ellaslist Reviews: An Easter Family Staycation at Novotel Sydney Darling Square

A beautiful and contemporary family-friendly hotel catering to children of all ages, Novotel Sydney Darling Square is a home away from home nestled in the vibrant heart of Sydney's Darling Quarter. Only a stone's throw from Chinatown, Paddy's Markets, and everything else Darling Quarter has to offer—this is the perfect spot for a family staycation. 

My family of five went to check out this inner-city gem to see what their No Eggs-Cuses This Easter Easter Family Staycation package was like—and spoiler alert: we weren't disappointed.

An Easter Family Staycation at Novotel Sydney Darling Square

A Warm First Impression

Arriving, as we always do, like a tornado, with three wild, overexcited children, we were instantly greeted by the staff with sophistication and warmth. The welcoming ambience set the tone for a memorable stay, whisking us away from our normal daily hustle. The kids were handed gift bags on arrival full of crafty entertainment goods and snacks—an instant crowd-pleaser. 

Spacious, clean and comfortable, our room was equipped with all the amenities we needed including a large luxurious bathroom and state-of-the-art entertainment options. Another gift bag awaited the children this time full of chocolate and plush toys—my children thought it was Christmas! 

Kids Activity Hub And a City Dinner 

After everyone had calmed down from the gift bags, the first stop on our staycation was the long-awaited Kids Activity Hub! The hotel has transformed and dedicated an entire conference room into a children's haven—full of snacks, games, a craft area and other fun activities including the night's selected movie.

My children were happy and content not to leave the Kids Activity Hub, EVER.  We finally convinced them to come to dinner as we had a reservation at Pumphouse Sydney which is attached to the hotel. The venue had a serious Friday night fun vibe with a great selection of food for both adults and kids and an impressive cocktail menu. We finished the evening with a walk around Chinatown, seemingly a part of the city that doesn't sleep, checking out the markets and mingling in the crowds.  We already felt a million miles from home. 

Brekkie and Beyond

We started the next day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, Pier St Grill.  The restaurant's chic ambience and mouthwatering grub made for a seriously great breakfast, and the hotel is so kid-friendly, we weren't remotely stressed about what our three were up to (which ultimately, was stuffing their faces. That's what they were up to.) Bonus; the restaurant is open from 6.30 am which was perfect for our early risers. 

Later in the morning, we headed to the indoor heated pool. The pool area has beautiful views of the city and plenty of fresh and clean towels to use at our disposal. The water was beautifully warm and inviting despite the cooler temps outside. It's safe to say, everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dip at the hotel pool! 

We then completed our staycation with a wander around Darling Quater for some playground fun, stopping by the Chinese gardens for a look at the fish and finally a visit to the always-awesome Australian National Maritime Museum to soak up all of their school holiday activity offerings, which is included in the Easter Staycation package. What more could we have wished for?!

Every aspect of our stay at Novotel Sydney Darling Square felt like it was thoughtfully curated to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment for the whole family. For families seeking a fun-filled getaway in Sydney, Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers the ultimate retreat in our book!

Easter Staycation Package

Novotel Sydney Darling Square's No Eggs-Cuses This Easter Family Package starts from $349 and includes:

• 1 night’s accommodation in a Superior Room including breakfast for 2 adults (kids eat free)
• Kids club goodie bag
• Easter sweet treats
• Scavenger Hunt 
• Australian Maritime Museum family ticket valid for 2 adults and 3 children (RRP $70!)
• Late check out

But hurry! The stay period for this offer only lasts until 28 April 2024—so get in quick to claim this epic deal! To book, visit the website.

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