Greg Fleming checks in to the Hilton’s Relaxation Room in Sydney.
Location: You're right in the heart of the CBD. Opposite is the iconic Queen Victoria Building - boutique shopping, Romanesque arches. Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour are all an easy walk away.
Check-in experience: Quick, efficient and friendly.
Room: We'd booked a deluxe room but were upgradedto a relaxation room on the 32nd floor. Features included a spa with complimentary bath salts, an enormous bed and lounge TV and separate work and relaxation zones. It offered wonderful views across the city, a good capsule coffee machine and even a phone in the toilet.
Executive Lounge: Access comes with the room (if your room type doesn't, it's definitely worth paying for access or upgrading). Complimentary breakfasts, afternoon teas, evening drinks, canapes, free wi-fi - are pretty much standard in this sort of environment but what sets the Hilton apart is the quality of its food and service (the lounge is staffed at all times). Evening drinks and canapes are prepared by the Hilton's executive chef and are a meal in themselves. These sorts of places can often be stuck-up but this one's relaxed and cosy - kids are welcome with an adult, the muzak is old-school jazz and the views from the 36th floor are dizzying.
Bathroom: Pretty amazing - an opaque sliding door separates the bathroom from the rest of the suite. The spa bath got a lot of use in our short stay and the walk-in shower was good.
Toiletries: All Peter Thomas Roth.
Exercise facilities: Another highlight. Hilton's Living Well Health Club in the basement includes a gym, a 25-metre pool, saunas and steam rooms. If only all hotel gyms were this good.
Food: We didn't dine in-house but the Hilton boasts Luke Mangan's Glass Brasserie.
Bars: The Zeta Bar on the rooftop terrace and downstairs the renowned Marble Bar, which often features live entertainment. This dates back to 1893 - and features ornate carved mahogany bars and a gallery of Julian Ashton rural nudes.
Price: The relaxation room runs around A$600 a night, but this varies depending on specials and dates. Book direct.
Would I return? Yes, the service, room and facilities are first-class.
