Tourists in our home town - Sydney Weekend!

Every once in  a while, we should all take some time out to enjoy our home town as a tourist. The sad truth is that most overseas visitors know Sydney better than we do, simply because they come for that specific purpose!

This weekend just gone, we spent the weekend at the Observatory Hotel in the Rocks, my absolute favourite hotel in Sydney. It is elegant, classic and distinctive and unlike many 5 star hotels in the world, you recognise where you are immediately. Many a time have I woken up in a foreign country and had it not been for the vista outside, I could have been anywhere!

We enjoyed a walk past the Finger Wharves and the Sebel Pier One, under the Harbour Bridge and up through the Rocks. The area was packed with visitors because of the Rocks Markets, a brilliant weekend market that features some really eclectic arts and crafts, wonderful food and distinct Australian souvenirs.

For lunch we retreated into the lovely air conditioning of 'The Argyle' and ate a HUGE BBQ tasting plate while enjoying Pear Cider, what a treat!

Pear Cider at the Argyle

The walk back to the Observatory took us to Observatory Hill which has amazing views of the bridge, harbour and Luna Park and given the number of wedding parties around, it is a prime spot for your newlywed pictures!

Observatory Hill

After a lovely afternoon tea in the foyer, we spent the remainder of the day relaxing in our huge room- I even spoilt myself and had a soak in the fragrant lavender bath, the water infused with the beautiful smelling salts.

What a bathroom!

Our beautiful room

A dining experience at the Observatory is something everyone should have the pleasure of enjoying at least once in their lives. Guests have the choice of two exciting dining options, Globe Bar & Brasserie and the fine dining restaurant Galileo featuring award-winning French cuisine.
I felt as elegant as Audrey Hepburn, dressed to the nines, sipping on a Martini and listening to the pianist play some classic pieces. The Globe Bar also has an extensive library complete with some first editions, my idea of a perfect afternoon!

Globe Bar with my martini!

Our meal in the Galileo Restaurant was one of the best I have ever eaten, every selection was a gastronomic
delight and so beautifully presented, every bite seemed a shame! The service was second to none, the staff were pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable and they truly capped off a wonderful night.

My trout entree

Lemon pie with meringue!

My measure of any hotel I stay in, is the effort put into the little touches. Every one offers basically the same product, a room to sleep in for the night, so it is the small touches that can differentiate a good hotel from a great one. When we returned to our room after dinner, we had bottles of water on the bedside table, slippers beside the turned down bed and hot chocolate and herbal tea laid out beside the kettle. Perfectly unique.

The next morning we enjoyed buffet breakfast  in Galileo, complete with smoked salmon, a honeycomb dripping fresh honey, figs and lychee's and then spent the morning wandering through Darling Harbour and Chinatown.

An incredible weekend spent in a breathtaking hotel in a fantastic city. Spend a weekend in Sydney and be wowed!