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Sydney’s Hilton Hotel is a citadel of luxury and indulgence fit for a queen. Just ask Reg Domingo.
It’s festival time and you’ve got tickets to the best events, dates for the big parties and are coming down with Mardi Gras fever. What more could a queen ask for? A stay at the Hilton Hotel, that’s what.
As Mardi Gras’ principal five star hotel partner, the Hilton Sydney is offering a range of stylish and relaxing packages that will suit any king, queen or diva. Like the Zeta Experience, which promises you and your partner the ‘perfect party time indulgence’.
And with a stunning guest suite, valet parking, a complimentary bottle of wine, VIP entry to Zeta Bar, access to the health club and free breakfast for two at Luke Mangan’s Glass brasserie, I can tell you that it is certainly more than just an exercise in indulgence. It’s an exploit in total luxury. Perfect party time luxury.
It’s Friday evening and I check into my room on the 39th floor. And stepping inside was like stepping into a pristine showroom, only this time there were no flustered sales queens in sight, imploring, “Sir, the bed is for display only”.
But this was no showroom, it was the Hilton. And to say that the room was pristine is an understatement; it was, quite simply, exquisite.
I couldn’t help but think that everything – the three-seat sofa, the leather armchair, the ottoman, the rug, the cushions, the day bed, the king size bed, the glass desk, the three flat screen televisions and the DVD player – had just been removed from their packaging, assembled and put into place in anticipation of my arrival. Not a single thing showed signs of wear and tear; it all had an air of being new.
Even the technology was state-of-the-art, which included an internet telephony system that featured ‘Magic’, a one-touch feature designed to cater for your every whim. Indeed, after just one touch and a quick exchange with a pleasant operator, there was an affable attendant at my door with my complimentary bottle of wine. Imagine having this service at your disposal full time. Whim. One touch. Magic.
Being on the 39th floor, the views were outstanding. And the Hilton makes the most of this asset by placing a floor-to-ceiling window in the bathroom. Yes, in the bathroom. Suffice it to say that a good chunk of my evening was spent relaxing in the spacious spa bath, jet bubbles kneading my buttocks, red wine in hand, enjoying commanding views of the city.
Did the prospect of an office cleaner from the building next door peering into my window deter me? Hell no. There are times when modesty must give way to luxury.
Breathtaking views and cooler-than-cool décor aside, the other thing the Hilton does great is detail. Blessed is that man who ever uttered, ‘It’s all in the details’. There were chocolate hearts on my pillow, complimentary salts for my bath, weather cards that tell tomorrow’s forecasts, a flat screen TV over the spa, four lifestyle glossies and a modem connection in the toilet. Little touches that definitely went a very long way.
Freshly cleaned and all dolled up, I head down to the Zeta Bar to meet a (straight) friend. The package came with VIP access to the award-winning venue, along with complimentary signature cocktails on arrival.
The Zeta Bar’s reputation precedes it. In just three years, it has amassed 12 awards, including Best New Bar award in 2005 and Bar of the Year in 2006 and 2007. It counts local celebrities as its regular clientele, and has played host to A-list events such as the official after- party venue for the MTV Australian Video Music Awards and Tropfest.
When gay blogger Perez Hilton came to our shores last year, Zeta Bar was his destination of choice, as was Megan Gale’s, who celebrated her 30th birthday at the hip venue. It is one of five Zeta Bars in the world, and regarded by many as the jewel in the Zeta crown.
The entrance to the Zeta Bar is via an elevator, located outside the hotel on George Street. A quick flash of our VIP cards meant no queuing up and soon we were on an elevator ride to modish territory. Once in, we were greeted by a rich oak bar, oversized fireplaces, dark timber chairs and plush leather couches, occupied by gorgeous patrons and operated by equally gorgeous bartenders. Soulful house music played in the background.
My friend and I sip our cocktails – pineapple and coriander martinis – on the rooftop terrace, taking in a stunning view of the Queen Victoria Building. Attentive service ensured that our glasses were never empty. No doubt for many punters, the night was just beginning, as it was for my straight mate, but for me, Zeta Bar provided a welcome nightcap to a decadent day.
The next morning, I enjoy a hearty breakfast at renowned chef Luke Mangan’s Glass brasserie. Then I check out of the hotel, plump and satiated beyond content.
Perfect party-time indulgence fit for a queen.
The writer was a guest of Hilton Hotel, Sydney.
‘Zeta Bar Experience’ package, prices starts from $399. The Hilton Hotel, 488 George Street, Sydney. For reservations call (02) 9265 6045 or email
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. Visit sydneyhilton.com.au .
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