For this trip we agreed that Aer John would do the trip reports (and he’s not doing a bad job of it either) and I would do the hotel reviews and other little snippets that might be of interest
Hong Kong
Well where else is there to stay but the Peninsula? We had booked a package which included transfer from the airport and a complimentary breakfast. On arrival from VS200 the guy was there to meet us, take charge of the luggage, advised us about a bathroom break before we set off and then handed us into the car from whence we sailed into Hong Kong in luxury. As we reached the city the driver said something unintelligible (well it was Chinese) into a phone and a couple of minutes later we drew up at the hotel where we were welcomed like visiting royalty. We were guided through check-in and escorted to our room which had stunning views over the harbour, shown all the gizmos in there, brought some jasmine tea and then bowing gracefully the staff left us to our own devices. We poked and prodded everything – as you do – and then Aer John decided to explore the hotel, but we couldn’t get out! We twisted and turned the knob, rattled the handle, but no we were stuck! Fortunately the cavalry arrived in the form of the luggage guy and we were sprung. He immediately summoned housekeeping and a couple of minutes later the room was swarming with workmen – well two actually. After a couple of “Ah so”, “Won hung lo” and “Ying tong eenie my mo”s (with apologies to any Chinese and Goon Show fans who may be reading this) we were free to come and go.
I loved the place. We developed a pattern of going to the pool in the morning, having a late lunch beside the pool and then out in the afternoon and the evening. At the pool iced water with a hint of fruit was constantly available and glasses were topped up frequently. Cold face flannels were available and the staff seemed to anticipate one’s every need. The changing rooms were in the spa area one floor below and in both the male and female changing rooms there was a sauna, steam room and plunge pool. In front of the pool area was a veranda again with views over the harbour.
We ate most of the time in the Lobby restaurant which was a great place to people watch. I was fascinated by the young lads dressed in white uniforms whose job was to open the door for anyone coming in or leaving the hotel and no doubt many came to have a look round. Although the restaurant was in the lobby area itself and it was busy, somehow the eating area seemed to be tranquil enough almost as if it were detached from the lobby. The staff there were great and quickly got to know us. One or two of them if they saw me in the lobby and they were not busy would come over to chat. They were really delightful.
All too soon it was time to leave Hong Kong and we were brought to the airport in the Rolls Royce once more. Once there we were greeted by the staff member located there, whisked away to check-in, Aer John’s clubs were brought to the oversize bag area and we were escorted to security.
Altogether a wonderful experience
Singapore
For Singapore on the advice of many V-Flyers we had booked the Shangri-La hotel with a package that included airport transfers, complimentary breakfast and unlimited free laundry – which was rapidly becoming necessary. Again we were met at the airport and ensconced with our luggage, this time into a Merc. Like the Peninsula there was someone to greet us by name as the car drove up and it’s those little touches that make all the difference.
On entering the hotel I was making for Reception only to be told I would be checked in in the room. We were whisked up to our room on a high floor but like the Peninsula there was a problem with the door only this time it wouldn’t let us in! An alternative room was found but as it only had a king size bed it had to be rejected and so I was escorted to the Executive Lounge and checked in there. I was told that breakfast would be served up there and there were complimentary cocktails between 5 and 7 each evening. There was free internet access and if the PCs were not free they would set up the laptop to receive it.
The pool area was outside among the trees and I spent most of my time in Singapore lounging by the pool and reading although I did go to Orchard Road when John went golfing. Water was readily available there and from time to time they came around with iced face flannels which were delicately perfumed. While at the pool I had a very good foot and leg massage which as far as I was concerned could have gone on forever.
Aer John golfed. It was organised by the hotel who used a golf co-ordinator. John was collected from the hotel by him, brought to wherever he was playing and then returned by the same guy. On the second day that he golfed when he returned to the hotel he realised he had lost his driving licence which he had brought with him to be able to drive a golf cart. We rang the co-ordinator who knew which taxi they had returned in and called him. The licence was not there but he undertook to go to the golf course the next morning to check if it was there. At 7:30 the next morning he called us to say he had the licence. When he brought it back to the hotel we were hard pushed to be able to reward him insisting it was part of his duties.
The laundry was taken and returned beautifully folded in a rather nice hamper. Pity I had no room for it in my luggage!
