Hotels Down Under: The Observatory Hotel

Where: 89-113 Kent Street, Sydney, Australia, 2000

September 18, 2006 at 9:27 AM | by juliana | 0 Comments

This week we are mourning the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin in our own way by checking out some of the hotels in Sydney, Australia. If you have any suggestions for us on what to hit up or to stay far far far away from, let us know.

We have to admit. We got suckered into checking out this hotel because of its name. But The Observatory Hotel is actually a pretty sweet place to stay. Located near Sydney's historic Rocks and Central Business District, the hotel has 78 deluxe, 9 Junior Suites, 12 Executive Suites and the premiere Observatory Suite, for you to choose.

Some of the in-room amenities include heated towel rails and separate showers, touch-control air conditioning, windows that open and the usual collection of amenities found in upscale hotels (TV, DVD player, fax/modem, phones.)(If you don't smoke, the hotel's second floor is non-smoking and they give you duvet covers. Go figure.)

Also within the hotel is a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts and fitness courts, along with the popular Globe Bar and Gaileleo restaurant, keeping in with the hotel name of course.

Sadly, there's no actual observatory just a starry-painted ceiling in the pool.

The Observatory is much smaller hotel compared to the many tower block varieties and located in a quiet area in the Rocks a 5 -10 minute walk from Circular Quay. It has a more traditional feel with lovely furnishings and decor. We booked a suite and it was worth every penny....There were plenty of little touches too that made you fell like you were getting value for money. The turn down service included mineral water and a prepared filled kettle and cups to make hot chocolate and herbal tea before retiring!

The highlight was probably the pool and spa. Located in the basement the pool has a starlit ceiling (the Southern Hemiphere constellation) a huge jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas etc. The gym looked comprehensive.

Two more things of note about the hotel: they offer complimentary limousine drop-off from 7:00 am and 10:00 am, Monday to Friday to anywhere within the central business district. Also, Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai will be preparing a "lavish degustation" menu this November, in case you're interested.

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