I am a big fan of holidaying in my own home town. This is especially attractive when the scary acronymn GFC (Global Financial Crisis) creeps into almost every conversation. When I had to resort to smashing my piggy bank for a trip to the grocery shop, I realised that the chances of an overseas jaunt was pretty slim.

No holiday fatigue
However this doesn't need to mean the end of all getaways. My favourite breaks are just a short drive from my doorstep. Even if you take cash out of the equation it just makes sense. Think about the grey hairs you'll spare by avoiding the competition for discount airfares. There'll be no need to pack an overflowing suitcase, decant your liquids so you won't be kicked off the plane or fight traffic to get to the airport on time. Don't you find that you often need a holiday just from preparing for a holiday?

A few weeks ago, frazzled by everyday routine, I needed a break. So I switched off my mobile, threw some clothes into a bag and took a cab into Sydney city. I pulled into the driveway of the elegant Sheraton on the Park footsteps away from the glorious Hyde Park. The smartly dressed porter opened the car door and led me into the marble floored lobby. A pianist was tinkling the keys on a floor above and the receptionist was smiling. I took an express route to holiday mode, bypassing all the anxiety ridden detours along the way. And so far it had cost me next to nothing.

An executive decision
Since I didn't have to make allowances for transport, I could spend the extra cash on upgrades. I picked an executive suite. This choice automatically gave me access to the Sheraton's newly refurbished executive lounge. This was exactly the kind of treatment I needed. Keep in mind that even if you book a standard room, you can gain access to the lounge for $75 per room per day. (Special Offer - For the month of April, guests can access the lounge at the discounted rate of $50 per room per day)

The executive club reminded me of one of those exclusive business class airport lounges. The only time that I scored myself entry into one of those hallowed spots, I had a brief half hour to raid the free drinks and food bar before boarding. This time, I was greeted by name by the meticulously trained team and told to relax for as long as I liked.

The lounge had been fitted with classy easy chairs and couches which offer the best views of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows. I camped out in one of the alcoves and prepared to be pampered. I wasn't disappointed. The staff kept me supplied with a flow of drinks. There was a scrumptious high tea in the afternoon, cocktails in the early evening and breakfast in the morning.

No more stress
After browsing through every newspaper, checking the news on TV and clicking through my email in the dedicated computer den, I unfurled myself from the comfort. My serenity continued in the roof-top spa, where I had a dip in the heated pool and almost fell asleep in the bubbly Jacuzzi. The only quibbles were the shortage of banana beds for the guests and that the tiling around the pool was treacherously slippery.

Seafood feast
The executive lounge doesn't serve an evening meal so I left the privileged serenity for dinner in the Botanica Brasserie. The lobster buffet feast is on the Saturday night menu and if you're fond of crustaceans, then you're in for a treat.

Between the exec lounge, spa and my suite, there was enough to keep me busy at the hotel for an entire weekend. However, I decided to venture into the city for some tourist action.

Tourist attraction
Sydney Tower Centrepoint is probably the first stop for many visitors to Sydney. It gives new arrivals a magic 360-degree panoramic view of the harbour and surrounding suburbs. I opted for the more adventurous Skywalk route. Our group hopped into overalls and stepped onto the outside platforms. The views were astounding, although not altogether different to the ones behind the glass indoors.

The adrenaline factor was pretty mild as we were connected by harnesses to the safety fences. The only spike in excitement was when we were encouraged to bounce on the glass floor overhanging the 260-metre drop. Most of the tour was taken up by our guide snapping our photos which were available to be purchased after the walk. In comparison to the high-action Bridgeclimb, this comes a disappointing second.

I took a leisurely walk through beautiful Hyde Park before I collected my bag from the hotel and re-entered the real world. My holiday karma was very much intact when I arrived back home. Nothing beats being a tourist in my own home town. So, what's the plan for next weekend?

HASSSLE FREE HOLIDAYS Choose a hotel near you Strategically dotted around the most desirable locations in Australia, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts is all about the destinations and you. Easily accessible but far away from it all, these are places to discover at leisure. Luxury and comfort are standard, so you're free to relax and follow your spirit of adventure wherever it takes you. Sheraton Hotels and Resorts keep you well pampered and in touch with your home base. That leaves you perfectly placed to reconnect with loved ones and the thrill of travel. For more details and to book a relaxing hotel holiday, visit Sheraton