Sydney City Mini Break: Novotel Darling Square

Posted on December 3, 2019

We love to get away on mini breaks, it’s amazing how just getting out of the house for even one night recharges the battery and feeds the desire to explore.

A couple of weeks ago we were lucky enough to be invited to check out Novotel Darling Square for a little mid-week getaway with Leo. It’s been more than a decade since I’ve visited this pocket of the city and I was blown away with how it’s changed.

The location is just alongside the Chinese Gardens, a short walk from Darling Harbour and China Town, and in the heart of the Darling Square precinct nestled among the food lined streets and alleyways, and grassed park spaces.

We had spent the day at Wild Life Zoo at Circular Quay after catching an early train to the city, and I was surprised by how close Novotel Darling Square was – a short stroll while Leo napped and I got reacquainted with this very cool part of town. The hotel is beautiful and our room was stunning, overlooking the Chinese Gardens, and city skyline.

We ate, we swam, we ate some more, we indulged in a cocktail or two, and had a fun family date-night at the adjoining Pump House restaurant.

It’s so funny how things shift with kids. Where in the past we would have had a long and late dinner followed by a big indulgent sleep in, we now have early nights lounging in bed and begin our day as the sun comes up, ready to explore with our beautiful boy whose world becomes bigger every day. It’s different, but good different. How lucky we are to share it all with him.

I’m excited to visit again in the new year. We learned that Shrek the musical hits town in January and Novotel Darling Square are partnering with Shrek to offer stay and play packages which include special room rates, breakfast, some fun Shrek themed mocktails and discounted parking! I’ve been speaking recently about how we should all consider experience based gifts this year for Christmas, so this would make a wonderful gift for the whole family to enjoy.