China has always been on my bucket list. Pending all the wishing and praying, how does one get a Mandarin hit? And I don’t mean the citrus kind. The answer is Sydney’s Chinatown of course and I’m going to show you how to do it in perfect luck-shar-ree.
Pillow talkTucked away from the hustle and bustle is the 4.5 star Novotel Sydney Central. As the name suggests it’s a short stroll from Central Railway Station.
I step inside the grand doors and I’m transported miles away from the chaos that is the city. This newly acquired Accor property is tastefully decorated & oozes modern style.
Eager to check out the newly renovated rooms, we head upstairs and open the room like an eager child on Christmas. I’m immediately taken by the oversized windows, perfect for hours of gazing at the city view.
There are many elements that can make or break a stay. For me, two key check points would have to be the pillow plush factor and the deliciousness of the buffet brekkie. And let me just say – tick, tick.
The word menu is often preceded by ‘dessert’, ‘wine’ or ‘main’. So when I saw a ‘pillow menu’ I immediately knew this place takes customised luxury seriously. This decadent menu was designed to please the fussiest sleepers. I recommend the contour pillow with a side of hollyfill.
Breakfast of champions
My second love, the buffet brekkie, is absolutely divine. From the delicious juice station to La Patisserie with every pastry and bread variation imaginable. I am in brekkie bliss – it is after all the most important meal of the day.
Given our close proximity to Chinatown, brekkie featured a few oriental options. Pa Tong Ho or fresh Thai style donuts are perfect when dunked in coffee – yum! The coconut sago pudding is absolutely delightful. At this stage if you feel a little guilty for your decadent choices, you can always wash it all down with a shot of fresh anti-oxidant juice and organic muesli.
Bargain hunters
A stay in the city is never complete without a shopping expedition. And when in Chinatown, do as the locals do and drive a hard bargain. Paddy’s Markets is just a short walk from the hotel. Perfect for souvenirs and nick nacks. We lose track of time strolling through the endless isles. Well, we have to walk off that indulgent brekkie somehow!
After dark, the Chinese Markets are a must. Be transported to the streets of Beijing. The aroma of Chinese Pancakes, Steamed Dumplings and saucy noodles waft above us as we check out the goods on offer.
A walk on the wild side
If you walk down just a little further, you’ll stumble into the darling of all harbours. Loads to see and do here, but for little kids and big kids alike, head to the zoo in the heart of the city. Sydney’s Wildlife Park is alive with terrifying Crocs, cuddly Koalas and creepy crawlers that will guarantee a memorable city adventure for all little devils.
Dinner time
All that bargain hunting and animal discovery has resulted in an appetite of ferocious proportions. We head back into the heart of Chinatown and step into the one and only Golden Century Seafood Restaurant. Do yourself a favour and book a table in advance or you may be waiting for a while – this place is popular. Choose your dinner from the live fish tanks or order from their superb seafood menu. We chow down on the Prawn San Choy Bau and the Salt and Pepper Squid before moving onto the delicate Steamed Fish and Fried Rice. All absolutely delicious and oh so filling.
Having satisfied our hunger for the mystical East, we head back to the hotel to rest our weary heads on our customised pillows – aahh perfect!
We discovered that there’s more than one way to make the most of a Sydney city escape. Our China voyage can remain on hold for a while longer. Our memorable weekend with a unique oriental twist worked wonders to tide us over.