My only complaint about the hotel was the dining area. Although we breakfasted in the Executive Lounge it was full when we went there on the Sunday and so we were sent to the main area instead. We also had a couple of meals there and we found it crowded and noisy. We also found that with the variety of dishes, especially at breakfast there were so many that the buffet was spread over a large area and it was difficult to find what you wanted.
When we left again we were whisked away in a Merc and at the airport escorted to check-in and the driver made sure everything was all right before he left.
Again a great stay and I really enjoyed it
Sydney
For our first sojourn in Sydney we chose the Shangri-La hotel once more and booked the identical package to the one in Singapore. Ah, dear friends, how often have we bemoaned the inconsistencies on Virgin Atlantic? How many times have we berated the difference in UC between the LHR flights and the LGW/MAN flights? Fear not! Such inconsistencies are alive and well in the Shangri-La group of hotels!
As Aer John mentioned in his TR our arrival into Sydney was a nightmare. We landed slightly late at just before 6:45am and did not get out of the arrivals area until 9:00am! We looked around for the car but there was no sign of it and Aer John went off to get an phone card in the absence of small change so that we could ring the hotel. After a couple of abortive attempts we managed to get through. We were assured the car was at the airport and to wait around as it would be with us in a few minutes. Huh! Like I believed that! We decided it was probably coming in from the city and it would be at least 30 minutes. So there we were tired and fed up just wanting to get out of this awful airport. And it was raining! At around 9:30 a guy looking uncannily like Ming the Merciless from the Flash Gordon series turned up and installed us in the car to whisk us into the city. Whisk is hardly the right word as the traffic was horrendous and it was after 10 when we arrived.
The first impression of the environs of the hotel is quite frankly grim thanks to the elevated highway just across from it. On arrival we were met by the bellboy who took our luggage and waved us towards reception. What happened to “You’re welcome, Mrs honey lamb” “ We are going to check you in your room, Mrs honey lamb” Just wasn’t there. The girl checking us in was pleasant enough but her only comment with regard to the experience at the airport and the failure of the car to meet us was, “Oh dear”. I later discovered that they had turned up at the scheduled time, seen passengers leaving with VS tags and decided we were not there and so left. At not stage was an apology offered for the failure of the car to be there.
The room was pleasant enough. We had booked an Opera House Grand de Luxe view (or whatever it was) and yes, there was a view of the Opera House but secretly I had been hoping for a view that would also take in the bridge as well. The bell boy who brought up the luggage was terrific an produced a map and marked out the places of interest and really was most helpful but at that stage I really only wanted to go to bed.
After a couple of hours we got up to explore. I went down to the pool area and to be honest it looked a bit dirty to me. Aer John later went down to swim and came back saying it was dirty and only went the once.
We were hungry and went down to the dining area to eat. We ate there three times – just after arrival; later that night and for breakfast the next day. After that we decided to forego the complimentary breakfast and ate out. We arrived just as they were clearing the buffet lunch. No matter, as we probably would have ordered off the menu in any case. We were seated, handed the menu but no-one asked us if we wanted anything to drink. We were just left there and eventually I had to get up and find someone to take the order. The same thing happened in the evening and at breakfast our beverages were brought just as we finished eating. Oh, and it was still raining! We wouldn’t have eaten there that night but when we went to places recommended by the hotel at 8:30pm they either had a menu that didn’t suit or they were closing for the night – and this in a pub. Ye Gods! We wouldn’t have thought of going out that early over here! Fortunately the following day we found a place at Circular Quay which was good, inexpensive and most importantly had food that Aer John would eat and we decamped there for the rest of our stay.
I don’t know whether it was the hotel or the rain or our experience at the airport but I really couldn’t settle in Sydney and felt terribly let down although I found away from the hotel Sydney was beginning to grow on me. I seriously considered moving hotels but couldn’t face the hassle.
On the third day it was relatively fine and so we booked for the Bridge Climb. Unfortunately when we arrived at our appointed time it was beginning to rain and by the time it was our turn to get on the bridge it was raining good-oh! Still we did it and I personally am chuffed to little mint balls that I did it! I really can’t believe that I who am staring retirement in the face managed it even if I did have to empty my shoes of rainwater at the end!
