NOVOTEL DARLING HARBOUR – ACCESSIBLE SYDNEY ACCOMMODATION

When we travel as a family we value a hotel in a location where we can simply walk or wheel out the door and be within easy reach of major attractions. The Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour certainly fits the bill with a location close to shops, restaurants and attractions like Sea Life Sydney and the Australian Maritime Museum. And, it’s only a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

The location allows visiting families easy access to Sydney’s main family friendly attractions and provides a hotel base which is equally family friendly. Although I think the hotel is ideal for families, it provided a fantastic base for my Mum and I when we were looking for an overnight stay for a grown-up girl’s getaway to see a show.

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION

Hotel accommodation comes in varying levels of accessibility. The accessible accommodation at Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour will better suit someone with some mobility due to the restrictions in the bathroom.

The accessible accommodation has lowered light switches, room to transfer on one side of the bed and wider doorways.

There’s a reasonable amount of room for circulating with a wheelchair and space for luggage. The accessible rooms have views of the Pyrmont area.

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM

The bathroom has hand rails throughout, a hand-held shower and a shower chair available for guest use.

There is room under the sink for wheelchair access and lever taps. The shower recess is small and doesn’t have sufficient room for a transfer from a wheelchair to the shower chair. In saying that, we would be able to manage in this room because BJ can do a standing transfer.

ACCOMMODATION

My Mum and I stayed in a non-accessible room and knowing our readers have varying needs and level of ability, I’m sharing the room we stayed in too.

The spacious room was lovely and I always appreciate having a daybed or lounge to relax on with a book and a cuppa.

The view out the window was so spectacular day and night we didn’t even turn on the TV.

BATHROOM

Time didn’t allow me a  soak in the bath but I took advantage of an uninterrupted long shower in the morning.

DINING

We were going to a show so took advantage of the in-room dining menu for dinner. However, in the morning, after a blissful sleep-in I was enthusiastic about getting down to the breakfast buffet.

The restaurant is large, bright and airy with an option of dining indoors or on the terrace overlooking Darling Harbour and the city in the distance.

The breakfast buffet is extensive and had far more on offer than I had room for in one morning. I tried my hardest.

On offer was an array of pastries, breads, made-to-order eggs, juices and the biggest jar of Nutella I’ve ever seen at a buffet. I had my usual, a custom omlette with a side order of all things delicious.

FACILITIES

The Novotel group of hotels take care of families very well. Happy, entertained kids, equal happy and relaxed parents. Although families visiting Sydney will no doubt be busy exploring all of the city’s attractions, if parents are looking for a relaxing afternoon or morning the hotel delivers plenty in the way of entertainment.

A shaded cabana provides welcome shade on hot Sydney days for guests using the pool.

For more energetic guests there is a tennis court beside the pool on the terrace and a gym. I didn’t use either!

I love the kids corner which can be found in Novotel Hotels including Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour.  It allows kids the opportunity to unwind with books, toys and some screen time with a gaming console.

While waiting for coffee it was lovely to see families using the interactive screens set into the tables to play games and search for information on the web.

The floor to ceiling windows showcase the city but the relaxed vibe within the hotel provides a lovely reprieve from the hustle and bustle of a city stay.

PARKING

Disabled parking is available below the building in a secure car park (parking is at an additional cost).

ACCESS TO DARLING HARBOUR

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour has an ideal location with easy access to Darling Harbour and the city’s attractions. Lift access is available throughout the hotel and to the parking station. A lift within the parking station allows access to a level walkway taking guests to Darling Harbour.

The hotel is within easy reach of Sea Life Aquarium (you can read my review here), Madame Tussauds (review here), Wild Life Sydney (review here) and much more.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is a light rail station within lift access from the building. The light rail is wheelchair accessible and connects Darling Harbour to Central Railway Station.

Accessible ferries service the area and link guests to Circular Quay, the Opera House and The Rocks.

You can read more about Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour here.

Disclosure – I received a media rate for my stay but as always, my opinions are my own.