ellaslist Reviews: A Luxury Escape at the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Our last school holidays were more like the school holidays that weren’t. While I tried to work with the incessant background soundtrack of a restless and constantly hungry tweenager, she was plagued by a steady undercurrent of stress due to a looming Geography assignment. It really did take the gloss off her so-called break.

Now, back at school, in the throes of navigating year 7, with her project turned in, the chance to escape to the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney could not have come at a better time.

Whether it was the universe answering my cosmic calls, or just Google listening to my conversations, the message was clear: we needed - heck, we deserved - a real break, and we couldn’t wait to claw back some of the ‘holidays’ my girl was promised on a sweet Sydney staycation.

A Luxury Escape at the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Inside The Amora

The Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney is a luxurious, five-star hotel right in the centre of the CBD, perfectly placed between Circular Quay and Pitt St Mall and a stone’s throw from the handy light rail. We were warmly welcomed into the opulent foyer, decorated with stunning floral displays and plush furnishings, offering us a timely retreat from the drizzly autumn day outside. Even the weather had conspired to ensure all we had to do was stay indoors, lap up the luxury and bask in quality time together.

From the moment we stepped inside the lobby, with its elegant interiors and gracious staff, we felt that holiday magic envelop us. It’s funny how we felt a world away from the humdrum of daily life, smack-bang in the centre of our own home city.

After a rundown of the exciting dining and recreational options that awaited us over the weekend, we were in the elevator, key in hand, ready to explore our home away from home.

Our Dreamy Hotel Room

We ascend up to the 34th floor and into our cosy room, instantly awe-struck by the incredible views. It was reminiscent of a New York-style hotel - a stylish apartment, equal parts modern and retro, with the city sprawled out before us from the huge windows in both the bedroom and bathroom.

My daughter was so excited by our deluxe top-floor suite that she proceeded to take her dad, and then her best friend, on virtual Facetime tours. We had all the creature comforts that you want from a hotel experience laid out for us - WiFi, robes and slippers, an abundance of toiletries, a fully-stocked mini-bar, generous, comfy beds and a TV with Foxtel and movies options.

As tempting as it was to cocoon in our little haven for the rest of our stay, we were equally excited to discover the hotel’s other delights.

A Grand High Tea

My daughter and I are both big lovers of high tea and relish any opportunity to indulge in the tradition, so we were delighted to be invited to a preview sitting of Amora’s brand-new High Tea experience.

On the 31st floor of the Amora, the Jamison Lounge also boasts stunning skyline views through the expansive windows, and the intimate space is an idyllic setting for fine dining.

In a new partnership with premium tea purveyor, Dilmah, the new high tea menu is a creative collection of sweet and savoury treats, some infused with the tea itself. Head chef Gary, proudly guided us through the lavish spread that included a divine king prawn roll, poppy & quinoa crusted brie, classic cucumber sandwich, crab nicoise salad and a yummy cheddar and asparagus tart, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth blood orange & eucalyptus tea lamington, a lemon tart with camomile tea infusion, a salted caramel bar and a shimmering gold-dusted grape tartlet. Then, of course, there were dainty buttermilk scones with rose-infused preserves and whipped vanilla cream, and our choice of Dilmah teas.

The impressive high tea was beautifully presented and exceedingly delicious, full of thoughtful details and flavours. The service was impeccable and the servings generous - we could barely finish the bountiful feast - which didn't deter my daughter from requesting a second prawn roll.

The Awesome Facilities

The Amora Hotel Jamison's impressive facilities include a stunning indoor heated pool - something I always look for in a Sydney staycation. My little mermaid could spend hours in the water so it helps to have one she can use no matter what the weather is doing.

The lap pool is surrounded by comfortable loungers and glass doors so you can soak up the city views. We loved having handstand competitions and breaststroke races before taking a breather in the jacuzzi bubbles.

As well as the pool and spa, the Amora boasts a steam room and sauna - all the features I love most in a hotel. Having access to these facilities is the ultimate relaxation for parents and my daughter was very happy practising her aqua skills while I took some time out for a sweat and steam detox (for over 16s only). It is so blissful to steal away some moments to soak it up!

We visited the pool area several times over the weekend to really make the most of the fun, revitalising amenities.

There is also a Fitness Centre and the Amora Spa, where you can book wellness treatments.

Decadent Drinks and Dinner

After a full day of hotel indulgence (and a sneaky spot of shopping) we couldn't wait to unwind with our evening meal. Our first stop was the Silo Bar on the 1st floor, an open-plan mezzanine just outside the restaurant.

With a new cocktail and mocktail menu on offer, we couldn’t resist a little aperitif. With a tween companion, and as a teetotaller myself, I fully appreciate a thoughtful mocktail list and this one was a winner, with Virgin Mojitos in lychee, strawberry and passionfruit, a Fruit Colada and Virgin Mary, plus fun creations like the Mickey Mouse and Blue Devil.

Savouring our fantastic Lychee Mojitos, it was so nic to ‘have a drink’ with my almost-teen daughter and the opportunity to unwind and reflect on our day.

Finally, we wandered into Croft restaurant for dinner, welcomed by a warm, elegant dining room with a relaxed ambience and the hum of happy diners, from date-night couples to large families. The menu offered two and three-course dining options with wine pairing also available. After our earlier High Tea experience, we were certain we could only get through two courses, opting for desserts rather than entrees with our mains.

Once again, the food was plentiful, as each meal also comes with an included side dish. I took the opportunity to indulge in a steak - a Black Angus Beef Eye fillet - with a side of greens, while my date opted for one of her all-time favourites - Spaghetti Ragu alla Bolognese - with fries, naturally!

After a delicious and satisfying dinner, with hearty food that was well-cooked and full of flavour, we finished on a sweet note - the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake and Salted Honey Creme Brulee were every bit as scrumptious as they sound. We savoured the mellow atmosphere and charming service, enjoying our fancy Saturday night mother-daughter date - such a fun thing to do and the perfect end to our indulgent day.

A Bountiful Buffet Breakfast

Ask any child what their favourite thing about staying in a hotel is, and they will invariably say the buffet breakfast! My daughter included.

Back at Croft for our morning refuel, the restaurant was transformed into a vibrant, buzzing hub of early birds, eager to stock up on treats from the exceptional smorgasbord. You can graze to your heart's (and appetite's) content on eggs with all the trimming - hash browns, sausages, bacon, tomatoes, baked beans, toast - plus there is an extensive array of goodies including porridge, cereal, croissants and danishes, fruit, yoghurt, bircher muesli, meats and cheeses, chia pudding (a personal fave) juices and coffee.

The bounteous buffet is endlessly replenished by the friendly and attentive waitstaff, including Head Chef Gary, who reminded us we could also have eggs or pancakes made to order and highlighted the myriad vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options.

Needless to say, it was one of the best breakfasts we have had in a while and such a treat for us both to be spoiled with so much deliciousness. We both made several trips to the buffet, shamelessly trying everything we wanted.

Energised by our epic breakfast, we spent our final hours poolside until our late checkout beckoned.

From the moment we checked in at the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, we were whisked away to a relaxing, rejuvenating parallel world, despite being only a ferry ride from home. With cosy rooms showcasing our breathtaking city, decadent dining experiences, top-notch wellness facilities and outstanding service, a weekend at the Amora was the luxurious stay my daughter and I need for some well-earned escapism, quality time together and invaluable memory-making!

Find out more and book your stay at Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney.

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