Travels

Sydney & Jervis Bay

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Last Updated on Saturday, 07 April 2012 00:14

Written by MrB

Having received a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and jetboat ride for Christmas it was time to head to Sydney for a getaway. We had three magnificent days in Sydney, throwing in some shopping and a dinner at the Aria restaurant.

The weather in Sydney wasn't ideal with grey clouds looming and occasional rain. The rain did however, hold off during the climb and for the jetboat ride (not that it really mattered as we were soaked by the end of it). The climb was spectacular and despite all the health paranoia it's really not very demanding. It was more of a stroll than an intense climb. The staff were great and the views are brilliant. The jetboating was a great way to see the harbour, from the harbour and have a lot of fun in the meantime.

Our meal at the Aria restaurant was fantastic. The service was not too pretentious and a nice setting. But it's all about the food and the food was spectacular. Up there with the best I have ever eaten. It is obvious why the restaurant is touted as one of Sydney's finest. Not a budget restaurant but worth every cent.

Following Sydney we decided to head to the coast (Myola) with Nala for a very relaxing three day chillout. Again, not ideal weather but it made for a quiet beach. Nala enjoyed her first swim and made some new friends along the way.

The TripAdvisor review of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney:

“The way hotels used to be”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012 NEW

From the moment we arrived at this hotel we felt welcomed and relaxed. This hotel reminded me of what hotel service used to be. A proper driveway horseshoe you can drive into. A well dressed man snaps into action to guide you to a sensible spot. They casually great you and offer assistance. There is no rushing to grab your key and disappear with your car or opening the boot before the cars even stopped or fighting the taxis for position (they're kept well away until needed).

The huge reception area was always stocked with staff meaning we never once waited to be served and were always greeted in a relaxed and friendly manner. It was a almost a shame because it was such a beautiful and spacious foyer I could have admired it for longer. Check in was hassle free and we headed up to the room.

The room we stayed in at the Four Seasons was not huge but that was fine. It also had little in the way of a view despite being a harbour view room so if it's your first time in Sydney and that's important then let the staff know. What it did have though was exactly what I want in a hotel; a lovely and clean bathroom, a big comfortable bed, a clear work area off to the side, a couple of “chill-out chairs” and a modern TV with decent news channels.

The thing that really impressed me with the hotel was the little extras that you just don't get in most decent hotels any more like an international power adaptor, shoe shine service and proper wooden coat hangers that you can take off the rail. It's always nice not to be treated like a criminal by your hotel. It also had the biggest safe I've ever seen in a hotel, plenty of cupboard space, a TV you can plug your own devices into, ice brought in daily, a TIME magazine waiting and my choice of complimentary (yes, complimentary) newspaper.

Truly wonderful. My new favourite hotel in Sydney.