62 the review
Checking out... S TAY: SHANGRI-LA HOTEL - Sydney, Australia
BY JULIE BAXTER THE BACKGROUND: This is a fi ve-star deluxe property with 563 triple-glazed rooms and suites, all with fabulous views. THE LOCATION: Set in the historic Rocks district, it’s in the heart of the city with easy access to all Sydney’s sights. THE CHECK IN: The reception is bright and open, linked to the tasteful lobby lounge. Check-in was quick and friendly. THE ROOM: My Premier Grand Harbour View Room had simply sensational views. It was very spacious with an expanisve bed, good-sized seating area and vast marble bathroom (with bath and separate shower). Furnishings were traditional with ample use of dark wood and gold fabrics but who’s looking at that when the city stretches beyond. A workstation area came with multiple plug sockets and the rate includes com- plimentary broadband and wifi . There was a well-equipped mini bar/coffee making area and plenty of storage.
THE VERDICT
The location is superb for exploring and for the views. With vast windows on two sides, this room puts you at the heart of Sydney’s iconic landscape. The view stretches over the harbour and Opera House to the surburban bays and Pacific Ocean beyond. Hard to imagine a better way to absorb this amazing city.
KEY FACILITIES: There was a health club area with heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym, plus the Chi Spa which stretches over two fl oors. Horizon Club guests also have a private lounge and VIP check-in area. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The ‘Blu Bar on 36’ is a contemporary cocktail bar with breathtaking views and a buzzing atmosphere; there is regularly a waiting
list for the best tables. The Altitude Restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine and also has great views; while the ground-fl oor lobby lounge and ter- race serves light refreshments and Café Mix is the venue for extensive buffet breakfasts and all-day dining. Shangri-La Hotel, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia T: 0800 028 3337 W.
shangri-la.com E:
slsn@shangri-la.com
RATES: Double rooms start from around £132 (room- only) while the Premier Grand Harbour View category starts from around £216 per room per night.
HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN JOURNEYS / CRUISES / & AIRPORT REVIEWS
S TAY: COTSWOLD WATER PARK FOUR PILLARS HOTEL AND SPA – UK
BY STEVE HARTRIDGE THE BACKGROUND: This sprawling four- star hotel, one of four properties in the area managed by the Four Pillars Group, is aimed at families, couples, groups and conferences. The 328 units – a mix of attractive stone and wood cladding that blend nicely into their environment – are located next to a lake and are surrounded by gardens and woodlands. THE LOCATION: On the edge of the Cotswolds, just off the A419 (three miles from Cirencester) and 20 min- utes from junction 15 of the M4. THE CHECK IN: The hotel was busy preparing for three separate weddings, and when we arrived the lobby was full of high heels and trailing dinner jackets. However, all the usual formalities were completed quickly and with a smile. THE ROOM: Our second fl oor (top) balcony en-suite unit was spacious, bright and comfortable. Featuring
warm wood, stone and other natural elements, it had views straight down onto the lake. From our balcony, with a table and chairs, we watched as families of ducks, swans and American Coutts paddled around for an evening snack. The free wifi worked perfectly and there were two free bottles of wa- ter and biscuits waiting in our room. KEY FACILITIES: The hotel’s Spa 6
introduced a range of new treatments, spa day packages and overnight spa breaks this summer. Facilities include a Champagne nail bar, hydrotherapy pool, heat and water therapy suite and dry fl oatation room, while signature treat- ments include a Mud Rasul or an Indian Head Sandalwood Scalp Massage. There are walking trails of various length that spread out from the back of the property. We strolled alongside the old Thames and Severn Canal, now covered in bulrushes and nettles. RESTAURANTS/BARS: We had lunch at the adjoining Boathouse Pub, set by the lake. Our dinner in the main restaurant was excellent and the set three-course menu, served by a very able and willing young team, superb value at £22.50. Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel and Spa, 6 Spine Road East, South Cerney,Gloucestershire, GL7 5FP; T: 01285 864000; W:
cotswoldwaterparkhotel.co.uk
THE VERDICT
Don’t expect a quintessential chocolate box Cotswold retreat as that’s not what Four Pillars properties are about. The group’s ‘no-fuss’ approach doesn’t mean a compromise on quality and service: this is a genuine four-star experience at two- star prices.
RATES: A whole range of short break and weekend getaways are available. For example, overnight spa breaks start from £173 per room per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis and including a choice of one 25-minute treatment per night.
sellingtravel.co.uk
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