The following day we checked out and headed to Queensland. We were disappointed with the Shangri-La in Sydney especially when there were no frills such as we had experienced in Singapore. It was like the flights from LGW without IFBT and V-Port only we didn’t have the Executive Lounge and the cocktail hour and the turndown service was patchy
On the plus side however, the laundry returned our clothes beautifully washed and pressed with a pot-pourri sachet inside the hamper; they provided umbrellas every time we went out; there was a UK socket in the room so we didn’t have to go looking for adapters; “Home and Away” is five months ahead of here so Aer John was able to let people know what was happening; Australian television is better than American television; the concierge was most helpful.
We had transportation back to the airport. We were travelling on Virgin Blue but the guy in the limo never asked and dropped us outside the Qantas/Jetstar doors. When we said it was Virgin Blue his response was that it was further along and pointed in the direction leaving us with 5 pieces of luggage. Very poor when you consider our experiences in Hong Kong.
Incidentally when leaving I filled in a comment form about our experience in the hotel. Yesterday to my surprise I received a reply from the hotel manager. There was something familiar about the wording and so I had a root around. Yes, it was virtually identical to VS’s response to complaints about the service on board – but without any offer of compensation – and they still haven’t posted my miles!
Port Douglas
The really nice thing about landing in Cairns was that it was much warmer than Sydney and it wasn’t raining. We had hired a car for our stay here on so made our way – in the dark as it was late enough to the Sheraton Mirage Hotel. It wasn’t that well signposted and it took some difficulty in finding it but soon we were in the huge spacious lobby checking in. The lobby is not connected to the wings where the rooms are but there are covered walkways. However there are a lot of stairs which could be difficult for elderly people.
After check-in we were taken in a golf cart along with our luggage to our room which was fine on one level but on another was a bit of a disappointment. First of all there was a damp, musty smell when you first went in and the fixtures and fittings were a bit dated with padded headboard attached to the wall covered in a chintzy material to match the bedspread. The bathroom had the most awful pink suite reminiscent of the late 60s/early 70s when coloured sanitary ware was all the go. The positioning of the bathroom was odd as well. In most hotels nowadays the bathroom is usually just inside the door to the room which creates a corridor into the room itself and acts as a buffer between the sleeping area and the outside world. However in this room you walked straight into the sleeping area and the bathroom was a few feet into the room opposite the beds. There was a small corridor to the left of the room which led to the bathroom door just inside the door. The position of the bathroom created an alcove near the window where there was a table and chairs overlooking the garden but rather strangely the bathroom had a window at this alcove area so that anyone in the room (and outside) could see in unless you used the blinds. The room itself was spacious enough but because of the lack of a buffer zone the bed was very near the door and there was a fair bit of corridor noise.
The hotel is set in extensive grounds and the wings had lagoons surrounding them, some with artificial beaches complete with sunloungers etc. Bicycles were available to guests but we didn’t use them. There was also a wedding chapel in the grounds and on two occasions I saw brides returning to their rooms following the wedding. There was a golf course on site when Aer John golfed to his heart’s content on the second day. Complimentary breakfast was part of the package and I felt it was generous and of all the buffet spreads we had seen, probably the best. They had a Guest Services department where you could look for information or book tours and I found these to be helpful and knowledgeable.
I really enjoyed this part of the trip and if I had realised how enjoyable it would be and how wet it would be in Sydney I would have extended it. Both of us liked it and I would love to go back but I really don’t know if I would stay in the Sheraton Mirage again unless it was refurbished.
Sydney
Our original itinerary had us heading for the Blue Mountains at this stage but by our second day in Sydney we were increasingly put off by the weather reports and it was becoming less and less attractive. We decided therefore to cancel that bit and return to Sydney. The down side was that the hotel had demanded payment in full on reservation and would only refund 50% if there was a cancellation within 7 days. We were in that timeframe and while I was prepared to write off that 50% the hotel is currently refusing to honour this.
Our booking for this leg of the trip had been the Sheraton at the Park and we were able to bring forward our booking. While it did not have the views of the Shangri-la our room overlooked the park and it was very pleasant. It was also more conveniently situated as it was on a bus route and St James station was virtually opposite, plus we were near the main shopping area.
The following day, surprise, surprise, the sun shone! Aer John took himself off golfing and having seen him safely ensconced on the course I headed to the Sydney Tower and its views over the city. I really enjoyed this but was disappointed that the Opera House and the Bridge are obscured by the buildings in between. There are binoculars at regular intervals in the 360o panorama so that you could see up close and personal the following: the Olympic stadium, the VS plane at SYD and Aer John playing golf!! I kid you not.
