{"id":36138,"date":"2013-08-27T09:11:54","date_gmt":"2013-08-27T09:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=26947"},"modified":"2018-05-14T23:47:29","modified_gmt":"2018-05-14T13:47:29","slug":"sydneys-shanghai-side-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/sydneys-shanghai-side-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Novotel Sydney Central | Sydney’s Shanghai Side"},"content":{"rendered":"
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China has always been on my bucket list. Pending all the wishing and praying, how does one get a Mandarin hit? And I don\u2019t mean the citrus kind. The answer is Sydney\u2019s Chinatown of course and I\u2019m going to show you how to do it in perfect luck-shar-ree.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\nPillow talk<\/strong>Tucked away from the hustle and bustle is the 4.5 star Novotel Sydney Central<\/a>. As the name suggests it\u2019s a short stroll from Central Railway Station.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

I step inside the grand doors and I\u2019m transported miles away from the chaos that is the city. This newly acquired Accor property is tastefully decorated & oozes modern style.
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Eager to check out the newly renovated rooms, we head upstairs and open the room like an eager child on Christmas. I\u2019m immediately taken by the oversized windows, perfect for hours of gazing at the city view.
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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 \u2013 tick, tick.
\nThe word menu is often preceded by \u2018dessert\u2019, \u2018wine\u2019 or \u2018main\u2019. So when I saw a \u2018pillow menu\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

Breakfast of champions<\/strong>
\nMy 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 \u2013 it is after all the most important meal of the day.<\/p>\n

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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 \u2013 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.
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Bargain hunters<\/strong>
\nA 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\u2019s Markets<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

A walk on the wild side<\/strong>
\nIf you walk down just a little further, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s Wildlife Park<\/a> is alive with terrifying Crocs, cuddly Koalas and creepy crawlers that will guarantee a memorable city adventure for all little devils.<\/p>\n

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Dinner time<\/strong>
\nAll 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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Having satisfied our hunger for the mystical East, we head back to the hotel to rest our weary heads on our customised pillows \u2013 aahh perfect!
\nWe discovered that there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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