Travel Blog

I recently stayed at the Hilton in Sydney.  The hotel itself is on George Street and only a couple of minutes walk from the town hall train station which is quite convenient if guests are taking the train directly from the airport and across the road from the Queen Victoria building.

The hotel foyer definitely has a “WOW” factor on arrival – it is multi levelled and has a great cafe which I don’t think I saw an empty seat in for the entire duration that we were there, the cafe (Cafe Cinno) is suitable for a quick lunch, coffee or informal business meeting.  The hotel has some fabulous restaurants & bars on-site there is the famous Glass Brasserie where the executive chef is Celebrity chef Luke Mangan – it was booked out when we were there but friends of mine have dined at Glass & mentioned that it was fabulous. 

One bar that I would like to mention on-site is the Marble Bar regardless of whether you are staying at the Hilton Sydney or not it is an absolute “must see” whilst in Sydney it was built in 1893 and still boasts the original Victorian style decor – it is absolutely spectacular & has live music generally 3 to 4 nights a week.

The rooms are very clean & tidy, a little sparse but all in all nice rooms the only point that I would like to make is that they are very small, the size that you would perhaps expect in Hong Kong rather than a Sydney hotel.  We also had access to the executive lounge with our room which is a great selling point for an upgrade of room to guests as it gives you access to free internet/wi-fi, complimentary newspapers (various) & magazines daily, complimentary continental breakfast daily which is rather substantial, snacks & non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day, afternoon tea along with pre-dinner drinks & canapés early evening.  

All of the staff that I had dealings with at the hotel was brilliant with a definite “CAN DO” attitude so you can assure that our guests will be looked after.

Looking to go somewhere on a girl's weekend or for some rest, relaxation or rejuvenation...

Spa treatments are on the expensive side but well worth it and make sure you take some walking shoes – watch out for the dingo’s!

One of my favourite spots - The Mill Market. A market the size of a warehouse store containing everything old – a collectors dream! Retro, antiques, clothes, furniture, posters, nick knacks you name it it’s all there! Allow, 2 hours to peruse the store and take in history. Everything is for sale and entry is free. 

Try Daylesford a 90minute drive from Melbourne. http://www.visitdaylesford.com.au

This is a quirky little township that offers multiple spa treatment facilities, natural mineral springs, wineries, art galleries and gorgeous cafes.

Tales from the desk by Debbie

I flew economy class on Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, the food and service was great and met expectation.

A tour of Hong Kong key sights by a Double Decker Big Bus Tour was great and informative. It was so extremely hot, but worth it in an open top bus, as you get to see so much.

That night we had dinner at Peking Garden Restaurant which is well known for its Peking Duck. Our meal consisted of 11 courses, so much good food...I have never felt so full!

Accommodation was the Harbour Grand, located at the heart of Hong Kong Island with 828 rooms. Very large accommodation rooms with lots of space and the hotel is nestled amongst the fashionable shopping areas and commercial offices of Causeway Bay and Wanchai.

A must in Hong Kong is to visit the Peak which takes you up by Tram to spectacular views of Hong Kong Harbour. The Stanley markets are fantastic for those who love to shop...they take credit card which is a bonus!

Went out for dinner that night and then danced the night away and hopefully some of those 11 courses I had the night before.

The next day we went on the NP360 which is a huge cable car ride with a glass bottom to Po Lin Monastery and Budha. Not for those scared of heights though, but a fantastic experience.

Our last day and experienced a Tea Appreciation. I never new how much went into a good cup of tea, like how hot certain teas should be to get the best taste. Did Thai Chi too which was a laugh, but a lot of fun.

Overall Hong Kong is an awesome place to visit, even for a stopover for a couple of nights or as a holiday destination.