About the hotel
The new kid on the block with a new look – what was once the Obervatory Hotel is now the shiny new The Langham, Sydney. Located in the upper The Rocks precinct and down the street from the historic Lord Nelson pub, The Langham, Sydney is one of the exciting new openings to hit Sydney’s luxury hotel market. It has a fresh new lobby and newly renovated rooms. If you were familiar with The Observatory, then you’ll find this is vastly different. Light and bright with white marble and pale grey and blue furnishings, it’s warm and inviting but still airy and cool.
Unique Features
Located on a quiet street and away from the noise and buzz of the city, it feels more like a neighbourhood than a city hotel. You are still so close and only a 15-minute walk down to Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s really a great location. There is a brand new park being built behind the hotel which will be completed in the next few months. In my suite, The Langham Suite, the bed was exceptional – it was huge and extremely comfortable.
Dining
At Palm Court, each drink is named after a famous port around the world to go along with our own Sydney port. The cocktail incorporates flavours from each country and many of the drinks are themed. Go on a “cocktail flight” with Tom Bulmer, cocktail mixologist and a true artist – it’s a great way to start the evening before going into the restaurant, Kent Street Kitchen for dinner. Kent Street Kitchen is a fine dining experience serving high-quality modern Australian cuisine. Think oysters, foie gras, scallops, Yamba prawns, and my favourite – 14-hour slow cooked beef short rib. Both the food and the service was amazing.
Spa
Located on the lower floor, the spa takes you away from the city for some rest and relaxation. It’s small and quaint and the ceiling of the indoor pool is lit up like the night sky. The locker rooms also have a small steam room. Get a massage after a day of sightseeing and shopping.
Highlights
The staff and service were fantastic. Every meal, from breakfast with silver tea service to dinner with beautiful sourdough bread and homemade sweet butter, was memorable. The pre-dinner drinks are more of a cocktail degustation or a magic show – complete with smoke and fire!
Could do better
There are only a few floors, so stairs would have been nice to have as an option.
Upgrade
The most luxurious suite on offer at The Langham, Sydney is the Observatory Suite, their residential-style presidential suite at A$3,500 per night. It’s 1,313 square feet in size and has a dining room for eight, private wine cellar, double drawing room with fireplace and views over Observatory Hill.
Insider tip
Ask for the complimentary bicycles and for the kitchen to make up a picnic lunch to take down to the new park. Ride around on the numerous small quiet streets and bike paths. For a special night, book the chef’s table, and make sure to try the homemade bread and butter.