ellaslist Reviews: The Flynn Family Experience at The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Traditionally, travelling with kids is hard, especially with toddlers. You feel like you need a holiday after your holiday. It can feel like the world around us isn't child friendly, which is wild, considering that we were all kids at some point.  

But it doesn't have to be like this.

A family holiday can actually be enjoyable for everyone. Honestly! Or at least that's what my family found when we were invited to try out the new Family Offer with Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.

The Flynn Family Experience at The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

 

My 18-month-old is my moon and my stars, he's the reason I wake up in the morning, but he's also the reason I need 4 coffees a day. Even between his very hands-on father and myself, he's a handful. So taking him places can be a daunting experience. 

The three of us arrived at the Four Seasons on a Thursday afternoon and were delighted when the check-in desk excitedly greeted all of us and gave my suddenly 'very shy' son a little koala toy. 

"Is this Flynn?" I asked as we gave our details to the accommodating front desk. 

"Nope, this is just Flynn's friend. Flynn will meet you up in your room."

You're about to hear a lot about Flynn. He's the mascot of this sensational family-friendly experience and why my son's new favourite animal is a koala. 

The Rooms and Meeting Flynn

 

 

While my husband and I were immediately taken with the view (Iconic Sydney harbour, Opera House, Historic Rocks and surrounds, the stuff Sydney staycation dreams are made of), my son let out a high-pitched shriek of excitement. There was a children's tent right in the middle of the room, and it contained his very own cuddly koala (the famous Flynn), plus an assortment of kid's activities and goodies that would keep him entertained for hours.

 

 

Our son is a bit too little to sleep in the tent, so he just used it for play and instead slept in one of the hotel's cots, which kept him snug as a bug in a Four Seasons rug all through the night. After playing in the room, we headed up to Lounge 32. A brilliant place to relax and be treated to panoramic views of our beautiful city. The complimentary hors d'oeuvres and canapes went over a treat with our son, who happily shared his arancini balls with his new bestie, Flynn. 

 

The Four Seasons Joolz Aer Travel Pram

Next, we decided to enjoy a stroll before dinner, and that meant we were about to try another exciting element of our family vacation -the Four Seasons Joolz Aer travel pram. What a lifesaver this compact beauty was! We could walk around the historic Sydney Rocks districts and Circular Quay while enjoying sites AND without having to wrestle with an excited toddler. 

 

 

Back to the room and getting ready for dinner, my husband asked me if I remembered to pack the baby soap. Ahhhh.... no, I had not. 

Luckily, this is the only hotel I have ever stayed in with kid-friendly toiletries. Other hotels, take note! These are the details that win over exhausted parents. 

The Dinner and Breakfast

The dinner at Mode Kitchen & Bar by Executive Chef Francesco Mannelli was unlike any dining experience we've had as a family. My son could colour and chat with Flynn in his high chair in a family-friendly venue (mess and loud noises are welcome, thank goodness) while my husband and I enjoyed a hatted chef meal. Parents, you know what I mean when I saw this is a rare and winning combination. 

 

 

Highlights for all of us were the Flynn-themed babyccino and the make-your-own Flynn desert. 

We all had so much fun putting the toppings on the pavlova. My husband and I managed to sneak a few mouthfuls when my son was distracted by his sprinkles. Can confirm it's delicious.    

Finally, we went to bed for one of the best night's sleep my son had in weeks. It turns out all he needs to sleep in past 4 am is a stay in a luxury hotel. Who would have guessed that one? 

We've never been so excited to wake up for breakfast. We headed back up to Lounge 32 to enjoy a sensational buffet breakfast with freshly squeezed juice and freshly made coffee. I may have indulged in one too many blueberry and custard danishes, but can you blame a girl? They were some of the best I've ever had! 

 

 

We stood up, gearing up for the day's adventures at the zoo when we were told something special was waiting for us in the room. 

We raced back, and what did we find but Flynn eggs (only available through in-room dining)! My son thought it was the best and funniest thing he'd ever seen—what a brilliant addition to a perfect family experience. 

 

A Family Trip to Taronga Zoo 

We were coming to the end of our stay but not before we took up the offer of the family pass to Taronga Zoo (those not wanting the zoo pass can swap it for a hotel food and beverage credit of AUD 100 per room, per stay). 

We loaded up our new favourite baby toddler wrangler, the Four Seasons Joolz Aer Travel Pram, and we made the short walk over to Circular Quay to take the Ferry for my son's first-ever zoo experience. 

 Upon entering the zoo, one of the first things we see is the koala enclosure. We zoomed straight there in excitement, so Flynn the Koala (obviously along for the ride) could meet his real-life wild counterparts. 

 

 

This part was so much fun, and while it took us a few minutes to explain to our son that these animals were, in fact, not 'doggies', he eventually realised this was an exciting event, and they were the same as his new friend Flynn. 

Along with the koala encounter, we had a sensational day trekking through the zoo and explaining how many different animals in the world weren't doggies. He may need another trip in a year or so to fully appreciate the majesty that is Taronga zoo, but my husband and I enjoyed the trip enough for all of us.

The chance to spend time together and connect as a family is rare in our busy world. Sometimes it can feel like you're on automatic and just going through the motions. This family experience from the Sydney Four Seasons allowed us to connect and enjoy time together in an environment we could all enjoy.  

In conclusion, this is a brilliant way to create memories with your family that will last a lifetime, and maybe the only way you're ever going to see eggs in the shape of a koala. 

 

The Flynn Family Experince package includes:

• Daily breakfast for two adults and two children ages 12 and under at MODE Kitchen & Bar (not available through In-Room Dining)
• Choice of a family pass to Taronga Zoo for two adults and two children or a Hotel food and beverage credit of AUD 100 per room, per stay
• Welcome gifts for kids, including a cuddly koala named Flynn and a Flynn tote bag, activity book and lolly jar
• Complimentary dining from our kids’ menus for children ages six and under
• 50% off lunch and dinner from our kids’ menus for children ages 7 to 12
• One in-room kids’ movie with snacks
• Kids’ tent experience (one tent per room)
• 50% savings on kids’ laundry items
• Kid-friendly bath amenities
• Themed linen

Find out more and book your stay today at the Four Seasons Sydney website.

 

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