Australia's Most Awarded Hotel
Sydney is probably the most famous of the Australian cities with its unforgettable skyline, wonderful harbour life, beaches and restaurants.
In order to make the most of a few days in the city most visitors are keen to have a room with a view – a view of the Opera House and Sydney Bridge. For those that know, however, the secret is to have a view of Sydney’s maritime harbour and yet be just a ten minute walk from views of the Opera House and Circular Quay.
The Observatory Hotel, part of the Orient-Express collection, offers exactly this. Situated on a traditional tree lined road just a short walk from the business district and the Rocks it is equidistant from the cafes and restaurants on Circular Quay and the redeveloped Darling Harbour with its myriad of bars, restaurants and attractions.
The 100 traditionally furnished luxurious rooms and suites are complimented by a friendly and cosy bar as well as one of Sydney’s finest restaurants, the Galileo. Dinner is served Tuesdays to Saturdays where as well as an enticing French a la carte menu, you can enjoy a superb 5 course degustation menu. The popular day spa offers a whole host of innovative treatments – well worth pre-booking a relaxing massage to get over your jet lag!
A must on your first day is to take a boat trip around the middle harbour – Captain Cook Cruises, based at Circular Quay, have a couple of two hour coffee cruises a day with a running commentary on the different areas you pass through and information on some of the stunning houses on the water’s edge. If you are not brave enough to make the climb over Sydney Bridge take the ferry over to North Sydney and visit Taronga Zoo – this may be the only time you see a Kangaroo or Koala Bears!
Whatever your requirements during your stay be sure to ask advice from the incredibly helpful staff at the Observatory – tickets to the Opera with world famous performers, the latest films, dinner at the southern hemisphere’s highest revolving restaurant at the AMP Centrepoint or where to shop for the latest Australian designer clothes.
What makes the Observatory so special is its friendliness and relaxed atmosphere but traditional in such a modern city.
