Check it out: The Langham Hotel, Sydney

FOLLOWING a soft opening three months ago, the Hong Kong-based Langham Hospitality Group has “officially” unveiled its new Sydney hotel.

The former Observatory Hotel, in The Rocks precinct, has undergone a complete overhaul to deliver the largest standard rooms in the city (98 in all, including some very glamorous suites), a serious art collection curated by Sotheby’s, featuring works by Sidney Nolan and Brett Whiteley, “private butler tennis afternoons” on a court with a view, and even dog-friendly suites.

All light-filled guestrooms provide access to fresh air, either via windows that open or small Juliet balconies or terraces. Furnishings are bespoke, rugs handmade and the colour palette soft and feminine.

The mood is residential and expensive, featuring oversized beds. Source: Supplied

The mood is residential and expensive, featuring oversized “superking” beds and thoughtful, elegant touches, such as silver Wedgwood clocks on the bedside table and soothing jazz music playing as you enter the room. Bathrooms are likewise luxurious; most have double marble vanities, generous amenities and a huge waterfall overhead shower fitting.

The only element of the hotel not to be touched is its famous underground swimming pool with star-spangled ceiling; it sits at the heart of the Chuan Day Spa, which has had its own multi-million dollar overhaul and features steam rooms and a gym.

DON’T MISS: A cocktail or mocktail in Palm Court, prepared at your table and named for ports around the world. Try the Vera Cruz.

Palm Court at the Langham Sydney is the place for a cocktail. Source: Supplied

 DINING IN: Daniel Rudolph heads the Kent Street Kitchen where the cuisine is designated “European chic”. Be sure to try the house-baked bread and hand-churned butter. Cheese is made in-house and  there’s a  dedicated  charcuterie  room.  The  Aylesbury duck comes highly recommended, cooked sous vide for 60 minutes, then caramelised and glazed with honey and spices. The Palm Court hosts afternoon tea with Wedgwood in the style of the group’s flagship London hotel.

The Kent Street kitchen. Source: Supplied

DINING OUT: Sake (fusion Japanese) or Quay (fine dining) are both an easy stroll from the hotel but the complimentary Langham pink London cab is also at guests’ disposal.

ASK THE CONCIERGE: Pop across the road for a private star-gazing session at the Sydney Observatory or take one of the hotel’s pink bikes to explore the harbour precinct and The Rocks; the kitchen will pack you a picnic.

Source:  The Australian - 14th March 2015