When he returned we took a cruise around Sydney Harbour and managed to get some really good shots of the bridge and Opera House together. It was late afternoon and we managed to fit it in before sunset. Incidentally we had been stunned to find that it went dark at 5:00pm. We knew it would be early but not that early!
The next day the rain returned!
OK, so our stay in Sydney was a little bit disappointing because of the weather and because of our hotel on the first leg but the city did work its charm on us and I liked it. I was also surprised when we looked back at how much we managed to do in spite of the rain but also I wasn’t sorry to leave
Hong Kong
When we made our decision to cancel out on the Blue Mountains segment we also decided to see if we could return to Hong Kong earlier and spend a couple of days there again instead of just an overnight. The VS Australian office was closed and we couldn’t get through to the Premier Team on the number listed on the website but thanks to the Say No to 0870 website I managed to get through and there was availability for a flight two days earlier than our original one and both of us felt happier with that decision. The weather for the rest of our stay convinced us it was the right one.
We had originally been booked into the Excelsior for our overnight stay but I realised there wasn’t a pool which wouldn’t have mattered for one night but would for a couple of days. We looked at various alternatives but I really wanted to go back to the Peninsula – and I think Aer John did too. We checked and the same package was on offer so we booked. At that stage I felt I needed cosseting and I knew I would get it there even though it was 10 days or so hence. It was balm to my soul.
On arriving back in to the hotel we were greeted like long lost relatives and many of the staff who remembered us came over to talk to us. Our favourite guy in the Lobby restaurant remembered Aer John’s preferences and just made us feel so valued. We didn’t have the stunning harbour views but it really did not matter. A nice touch was a card in the room welcoming us back to the hotel and as well as the fruit, a box of choccies
By this time the rain caught up with us once more and on our last day it just pelted down. We dashed in and out of shops for some last minute shopping and then lazed by the pool for a time. The only difficulty we had was that we had to check out of our rooms by 1pm and the flight wasn’t till 11:30pm which was a bit of a bummer and because of the rain it was hard to find things to do. The hotel facilities were still available to us fortunately and we were able to freshen up before going to the airport. Once more we had the effortless trip in the Rolls with staff greeting us at the airport and assisting us on our way. I was so glad we had decided to return there because of the friendliness and helpfulness of everyone there and I really would love to go back.
Hong Kong
Well where else is there to stay but the Peninsula? We had booked a package which included transfer from the airport and a complimentary breakfast. On arrival from VS200 the guy was there to meet us, take charge of the luggage, advised us about a bathroom break before we set off and then handed us into the car from whence we sailed into Hong Kong in luxury. As we reached the city the driver said something unintelligible (well it was Chinese) into a phone and a couple of minutes later we drew up at the hotel where we were welcomed like visiting royalty. We were guided through check-in and escorted to our room which had stunning views over the harbour, shown all the gizmos in there, brought some jasmine tea and then bowing gracefully the staff left us to our own devices. We poked and prodded everything – as you do – and then Aer John decided to explore the hotel, but we couldn’t get out! We twisted and turned the knob, rattled the handle, but no we were stuck! Fortunately the cavalry arrived in the form of the luggage guy and we were sprung. He immediately summoned housekeeping and a couple of minutes later the room was swarming with workmen – well two actually. After a couple of “Ah so”, “Won hung lo” and “Ying tong eenie my mo”s (with apologies to any Chinese and Goon Show fans who may be reading this) we were free to come and go.
I loved the place. We developed a pattern of going to the pool in the morning, having a late lunch beside the pool and then out in the afternoon and the evening. At the pool iced water with a hint of fruit was constantly available and glasses were topped up frequently. Cold face flannels were available and the staff seemed to anticipate one’s every need. The changing rooms were in the spa area one floor below and in both the male and female changing rooms there was a sauna, steam room and plunge pool. In front of the pool area was a veranda again with views over the harbour.
We ate most of the time in the Lobby restaurant which was a great place to people watch. I was fascinated by the young lads dressed in white uniforms whose job was to open the door for anyone coming in or leaving the hotel and no doubt many came to have a look round. Although the restaurant was in the lobby area itself and it was busy, somehow the eating area seemed to be tranquil enough almost as if it were detached from the lobby. The staff there were great and quickly got to know us. One or two of them if they saw me in the lobby and they were not busy would come over to chat. They were really delightful.
