Delight in the detail at Sydney hotel
Gemma Nisbet finds life’s little luxuries in the centre of Sydney . . . without even having to look.
As I walk into my room at The Darling hotel, the lights switch on automatically, anticipating that awkward fumble where you try to work out where the switch is and whether you need to insert your key card to make it work. And then, as I head past the open bathroom and into the bedroom area, the curtains open of their own accord to reveal floor-to-ceiling windows.
Quite the first impression — and one that’s borne out throughout my two-night stay at the glamorous Darling, a few minutes’ walk from Darling Harbour in central Sydney’s Pyrmont.
The Darling is one of two hotels at The Star casino complex. Picture: Gemma Nisbet
There’s my Darling Standard room, for starters. It’s impeccably stylish — all marble and stone, timber panelling and purple soft furnishings. The open bathroom has a rainhead shower and nice toiletries from posh British brand Molton Brown. There’s also a small desk and an armchair, a big TV, iPhone dock and plenty of cupboard space, including a safe which is the right shape and size for a laptop. Wi-fi is free. And, as I’ll discover that evening, the bed is without a doubt the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in.
Then there’s a Nespresso machine with four free coffee pods, a kettle with a small selection of nice teas and a mini-bar with the usual biscuits, sweets and nuts, plus something called an “intimacy kit” including massage oil, a blindfold and more — The Darling claims to be “Sydney’s most lovingly detailed luxury hotel”, after all. All are stored in boxes with the words “you know you want to” printed across the front. I opt for a packet of chips instead.
Adored Suite at The Darling. Picture: Supplied
Outside my room, there’s plenty more to like. The service is attentive, and the Asian and Western-inspired breakfast at Japanese restaurant Sokyo is tasty. I don’t get a chance to check out the spa, but I do head down to take a look at the outdoor pool, which is apparently “delicately fragranced with white tea and eucalyptus”. I suspect you might have to actually be in the water to get the full effect, but the drizzly weather deters me from finding out for sure.
The outdoor pool at The Darling. Picture: Supplied
The Darling is one of two hotels in The Star casino and entertainment complex. This gives guests proximity to a whole range of services including the casino and its various bars and entertainment options, along with a selection of starry restaurants, including Momofuku Seiobo by Michelin- starred American chef David Chang, Balla by Stefano Manfredi (known as the godfather of Italian-Australian cuisine) and “contemporary Australian grill” Black by ezard. More casual dining spots include Fat Noodle by Luke Nguyen, street food at Pop Up Thai and PizzAperta, also by Manfredi. The Cafe Court includes sweet treats by Adriano Zumbo and Gelato Messina.
The Darling’s glamorous lobby. Picture: Supplied
Later, back in my room, I’m fixing myself a cup of tea and making myself very much at home when I find the hotel feedback form. Across the front it asks: “How was it for you?” It’s signed “D” for Darling, followed by a single “x”. Lovingly detailed indeed.
Gemma Nisbet visited Sydney as a guest of Destination NSW.
FACT FILE
Rooms at the The Darling are from about $350 per night. thedarling.com.au or 1800 800 830.
For information on Sydney, see sydney.com.
