Sydney hotel offers high life

Stephanie Gardiner felt like American-style royalty when she stood in the same Sydney hotel room the US president had occupied earlier this year. The feeling continued over a two-night stay packed with indulgent Sydney-centric activities.

There is one thing for sure, I am not the President of the US.

But I definitely felt like American-style royalty when I stood in the room where the man himself slept earlier this year at Sydney's Intercontinental Hotel.

Looking through the ceiling-high glass windows of the Australia Suite as fireworks spontaneously burst into the sky over the harbour, part of me believed it was possible they were just for me.

This overwhelming feeling continued over a two-night stay which was packed with indulgent Sydney-centric activities as part of the hotel's Insider Experience package.

Early the next morning, my companion and I dined on the rooftop which had been magically transformed from a darkened cocktail bar to a civilised breakfast room.

We chose our seats on the balcony and had a bird's eye view of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the poor weekend commuters speeding along the Cahill Expressway.

After breakfast, we were handed ferry tickets, a map and some beach towels in preparation for surfing lessons in Manly.

About 45 minutes later, I was at the Manly Surf School attempting to pull on a wetsuit over the enlarged stomach from my overindulging on the buffet breakfast.

Surrounded by tanned beach babes, my companion and I tried to master the art of surfing on the sand like a couple of bloated seals.

As soon as our surf instructor Scott uttered the words, "current", "whitewash" and "rip" in one sentence, I knew I was doomed.

Not only did I have trouble perfecting paddling - Scott copped a couple of desperate kicks right where it hurt - I also had trouble getting on the board, turning the board around, lifting the board up and staying on the board. But even with muscles aching, I was determined to show those beach babes I was a real surfer chick.

Eventually I caught a wave, lifted myself up onto my feet and saw the shimmering shore of Manly Beach from the best vantage point - if only for a few seconds.

After dragging our boards back and peeling off our dripping wetsuits, we trekked off to find the Ocean Beach House for lunch.

Looking out of the restaurant's open windows at the crowded shore and the hordes of people (and seagulls) eating take-away food, we felt very superior devouring grilled sourdough with a selection of
chive, sundried tomato and baba ganoush dips.

The starter was followed by a large serve of crispy fish and chips with salad and a boutique beer.

Later that night, we again headed to the rooftop bar for a round of celebratory we-didn't-drown drinks and nibbles.

We were no longer so eager to take a peek at the harbour or the bridge as we sipped our cool wine inside. Yes, this life was easy to get used to.

Half an hour later, we giggled as we were presented with a seven-course degustation menu at the hotel's Cafe Mint - our usual Saturday night dinner comes in a plastic box.

It was hard to imagine fitting all the courses in after canapes and I almost had my first ever high-life tantrum at the thought.

But I tucked in, overwhelmed by the flavours I'd never tasted - crab and lime capellacci, mint and date stuffed lamb, Tasmanian seared scallops and delicious semi freddo tian with blood orange glaze for
dessert.

The atmosphere in the room was excellent with dimmed lights, packed tables, soft trendy music and attentive service.

Needless to say, we slept very well on crisp linen sheets, with the harbour lights twinkling through the window.

The next morning was our last and probably left the most unbelievable impression.

We were treated to high tea and once again indulged in delicious food - freshly made waffles, profiteroles, torte, strawberry mousse and cheesecake with a glass of sparkling wine - all served to us by immaculately dressed staff.

As a glamorous jazz singer crooned and asked us for requests, I suddenly had my fill of the highlife.

We had experienced Sydney in the best possible way, but riding home over the Harbour Bridge on the stinking hot bus I was glad I wasn't a president - it's just too much work. 

MORE INFORMATION

Intercontinental Hotel Sydney is located on the corner of Bridge and Phillip Streets, Sydney.

Intercontinental Insider Experience packages in Sydney range from $A419 ($NZ477) to $A649. Guests can choose from three different activities including a private surf lesson in Manly, a leisurely drive around the city in a hired Mini Cooper with a picnic hamper or a shopping trip in Woollahra.

Details: call (02) 9253-9000 or visit www.sydney.intercontinental.com 

 

 

 

• The writer was a guest of the Intercontinental Hotel Sydney.

   

- AAP