Why a stay at Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney is a great idea

After waking up at the crack of dawn on a chilly Sunday morning to put myself through the 21.5 kilometers of the SMH Half Marathon (an exercise in self-torture), I have one thing on my mind and it isn’t the finish line.

It’s the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery By Sofitel, located in The Rocks, Sydney.

Funnily enough, my hotel of choice greets me just 2km into the half-marathon course. It’s a happy reminder that although I still have 19.5km ahead of me, the next time I’m in The Rocks will be to check-in for an indulgent stay at a heritage-rich boutique hotel fittingly located on the site of Sydney’s first hospital.

Here is my guilt-free guide to recovering from a half-marathon, hotel-style 🙂 *NOTE: Obviously I’m a hotel specialist, not a health specialist*

Stretch the legs:
After surviving a running event, travelling home with the crowds can make you feel like you’re part of the walking dead. Staying in the city post-race not only means avoiding the masses on the trains, buses, and ferries, it’s also the perfect opportunity to properly cool down, refuel with some brekkie, and stretch your legs with a leisurely walk in the sunshine.

Breakfast with a view at the MCA

Now put your legs up:
Often I stay at a hotel and don’t have a chance to actually enjoy the facilities. However, given Sydney is my hometown and I’ve already spent the morning running around the city, I feel absolutely no guilt in spending most of my time at the Harbour Rocks Hotel making the most of the super comfy room. Our Studio King Bed room is the perfect spot to relax on a Sunday afternoon, complete with a king bed, relaxing bath, and spacious lounge area.

Guilt-free feasting:
I’m not going to lie, one of my favourite parts about a running event is the feast afterwards.

Harbour Rocks Hotel is in a prime position. Located on Harrington Street, it’s just a few hundred metres from the Harbour, meaning you don’t have to go far to eat if your legs don’t want to.

While there are some great pub-style options around The Rocks, I’m excited to discover a little slice of France attached to our hotel – the Creperie Suzette.

Whether you’re a sweet or savoury fan, this cute vintage-style café has something to tempt you. There are 14 different crepes and galettes to choose from.

I decide to indulge my sweet tooth and am not disappointed. The La Caramel Au Beurre Sale, complete with salted caramel and ice-cream, literally melts in my mouth.

Say cheers at happy hour:
While it’s tempting to stay planted on the bed all evening, a visit to Eric’s Bar, located in the Harbour Rocks Hotel, is the perfect way to top off the day.

This cute little bar sits next to the hotel’s reception and offers guests two separate areas to enjoy an evening beverage. Not being able to pick between the two, we decide to test out both.

It’s a surprisingly balmy May evening, which makes the outdoor terrace the perfect spot to relax and take in the view over the narrow laneway below. Despite being in the heart of the city, this little quarter of The Rocks is surprisingly quiet and peaceful.

Inside, the quaint library and lounge area is a cosy warehouse-style space that’s filled with books to enjoy over a glass of wine.

And finally… say goodbye to the Monday blues:
After a super comfortable night’s sleep, the post-run aches and pains are made just that bit easier by waking up in a spacious hotel bed with a view of the Opera House.

Not only is the alarm set a bit later (hello, no commute time!), but starting Monday with a hotel buffet breakfast is always a winner. The Harbour Rocks Hotel gives guests the option of both continental-style breads, pastries, and yoghurts, plus hot dishes from the a la carte menu (all included in the breakfast option when booking on lastminute.com.au).

So next time you sign up for a big race, consider rewarding yourself with a guilt-free hotel stay. It’ll make all those early morning training runs just that little bit easier.

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