Recently I whisked my Mum away for a night of decadence for her birthday. With only one night for our girl’s escape and celebration, a stay-cation in Sydney was the logical choice. Both Mum and I are five-star loving gals so we felt right at home walking into Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. I had an extra bounce in my step because I was finally going to use the voucher I was given as part of my Ausmumpreneur Award back in 2015. Two hundred dollars worth of relaxation and pampering was about to head my way and after many, many weeks of school holidays I was ready to be indulged. There’s no harm in getting in on someone else’s birthday celebration is there?
When we travel as a family we look for accessible hotels with a location allowing us to walk to sights or use public transport easily. There’s nothing nicer than just walking or wheeling out of the hotel and having entertainment and dining options within easy reach.
The location of the Four Seasons Sydney hotel is ideal for wheelchair users or people with mobility restrictions with accessible transport just across the road. Circular Quay can be seen from the Hotel’s entrance and from this area guests can access Circular Quay railway station, accessible ferries and an accessible bus service. It’s also a level walk to many of Sydney’s popular attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and the CBD. The hotel also has accessible rooms with features that make for a wonderful stay in the heart of Sydney.
Unless we are travelling as a family I never stay in the accessible rooms, I’m always keen for them to be available for those that need them. However, I was lucky enough to do an inspection of one of the accessible rooms at Four Seasons so I can share it with you.
ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION
The hotel has easy access throughout with ramps, lifts and accessible restrooms on all levels.
I was immediately impressed arriving outside the accessible room to find access to the room is via a lowered key card activation pad which opens the door.
The room is tastefully decorated and has room for manoeuvring with a wheelchair.
Air conditioning controls, light switches and wardrobe facilities are all at a height for wheelchair users.
There is room on both sides of the bed to transfer from a wheelchair.
ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM
The accessible bathroom is spacious and well equipped with grab rails throughout, hand-held shower head and flip-down shower seat.
The bathroom is fitted with lever taps, room under the sink for wheelchair access and all facilities including the magnifying mirror are at a lower level. The light switches are large buttoned easy access switches.
There is a large press button automatic door opener alleviating the problem of the usual heavy hotel doors.
A sliding door with a large handle provides easy access to the bathroom.
The accessible rooms have a city view.
ROOMS
The room Mum and I shared is similar to the accessible room though on the Harbour side of the building giving us an incredible harbour view.
I was thrilled to be able to see the Harbour Bridge from bed at night.
The bathroom in the room we shared has a bath and shower.
Though listed as a partial harbour view room we could see both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from our window. While I headed to the Endota Spa in the hotel, the view had Mum mesmerised. She sat in a chair by the window doing a combination of reading and studying the action on the harbour.
BUFFET BREAKFAST
I’ve spoken many times of my love of a good hotel buffet breakfast. Four Seasons has a large and varied range of hot and cold treats including healthy options.
Smoothies and fruit balance out the large array of bakery treats on offer including the most enormous pretzels I’ve ever seen.
LOUNGE 32
The Four Seasons Sydney recently opened Lounge 32, an exclusive retreat for guests who book a Club room or Club suite on the top floors of the hotel. It’s a divine oasis where guests are pampered with friendly service, delicious food and intimate seating allowing for privacy.
I’ve been to a few hotel lounges before and Four Seasons is definitely one of the best with views over Sydney Harbour and a delicious range of food offerings. Mum was more than happy to enjoy a new view from the Lounge while enjoying canapes and a drink.
The cold canapes included prawns, cheese platter offerings, salad, sushi and a range of cold meats.
The hot canapes included vegetarian spring rolls, lamb meatballs with chilli nap sauce and crab wontons. We were rather partial to the crab wontons.
The sweet treats were certainly tempting with a fondue set with a Willy Wonka-style selection of lollies (candy) and other delights.
Other sweet offerings included chocolate cone with praline mousse and hazelnut crumble and tiramisu filled profiteroles
Breakfast included made-to-order eggs, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, 12 varieties of breads including English muffins, crumpets and baguettes and more. Usually I need to stand waiting in line for my eggs to be cooked at hotel buffets but in the lounge the chef advised, “I’ll bring it to you.” He didn’t ask where I was seated, he just found me with a delicious omlette, fresh and hot. It’s these personal touches that set Lounge 32 apart from the regular breakfast buffet.
The accessible rooms are not Club rooms however, access to Lounge 32, can be purchased at an additional fee based on availability at time of booking. Daily access costs $140 per couple, $80 per adult or $40 per child 12 years old and under. Although at first sight this may seem steep, please keep in mind this includes breakfast cooked by personal chefs, all-day refreshments, evening gourmet canapés and open bar including beer, champagne, wine, soft drinks and more. Guests accessing the Lounge also have access to premium Wi-Fi, private check in and out, personal concierge service and valet pressing. It’s indulgence at its best. The Lounge also has an enormous unisex accessible restroom so there’s no reason to leave!
We were quite full after indulging in the evening canapes and had we not been meeting someone for dinner I think we would have skipped a meal.
FACILITIES
Visiting in January we found the pool area popular with guests looking to cool off and enjoy the beautiful weather Sydney was offering. Even on cooler days the pool is a good spot because it’s heated.
The pool is wheelchair accessible via the stair lift pictured below. Staff need to be called to operate the lift but can be arranged before you leave your room.
Valet parking is available to guests at an additional fee but in such an ideal location a car isn’t really necessary unless you are touring beyond Sydney.
ENDOTA SPA
I had the most marvellous treatment at the spa. Being a spa in a five-star hotel I wasn’t sure what to expect from the staff. Lying down with only knickers on definitely does things to a girl’s confidence. I needn’t have worried because the beautician looking after me was a bubbly and smiley lady named Karena who immediately put me at ease.
Karena chatted while treating me to a foot bath treatment, before moving on to a massage and finishing off with a facial. I walked in feeling like a beat up old model car and after my full service and tune up I felt like a sports car. It’s not something I would usually spend money on but having the voucher made it a special treat and I walked out feeling like a million dollars.
You can read more about the Endota Spa here.
If you’re looking for a special treat for a stay-cation or looking for a centrally located hotel with luxury keep Four Seasons Sydney in mind.
For more information on Four Seasons Hotel Sydney check their website here.
We stayed as guests of Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and would like to thank the staff for a wonderful experience. As always, my opinions are my own, but Mum added a thing or two of course. That’s just what Mums do!
Why is it that most accessible rooms do not have water views?
It’s something I talk to hotels about when I visit Margaret. It would be lovely to have the choice. Julie
thank you for this information, next time I have to go to Sydney I know where to go
cherie
It’s a great spot Cherie.
Problem with so called accessible rooms is none have hoists or shower for quad to use so it’s not really accessible.
Hi Daryl, I recommend people travel with their own hoist (which I know is a pain) to ensure you have equipment which suits your needs. I’ve only stayed at one property which provided a hoist and that was on Hamilton Island. Julie
This is exactly my point, out of the whole of Australia only one hotel provides a hoist. In this day and age they should have one room at least with complete access. People can’t travel with hoists, commodes et cetera as these are very bulky items. I’m not sure QANTAS would cater and definitely none of the budget airlines like Jetstar would. It’s just a bit frustrating for people with higher disabilities that no one seems to cater for for them.