I was watching my fingers drum to the tune of the pipe in lobby music on the reception desk. The front officer’s grin was from ear to ear. It was overwhelming and infectious. I gave him mine, it was more businesslike than hearty though. At Swissotel Sydney’s shining, shimmering, splendid lobby, I stood there wearing a pensive look that matched my shabby knit top and mum jeans.
I should’ve worn something more… Smart. Like, now-smart. Not 80s-smart sans the shoulder pads.
But I was on a vacation from a vacation, and my fake gauge earrings were out and about saying it is so. Although I was there for some kind of business with Swissotel, I figured, they would have wanted me to be in my most comfortable. Be it in unflattering jeans or not. And comfortable was how I felt when I was introduced to another equally smiley staff who quickly fished me out of the lobby and ushered me to the Executive Lounge.
She directed me towards the snack counter, excitedly chattering about her recent trip as we went (it was her first day back at work). Her energy was intoxicating. An effect only a recent holiday can bring. Or, perhaps, she’s just that bubbly on an ordinary day. I honestly assumed the latter. It was a refreshing welcome, as I am used to being the storyteller. From the snacks, we moved to the coffee and tea section in the library where she showed me how to use the espresso machine. After which she excused herself to attend to other guests and left me to my peace. I grabbed a few munchies and sat by the window that has an unobstructed view of the Sydney Tower. Mindlessly, I watched pedestrians below as I ate.
When she came up to me again, she handed me my key cards. One for the room and another for the Executive Lounge. She wished me a great stay (and complimented my fake gauge earrings) before scuttling to another occupied table. At that time she was supposedly done for the day, yet there she was with her beaming Thai eyes, exchanging stories with other guests. Albeit difficult, I managed to leave my cozy little nook in the corner after realizing the time. Up I went to the 25th floor, through its spacious hallway and into the executive room.
Welcome Mrs. Emami, Gay. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. My 40” LED TV flashed.
That’s a lovely touch. My eyes scanned the colossal space. Its executive rooms’ key features include:
Sealy king bed (or two extra long beds)
Refreshment bar
Nespresso coffee machine(!)
Shower
Separate bath
Complimentary high speed internet
Turn down service (you know, when housekeeping pulls your blanket back, ready for you to tuck in — sometimes they even put chocolates/mints on your pillow)
Bathrobe and slippers
Complimentary bottled water
Then there’s the common amenities:
Elcectronic safe
Telephone
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board
24 hour room service
Access to fitness center and outdoor heated pool
Pillow and bedding menu (you read that right)
It was my daughter five year-old who did the honor of breaking in/messing the bed (she always does) later in the early eve once she and the hubby arrived. The bed’s heavenly. And the pillows, so fluffy — it didn’t interest me to peep in the pillow menu. Unfortunately, I missed the pre-dinner drinks and canapés for I was elsewhere. Because really, with Swissotel’s winner location along Market Street, the decision between staying in and heading out balances on a seesaw.
Some sights that are just a short stroll away:
Hyde Park about 8 minutes.
Darling Harbour about 15 minutes.
Sydney Opera House about 24 minutes.
Royal Botanic Gardens about 15 minutes to the south entrance.
Sydney Tower is just at your doorstep (well, sort of)!
And Queen Victoria Building’s just across George Street.
Our sleep that night was a much needed recuperation. It had been a dizzying period of hopping from one house to another, driving around with our life’s belongings in the car. We were like on a long roadtrip, only, we were just driving within Sydney (to stay close to a relative who just gave birth) almost everyday. Our stay in Swissotel Sydney really felt like it was a vacation from a vacation. The morning after, Swissotel’s sumptuous buffet spread was the cherry on top of the whole experience.
Will we book Swissotel Sydney again in the future? Certainly, if we’re up for a little splurging. It’s more pricey than the other hotels but it is worth every dang buck.
Swissotel Sydney
68 Market Street, Sydney 2000 NSW
Australia
Tel: +61 (2) 9238 8888
Emai: sydney@swissotel.com
Parking information: Off site self parking AUD$45 for 24 hours (entitled to one exit ticket upon checkout). Valet parking AUD$60 for 24 hours with unlimited entry and exits.
