The Observatory Hotel, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: May 1st, 2006
The Observatory Hotel is part of the Orient Express Group and was given its name as a result of its close proximity to Sydney Observatory.
The theme of stars and astronomy continues throughout the hotel, evident in the 'Globe' bar, the 'Galileo' restaurant, and the star ceiling in the Day Spa. The hotel has 78 deluxe rooms, 9 Junior Suites, 12 Executive Suites and the Observatory Suite, with some suites and rooms interconnecting. Three ground-floor rooms have been adapted for disabled guests. The second floor, which is completely non-smoking, features duvets in each bedroom.
Bathrooms feature heated towel rails and separate showers, and every room has touch-control air conditioning, as well as sash windows to allow cool harbour breezes to circulate. Each room has detachable hairdryers, CD and video players (a wide selection of CDs is available from the CD Library), international news service and movies on demand, as well as fax/modem facilities, voice mail and four telephones. The Observatory Hotel is renowned for its fine cuisine, ranging from elegant dining in the Galileo Restaurant to the light menu in the club-like Globe Bar. Opulently decorated with Fortuny fabrics and original art, Galileo Restaurant offers a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine from sought after Chef Harunobu Inukai.
The Observatory Hotel has a Day Spa with a 20-metre heated pool, mirrored by a ceiling of fibre optic lights designed to recreate the constellations of the southern hemisphere. For the more energetic, work out in the fully equipped gymnasium, or enjoy a game of tennis, which can be easily arranged at the court opposite the front door. Need a massage? Treat yourself to a full body micro dermabrasion utilizing a micronised puree of diamonds, fresh water pearls, quartz crystals, and Skin Caviar Luxe Body Cream. The Spa also has a sauna and steam room.
Built in 1858, Sydney Observatory is Australia's oldest Observatory, and one of the most significant sites in the nation's scientific history. It is recognised as an item of 'state significance' by the New South Wales Government and is heritage listed. It is located near Sydney's historic Rocks district and the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, and is easily accessed by bus, train, ferry or car. The Observatory comprises a virtual reality 3-D space theatre, a shop, a lecture theatre, a historic 29cm lens telescope built in 1874, a 42cm computer controlled telescope and a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope, gardens and a 'beanbag planetarium'. At night, visitors can get fine views of the moon, the planets and some of the best-loved features of the southern sky. Today the Observatory is a museum and public observatory with an important role in astronomy education and public telescope viewing.
Further Information
Wish Upon a Star package from $460 a night. Save 50%. First 100 callers. Great Deals are held for viewers not on AEST. Valid to 31/7/06.
The Observatory Hotel
02 8248 5222
Prices correct at 1/5/06
