Sofitel Darling Harbour: A Luxury Family Staycation Review

  • Family

Who didn’t fantasise about being Kevin in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York? Living it up in his own hotel room with ice-cream and TV on demand and no parents in sight?!

Well, the Sofitel Darling Harbour are channeling this decadent energy with their new family package, only this time you have to bring your parents along (probably for the best, I hear you say).

Three Cheers For Sydney

Given the current climate, most holidays are off the cards but we challenge you to explore your own city - and we bet you’ll see it with new eyes. A family staycation, done right, can feel like you’re a million miles away. You see things as a tourist, exploring new parts of the city and enjoying some down time in a place that feels nothing like being at home!

At the moment the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has a family staycation package that’s great value for money and comes with all the things that kids love, including their own (adjoining) room. Speaking of things they love, they’ve really nailed it with…. wait for it... unlimited ice-cream! That’s right, once your kids are checked in they can dial 9 and ask for as many PurePops icy poles as they want to be delivered to their room. Chocolate, strawberry, tropical, try one or “make it three, I’m not driving” to quote the infamous Kevin McCallister. (Parents, whether you keep that as a little secret to yourself is up to you. In my kids' case it was hush-hush, otherwise it would have been a case of dial M for Meltdown.)

High Tea Up High 

Before you cry, harsh parenting, please know that the kids did not miss out. After a little fashion show with the mini robes and slippers left for the kids (sooooo cute!) we made our way up to the executive lounge for high tea. Talk about sugar and spice and all things nice! This three tiered affair has all the afternoon delights, including mini sandwiches, quiches, fresh berries and a top layer of sweet treats including chocolate lollipops. It’s also a great chance to take in the expanding views of Darling Harbour and Barangaroo - which seems to get bigger and shinier everyday.

 

Rooms With A View

Back to the room (or should I say, rooms) the kids amused themselves with their gifted Bluey colouring in books (well played, Sofitel!) while the adults relaxed next door, taking in the views through our floor to ceiling windows and pondered, should we take a dip in the freestanding bath or the outdoor infinity pool? The kids won (of course) and we made our way to the rooftop heated pool, looking out at attractions such as the the spinning Ferris Wheel, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, the National Maritime Museum and mentally planned where we’d go on our ‘tourist’ adventure. 

It's French For Yum

For dinner we decided to stay in our 5-star cocoon and made our way to the hotel restaurant, Atelier. This French-inspired restaurant has a seasonal menu with a focus on succulent meats and seafood - grilled to perfection. Go for the steak, but stay for the truffle gnocchi, it’s sensational. The restaurant space is expansive - very good for social distancing - and also very good for noisy pint-sized dinner guests. The kids were amused with more colouring books and a kids’ menu with all the classic hits, cheeseburger sliders, pasta, fries and ice-cream. They ate enough to warrant a late-night ride on the ferris wheel before retiring to our sanctuary and landing on a cloud-like bed. 

Heal The World

I know it’s not possible to ignore what’s going on in the world right now but for a few brief moments during our staycation the world looked pretty damn good. We were high above the city, wrapped up in the surreal bubble feeling that only a pristine hotel can do, and we momentarily forgot the doom and gloom of 2020 and felt grateful for what we have (remember when we all said 2020 would be 20-plenty!?)

Whether it’s a sunset, a sparkling harbour or just your kids' laughter, remember that life still has plenty of happy moments. Be like Kevin with the Pigeon Lady, and try to look for the beauty in the unexpected. At the Sofitel Darling Harbour, this is pretty easy to do… 


What's The Deal?

Book your next family getaway and enjoy 50% off your second room, unlimited PurePops icy poles, complimentary breakfast for children under 12 when accompanied by a paying adult, and VIP welcome amenities including kids-size bathrobes and slippers. From $235 per night per room, with the two rooms booked together. Please note: not all rooms are adjoining, please contact the hotel directly. 

Find out more about the Sofitel Darling Harbour here.

 

 

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