All too soon it was time to leave Hong Kong and we were brought to the airport in the Rolls Royce once more. Once there we were greeted by the staff member located there, whisked away to check-in, Aer John’s clubs were brought to the oversize bag area and we were escorted to security.
Altogether a wonderful experience
Singapore
For Singapore on the advice of many V-Flyers we had booked the Shangri-La hotel with a package that included airport transfers, complimentary breakfast and unlimited free laundry – which was rapidly becoming necessary. Again we were met at the airport and ensconced with our luggage, this time into a Merc. Like the Peninsula there was someone to greet us by name as the car drove up and it’s those little touches that make all the difference.
On entering the hotel I was making for Reception only to be told I would be checked in in the room. We were whisked up to our room on a high floor but like the Peninsula there was a problem with the door only this time it wouldn’t let us in! An alternative room was found but as it only had a king size bed it had to be rejected and so I was escorted to the Executive Lounge and checked in there. I was told that breakfast would be served up there and there were complimentary cocktails between 5 and 7 each evening. There was free internet access and if the PCs were not free they would set up the laptop to receive it.
The pool area was outside among the trees and I spent most of my time in Singapore lounging by the pool and reading although I did go to Orchard Road when John went golfing. Water was readily available there and from time to time they came around with iced face flannels which were delicately perfumed. While at the pool I had a very good foot and leg massage which as far as I was concerned could have gone on forever.
Aer John golfed. It was organised by the hotel who used a golf co-ordinator. John was collected from the hotel by him, brought to wherever he was playing and then returned by the same guy. On the second day that he golfed when he returned to the hotel he realised he had lost his driving licence which he had brought with him to be able to drive a golf cart. We rang the co-ordinator who knew which taxi they had returned in and called him. The licence was not there but he undertook to go to the golf course the next morning to check if it was there. At 7:30 the next morning he called us to say he had the licence. When he brought it back to the hotel we were hard pushed to be able to reward him insisting it was part of his duties.
The laundry was taken and returned beautifully folded in a rather nice hamper. Pity I had no room for it in my luggage!
My only complaint about the hotel was the dining area. Although we breakfasted in the Executive Lounge it was full when we went there on the Sunday and so we were sent to the main area instead. We also had a couple of meals there and we found it crowded and noisy. We also found that with the variety of dishes, especially at breakfast there were so many that the buffet was spread over a large area and it was difficult to find what you wanted.
When we left again we were whisked away in a Merc and at the airport escorted to check-in and the driver made sure everything was all right before he left.
Again a great stay and I really enjoyed it
Sydney
For our first sojourn in Sydney we chose the Shangri-La hotel once more and booked the identical package to the one in Singapore. Ah, dear friends, how often have we bemoaned the inconsistencies on Virgin Atlantic? How many times have we berated the difference in UC between the LHR flights and the LGW/MAN flights? Fear not! Such inconsistencies are alive and well in the Shangri-La group of hotels!
As Aer John mentioned in his TR our arrival into Sydney was a nightmare. We landed slightly late at just before 6:45am and did not get out of the arrivals area until 9:00am! We looked around for the car but there was no sign of it and Aer John went off to get an phone card in the absence of small change so that we could ring the hotel. After a couple of abortive attempts we managed to get through. We were assured the car was at the airport and to wait around as it would be with us in a few minutes. Huh! Like I believed that! We decided it was probably coming in from the city and it would be at least 30 minutes. So there we were tired and fed up just wanting to get out of this awful airport. And it was raining! At around 9:30 a guy looking uncannily like Ming the Merciless from the Flash Gordon series turned up and installed us in the car to whisk us into the city. Whisk is hardly the right word as the traffic was horrendous and it was after 10 when we arrived.
The first impression of the environs of the hotel is quite frankly grim thanks to the elevated highway just across from it. On arrival we were met by the bellboy who took our luggage and waved us towards reception. What happened to “You’re welcome, Mrs honey lamb” “ We are going to check you in your room, Mrs honey lamb” Just wasn’t there. The girl checking us in was pleasant enough but her only comment with regard to the experience at the airport and the failure of the car to meet us was, “Oh dear”. I later discovered that they had turned up at the scheduled time, seen passengers leaving with VS tags and decided we were not there and so left. At not stage was an apology offered for the failure of the car to be there.
