Family Saver Package Staycation at Sir Stamford Circular Quay

By Hayley Dean, ellaslist

It’s currently the mid-year school holiday, perfect time for a family staycation. We live in Sydney’s Inner West and my other half works in the city (kids might have time off, but we adults don’t!) so are looking for something nearby that caters to the whole family, is close to kid-friendly attractions, an easy walk to the office and most importantly, won’t break the bank. Our kids “must have” items are big beds, yummy food and a swimming pool, because of course, winter is no deterrent for water play.

Winner Winner: Sir Stamford Circular Quay have just launched a brand new “Sydney Family Saver Package” and it ticks all the boxes for us. The package includes:

• Luxury Accommodation in a spacious room
• FREE WiFi
• FREE in-house movie to keep the kids entertained and board games from Reception
• Surprise Kid’s Pack
• Delicious Breakfast in The Dining Room for two adults and 2 children
• Late 1pm check out
• Kid’s under 12 eat FREE in the restaurant
• Overnight self-parking

What We Really Loved

Having parking included is extraordinary, especially for a city hotel. From the 2 pm check in to the late 1 pm check out, that’s essentially free 24 hours car parking in the city! You are so close to the MCA, the ferry terminal (head to Taronga perhaps), next door to the Justice & Police Museum, Opera House, the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens etc etc etc. Such a great spot and only a fraction of the cost of many other 5 star hotels nearby.

Our boys are only 4 and 2, so although afternoon naps are rare, we do tend to need afternoon quiet time at the end of an exciting day. We really appreciated the free in-house movies, especially as many of the selections are new releases. The boys enjoyed a movie whilst we made use of the free WiFi.

Our worthy 5-star room was lovely. It was spacious as promised, comprising of two queen sized beds and a bathroom bigger than my kitchen! It has an old-world charm romantic charm with an envious view of the Circular Quay ferry terminals and the iconic Harbour bridge. The boys could have watched those boats for hours. There truly is something magical about our harbour.

The children were given a backpack on arrival, containing a colouring in kit plus their very own exclusive V.I.K Pass (Very Important Kid). My two wore their special lanyards for the entire duration of the stay. The pass entitles the VIK to eat free from the kid's menu when dining with a paying adult.

Kids High Tea

What was positively a divine highlight of our stay at the Sir Stamford was enjoying their famous High Tea. Did you know they also offer kids High Tea for only $32?

It was such a lovely winter thing to do; melting into a large arm chair next to the fire place, eating scones, cakes and finger sandwiches whilst sipping on a loose leaf tea (or a glass a bubbles) whilst your children enjoy the same accompanied by a hot chocolate or a babyccino or a juice or a Shirley temple…..

There was little girl’s birthday party happening at the table next to us. She was perhaps 7 or 8 years old and had about the same number of guests with her plus their mums. The girls looked so lovely, dressed up in their special party outfits, giggling over macaroons and ham/cheese sandwiches. I couldn’t help but think it was a delightful thing to do. Everyone at that table was having a scrumptious afternoon.

Speaking of High Tea, something you may not know is that the hotel offers a take away High Tea for you to enjoy anywhere, anytime. The three-tiered purpose-made portable pack creates a wonderful picnic in the neighbouring gardens or perhaps take home for your own special celebrations. It's only $49 per box, suitable for two people.

Important Points To Note

The Sydney Family Saver Package includes a free dinner for two kids (under 12) in the hotel restaurant, however, the Dining room is not open on a Sunday or a Monday. We stayed on a Sunday night and found that the hotel was more than willing to be flexible and provided us with the same offer in the bar.

If you booked directly with the hotel either over the phone or via their website, you are automatically awarded Priority rewards, which not only offers the best rates available but also include bonus items such as $20 credit for use when dining for dinner in their restaurants and a free bottle of water (and more!)

The hotel indeed has a swimming pool though it is outdoors. Thankfully though, it's heated and we didn’t find it terribly cold at all. The pool had a terrific view, located next to a well-stocked gym, change rooms and sauna.

The Verdict

All in all, my family and I really enjoyed our time at the Sir Stamford Circular Quay. The staff are great with kids. Our two were made to feel very special by the concierge and the night bar staff. I wish I could remember our waiter's name because his customer service was the kind you dream of and rarely find anymore. Thank you, kind Sir, for looking after our tired crew. We will be back, absolutely.

Oh, did I tell you they serve mulled wine in front of the open fire in the bar at night? Hello winter!

Click here to book your Sir Stamford Sydney Family Saver Package directly online.

While you're in the area, why not check out The John Mawurndjul Exhibition at the MCA?

The writer stayed at the hotel at her own cost, although the hotel did provide the High tea on the house.

 

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