Swanky hotel restaurants are winning awards, hiring big-name Michelin star chefs and making best-of lists (ours included). Mediocre club sandwiches served in tired lobbies are officially a thing of the past—and thank god. Labelled the ‘Dine-Inn’ trend by the legends at Wotif, the rise of the boujee hotel restaurant is here to stay.
I'd heard whispers that the Sheraton Grand on Sydney’s Hyde Park's Sydney Common, which is helmed head chef Jaime Robertson (who brings experience from Michelin-Starred restaurants), is a real stand-out, so when these guys invited my no-nonsense bestie and I for dinner and an overnight stay, I jumped at the opportunity.
Here's what we loved most about the experience.
Settle In With A Celebratory Sip
Hopefully, you can snag a super early check-in to make the most of your stay but, if not, your 3pm arrival will see you settle into your room just in time for a complimentary vino before you get that robe on and prepare for the evening ahead.
If you’re wondering which room to book, the Terrace Suite has everything you’ll want. This spacious 120-square-metre affair boasts a walk-in, an illuminated vanity, and the California king of dreams.
Although it's all pretty amazing, the best part is the open-air balcony with sweeping views over Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour.
Dine In At The Sydney Common
Forget about popping on a movie and ordering room service, if we were limited to providing one stay-cay recommendation for the Sheraton Grand Sydney, it would be to dine in at Sydney Common.
Regarded for celebrating modern Aussie flavours through woodfire cooking, this recently revamped restaurant offers an award-winning take on hotel dining.
The open-plan fit-out, by Melbourne-based Mitchell & Eades, is clean and fresh with soft lighting, warm timbers, and elegant splashes of marble. You’ll understand better in person, but the vibes on arrival make it clear that you're in for an unreal sitting.
If you're lucky enough, you'll grab a seat with views of both Hyde Park and head chef Jaime Robertson working his magic. Once settled, get a gin martini on the way and begin your deep dive into the extensive menu, which is brimming with fresh ingredients from some of Australia's leading producers. We're talking Baker Bleu bread, Aquna Murray cod, and Blackmore Wagyu.
Overwhelmed by the selection on offer, we decided to dine from the a la carte menu so we could pick and choose a range of dishes to try. We ordered the rock oysters with finger lime and rice vinegar, the wood-fired grilled king prawns with chilli and salted shiso butter and extra sourdough to soak up the sauce. The food coma was real, but oh-so worth it.
But First, Coffee (In Bed Of Course)
Secure the suite that we did and you'll wake up from your king bed to see the sun rising over the iconic St Andrew's church. And because you technically seize the day by waking up for the sunrise, it's more than acceptable to order a barista-made coffee to the room and linger a little longer in bed for some hard-earned relaxation.
We chose to let Julia Roberts welcome in our Sunday by chucking on the ultimate hotel-esq chick flick, Pretty Woman. Now that's living.
Rooftop Swim And Sauna Sesh
Still full from last night's generous portion of food, we worked up a bit of an appetite before heading downstairs for breakfast. We recommend robe-ing up and heading to the rooftop pool, sauna, steam room, and private terrace. Whether you're here to relax or get in a few laps, this rooftop amongst Sydney’s most famous skyscrapers is the perfect spot just to kick back and hang.
If swimming's not your gig, the secluded in-hotel spa just along the hall might be a more appropriate choice. Offering the perfect escape from the city’s hustle, On The Park Rejuvenation Spa is truly the perfect marriage of relaxation and stunning views. Overlooking Hyde Park, the team's talented therapists do their thing by blending modern and traditional spa treatments, using only the finest products.
Experience The Buffet Breakfast Of Dreams
After a quick freshen-up and a reluctant pack away of our things, it was time to head back down to level 1 for arguably Sydney’s best in buffets.
Expect a refined take on the traditional Sunday spread inspired by Asian and European flavours. You'll have your pick of fresh juices made to order, a hot pot station boasting insane seafood, pastries and carved meats, and a dedicated chef there to serve you eggs your way.
Although we just went for the traditional buffet brekky, if you happen to land your stay on the first Sunday of the month the hotel’s famous Grand Sunday Brunch boasts an unreal seafood buffet and bottomless Chandon deal. Now. that's worth finding an occasion for.
Cop The Late Checkout
Ordering a late check out is definitely worth your while. I mean a few more hours just to kick back and soak up some of the best in hotel luxury is almost a necessary action.
And when that time comes to leave this inner-city park paradise behind, don’t stress too much because you’ll probably be back for a stay or a meal sooner than you think. How could you not?
Craving more food-loving hotel park-ups? Hit our list of the best hotel restaurants in Sydney.
Image credit: Urban List.