The room was pleasant enough. We had booked an Opera House Grand de Luxe view (or whatever it was) and yes, there was a view of the Opera House but secretly I had been hoping for a view that would also take in the bridge as well. The bell boy who brought up the luggage was terrific an produced a map and marked out the places of interest and really was most helpful but at that stage I really only wanted to go to bed.
After a couple of hours we got up to explore. I went down to the pool area and to be honest it looked a bit dirty to me. Aer John later went down to swim and came back saying it was dirty and only went the once.
We were hungry and went down to the dining area to eat. We ate there three times – just after arrival; later that night and for breakfast the next day. After that we decided to forego the complimentary breakfast and ate out. We arrived just as they were clearing the buffet lunch. No matter, as we probably would have ordered off the menu in any case. We were seated, handed the menu but no-one asked us if we wanted anything to drink. We were just left there and eventually I had to get up and find someone to take the order. The same thing happened in the evening and at breakfast our beverages were brought just as we finished eating. Oh, and it was still raining! We wouldn’t have eaten there that night but when we went to places recommended by the hotel at 8:30pm they either had a menu that didn’t suit or they were closing for the night – and this in a pub. Ye Gods! We wouldn’t have thought of going out that early over here! Fortunately the following day we found a place at Circular Quay which was good, inexpensive and most importantly had food that Aer John would eat and we decamped there for the rest of our stay.
I don’t know whether it was the hotel or the rain or our experience at the airport but I really couldn’t settle in Sydney and felt terribly let down although I found away from the hotel Sydney was beginning to grow on me. I seriously considered moving hotels but couldn’t face the hassle.
On the third day it was relatively fine and so we booked for the Bridge Climb. Unfortunately when we arrived at our appointed time it was beginning to rain and by the time it was our turn to get on the bridge it was raining good-oh! Still we did it and I personally am chuffed to little mint balls that I did it! I really can’t believe that I who am staring retirement in the face managed it even if I did have to empty my shoes of rainwater at the end!
The following day we checked out and headed to Queensland. We were disappointed with the Shangri-La in Sydney especially when there were no frills such as we had experienced in Singapore. It was like the flights from LGW without IFBT and V-Port only we didn’t have the Executive Lounge and the cocktail hour and the turndown service was patchy
On the plus side however, the laundry returned our clothes beautifully washed and pressed with a pot-pourri sachet inside the hamper; they provided umbrellas every time we went out; there was a UK socket in the room so we didn’t have to go looking for adapters; “Home and Away” is five months ahead of here so Aer John was able to let people know what was happening; Australian television is better than American television; the concierge was most helpful.
We had transportation back to the airport. We were travelling on Virgin Blue but the guy in the limo never asked and dropped us outside the Qantas/Jetstar doors. When we said it was Virgin Blue his response was that it was further along and pointed in the direction leaving us with 5 pieces of luggage. Very poor when you consider our experiences in Hong Kong.
Incidentally when leaving I filled in a comment form about our experience in the hotel. Yesterday to my surprise I received a reply from the hotel manager. There was something familiar about the wording and so I had a root around. Yes, it was virtually identical to VS’s response to complaints about the service on board – but without any offer of compensation – and they still haven’t posted my miles!
Port Douglas
The really nice thing about landing in Cairns was that it was much warmer than Sydney and it wasn’t raining. We had hired a car for our stay here on so made our way – in the dark as it was late enough to the Sheraton Mirage Hotel. It wasn’t that well signposted and it took some difficulty in finding it but soon we were in the huge spacious lobby checking in. The lobby is not connected to the wings where the rooms are but there are covered walkways. However there are a lot of stairs which could be difficult for elderly people.
After check-in we were taken in a golf cart along with our luggage to our room which was fine on one level but on another was a bit of a disappointment. First of all there was a damp, musty smell when you first went in and the fixtures and fittings were a bit dated with padded headboard attached to the wall covered in a chintzy material to match the bedspread. The bathroom had the most awful pink suite reminiscent of the late 60s/early 70s when coloured sanitary ware was all the go. The positioning of the bathroom was odd as well. In most hotels nowadays the bathroom is usually just inside the door to the room which creates a corridor into the room itself and acts as a buffer between the sleeping area and the outside world. However in this room you walked straight into the sleeping area and the bathroom was a few feet into the room opposite the beds. There was a small corridor to the left of the room which led to the bathroom door just inside the door. The position of the bathroom created an alcove near the window where there was a table and chairs overlooking the garden but rather strangely the bathroom had a window at this alcove area so that anyone in the room (and outside) could see in unless you used the blinds. The room itself was spacious enough but because of the lack of a buffer zone the bed was very near the door and there was a fair bit of corridor noise.
