Recently, my extremely excellent parents came up to Sydney for my birthday, and very generously offered to look after the munchkins so hubster and I could have a night away. Well we grabbed that with both hands and booked ourselves into the Swissotel Sydney. Smack bang in the centre of the city shopping precinct.
Here is my lovely hubster at one of our favourite cafes, Bluewater in Manly. The whole family had the most delicious birthday brunch there before the two of us headed into town. And oh look! I’m wearing my high tea dress! Any excuse to dress up.
So. To be honest I wanted to stay at the QT. How I love it so. But on the night in question it was almost $200 more than the Swissotel, so my choice was clear. The Swissotel is directly across the road from the QT, so shares its shopping-friendly location. Given I was hoping to have a wander around the shops, being halfway between Pitt Street Mall and the QVB suited me perfectly.
Our corner room was positioned directly above Pitt Street Mall (left), with a lovely view of QVB in the other direction (right).
When I’m this close to the shops, that’s enough of a water view for me – Sydney Tower across the road, looking out to St Mary’s Cathedral and the harbour beyond.
On check-in it was clear that this hotel is very popular with families. Although the rooms are of the two double bed variety, they do allow 4 guests, unlike many other city hotels which max out at 3.
Our spacious and quiet room was newly refurbished with some gorgeous neutrals and textures. A little reminiscent of the QT’s mid-century vibe. Why have they shut all the colour inside the drinks cabinet though? Opening that thing up was an orange explosion! I do love that Nespresso machines seem to be sneaking into many hotel rooms though. Makes me feel quite at home.
We chose a room which included access to the Executive Club lounge, which meant free drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee/tea) and hot and cold canapes available in the evening. And free breakfast buffet in the morning. It had more of a business travellers vibe though. A bit like being in a Qantas Club lounge. Not really conducive to enjoying a leisurely glass of wine, but still pleasant to have a very peaceful semi-public area where the drinks are free. While it was deserted and lacking in atmosphere in the evening (I imagine it would be very popular with business travellers during the week), it was a lovely quiet environment to enjoy a relaxed breakfast, with lots of couples and families doing the same.
Swissotel Executive Club lounge
It was pouring in the evening, so we just popped across the road to the Westfield restaurant precinct and had a lovely Malaysian dinner at Chinta Ria, bringing back memories of many happy meals at the various Chinta Ria restaurants that used to be spread around Melbourne.
Loving myself sick in my Country Road dress and Big W heels. Never mind that I forgot to pack jewellery and an evening bag.
Chinta Ria Westfield Sydney
Sephora had only been open a couple of days, so, next morning, despite the queue to get in, I had a quick look around. Disappointingly, the prices that I checked were the same as elsewhere, but I bought myself a bottle of Burberry Brit perfume as a little momento of the weekend.
Such a perfect location for a night at the theatre or days spent shopping.
After seeing a photo of a Max Brenner sundae on Instagram I was keen to squeeze one into our weekend to sate our chocoholic tendencies. It did not disappoint. Thank goodness we shared. It was huge!
And we rounded off the weekend with a wander around the fabulous Pop To Popism exhibition at the art gallery. Like the Archibold though, I had forgotten how fabulously kid-friendly all these exhibitions are and almost wished I had the kids with us. At least to give me an excuse to play the giant-sized game of twister made from Andy Warhol paintings of Marilyn Monroe. So cool! (No photos allowed inside unfortunately.)
Website – Swissotel Sydney
Where should we go next time? Any favourite city hotels?
