A woman has been charged with stabbing her coworker with scissors in what police have described as a “frenzied” attack at a luxury hotel in Sydney CBD.

Police received a call from staff at the Intercontinental Hotel on Macquarie Street about 2.20am today over an assault.

A 30-year-old woman working there had allegedly been stabbed in the face, back, and hands by her 31-year-old female coworker in the back room. 

The 30-year-old woman was treated by paramedics before being rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital in serious but stable condition.

She will undergo surgery today.

Another coworker suffered minor injuries when she tried to stop the alleged attack and was taken to the same hospital in stable condition.

The 31-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station, where she has been charged with causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

She was refused bail and will face Parramatta Local Court tomorrow.

“We’re unable to motive for this crime other than all three persons involved in this incident are coworkers,” Chief Inspector Gary Coffey told reporters this afternoon.

Coffey alleged scissors had been used in the stabbing and admitted it appeared to have been a “frenzied” attack.

“We have to pay tribute to the coworkers who intervened because the situation could have been a lot worse than what it is,” he said.

The Intercontinental is one of the most luxurious hotels in Sydney, hosting the likes of Princess Diana, Madonna, Elton John and Bill Clinton.

In a statement today, a hotel spokesperson confirmed the “isolated staff incident” had taken place.

“The incident remains an ongoing police investigation so we’re unable to provide further details,” the spokesperson said.

“We are supporting our colleagues and the wider hotel team in whatever way we can at this difficult time.”