The hotel is set in extensive grounds and the wings had lagoons surrounding them, some with artificial beaches complete with sunloungers etc. Bicycles were available to guests but we didn’t use them. There was also a wedding chapel in the grounds and on two occasions I saw brides returning to their rooms following the wedding. There was a golf course on site when Aer John golfed to his heart’s content on the second day. Complimentary breakfast was part of the package and I felt it was generous and of all the buffet spreads we had seen, probably the best. They had a Guest Services department where you could look for information or book tours and I found these to be helpful and knowledgeable.
I really enjoyed this part of the trip and if I had realised how enjoyable it would be and how wet it would be in Sydney I would have extended it. Both of us liked it and I would love to go back but I really don’t know if I would stay in the Sheraton Mirage again unless it was refurbished.
Sydney
Our original itinerary had us heading for the Blue Mountains at this stage but by our second day in Sydney we were increasingly put off by the weather reports and it was becoming less and less attractive. We decided therefore to cancel that bit and return to Sydney. The down side was that the hotel had demanded payment in full on reservation and would only refund 50% if there was a cancellation within 7 days. We were in that timeframe and while I was prepared to write off that 50% the hotel is currently refusing to honour this.
Our booking for this leg of the trip had been the Sheraton at the Park and we were able to bring forward our booking. While it did not have the views of the Shangri-la our room overlooked the park and it was very pleasant. It was also more conveniently situated as it was on a bus route and St James station was virtually opposite, plus we were near the main shopping area.
The following day, surprise, surprise, the sun shone! Aer John took himself off golfing and having seen him safely ensconced on the course I headed to the Sydney Tower and its views over the city. I really enjoyed this but was disappointed that the Opera House and the Bridge are obscured by the buildings in between. There are binoculars at regular intervals in the 360o panorama so that you could see up close and personal the following: the Olympic stadium, the VS plane at SYD and Aer John playing golf!! I kid you not.
When he returned we took a cruise around Sydney Harbour and managed to get some really good shots of the bridge and Opera House together. It was late afternoon and we managed to fit it in before sunset. Incidentally we had been stunned to find that it went dark at 5:00pm. We knew it would be early but not that early!
The next day the rain returned!
OK, so our stay in Sydney was a little bit disappointing because of the weather and because of our hotel on the first leg but the city did work its charm on us and I liked it. I was also surprised when we looked back at how much we managed to do in spite of the rain but also I wasn’t sorry to leave
Hong Kong
When we made our decision to cancel out on the Blue Mountains segment we also decided to see if we could return to Hong Kong earlier and spend a couple of days there again instead of just an overnight. The VS Australian office was closed and we couldn’t get through to the Premier Team on the number listed on the website but thanks to the Say No to 0870 website I managed to get through and there was availability for a flight two days earlier than our original one and both of us felt happier with that decision. The weather for the rest of our stay convinced us it was the right one.
We had originally been booked into the Excelsior for our overnight stay but I realised there wasn’t a pool which wouldn’t have mattered for one night but would for a couple of days. We looked at various alternatives but I really wanted to go back to the Peninsula – and I think Aer John did too. We checked and the same package was on offer so we booked. At that stage I felt I needed cosseting and I knew I would get it there even though it was 10 days or so hence. It was balm to my soul.
On arriving back in to the hotel we were greeted like long lost relatives and many of the staff who remembered us came over to talk to us. Our favourite guy in the Lobby restaurant remembered Aer John’s preferences and just made us feel so valued. We didn’t have the stunning harbour views but it really did not matter. A nice touch was a card in the room welcoming us back to the hotel and as well as the fruit, a box of choccies
By this time the rain caught up with us once more and on our last day it just pelted down. We dashed in and out of shops for some last minute shopping and then lazed by the pool for a time. The only difficulty we had was that we had to check out of our rooms by 1pm and the flight wasn’t till 11:30pm which was a bit of a bummer and because of the rain it was hard to find things to do. The hotel facilities were still available to us fortunately and we were able to freshen up before going to the airport. Once more we had the effortless trip in the Rolls with staff greeting us at the airport and assisting us on our way. I was so glad we had decided to return there because of the friendliness and helpfulness of everyone there and I really would love to go back.
