My life as a PrincessOr, Why I Want to Live in the Observatory Hotel ForeverBy Madelyn Miller
I want to live in a place like the Observatory Hotel where all the oversize fluffy towels rest on heated towel racks. Where the huge overhead shower “pan” is complimented by a regular showerhead. (They seem to do everything at this place at least twice as well as at other places) I also love that they have two big soft robes, so I have an extra when one is wet (I take lots of baths and showers here because the bathtub is like a baby swimming pool and the amenities smell so good.) And they have big amenity bottles of shampoo and conditioner in BOTH the shower and tub. Sometimes, I do step out of the bathroom. And then I love that they fuss over my computer and getting Internet connections as much as I do, treating it like a favored child or precious pet. It also helps that everyone remembers my name and greets me when I get home (I mean back to the Observatory which I wish were my second home). No one laughed or asked how long I was staying when I checked in with five big bags, they acted like it was normal. (It is normal for me, but probably not for other guests). I want to live in a place where there is a spa downstairs that is even flexible if you are running late for your appointment. A place that will rub your body with hot rocks, place Tibetan bells so you can feel the reverberations, or do any number of unique treatments from the world. Perhaps Monday for a Ancient Stone Massage, Tuesday for the Tibetan bells treatment, Wednesday for a facial, Thursday you can surprise me with something my body will no doubt love. Friday they have something in special in store for me.
I like being in a place where room service brings toaster as well as your bread with your breakfast so you can toast it to your own personal preference. I love getting my shoes polished every night. And I love to have one of the top ten hotel restaurants in the world right downstairs. Galileo was named one of the shining stars by HOTEL Magazine. And they are right. To start, I could order the garlic soup every night. The big choice is whether to have the macadamia crusted lamb or the venison with cherry and Juniper sauce. I know those favorites are always on the menu. But even if you forget your glasses, Galileo has a box of reading glasses you can borrow. Some people think they offer them so you can read the bill, but I am sure it is just for the menu. I wish I could live here forever. Of course I know there are wonderful hotels all over the world. There are certainly other hotels in the Orient Hotel Group that are almost this wonderful. (I wish that could be my next research project, but alas I must go home and actually catch up and open over a month’s worth of mail and other mundane tasks. The Observatory has spoiled me forever. Now I believe I am a princess. Actually I have known that all along. But nowhere else does everyone treat me like I am. The Observatory Hotel Day Spa—Grand dame of pampering and unique treatments BEST WAY TO GET TO AUSTRALIAQANTAS BEST WAY TO FIND OUT ABOUT SYDNEY AND NEW SOUTH WALESTourism New South Wales The Sydney Convention & Visitors Bureau www.scvb.com.au Sydney Visitors Center City of Sydney GREAT GUIDEBOOKSINSIGHT GUIDE TO SYDNEY MUST-SEE SYDNEY Lonely Planet Sydney The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2002 OUT TO EAT SYDNEYLonely Planet Shopping Secrets Sydney SENSUAL SYDNEYLonely Planet Australia Fodor’s Australia Independent Traveler’s Australia 2001 Aboriginal Australia & the Torres Strait Islands Must-See Australia Australia Handbook Maverick Guide to Australia Australia Signpost Guides Traveler's Tales Australia WHERE TO STAYThe Observatory Hotel REGENT SYDNEY a Four Seasons Hotel WESTIN RESTAURANTS (Some of Madelyn’s favorites)TETSUYA’S BEST SPASThe Observatory Hotel Day Spa—Grand dame of pampering and unique treatments SPA CHAKRA SYDNEY 170 Victoria Street Potts Point NSW 2011 PHONE (02) 9368 0888 FAX (02) 9380 2950 EMAIL spachakra@chakra.net Regent Hotel—try the jetlag recovery treatment Jurlique Wellness Sanctuary Day Spa Joh Bailey The Ginseng Bathhouse If you have a few extra days Consider trips to:Blue Mountains www.winecountry.com.au I toured with Australian Wild Escapes. Ask for Marcus to be your guide. Australian Wild Escapes Great Private Guide “A Sydney Day” MUST SEESydney Opera House www.sydneyoperahouse.com Climate (Winter) NSW : Days can be cool, with average maximum temperature of around 59°F. Night minimum is around 41°F. Note that in the Snowy Mountains region daytime temperatures can be around 46°F with a high wind chill factor. Clothing (Winter) NSW: Warmer clothing and enclosed walking shoes/boots are recommended for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Very warm waterproof and windproof clothing and footwear is advisable for the Snowy Mountains region. Climate (Summer) NSW: Summer months have daily temperatures of between 77°F and 95°F. Night temperatures are mild at around 68°F. Clothing (Summer) NSW : Light, comfortable summerweight clothing should be worn, including a sunhat and sun protection cream for daytime. (Swimwear too of course!). A lightweight jumper or jacket can be necessary in the evenings and for the Blue Mountains. Good walking shoes or boots should be brought if you are bushwalking. Note that Sydney is subtropical; summer might bring occasional afternoon storms, so lightweight wet weather protection is advisable. |
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TM
After five wonderful weeks in Australia, it is difficult to go home. But as the last stop on my trip was the Observatory Hotel in Sydney, it is even harder to leave.
It is wonderful to have an underground half-Olympic size pool that is decorated with majestic columns and lighted by a series of twinkling lights. So romantic. So unique. I have not had a chance to use the relaxing hot tub on this trip, I have been so busy relaxing in the spa. Other guests seem to head straight to the ultra modern gym.