By Rama Gaind
Taking young children on holiday is a rewarding and relaxing experience, especially since it allows you to enjoy some ‘special’ time-out with the family.
However, the short break is usually never hassle-free because children need to be actively ‘engaged and occupied’. Going to the beach and staying at a seaside resort offers many options, but one is hard-pressed when it comes to staying in a hotel. Options are further restricted if you want to stay in the vibrant heart to the city. Well, that’s not the case any more – at least, not in Sydney.
The Swissôtel Sydney, in Market Street, is one deluxe five-star hotel that is very family-friendly. It is located in the CBD right at the doorstep of some of the best dining venues and tourist attractions Sydney has to offer. The Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour are all within easy reach of the hotel.
First, get ready to excite your children as Swissôtel Sydney’s child-friendly Kids Room will delight offspring from the ages of two to 12 years of age. Become transported into a children’s wonderland! The rooms are bright with an abundance of plush toys. The rooms are designed to provide children and parents with a fun, play and sleep experience.
Converted into a complete kids room, it is set up with children’s toys, children’s desk, colourful bed linen, special menu of DVD programs for young ones, bath amenities for junior guests, separate play area, children amenities and much more. The room is interconnected to a separate luxurious bedroom for the parents. There’s even chocolates and milk in the mini bar fridge!
A baby cot is available on request along with a nanny service, but advance books are essential.
What’s more the Kids Room is interconnected to a separate luxurious bedroom for the parents. You also have the opportunity to have a half Kids Room that’s set-up with children’s toys, bed linen and much more, accompanied by an additional double bed for parents.
From every Kids Room booked, $20 will go to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. A benevolent gesture.
Executive Club floor
For the discerning traveller, the Swissôtel Executive Club floors provide the ultimate in personalised service. Located on levels 24 and 25, it has sweeping views of Sydney’s CBD and beyond.
The club lounge, on level 24, is the perfect place to enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, evening drinks and canapés and escape the bustle of the city.
Unwind as the twinkling lights fade in the distance and try to pinpoint Darling Harbour, Anzac Bridge, Olympic Park and Blue Mountains in the distance.
Instead of the television blaring loudly, you feel lulled with the soothing voice of Rod Stewart as he sings such classics including ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘That Old Black Magic’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’. The mood was now set and we could have stayed much longer listening to all the volumes of the ‘The Great American Songbook’!
The Executive Club rooms offer state-of-the-art technology in deluxe and spacious surrounds with well-appointed indulgence and a king size bed that guarantees a good night’s sleep. It has all the modern conveniences at your fingertips including an ergonomic work station and a Nespresso coffee machine.
What to see and do
While the children are occupied you can explore the busiest precinct in Sydney. Become one of the 65,000 pedestrians who use Pitt Street Plaza daily, check out the city’s revitalisation upgrade work or go for a brisk walk in Hyde Park. Then there’s ample opportunity for retail therapy.
Why not take in a show? Jersey Boys is on at the Theatre Royal, Mary Poppins – The Supercalifragilistic Musical is on at the Capitol Theatre.
It might be too cold to be on the beach in winter, but it’s not too inconvenient to put on a coat and do some exploring. Discover the best free things to do in Sydney, from venues with views, walks and activities on the harbour to cultural attractions – and much, much more.
There’s always plenty of fun for the whole family in this harbour city. Its famous landmarks include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks precinct and the beautiful Botanic Garden, the Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium, Manly Oceanworld, Sydney Wildlife World, Australian Museum and Sydney Tower. Getting around with the whole family is easy with travel passes that include ferries, trains and buses.
Don’t delay, any time is good for an invigorating break!
Rama Gaind was a guest of Swissôtel Sydney.
Contact Details
Swissôtel Sydney
68 Market Street, Sydney
(02) 9238 8888
Email: [email protected]
