Sensational Sundays: Pier One Sydney Hotel Review
Even if you love your job, chances are you’ve experienced that Sunday night feeling. You know the one I’m talking about: that sad sinking truth that another weekend is coming to an end.
The perfect treatment for this ailment? A cheeky Sunday night city hotel stay and here’s why:
1. Playing tourist in your own town is always a good idea. Do you really need another excuse to enjoy fluffy robes, mini-bars and room service? #weheartstaycations
2. Rates on a Sunday are typically cheaper than other weekend nights so it’s a great chance to stay at a fabulous hotel for a lot less. #bargainhunter
3. If you work in the CBD, you’ll be kicking off your Monday with not only a buffet breakfast but also a quick commute to the office. #winning
Mr LML and I arrive at Pier One Sydney Harbour mid-afternoon. The first Australian addition to the Marriot’s Autograph Collections Hotels, its location, nestled alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge, makes it a firm favourite for international visitors, weddings and conferences.
Built on and over the water, the private pontoon location is oh so Sydney.
Breezing through check-in, we dump our bags and take the opportunity to explore our city’s tourist hotspots, strolling through The Rocks and checking out the markets, pubs, galleries and museums.
And like any good tourist, it would be rude not to nab a selfie in front of a Sydney icon.
While the buzz of the nearby Rocks and Circular Quay areas is a drawcard to staying at Pier One, the relative quietness of the hotel itself is pretty appealing to retire back to for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
In fact, the bar area could be one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Take your pick from the lounges or bar stools inside or settle in outside by the water (just watch out for seagulls!)
Our Sunday session involves apple ciders (loving the option of Bilpin on tap) and a cheese plate. What Sunday night blues?!
Plate demolished, we reluctantly peel ourselves off the comfy lounge we’d made our own to properly check-out our level two room.
The white and grey décor has a warm, classy, nautical feel and complements the surrounding wharf colourings. Our spacious waterside room has a studio apartment feel to it and comes complete with king bed, large lounge, desk area, table and chairs, and a complimentary fruit bowl and mini-bottle of bubbly.
The spacious vibe continues in the bathroom where a deep bath, separate shower and generous basin area get my tick of approval. It’s the Appelles toiletries though that really win my heart.
Really though, if you’re lucky enough to score room 247, you’ll be strolling right through it and out onto your private balcony.
Room with a serious view
The concrete gives it a slightly harsh feel (and means the photos don’t do it justice) but this really is a balcony with wow factor.
Especially when your sunsets look like this.
For a fuss-free dinner option, you can’t go past an onsite restaurant. We pop downstairs to the recently opened Gantry Restaurant & Bar. Chef Chris Irving was a private chef to the Beckhams and hey if it’s good enough for Posh and David, it’s good enough for me.
It’s hard to go past the seafood options, especially when you can see them being freshly prepared.
For entrée, light and fresh oysters (served with a vinaigrette) and scallops (prepared two ways) kick things off nicely. And continuing with the light theme (I may or may not have had too much cheese earlier), Mr LML and I share a main of rainbow trout served with grilled peaches (a unique combo I’ll be trying out myself in the kitchen) and beetroot fries (seriously good! Sweet potato chips are so last year). Every dish is cooked and seasoned perfectly and the menu has the unmistakable touch of a highly experienced chef.
Service is friendly albeit a little forgetful. One of our side dishes and a wine order both go astray despite the restaurant only having a handful of full tables when we dine. Hopefully just teething issues given the quality of both the food and location.
A quality night’s sleep is one area Pier One Sydney definitely delivers on. The fluffy cloud-like pillows are impossible not to sink into (should you have a different preference though, take advantage of the pillow menu).
Waking up Monday morning I slowly get my bearings: work days after all don’t usually start in a hotel room a handful of kilometres away from both my office and my own apartment, but I’m all for the novelty factor.
Kicking off the working week with a hotel buffet breakfast and water views is very okay with me…
Nicole and Mr LML stayed as guests of Pier One Sydney
Have you ever enjoyed a Sunday night hotel stay in your own town? Which hotel would you most like a Sunday staycation at in your town? Tell us in the comments!
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