Sydney Harbour Marriott/ Icons Brasserie – Circular Quay Sydney CBD

Bianca: Yes, I shamelessly dragged out my birthday celebrations out over a whole weekend. Don’t be a hater. Being a native Sydney resident, this was my third ever experience staying in a hotel in my own city. Special occasions call for some fancy pants digs and the Sydney Harbour Marriott played the perfect home away from home.

Walking into our Opera view suite was kind of breathtaking, no matter how many times you see the harbour and the opera house it’s still rather jaw dropping. It’s easy to see why this room commands the big dineros.

Boasting a large separate bedroom, that can be completely closed off with a sliding interior door. A king size bed that could literally sleep 3-4 very very good friends… just keep that bit on the DL. I loved the light switch options by the bedside because I am both lazy and a big fan of ‘mood’ lighting. Big props to the night-light option. Clearly there are a lot of business men with a touch of ‘the fear’, basically any horror scenario brought on by unfortunate viewings of The Grudge and The Ring.

The bathroom was extremely generous, with both a shower and bath, not to mention the amenities coming out your ying yang. This was in fact, the most stocked up hotel bathroom I’ve had the pleasure of staying at. And no matter how many times you deny it, I know you also steal the shower cap despite having no need for one whatsoever.

The living room consisted of a large flat screen TV, a substantial work desk, two comfortable chairs with an Ottoman and a windowsill that played host to a rather impromptu photo shoot. And naturally like a good wog, I BYO’d pink Riccadonna!

Dinner that night was at Pei Modern (post to come) and knowing how much ‘Bre-Arn’ likes a good buffet, I booked us in for breakfast the next morning at the hotels ‘Icon Brasserie’.

For $38 you have full access to the entire buffet, consisting of a range of items including;

-Cereals

-Yoghurts

-Hot options = Bacon, Sausages, scrambled eggs, cooked tomato, potatoes, dumplings, turkey bacon and most surprising, congee.

-Cold cuts

-Fruits

-Pastries

-Breads/spreads

-A chef’s corner, where freshly made pancakes, waffles, omelettes and eggs are churned out.

I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I am completely useless and wasted at buffets. I start with a game-face but two plates later I’m done, defeated.

It’s quite a large spread that spans the breadth of your standard breakfast offerings, the chefs corner is a nice touch and is a great tool for those that would prefer a tailor-made breakfast item. I observed the food being changed regularly which is always a great sign in a buffet setting.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the service, efficiently clearing plates and engaging in some genuine chit-chat, which included a waitress asking ‘how long I was in Sydney for?” – I wish I was a better actress and created a ridiculous cover story and accent.

I was really impressed with my over-night stay at the Marriott and the view alone is worth the $$$.

Bianca

*For Foods Sake stayed at the Sydney Harbour Marriott as a guest but independently paid for the buffet breakfast at Icons Brasserie. Thank you to Gabriella for organising our stay and the Birthday cake, which we may, or may not have eaten in bed. YOLO.