I got a REALLY early start in the morning as I hadn’t eaten dinner the night before (had the pre public speaking terrors!), so decided it would be a good opportunity to walk into Crown Towers Sydney as a regular visitor, hunting for a buffet.
If there wasn’t a Crown logo on the front of the building, you could be forgiven for not knowing you’re so close to a casino. It wasn’t until I walked in and was greeted by a security guard with a body cam before I got the casino feel. He was really friendly and put me on a lift to breakfast.
After paying the $57 asked I was shown a table and chai latte followed.. however the options for breakfast soon took away from the coffee. Everything from Chinese to chocolate fountain and everything in between including the staple piles of bacon and scrambled egg. Plenty of staff on hand to assist and views amazing!
I visited quite a few room types here and looked at many public areas of the 88 level building. So many stunning installations, particularly the central crystal piece. This hotel is one for serious foodies with the likes of Nobu in house, though Teahouse whisked me away to another world visually and I would love to go back there on my next visit to enjoy! Each room has a unique shape and view due to the unique flower shape of the building. The heated pool had a lovely aspect out to Darling Harbour. My pick would be a corner suite for space, amazing light with floor to ceiling windows and the Sydney sunset to the west would be a treat. I would qualify my clients and bathroom expectations before recommending a room at the lead in level.
I then walked through Barangaroo for the first time in a long time and can see you really wouldn’t have to go far for a buzzing evening atmosphere in the harbour. I’m struggling to wonder why you would venture into the cbd now unless you had to. I’m sure this will change in the coming years, I’ve never seen so much construction in the city in my life- and I did spend a few years there!
Upon arriving at Four Seaons I took a moment in the lobby to try to get a feel for it as it was incredibly busy with a conference being held on the same level. There is a small coffee outlet in the lobby, but not much seating. This is an area I feel Kimpton Margot have absolutely nailed. Our rep here is amazing and has always gone above and beyond for my clients so I was really excited to see her and some available rooms as I hadn’t visited since it’s refurbishment. The rooms are light and airy, but I would of course consider the larger suites if within budget, obviously more spacious but the bathrooms much more accommodating also- especially if you like to have a bath. Lovely little touches like binoculars to really take in those amazing harbour and opera house views. They have some really cool brewing activities here also, the exclusive Gin in each room is a great touch. Great interconnecting options here for larger family groups. The pool cabana area is being worked on by currently open- large enough pool to keep kids entertained!
I had lunch here at Mode with a gorgeous friend, which is in the rear area of the foyer really. Lovely staff and great service, food menu and not overpriced for a luxury Sydney hotel. How perfect would it be if you could couple all this with the view from higher levels!
Last hotel stop was Park Hyatt Sydney.. and boy it does not disappoint! It’s an oasis away from the construction chaos I’d left in George Street! The hotel has an entirely calming feeling as you arrive, and maybe that has something to do with the amount of stunning sandstone both inside and out. Even the corridors were a quiet escape from the street, low lighting which made entry into light and spacious rooms so much more impressive. The reps were kind enough to show me rooms right up to the Presidential Suite of which I was ready to unpack in! There isn’t a room in this property I wouldn’t stay in personally- it would purely be a budgetary decision. The hotel offers amazing views from such a low level building, whether you are standing on a balcony with not much between you and the opera house but water, or peering up at the Harbour Bridge from beneath the Fig trees in the park by the pool area. A great coffee break here with the wonderful hotel reps before starting the journey back to the airport.
I was so happy to finally be able to make the time in Sydney to visit these properties- now ticking off the whole list of Sydney Virtuoso properties.. I’ve either had a walk through or stayed at all of them!
Some may wonder why this is such a big deal to me, and I can understand that- so to quickly explain; regional flight connections and reliability issues are real since we have been able to travel widely again- more clients are erring on the side of caution and overnighting in Sydney in most cases.
Yes Lou but why these luxury ones?!
Simply put, my access to programs like Virtuoso, IHG Luxlife, Shangri-La Luxury Circle, Hyatt Prive, Accor Step and other private arrangements, give my clients complimentary benefits and amenities they just can’t book themselves. My connections to staff in the properties is also golden and a privilege I’m grateful to have.
What are these complimentary benefits and how do you get them in your life? I'm not talking chocolate on a pillow and turn down, upgrades, early check in, late check out.. breakfast, the list continues!
I’ll be adding these program benefits to my weekly email to my subscribers over the coming weeks. If you haven’t already, subscribe right here to be in the know!
www.shesmytravelgent.com.au/contact
