktails or wine downstairs in the lobby. This is located next to Luke's Kitchen where there is a room set up with wine or cocktails. Guests are also welcome to take the drinks to have in the Wilmot Bar in the lobby area or in their room.

As we have the dogs we head to the Wilmot Bar in the lobby area with its 1930's architectural details like the imposing blush red-pink scagliola pillars, terrazzo flooring and bronze work. On one side of the lobby there's the wine cellar and the Margot Pantry that serves coffees and pastries. We sip on our Pimms based cocktail and fruity mocktail while the dogs sit on the floor. There are also some cavoodles in the lobby sitting quietly by their owner.

Nearby Parks To Take Dogs

After this we head to nearby Hyde Park which is located 200 metres away. If your dog needs an unleashed park there is the Cook + Phillip Park 500 metres/0.3 miles or 7 minutes walk away or Harmony Park in Surry Hills is 850 metres/0.5 mile or 11 minutes walk away.

Dinner At Harper Rooftop Bar (Pet Friendly)

After their walk we have a quick shower, change and head upstairs to the 7th floor where the pool and pet friendly Harper Rooftop bar are located. This rooftop bar is Sydney's largest open space rooftop bar so while it is busy, there are always tables available and guests can also reserve a table here through the in-room tablet. Ordering can be done via the QR code at the table. The menu is slightly truncated from the one online.

We start off with the Rosada Paloma made with Don Julio 1942 Rosado, Cointreau, grapefruit, lime and soda and it has a smokey aroma to it. We love the spicy Jalapeno Business made with a jalapeno and cucumber infused tequila, lime, blood orange and agave.

One thing that they're known for is their "Loaded" Chippy bags topped with finely grated parmesan, prosciutto and guindilla pickles. You just choose the base potato chips from dill pickle, smoked tomato and chicken salt. We go with the dill pickle. The chips come with the bag split open and a generous amount of toppings. Even Mr NQN who doesn't love chips nearly as much as I do devours these. I want to do something similar at home next time we are entertaining. I'd probably just cut up the pickles and prosciutto for easier eating.

We also try the hummus with marinated feta, smoked paprika, almonds and coriander served with fried bread wedges. It's probably better to have this before the loaded chippys as they're milder in flavour than the umami loaded chips.

I was also curious to try the smoked salmon where the salmon is Aperol marinated and topped with sliced strawberries, tomato and orange segments. Although it sounds unusual the flavours do go well together and it's a refreshing dish.

We also devour the poached chicken salad with baby spinach, pickled carrot and daikon, plump sundried tomatoes and harissa mayonnaise dabs. The chicken is very tender and the flavours from the sweet pickles and spicy mayonnaise dress the salad well.

Breakfast

Breakfast is downstairs on the ground floor at Luke's Kitchen and is an entirely an la carte affair. As we have Teddy and Milo with us, we take a seat at one of the tables next to the restaurant located in the main lobby. Guests can choose a barista coffee or tea - I start with a chai latte (they don't have matcha here) while Mr NQN has a latte. These drinks come with a small glass of juice and either a pain au chocolat or small fruit bowl. You can then choose a hot breakfast from the menu. There is no buffet selection for breakfast.

Our mains arrive shortly after and my favourite breakfast is the chilli scrambled eggs with chef Luke Mangan's crispy peanut and chilli oil dressing and a slice of rye toast. The chilli eggs and the dabs of crumbled cheese go well with the velvety scrambled eggs.

Mr NQN enjoys his toasted crumpet with smoked salmon, avocado, goats cheese, cucumber and grated horseradish. The crumpet is fresh and spongy textured and there's a good amount of smoked salmon on top so that there is plenty for every bite.

After breakfast it's time for Teddy and Milo to say goodbye to the friendly hotel staff as we head home!

So tell me Dear Reader, do you ever look for pet friendly accommodation? What is the one thing you look for first in a pet friendly hotel - location, room size or dining options?